Morning sunlight filtered gently through the tiled roof of Li Yao's cottage, casting golden patterns upon the floor. Seated cross-legged, Li Yao exhaled slowly, concluding another cultivation session of the Emberheart Nourishment Sutra. Qi circulated smoothly through his meridians, his spiritual sea calm and vast, a reflection of his steady growth. As the last of the Qi settled into his dantian, Li Yao opened his eyes.
"A year already…" he muttered, a nostalgic glint in his eyes.
It had been a full year since he first set foot in the Embercloud Sect. Time had passed swiftly, yet when he looked back, the journey had been anything but simple.
Over the past seven months, Li Yao had kept a strict routine. Each month, he collected his twenty low-grade spirit stones and, with quiet dedication, sacrificed the majority to the Heavenly Observation System. He retained only five or so stones for personal use. In return, the system rewarded him with observation points- an investment that yielded profound benefits.
He poured nearly all his resources into perfecting two techniques: the Emberheart Nourishment Sutra and the Diamond Body Tempering Scripture. Mastering the former significantly increased his cultivation speed, while the latter strengthened his physical body, granting him resilience and durability far beyond the average outer disciple.
Though it cost him dearly, Li Yao had no regrets. Those two techniques laid the foundation for his strength. More importantly, his hard work had borne fruit in an unexpected and miraculous way.
He still vividly remembered that day.
He had entered the insight state using the proficiency technique function to improve his mastery of the Diamond Body Tempering Scripture. Observation points flowed like spiritual fuel, sharpening his senses, correcting subtle errors, and guiding him toward perfection.
Just as the session ended, his fire spirit root flared violently within him. A surge of energy ignited from deep within, drawing upon the very essence of heaven and earth. His entire body trembled as an invisible flame roared through his meridians. Then came the transformation—his mid-grade fire spirit root evolved into a high-grade one.
It was a divine moment, one etched into his memory.
What Li Yao didn't know was that he had not been alone. From a hidden corner of the Herbal Garden Division, the old deacon had silently witnessed the phenomenon. The golden blaze, the spiritual resonance—it was impossible to miss. Yet, the old man said nothing, did not question, nor report it to anyone. He merely observed, eyes narrowing with faint curiosity.
Now, Li Yao looked inward, opening his system panel with practiced ease.
[Host Status
Name: Li Yao
Age: 14
Spiritual Root: High-Grade Fire Spirit Root (+)
Constitution: Human Mortal Body (+)
Cultivation: Qi Refining – Mid Stage (6th Stage) (32/100)
Cultivation Mantra: Emberheart Nourishment Sutra (+)
Intent: None]
He exhaled lightly. Even with his evolved spirit root and perfect-level cultivation mantra, he had only reached the 6th Stage of Qi Refining. Yet, Li Yao was content. His foundation was solid—far more stable and robust than others who advanced recklessly.
He summoned the technique proficiency panel next.
[Technique Proficiency Panel
Emberheart Nourishment Sutra – 100% Mastery (Perfect)
Diamond Body Tempering Scripture – 100% Mastery (Perfect)]
His lips curled into a faint smile. Few outer disciples could boast of achieving perfect mastery in even one foundational technique, let alone two.
His efforts in body refinement had also paid off. Thanks to the Diamond Body Tempering Scripture, his physique had reached the fourth level of the first body refinement stage. Though the process was slow and required massive resources, it provided him with physical strength, endurance, and defense far exceeding his peers.
It was no wonder so few disciples pursued body refinement seriously. But Li Yao had the System.
He checked the final panel.
[Observation Points: 8]
He had accumulated a healthy reserve and used it. Sacrificing over 120 spirit stones over the past seven months had steadily increased his observation points. Each point was precious- able to fuel insight states and enhance comprehension.
Having completed his morning routine, Li Yao stood, stretched his limbs, and made his way to the dining hall.
It was bustling with life. Outer disciples crowded the benches, chatting animatedly, exchanging news, and scarfing down bowls of spirit rice and herb broth. The scent of freshly steamed dumplings lingered in the air.
Li Yao quietly took his seat and began eating. His eyes swept across the hall casually, until they landed on a familiar face- Yan Mu.
He had heard whispers that Yan Mu recently advanced to the 7th Stage of Qi Refining. Even with talent, reaching such a level so quickly required tremendous effort. Yan Mu exuded confidence, his presence sharper than before. Just then, Yan Mu looked up and locked eyes with Li Yao.
It lasted only a second. Yan Mu gave a nod and returned to his meal. There was no malice in his gaze- only calm observation.
Li Yao's gaze continued wandering until it landed on another figure- Lan Yue. She sat quietly, surrounded by a small group of disciples seeking her assistance. Despite only being at the 6th Stage of Qi Refining, she had already become a Grade One talisman maker. Her skills earned her widespread respect among the outer sect.
Most outer disciples would request her to draw talismans for them before heading into training. She charged very modestly, and the sect encouraged such transactions to foster bonds among disciples.
After breakfast, Li Yao headed toward the herbal fields. The sun had risen higher now, bathing the gardens in warmth.
He met Senior Brother Wei Shan near the western patch, where rows of high-grade herbs shimmered faintly with spiritual light.
"Junior Brother," Wei Shan called out. "You always keep a low profile, but this time… you won't be able to hide."
"Oh?" Li Yao smiled. "Why is that, Senior Brother?"
Wei Shan chuckled. "In seven days, the sect's Annual Outer Disciple Tournament begins. Everyone must participate."
Li Yao blinked. "Everyone?"
"Everyone," Wei Shan confirmed. "You may join any competition- alchemy, formation, talisman crafting, blacksmithing, or combat. I wonder which one you'll choose."
Looking at Wei Shan's kind expression, Li Yao chuckled inwardly. Senior Brother, you call me low-profile… but you are the true hidden tiger.
Without revealing it outwardly, Li Yao activated the Observation Function of the system. A small wisp of spiritual energy rose from his dantian to his mind, and a translucent screen flickered into view.
[Observation Result
Target: Wei Shan
Cultivation: Qi Refining – Late Stage (9th Stage)
Evaluation: This person is just shy of breaking through to the Peak Stage. An inspiration away from advancement]
Li Yao silently gasped. No wonder Wei Shan always seemed calm and wise. His strength was leagues above most outer disciples, yet he never boasted.
Suppressing his surprise, Li Yao began his daily work. Now that he was at the 6th Stage, he was entrusted with the care of mid to high-grade first-tier herbs, valuable resources, which the outer sect relied on.
Despite his strength, very few outer disciples knew of Li Yao's progress. He never went to the dueling platform, never boasted, and always reported modestly to the sect administration.
Low profile by design.
After several hours of careful cultivation and harvesting, Li Yao completed his duties and returned to his humble cottage nestled against the edge of the herbal fields.
Seated once more in meditation posture, he closed his eyes.
His breathing slowed, Qi circulating harmoniously. He recalled the upcoming tournament, not with nervousness, but with calm anticipation.
I've walked a lonely, hidden path… But perhaps it is time to reveal my strength.
And so, as evening settled over the Embercloud Sect, Li Yao quietly prepared for what lay ahead.