The next morning, I woke to discover that being famous came with unexpected side effects.
Specifically, gifts.
Outside my door sat a small pile of offerings, cultivation pills, medicinal herbs, even a decent-quality sword with a note saying "from an admirer." The items ranged from genuine to obviously trying-too-hard.
[GIFT LOG: 17 ITEMS]
[QUALITY RANGE: TRASH TO DECENT]
[MOST VALUABLE: STAGE 6 QI RESTORATION PILLS]
[MOST SUSPICIOUS: ANONYMOUS SWORD (POSSIBLY CURSED?)]
[RECOMMENDATION: HAVE EVERYTHING CHECKED BEFORE USE]
"People just... leave gifts?" I muttered, gathering the items carefully.
[CULTIVATION WORLD COURTING BEHAVIOR]
[FACTIONS TRYING TO GAIN FAVOR]
[ALSO PROBABLY SOME GENUINE FANS]
[AND MAYBE ONE OR TWO POISON ATTEMPTS]
[IT'S A MIXED BAG]
I brought everything inside and sorted through it systematically. Most were harmless, standard cultivation resources anyone could buy. The sword felt clean when I examined it with my spiritual sense, though I'd still have it checked by a weapon master.
The pills, however, made me nervous.
[ANALYZING PILLS...]
[QI RESTORATION PILLS: LEGITIMATE]
[HEALING PILLS: LEGITIMATE]
[MYSTERIOUS PURPLE PILL: CONTAINS TRACE AMOUNTS OF CULTIVATION-SUPPRESSING TOXIN]
[SOMEONE TRIED TO POISON YOU]
[NOT EVEN SUBTLY]
I stared at the purple pill. "Who sends poison this obviously?"
[EITHER SOMEONE REALLY STUPID]
[OR SOMEONE WHO WANTS YOU TO KNOW THEY'RE THREATENING YOU]
[PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE]
I carefully disposed of the poisoned pill and made a mental note to have all future gifts inspected. The cultivation world was getting more complicated by the day.
After a breakfast that Yun Xia insisted on bringing me, she'd apparently appointed herself my temporary guardian while I healed, I spent the morning reviewing Elder Hu's jade slip about sect politics.
The information was... dense.
[MAJOR INNER SECT FACTIONS:]
[1. PHOENIX FACTION - LEADER: ZHOU LING (STAGE 8)]
[FOCUS: POWER, PRESTIGE, CONNECTIONS]
[MEMBERS: ~40 DISCIPLES]
[POLITICAL STANCE: AGGRESSIVE EXPANSION]
[2. AZURE DRAGON ALLIANCE - LEADER: YANG CHEN (STAGE 9)]
[FOCUS: TRADITIONAL VALUES, SECT LOYALTY]
[MEMBERS: ~35 DISCIPLES]
[POLITICAL STANCE: CONSERVATIVE, DEFENSIVE]
[3. BLUE MOON ASSOCIATION - LEADER: NONE (COLLECTIVE)]
[FOCUS: CULTIVATION SUPPORT, MUTUAL AID]
[MEMBERS: ~25 DISCIPLES]
[POLITICAL STANCE: NEUTRAL, NON-HIERARCHICAL]
[4. INDEPENDENT DISCIPLES: ~50 DISCIPLES]
[NO FORMAL ALLEGIANCE]
There were also several minor factions, but these three were the major players in inner sect politics. Each had different philosophies, different goals, and apparently different opinions about me.
[PHOENIX FACTION: WANTS TO RECRUIT YOU]
[AZURE DRAGON ALLIANCE: SUSPICIOUS OF YOUR RAPID ADVANCEMENT]
[BLUE MOON ASSOCIATION: INTERESTED BUT NOT PUSHY]
[INDEPENDENTS: MIXED REACTIONS]
"Why is everything so complicated?" I groaned.
[BECAUSE HUMANS ARE COMPLICATED]
[ADD CULTIVATION POWER AND POLITICS]
[COMPLEXITY MULTIPLIES]
[WELCOME TO SECT LIFE]
By afternoon, I'd recovered enough to head to the training grounds for my promise to Zhou Ming. The burns still twinged occasionally, but Medical Disciple Wen's pills were working remarkably well.
Zhou Ming was already waiting, practically vibrating with excitement. He had his cultivation manual clutched in both hands and bowed deeply when he saw me.
"Senior Brother Lin! Thank you for making time for me!"
"Don't mention it," I said. "Show me your cultivation manual first. I need to understand what you're working with."
He handed it over eagerly, a basic inner sect technique called "Flowing River Method." It was solid, if unspectacular. Focused on steady cultivation progress rather than flashy combat abilities.
[ANALYZING: FLOWING RIVER METHOD]
[QUALITY: AVERAGE]
[COMPATIBILITY WITH YOUR TEACHING: MODERATE]
[YOU CAN WORK WITH THIS]
"Okay," I said. "The Flowing River Method is good for foundation building. But I notice your Qi circulation pattern is rigid, you're following the manual exactly without adapting to your own meridian structure."
Zhou Ming looked confused. "Isn't that what you're supposed to do? Follow the manual precisely?"
"That's what most people think," I said. "But everyone's meridians are slightly different. Following a manual exactly is like... wearing someone else's shoes. They might fit, but they'll never be as comfortable as shoes made for your feet."
[GOOD ANALOGY]
[THE KID'S UNDERSTANDING IT]
I spent the next hour showing Zhou Ming how to sense his own meridian patterns and adjust the Qi circulation to flow more naturally. It was surprisingly enjoyable, teaching forced me to understand the principles more deeply myself.
"Try it now," I instructed. "Circulate your Qi, but let it follow the path of least resistance instead of forcing it."
Zhou Ming closed his eyes and concentrated. After a moment, his expression shifted to surprise. "It's... easier! The Qi flows smoother!"
"Exactly. You're working with your body instead of against it."
[TEACHING PROFICIENCY: DEVELOPING]
[ZHOU MING PROGRESS: SIGNIFICANT]
[YOU'RE ACTUALLY GOOD AT THIS]
We were wrapping up when I noticed we had an audience. Several disciples had gathered to watch, including Su Mei and, surprisingly, Yang Chen, the leader of the Azure Dragon Alliance.
Yang Chen was impressive in person, tall, dignified, with Stage 9 cultivation that radiated controlled power. His azure-blue robes were embroidered with dragon patterns, and his expression was thoughtfully neutral.
"Interesting teaching method," Yang Chen said, approaching after Zhou Ming left with enthusiastic thanks. "Adapting techniques to individual physiology rather than forcing conformity. Unconventional, but effective."
[AZURE DRAGON ALLIANCE LEADER]
[STAGE 9 - PEAK QI REFINING REALM]
[ONE BREAKTHROUGH FROM CORE FORMATION]
[POWERFUL AND POLITICALLY INFLUENTIAL]
[BE RESPECTFUL]
"Senior Brother Yang," I said, bowing. "I'm honored."
"I've been watching you, Lin Tian. Your performance in the invasion, your match with Feng Zhao, now this." He studied me with sharp eyes. "You're not like most provisional disciples. There's depth to your abilities that suggests either exceptional natural talent or... something else."
I kept my expression neutral. "I've been fortunate in my cultivation journey."
"Fortune," he repeated, a slight smile playing at his lips. "An interesting word choice." He gestured toward the training ground. "Would you care to exchange some pointers? Nothing formal. Just a friendly spar between sect brothers."
[WARNING: THIS IS A TEST]
[HE WANTS TO ASSESS YOUR ABILITIES DIRECTLY]
[REFUSING WOULD BE INSULTING]
[BUT HE'S STAGE 9]
[FOUR STAGES ABOVE YOU]
"I would be honored," I said, "though I'm still recovering from yesterday's match. I may not perform at my best."
"I'll adjust accordingly," Yang Chen said. "I have no interest in injuring a promising junior."
We moved to an empty sparring circle. Disciples gathered quickly, word spread fast that Yang Chen himself was sparring with the new provisional disciple.
[AUDIENCE SIZE: GROWING RAPIDLY]
[CURRENT COUNT: 67 DISCIPLES]
[PRESSURE: INCREASING]
[NO BIG DEAL, JUST THE MOST POWERFUL INNER SECT DISCIPLE TESTING YOU]
Yang Chen took a relaxed stance, his hands behind his back. "Begin when ready. I'll only defend initially."
Only defend. Against a Stage 5. He was being generous, but also making a point about the gap between our levels.
[COMBAT ASSIST: READY]
[INFINITE TIDE SCRIPTURE: ENGAGED]
[RECOMMENDATION: TREAT THIS AS A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY]
[DON'T TRY TO WIN, TRY TO IMPRESS]
I launched forward with a probing attack, a straightforward sword strike enhanced with spiraling Qi. Yang Chen deflected it with a casual palm strike that didn't even seem to use technique, just pure Qi control.
The impact sent vibrations up my arm. His power was on a completely different level.
[THAT WAS LIKE HITTING A MOUNTAIN]
[STAGE 9 IS NO JOKE]
I adjusted my approach, using the Infinite Tide Scripture's flowing movements to probe for openings that didn't exist. Yang Chen defended effortlessly, occasionally offering corrections.
"Your footwork is solid, but you telegraph your weight shifts. An experienced opponent will read them."
I corrected, attacked again. He deflected.
"Better. Your Qi circulation is unusually dense for Stage 5. Remarkable control."
The spar continued for several minutes. I never came close to landing a hit, but Yang Chen's commentary was genuinely educational. He pointed out weaknesses in my form, suggested improvements, and demonstrated principles with casual mastery.
Finally, he raised a hand. "Sufficient. Thank you for the exchange."
I bowed, breathing heavily. "Thank you for the instruction, Senior Brother."
Yang Chen nodded approvingly. "Your fundamentals are excellent. Your advancement speed is... concerning to some, but I see no signs of unstable foundation." He lowered his voice slightly. "However, be cautious. Rapid advancement attracts both opportunity and danger. The Azure Dragon Alliance values stability and loyalty. Should you wish to join us, we would welcome someone of your potential."
[RECRUITMENT PITCH #2]
[AZURE DRAGON ALLIANCE OFFERING MEMBERSHIP]
[THEY'RE MORE SUBTLE THAN PHOENIX FACTION]
"I'm honored by the offer," I said carefully. "May I have time to consider?"
"Of course. These decisions shouldn't be rushed." He glanced at the watching crowd. "Though I advise you not to delay too long. Neutrality becomes difficult when everyone wants to claim you for their side."
He walked away, leaving me standing in the training circle with dozens of eyes still watching.
Su Mei appeared at my side, grinning. "Well, that was intense. Yang Chen doesn't spar with just anyone. He was definitely evaluating you."
"I noticed," I said dryly.
"So now you've got offers from Phoenix Faction and Azure Dragon Alliance. The two biggest powers in the inner sect." She nudged me. "Popular guy."
"It's exhausting."
"It's politics," she corrected. "Get used to it. Want to grab dinner? I can explain the nuances of each faction's actual agendas versus their public positions."
[INFORMATION GATHERING OPPORTUNITY]
[ACCEPT]
"Sure. I could use some insider perspective."
The inner sect cafeteria was significantly nicer than the outer sect version—actual tables with cushions, food that looked edible, even tea service. Su Mei led me to a quieter corner where we could talk privately.
"Okay," she said, pouring tea. "Political lesson time. Phoenix Faction looks powerful and prestigious, right? Zhou Ling, connections, resources?"
"Right."
"But they're also controlling and hierarchical. Join them, and you'll be expected to support their agenda in all sect votes, provide favors to higher-ranked members, and basically surrender your independence."
[NOTED: PHOENIX FACTION = HIGH COST]
"And Azure Dragon Alliance?"
"More noble in theory, all about sect tradition and loyalty. Yang Chen is genuinely honorable." She paused. "But they're also conservative. They don't like rapid advancement or unconventional methods. They'd want you to slow down, consolidate, prove yourself over years rather than months."
[NOTED: AZURE DRAGON = SLOW BUT STABLE]
"What about Blue Moon Association?"
Su Mei smiled. "We're the boring middle option. No grand ambitions, no strict hierarchies. Just disciples helping each other cultivate without the political drama. Lower benefits than the big factions, but also way less stress."
"You're really selling it," I said with amusement.
"I'm being honest. Blue Moon isn't for everyone. Some people thrive on the competition and politics. But if you want to focus on cultivation without constantly watching your back..." She shrugged. "It's a decent option."
[ANALYSIS COMPLETE]
[PHOENIX FACTION: HIGH REWARD, HIGH RISK, HIGH DRAMA]
[AZURE DRAGON: MODERATE REWARD, HIGH STABILITY, SLOW PROGRESS]
[BLUE MOON: LOW REWARD, LOW DRAMA, MAXIMUM FREEDOM]
[INDEPENDENT: NO BENEFITS, NO OBLIGATIONS, MAXIMUM RISK]
"What would you do?" I asked Su Mei. "If you were me?"
She thought for a moment. "Honestly? I'd stay independent for now. You're provisional, you have three months before the formal examination. Use that time to see how each faction operates, who you actually like working with, what feels right." She grinned. "Plus, keeping them all guessing gives you more leverage."
[SMART ADVICE]
[MAINTAINING NEUTRALITY KEEPS OPTIONS OPEN]
[ALSO PREVENTS PREMATURE COMMITMENTS]
"That... actually makes a lot of sense."
"I'm occasionally wise," Su Mei said modestly. "Now eat. You need to maintain strength for your disciplinary hearing in four days."
Right. The hearing. With Mei Ling trying to spin her unprovoked attack as self-defense.
[REMINDER: PREPARE TESTIMONY]
[ELDER HU WILL SUPPORT YOU]
[YUN XIA OFFERED TO TESTIFY]
[YOU NEED A SOLID CASE]
As we ate, I felt the weight of everything pressing down, challenges, factions, politics, the hearing. Just a week ago, I'd been anonymous cannon fodder.
Now I was drowning in attention and complications.
But looking around the cafeteria, seeing disciples who nodded respectfully, Su Mei chatting amiably, knowing Yun Xia was probably checking on me later...
[PHILOSOPHICAL MOMENT DETECTED]
[BOSS IS HAVING FEELINGS]
[CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT]
'Shut up, System.'
[NEVER]
[DAILY SUMMARY:]
[TEACHING SESSION: SUCCESSFUL]
[FACTION OFFERS: 2 (BOTH PENDING)]
[NEW ALLY RELATIONSHIP: YANG CHEN (EVALUATING)]
[POLITICAL KNOWLEDGE: INCREASED]
[GIFTS RECEIVED: 17 (1 POISONED)]
[DAYS UNTIL HEARING: 4]
[DAYS UNTIL NEXT CHALLENGE: 2]
[SURVIVAL PROBABILITY: 55%]
[SLOWLY IMPROVING!]
That night, I sat in my cultivation chamber and tried to center myself. So much was happening so fast. But beneath all the chaos, one thing remained constant:
I needed to get stronger.
Everything else, politics, factions, challenges, was secondary to survival and growth.
[GOOD MINDSET]
[WANT TO CULTIVATE?]
[WE'RE CLOSE TO STAGE 6]
'Let's do it.'
[AUTO-CULTIVATION: ACTIVATED]
[TIME TO STAGE 6: ESTIMATED 8 DAYS]
[ASSUMING NO INTERRUPTIONS]
[WHICH, LET'S BE HONEST, IS UNLIKELY]