Location: Lotus Sun Sect – Bamboo Garden Path
Time: Next Morning
Mood: "Peaceful but definitely cursed"
---
I was just trying to enjoy a moment of calm. Bamboo swayed, birds chirped, and I hadn't been kicked across a courtyard in over twelve hours.
But peace is an illusion.
Because the moment I took a bite of my grilled spirit-bun—
> [System Prompt:]
Special Offer!
Upgrade to Trash+ Tier today and unlock:
– Basic map support
– 1 Free Revive Token (non-refundable)
– Emoji reactions in combat
Cost: 999 Spirit Coins or 1 Cultivation Essence Pill
Would you like to subscribe?
"…You're selling me a premium version of yourself?"
> [System Reply:]
Late-stage monetization is inevitable.
We have families too.
"I AM YOUR HOST!"
> Terms and conditions apply.
---
Before I could uninstall my brain, a voice spoke behind me.
"You don't belong here."
I turned.
A new disciple leaned against a tree. Tall. Pale robes. Hair like silver ink. Eyes like moonlight.
But the mark on his neck glowed faintly—just like the one Jun Bai had when he was possessed.
"You're with the Cult," I said flatly.
He smiled. "And yet you're still alive. That makes you… valuable."
---
> [System Alert:]
Hostility Detected
Name: Mu Chen
Rank: Inner Disciple
Status: Partial Anchor Host
Threat Level: High
Warning: This enemy is capable of "System Corruption Injection."
---
"You're hunting the anchors," Mu Chen said. "You're already two down."
"So what? Want me to stop?"
"No. I want you to help me destroy them all."
Pause.
"…What?"
---
Mu Chen stepped closer. "You think we're servants of the Shadow Trade? Wrong. Some of us were infected. Some of us… adapted."
He pulled out a scroll. It shimmered with code.
> [System Integration Diagram: Forbidden Tier]
"System Freeflow Protocols – Detach From Divine Networks"
"You want me to break the system structure itself?" I asked.
"Yes. Sever the leash. Use your system... without the system owning you."
My Trash System buzzed angrily.
> [System Reaction:]
"Do not accept. This violates Divine Binding Protocols."
Also, that guy smells like incense and betrayal.
---
Just then, Yue Lan arrived, sword in hand.
She narrowed her eyes. "Who's this?"
"Cult-ish guy with cool hair offering forbidden code."
She drew her blade.
Mu Chen backed off.
"Think about it, Arin," he said. "You're smart. You know your system isn't on your side."
He vanished in a swirl of wind.
---
Later that night, I sat on the rooftop with Yura and Yue Lan beside me.
"The system lied to me," I said. "Half my rewards are stolen. The Shadow Trade is inside the sect. And now some… code anarchist is trying to recruit me."
Yura shrugged. "Welcome to cultivation politics. Now pass the spirit dumplings."
Yue Lan looked serious. "We'll help you. Even if the system turns on you."
"Even if I turn on it first?"
"Especially then."
---
That's when my system whispered something new.
> [System Whisper:]
"Want to unlock the truth?"
You'll need to go deeper.
New Location Unlocked: The Hidden Archive Beneath the Sect