Chapter 13 – Affinity with the Disciples

Time passed like the wind as Zhen's disciples dedicated themselves to their training and cultivation. Each day was filled with sweat and determination, and Zhen was no different. He had also embarked on a rigorous cultivation regimen, using the system's new feature daily. Two months passed in the blink of an eye, and the Dragon Battle, still six months away, loomed on the horizon like an impending storm.

On that day, the sun was high, and its golden rays illuminated the main courtyard where Zhen had gathered Mei Lianxue and Yue Ling. The two disciples were visibly stronger; their auras radiated an energy cultivated with effort and dedication over the past weeks. Zhen, for his part, felt more confident but knew there was still much to be done.

"Alright, girls," Zhen began with a smile that concealed the seriousness of his concern. "I think it's time we reviewed some essential techniques. We can't let the basics weaken while we focus on advanced cultivation."

Mei Lianxue nodded with determination, while Yue Ling, trying to maintain a serious expression, crossed her arms. However, Zhen noticed a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes, like a child waiting for a surprise.

"Master, what techniques are we reviewing today?" Yue Ling asked, her voice betraying a slight anxiety she was trying to disguise.

Zhen gestured for both of them to get ready.

"First, we'll work on the Heavenly Palm Technique. Remember, it's not just about strength but also precision. Mei, you start."

Mei Lianxue took a deep breath and assumed the correct posture, focusing her energy in her palms. The air around her seemed to vibrate slightly with the flow of power. Zhen watched every detail, ready to correct any mistake. However, as she executed the movement, he noticed a small flaw in the distribution of energy.

"Stop!" Zhen interrupted, approaching Mei with a serious yet warm expression. "You're letting your energy escape through your fingers. It might seem like a small detail, but in a real battle, that could be the difference between landing or missing a decisive strike."

Mei Lianxue frowned, absorbing the correction. She tried to suppress the disappointment threatening to surface, but Zhen noticed. He smiled and gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, you're on the right track. Just keep your focus on your fingertips and visualize the energy flowing there. Let's try again."

As she resumed the position, Zhen allowed himself a brief reflection. "They're working so hard... I can't let small mistakes go unnoticed." This thought motivated him to be even more attentive during the training.

After a few moments of warm-up, the training proceeded more smoothly. Zhen reviewed other techniques with his disciples, correcting subtle errors and offering tips based on his recent experience in the system's training area. He not only demonstrated how to perform the techniques but also shared valuable lessons about controlling internal energy and overcoming fear, skills he had been honing himself.

As the training progressed, the sun began to set, painting the sky with shades of orange and purple. Zhen knew it was time to wrap up.

"You've both made excellent progress. Keep cultivating with focus and patience, and we'll be ready when the time comes," he said, satisfied with what they had achieved.

Mei Lianxue and Yue Ling nodded, the exhaustion visible on their faces, but so was the determination in their eyes. Zhen felt a mix of pride and responsibility. Although the Dragon Battle was still months away, every moment of training and cultivation was crucial.

As the disciples retired to rest, Zhen remained in the courtyard, watching the first stars appear in the sky. He knew the road ahead was still full of challenges, but with the system and his disciples' support, he felt more prepared to face them.

"Orion, show me the panel for my disciples."

[DISCIPLES:]

NAME: Yue Ling, heir of the Lunar Spirit Clan

REALM: Fifth Phase of Refinement (Compressed)

AGE: 37 years

AFFINITY: 52%

NAME: Mei Lianxue, member of the Blue Sky Sect

REALM: Seventh Phase of the Mortal Realm (Compressed)

AGE: 29 years

AFFINITY: 22%

"They're getting stronger every day. I think they'll be ready for the Dragon Battle in half a year," Zhen sighed, proud of his disciples' performance.

[MASTER, I'M IMPRESSED WITH YOUR DEDICATION. BUT PERHAPS A NAP NOW WOULD BE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS TRAINING?] Orion's voice echoed again, this time with a lighter, playful tone.

Zhen laughed, shaking his head.

"Maybe, Orion... maybe."

As he was about to follow Orion's suggestion and retire to rest, an idea occurred to him. He frowned, still looking at the disciples' panels floating before him.

"Wait, Orion, what does this 'affinity' mean?" Zhen asked, tilting his head as if he could make the words on the panel rearrange themselves and explain.

[AH, 'AFFINITY' REFERS TO THE CONNECTION BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR DISCIPLES, MASTER. A HIGHER LEVEL INDICATES GREATER HARMONY BETWEEN YOU, WHICH CAN RESULT IN BETTER RESULTS IN JOINT TRAINING.]

Zhen scratched his head, still confused.

"So, Mei Lianxue's affinity is 22%, and Yue Ling's is 52%... Does that mean I'm getting along better with Yue? But... I thought I was treating both of them the same..."

[INDEED, MASTER. IT SEEMS YOUR AFFINITY WITH YUE LING IS NATURALLY HIGHER. MAYBE YOU HAVE MORE IN COMMON? OR MAYBE... MEI LIANXUE IS A LITTLE RESERVED. WHO KNOWS?]

Zhen sighed, shaking his head.

"This is too complicated for me, Orion. I just want them all to be strong and happy. There shouldn't be this thing of 'preferences' or 'affinities.'" He crossed his arms, clearly annoyed by the idea.

[MASTER, DON'T WORRY. AFTER ALL, THIS ISN'T SOMETHING YOU CAN TOTALLY CONTROL. BUT IF YOU THINK THERE'S SOMETHING YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE THIS CONNECTION, MAYBE A LITTLE MORE PERSONAL ATTENTION TO EACH ONE WOULD HELP.]

Zhen nodded but still seemed a bit unsettled.

"Maybe you're right, Orion. I guess I'll focus on strengthening these bonds... after a nap, of course."

He began to walk away from the courtyard, heading toward his residence. However, before he could take a few more steps, Orion spoke again.

[DING, DING, MASTER, A HIDDEN MISSION HAS BEEN TRIGGERED.]

"Hidden mission? And since when did the system have this feature?" Zhen questioned, even more confused.

[ACTUALLY, AS THE NAME SUGGESTS, THESE ARE HIDDEN MISSIONS THAT ONLY APPEAR UNDER SPECIFIC CONDITIONS.] Orion explained.

Zhen blinked, still processing the information.

"Alright, alright, show me the mission."

[MISSION: INCREASE AFFINITY WITH YOUR DISCIPLES

YUE LING: 52% → 90%

MEI LIANXUE: 22% → 60%

REWARD: ONE CULTIVATION REALM AND 5000 POINTS]

Zhen pondered for a moment, then grabbed Orion's cheeks, who now had a human form.

"Orion... you're kidding me, right? You don't even explain how this affinity works, and now you want me to increase it?" Zhen said, as he squeezed Orion's cheeks. As much as he wanted to scold her as he usually did, something stopped him. Orion, in her human form, was a beauty, and Zhen didn't feel comfortable insulting her. She looked extremely cute as he pinched her cheeks, until suddenly he stopped and stared at her, blushing slightly at her beauty.

"Ah... sorry, it's a habit..." he said, embarrassed, releasing Orion's cheeks.

[AH, AH, NO PROBLEM, M-MASTER...] she replied, also blushing, which made Zhen question: "She blushed? But isn't she supposed to be the system?" He was confused by the situation.

"Alright, I'll accept the mission. After all, it's a cultivation realm and five thousand points... That's no small thing."

[GREAT, MASTER! THIS MISSION HAS NO DEADLINE, SO TAKE YOUR TIME TO COMPLETE IT.]

With that, Zhen finally headed off to rest, already imagining himself facing a series of complicated and, who knows, dangerously ridiculous missions, all to increase this so-called "affinity." He wasn't sure how these missions could improve his relationship with the disciples, but he knew that one way or another, the adventures ahead would be anything but normal.

The system, as always, was ready to turn the simple into something unexpectedly complicated.

And so, the day came to an end, leaving Zhen with yet another mystery to solve — and, of course, a new list of tasks that only he could make so hilarious and challenging.