Morning sunlight filtered through the trees as Jin stood atop a jagged cliff, deep in cultivation. His robes fluttered in the soft breeze, the mountain air sharp and invigorating. Behind him, Lana and Arielle tended to breakfast quietly at the base of their temporary camp. Though peace surrounded them, Jin's heart remained focused this was only the calm before the storm.
The system was still dormant, its usual notifications silent. Yet Jin remembered its final instructions before shutting down:
[System Alert: Upgrade Process – Dormant for 5 Days (Day 1)]
Daily Training Required: Cultivation, Technique Practice, Meditation
He followed the system's routine like clockwork.
Morning Practice – Cultivation Training Begins
Seated in a lotus position atop the cliff, Jin took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. Even without the system's assistance, his instincts guided him through the Paragon Heaven Manual.
He activated his Wind Attribute Cultivation, drawing streams of wind qi from the surrounding air. His breathing stabilized, and his perception of the world sharpened. Leaves trembled. Clouds curved slightly around him. He could almost hear the wind speaking to him.
Then, he changed his posture and activated a colder form of internal energy.
Frost Requiem of the Ice Dragon Clan
A chilly fog began to form around his body. His breath became visible. Frost gathered on the tips of his hair, but his body no longer felt cold—it felt attuned, synchronized with the very essence of Yin qi. He circulated it for several cycles before finally standing.
Nine Heavens Storm Scripture – (Still sealed)
He pulled the manual from his storage bag and examined it, trying to trigger a reaction. Nothing. He sighed.
"Not yet... I need to awaken more of my dragon bloodline."
Midday – Daily Tasks
After lunch, Jin spent part of the day chopping wood, setting up perimeter arrays, and hunting minor spirit beasts for supplies.
Even without system quests triggering rewards, he kept his discipline. His goal was to avoid stagnation during the system's five-day upgrade.
He practiced Tyrant Body – Bronze Form, taking powerful stances and hitting boulders until cracks formed. Bruised knuckles, torn sleeves, and sweat-drenched muscles—all signs of determined progress.
Meanwhile… In the Capital
Far across the kingdom, unrest was brewing in the royal court.
Inside the palace, King Ronan sat in his throne room, pale and coughing violently. His voice was weak, his eyes dim. Servants whispered and healers worried, but none could find the source of his decline.
"This is no ordinary illness," one elder whispered. "It's too subtle. Too… unnatural."
At the same time, in a secretive chamber, Second Queen Molana smirked as she stirred a vial of black liquid. Her personal consort, Rodgers, lounged lazily on a silken couch nearby, half-dressed and panting.
Molana's eyes gleamed with venom.
"You might be useless in war," she said, straddling him, "but in bed… you're still useful."
Rodgers gave a sheepish grin. "You wound me, Your Grace."
She leaned closer, whispering, "Soon, the throne will be empty. I'll make sure of it. And when the nobles come crawling, they'll have no one else to look to but me."
City of Gold — Noble Auction Preparations
In the merchant district of the capital, a private gathering of nobles and wealthy sect elders was underway.
Fine wine flowed. Silk robes brushed polished floors. And amidst the pleasantries, serious discussions whispered from every corner:
"Did you hear? The king may not live the season."
"What of the Second Queen's position?"
"They say a young cultivator defeated Lord Han and five Earth-ranked experts. With… demonic power."
"And you believe that?"
"I believe someone like that deserves to be watched—and maybe… recruited."
A new auction was announced for rare treasures and cultivation contracts. But it was clear the real item of interest wasn't on the list:
The boy named Jin.
Back in the Mountains – Evening Sets In
As the sun dipped behind the ridges, Jin returned to camp. Lana was boiling herbs. Arielle was quiet, sitting near the fire with her knees to her chest, cheeks red.
She still hadn't looked him in the eye after last night.
Jin pretended not to notice. He knew she'd need time. And perhaps… so did he.
But he wouldn't let his focus break.
"Tomorrow," he whispered, "I'll keep pushing further."
He glanced at the dragon inheritance cave in the distance. It shimmered faintly with spiritual light.
But he knew he wasn't ready.
"Not until I'm strong enough to face whatever's inside."