Xiao Feng stood in the small courtyard behind his house, the early morning mist clinging to the stone tiles like a ghost refusing to let go. The place was silent—almost forgotten, much like the child who had lived here before.
But today, something was different.
Today, Xiao Feng would begin cultivating.
Though his Wind God's Scripture was still locked behind the Dou Zhe barrier, that didn't mean he couldn't train his foundation. His body might've been frail, but his will was unshakable. And more than that—he had the System.
> System Shop opened.
A wave of options flooded his mind. Items, pills, techniques, weapons—more than he could possibly imagine. But he didn't rush. He had 101,000 energy points now, including today's reward. It would be foolish to waste them.
"What I need right now... is to get stronger, slowly but surely."
He browsed the "Beginner Tier" section. After filtering for Dou Zhi Qi-compatible items, he chose:
Basic Wind Breathing Technique – 5,000 points
Helps circulate wind-element Dou Qi faster, accelerating early-stage cultivation.
Body Tempering Pill (Low Grade) – 2,000 points
Strengthens bones, muscles, and internal organs—perfect for weak physiques.
Dou Qi Condensing Manual – 8,000 points
Increases Dou Qi absorption rate by 30% during Dou Zhi Qi stage.
> Purchase complete. 85,000 points remaining.
He consumed the Body Tempering Pill first. His small frame trembled as heat coursed through him, his muscles twitching with pain as they were torn down and rebuilt. He gritted his teeth—no screams, no complaints.
"Pain is temporary. Weakness is a choice."
He sat down cross-legged and activated the Basic Wind Breathing Technique. Gentle wind stirred around him, fluttering the leaves in the courtyard. The air responded to him, as if acknowledging its chosen inheritor. Wisps of faint green Dou Qi began to swirl into his body.
Hours passed.
He continued cultivating until his body grew sore and the sun rose higher.
> Congratulations. Dou Zhi Qi 2-Star reached.
Daily reward increased to 2,000 energy points.
He opened his eyes, a glint of determination within.
---
Later that day, Xiao Feng quietly made his way through the Xiao Clan compound. Most people ignored him—just the trash orphan from a side branch, not worth the time. A few spared him mocking glances, but he ignored them all.
He wasn't here to prove anything. Not yet.
He needed to request access to the clan's public training grounds. While not luxurious, they had basic wooden dummies, some weights, and open spaces to move freely. It was better than training in a dusty courtyard.
To his surprise, the elder at the registry, Xiao Hu, glanced up with a frown. "You again? Shouldn't you just accept your fate? Training won't change your trash talent."
Xiao Feng didn't react.
He simply replied, "I'll train."
Cold. Calm. Unshaken.
Xiao Hu clicked his tongue but waved him through.
Inside, Xiao Feng began physical training—combining it with wind movement drills and control exercises, enhancing his affinity further. By evening, he was drenched in sweat but his eyes never lost focus.