Ten days had passed since Xiao Feng began cultivating in earnest.
To the outer world, he remained the same quiet, forgettable child from a minor branch of the Xiao Clan. But beneath the surface, change brewed like wind gathering before a storm. Every morning before sunrise, he trained in secret behind his dilapidated courtyard. When others were still asleep, he was already refining Dou Qi, circulating it with practiced precision.
The results spoke for themselves.
> Dou Zhi Qi – 3-Star achieved.
Daily energy points increased to 3,000.
With the system's guidance and resources, his growth far outpaced the average child of his age. But Xiao Feng didn't rush. He knew strength built too quickly without a solid foundation would crumble when tested.
Each evening, after the day's training, he opened the system shop and evaluated his needs. After some consideration, he made his next purchases.
> Purchased: Wind Movement Manual – Swift Leaf Steps
Rank: Yellow Tier – Mid Grade | Cost: 12,000 energy points
Description: A light-footed movement technique that enhances agility and allows silent repositioning, ideal for dodging and evasion.
> Purchased: Wind Sword Technique – Whispering Gale Slash
Rank: Yellow Tier – High Grade | Cost: 18,000 energy points
Description: A fast, fluid sword technique designed for precision and speed. Though simple, it scales well with the user's wind affinity.
With these additions, Xiao Feng now had the tools to truly sharpen his combat foundations. Though he didn't have a sword of quality yet, he used a wooden training blade to practice the form in secret, repeating the motions until they flowed as naturally as breathing.
---
During the eleventh day, Xiao Feng began visiting the Xiao Clan's public training grounds more often. He maintained his low profile—intentionally suppressing his aura and feigning slower progress. Around others, he deliberately kept his movements awkward and unrehearsed, hiding the speed and fluidity he displayed alone.
Still, his quiet persistence drew some unwanted attention.
"Is that trash Feng again?" someone whispered one afternoon.
"He's just playing at being a cultivator. That weakling's talent is bottom-tier," another scoffed.
Xiao Feng heard them, but never reacted. He didn't even look in their direction. The comments passed by him like wind brushing against a mountain.
He trained. Silently. Relentlessly.
He knew that speaking now, acting out, would only invite conflict. And conflict, in this stage, meant exposure. Exposure brought eyes. Eyes brought pressure.
He didn't need recognition. He needed time.
---
That night, in the solitude of his courtyard, Xiao Feng reviewed his progress. His internal Dou Qi was now far more stable, and his wind affinity enhanced both his speed and perception during practice.
> System Balance: 85,000 energy points.
Wind Affinity: High-level (Passive boost to all wind-type techniques).
"Still not enough," he murmured under the pale light of the moon.
Even with his rapid progress, Xiao Feng knew he was still far from safe in this world of strength and cruelty. He needed to reach Dou Zhe. Only then would the Wind God's Scripture awaken, and his true path begin.
Until then, he would remain as he was: silent, patient, and unseen.
The wind did not rush.
It simply waited… until it was ready to howl.