Shen Tian spent the next year cultivating with a quiet intensity that no child his age should have possessed. At nine years old, he trained daily beneath the ancient oak tree, guiding qi through every meridian with precision. The minor draws from the system helped him refine his base—small things like low-grade herbs, basic manuals, or minor enhancements—but none were extraordinary. Still, Shen Tian valued each reward. Patience settled into his bones early, as natural to him as breathing.
But sometimes, when he closed his eyes, he felt something vast within himself. Not memories—no, those were still sealed. But a strange instinct, like his soul recognized paths that his mind could not. When he practiced even basic martial movements, his body seemed to correct itself, moving with elegance that came from unseen experience.
One late afternoon, Shen Tian ended his meditation with a long breath. His qi was steady now, his realm solid. But he sensed limits approaching. A child his age should have been years away from touching the foundation of cultivation, yet his physique pushed his growth far ahead.
As darkness settled over the village, the System chimed softly.
"Daily Draw available."
The reel spun, slow and deliberate. For the first time in weeks, it glowed faintly gold.
"Reward obtained: Meridian Tempering Pill (Low)."
The pill wasn't powerful, but it was precious. Swallowing it immediately, he felt the faint burn of medicine circulate through him. His meridians strengthened like heated steel dipped in cold water, expanding slightly, making room for more qi.
Shen Tian exhaled deeply.
At this rate, he would outgrow the village soon.
He didn't know where he belonged yet.
He didn't know where he had come from.
But he knew—he was moving toward something