Chapter 2: Li xun

Chapter 2: Li xun

"Next Morning!"

Jiang Lei woke up to the gentle rays of the sun, shining through the window of his wooden lodge.

Memories of his past life flickered in his mind, he stretched his body, feeling refreshed from a night's rest.

"I must have fallen asleep while reading," he muttered, rubbing his temples to clear his head. Glancing at the book on his desk, he noticed the early morning light.

Swinging his legs over the bed's edge, he stood up and stretched his limbs.

Walking to the window, Jiang Lei observed the sun rising, casting a comforting golden hue over everything. He took a deep breath, enjoying the crisp morning air and the calmness around him.

He smiled wryly, and shook his head. He wondered if he would ever return to his original world, or if he was stuck here forever. He decided not to dwell on it too much, and focus on the present.

He quickly washed his face and changed his clothes, putting on a simple Azure robe with a blue belt. He looked at himself in the mirror, admiring his handsome appearance.

"Its time to visit the outer sect." Jiang Lei decided to visit the outer sect today. He wanted to see if he could find some useful items or information there. Especially, he wanted to look for some opportunities to use his system.

Azure Sect is one of the most prestigious sects in the Tianxia City, with a long history and rich heritage. It is divided into three parts: the outer sect, the inner sect, and the core sect.

The outer sect was the lowest and the largest part, where the ordinary disciples resided and trained. The inner sect was the middle part, where the elite disciples resided and trained. The core sect was the highest and the smallest part, where the core disciples and elders resided and trained.

He walked out of his room, heading towards the outer sect. He lived in a small courtyard that was assigned to him by the sect. It was one of the many courtyards that housed the outer disciples of the Azure Sky Sect.

The outer sect was located at the foot of a mountain, where the sect's main gate was situated.

Jiang Lei had never been to the inner sect or the core sect, as they were restricted to the outer disciples.

As he walked through the sect's paths, he admired his surrounding.

The ground was paved with white marble-like tiles, and simple wooden lodges dotted the area. Narrow pathways led to training grounds, he could see some dwellings like his own, made up everywhere.

The disciples' courtyards are simple wooden lodges, built with practicality in mind. Each dwelling is sparsely furnished, reflecting the modest lifestyle of those who dwell within.

However, the most impressive sight was the grand entrance to the inner sect, It radiated an aura of majesty and authority, making anyone who looked at it feel admiration.

Jiang Lei sighed inwardly. He knew that he was far from reaching that level. He was only at the first stage of mortal realm cultivation, which was the lowest among all disciples. He had no talent or background, only his system as his trump card.

He hoped that one day, he would be able to enter the inner sect, or even the core sect, and stand at the peak of this world.

Before long, he arrived in the bustling area of the outer sect, where disciples were going about their daily routines. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation.

Jiang Lei's eyes were drawn to a crowd that had gathered around a figure in the center.

Jiang Lei grew curious and tried to approach the crowd, struggling to get a better view.

He saw a young man standing in front of a stall, holding a sword in his hand. He had a confident aura, his features sharp and handsome. Sword-like eyebrows arched above his eyes, which exuded a magnetic charm.

"...Fifth most powerful in the outer sect, Li Xun..."

"He must be the genius disciple everyone is talking about," Jiang Lei mused, he can identify the identity of the person from the murmuring of the disciples there, his gaze fixed on the young man named Li xun.

Li xun is the fifth strongest disciple in the outer sect, renowned for his intermediate fire talent.

With his sharp, almond-shaped eyes and meticulously groomed jet-black hair, Li Xun exuded an air of elegance, coupled with an aura of confidence.

Li Xun's exceptional mastery of fire-based techniques is renowned throughout the outer sect.

"System, show me his information."

Jiang Lei's eyes scanned Li xun's information in the system panel.

Name - Li xun

Cultivation Realm: Qi Condensation

fifth layer

Martial Skills: Flame Burst technique, Ember Steps

Combat Experience: Experienced, skilled in close combat

Talent: Intermediate Fire Talent

As Jiang Lei observed, he noticed that Li xun was surrounded by curious disciples, all eager to catch a glimpse of the famed genius.

A murmur of admiration rippled through the crowd as Li xun spoke about his purpose for being there. It turned out that he was looking for a sword that could match his skill and ability.

At this moment, Li Xun stood in front of a store with several swords displayed on a table, carefully examining them.

The tension in the air was palpable as the crowd awaited Li Xun's decision. Jiang Lei found himself holding his breath, caught up in the excitement of the moment.

He knows about Li Xun from his memory, he is among the strongest talents in this outer sect.

An idea crossed Jiang Lei's mind; this was his chance to connect with someone of extraordinary talent, someone whose abilities he can replicate using his System.

Taking a deep breath, he approached the crowd, his heart pounding with excitement and nervousness.

As he drew closer to Li xun Jiang Lei's mind raced to come up with a reason to approach him. He needed a plausible excuse to make physical contact, to activate the system's copying ability. His thoughts raced as he took a few more steps.

Just then, Li Xun turned his gaze in Jiang Lei's direction, as if sensing his presence. Their eyes met briefly, and Jiang Lei's heart skipped a beat. It was now or never. With a mix of determination and uncertainty, he stepped forward and raised his voice.

"Excuse me, Senior Brother Li Xun, I couldn't help but overhear your search for a suitable sword. I believe I know a place where you might find what you're looking for."

His words caused a commotion in the crowd. Everyone turned to look at him, with surprise and curiosity. They wondered who he was, and how he dared to talk to Li Xun like that.

Jiang Lei bowed slightly, and said, "My name is Jiang Lei, I have been here few times, and observed many swords in this store, I know of a sword that is suitable for you."

Before he could speak any further, a hand reached out from the crowd, grabbing his arm and trying to stop him. Jiang Lei turned and saw a fellow disciple, Wei Chen, with a face that clearly showed his dissatisfaction. "Wait, Do you really think Senior Brother Li Xun has time for every newcomer who claims to know something special?"

"I'm not trying to waste Senior Brother's time. I genuinely know of a great sword in this area," Jiang Lei tried to explain.

But Wei Chen again interrupted him, "Brother Li, don't listen to him. He's obviously lying to you. He's just a lowly outer disciple, he has no talent or knowledge. He's probably trying to sell you a cheap sword, and make some profit from you."

Wei Chen's words caused a stir in the crowd. Some disciples nodded in agreement, while others looked at Jiang Lei with suspicion and disdain. They thought he was either a fool or a fraud, trying to get close to Li Xun for his own benefit.

Jiang Lei looked at Wei Chen coldly, he is deliberately trying to make problems for him, and he won't just tolerate standing still.

He waved his hand and replied coldly, "I think, I asked to Brother Li, and you don't seem to be him."

"Hmph, you don't even look at yourself, you are just a small cultivator at the first stage of mortal realm, just look around yourself everyone is better than you, and you still wants to try to grab the attention of Senior Brother, you better stop daydreaming." Wei Chen didn't hide his ridicule in his words.

Looking around, Jiang Lei noticed other disciples agreeing with Wei Chen. Their faces showed doubt and suspicion, and Jiang Lei knew he had to prove himself.

Jiang Lei ignored Wei Chen's taunts, and spoke directly to Li Xun with confidence. "I get that what I'm saying might sound bold, but I mean it. If Brother Li is interested, I can show him a place that might have what he's looking for."

"Let him speak."

The voice was calm and authoritative, silencing the crowd instantly. Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice, and saw Li Xun standing there, with a faint smile on his face.

Li Xun's voice finally broke the silence. "That's enough."

Wei Chen and the other doubting disciples looked at Li Xun, clearly surprised. Li Xun's gaze showed curiosity as he looked at Jiang Lei.

"Let Junior Brother Jiang explain. If he's telling the truth, there's no harm in listening," Li Xun said, his voice carrying a strong sense of authority.

He looked at Jiang Lei with interest, and said, "I'm curious about what you have to say. What kind of sword do you know of, that is suitable for me?"

Jiang Lei felt very nervous listening this, he nodded and reached for the sword that he knew was the best.

His previous self was an outer sect disciple for half a year and he always came here to see the swords, because he liked the swords very much. He always had a dream to become a sword immortal, but he never had money to buy the sword so he could just look at the swords.

"Please take it, and try it. You'll see that I'm telling the truth."

Jiang Lei picked up the sword from stall and handed it to Li xun his fingers brushed against Li Xun's hand.

A jolt of energy coursed through his body, leaving him momentarily stunned.

"System, Copy Li xun's talent!"

"Congratulations to the master for successfully acquiring Intermediate flame talent."

Jiang Lei felt a warmth in his chest, and a new power coursing through his body. He had just copied Li Xun's fire talent, one of the rarest and most powerful talents in outer sect.

Li Xun smiled slightly as he took the sword from Jiang Lei. "Thank you!" he said, before examining the sword carefully.

Jiang Lei watched him nervously, hoping that he would like the sword.

He also opened his system panel, and saw the fire symbol that represented Li Xun's talent. He clicked on it, and activated the system.

[System Panel]

Name: Supreme Copy System

Host: Jiang Lei

[Level]

Cultivation Realm: Mortal realm

Experience Points: 0/100

Next Level: 100 Exp

[ Special Abilities] Intermediate fire talent

- Copy Limit: 5 times/month

- Copy Activation: Touch-based

- Copied Abilities: 1/5

[Martial Skills]- Flame Burst Fist , Ember Steps

[Inventory]- Empty

[Quests]

- Current Quest: None

- Completed Quests: 0

....

Li Xun's scrutiny of the sword lasted only a moment before his attention returned to Jiang Lei. "Interesting craftsmanship," he remarked, his gaze meeting Jiang Lei's once again. "You have a discerning eye."

Jiang Lei managed a nervous smile, his heart still racing from the brief contact. "Thank you, Senior Brother Li."

Li Xun's lips curved into a genuine smile. "No need to be so formal. I'm Li Xun."

Jiang Lei cleared his throat, slightly hesitant before speaking. "I couldn't help but notice the discussions about your strength and prowess. It's truly inspiring. My name is Jiang Lei, and I'm a new disciple here. I was wondering if you could share some insights with me.

Jiang Lei knew that such opportunities might not come often, and if he could capture Li Xun's attention today, he might have a chance to interact with other geniuses as well.

Li xun looked him for a moment, his gaze assessing. And then, surprisingly, he smiled. "Jiang Lei, It's not often that someone approaches me with such confidence. and I appreciate your curiosity, I can give you some insights, but you have to remember that everyone's talent is different, and you have to find your own way to use it. Don't blindly imitate others, but try to understand the essence of yourself."

Jiang Lei was relieved by Li Xun's response. He had successfully initiated a conversation with the renowned genius. Li Xun's smile seemed genuine, and Jiang Lei sensed an openness in his demeanor

"This sword is very strong, Jiang Lei," Li xun began, his voice carrying a tone of authority. "But it's not enough, it's actual strength depends on its user.

Jiang Lei nodded, his attention fully captivated by Li xun's words. It was as if he was receiving a personal lesson in cultivation, he couldn't help but look at the sword at Li wei's hands .

Li Xun looked at Jiang Lei, and saw the admiration in his eyes. He smiled, and continued. "But this sword is not the source of my strength. It's only a tool, a medium for me to express my strength. The true source of my strength is my cultivation, my understanding of the Dao, and my spirit."

Li xun extended his hand towards one of the swords, his fingers hovering over the blade."Cultivation is the foundation of everything. Without a solid cultivation base, you can't use any spiritual weapon, or any technique. You have to cultivate diligently, and break through the bottlenecks that hinder your progress. You have to refine your body, your qi, and your soul, and make them harmonious and balanced."

Jiang Lei watched in fascination as Li xun's fingers brushed against the blade. In that moment, a surge of energy rippled through sword, it emitted a bright red light, and a wave of heat spread out from it. The sword seemed to come alive, vibrating with energy and power.

Jiang Lei felt the heat on his face, and his eyes widened in awe. He could sense the immense fire qi that Li Xun had infused into the sword, making it a formidable weapon.

Li Xun looked at Jiang Lei, and continued. "Spirit is the most important factor of all. It's the manifestation of your personality, your character, your emotions. It's what makes you unique, and different from others.

He then withdrew his hand, a knowing smile gracing his lips. "Choose your path wisely, Jiang Lei. Seek strength, seek mastery, and never settle for minor accomplishments. Aim high, These are some of the insights I have gained from my experience. I hope they can help you in your cultivation journey. But remember, these are not absolute truths, but only my personal opinions. You have to find your own way, and discover your own insights. That's the only way to achieve true mastery."

Jiang lei bowed to Li xun, "Thank you, Senior Brother Li, for your invaluable guidance."

""No need to thank me. We are from the same sect, so it's only natural to help each other. If you dedicate yourself to practice diligently, there's no limit to what you can achieve, just as I have."

He looked at the sword with a smile, and said. "Thank you for showing me this sword. It is indeed a great sword, and I like it very much."

The crowd around them watched their conversation with mixed feelings. Some were impressed by Jiang Lei's boldness and luck, and admired his ability to get along with Li Xun.

Some were jealous and resentful, and wished they could be in his place. They wondered how Jiang Lei managed to catch Li Xun's attention, and what he had to offer him.

Li Xun patted Jiang Lei's shoulder lightly,"I have to go now, but I hope to see you again soon. Maybe we can spar together, and exchange some pointers. I think we can learn a lot from each other, Never change your helping nature Jiang Lei, there are very few like you, I'll remember your name, you can ask for my help if you ever feel the need."Li Xun advised before taking his leave.

Li Xun then turned to the crowd, and said. "I hope you all have a good day, and keep working hard on your cultivation. Farewell."

The crowd watched him leave, with various emotions. Some were impressed by Li Xun's grace and generosity, and admired his skill and talent. They wondered how Li Xun managed to be so perfect, their admiration towards him increased after today's incident.

Jiang Lei watched as Li Xun left. The crowd also slowly dispersed, leaving Jiang Lei lost in his thoughts.

Jiang Lei felt that a new world has opend to him, one filled with opportunities for growth and achievement.

He secretly vowed that he will become strong and reach the pinnacle of this world.