By nightfall, Ren had come to a profound realization.
Cultivation sects were just corporate offices with better outfits and a significantly higher murder rate.
He lay sprawled on his bed, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling like it owed him money. Outside, disciples practiced sword forms under moonlight, their Qi flaring dramatically—because apparently subtlety was a sin.
> System Reminder:
Host has not initiated primary progression activity today.
Ren sighed. "Yes, yes. I know. I haven't flirted my way to enlightenment yet. Please forgive me for prioritizing not getting punched."
> System Response:
Sarcasm logged.
Host compliance probability unchanged.
"Fantastic," Ren muttered. "I'm being judged by a floating spreadsheet."
He sat up and crossed his legs again. If nothing else, he could at least not be the weakest sack of bones in the sect.
"Alright, System. Any non-embarrassing way to improve tonight?"
A pause.
> Optional Task Available:
Observe Yin-aspected targets to improve social calibration.
Reward: Minor perception increase.
Ren blinked. "You want me to… people-watch?"
> Clarification:
Yes.
Ren stood. "Wow. Even my system thinks I need social practice. Amazing."
---
The inner courtyard at night was quieter, lanterns glowing softly as disciples passed in small groups. Ren leaned against a pillar, arms folded, pretending very hard to belong there.
> Passive Scan Active
Lights bloomed faintly around him—auras of varying intensity. Some calm. Some sharp. Some aggressively unstable, like they drank rage instead of tea.
Ren winced. "Yikes. No wonder everyone's so tense. Half this sect needs meditation, therapy, or a very long nap."
Then—
A familiar presence registered.
> Target Detected: Su Meilin
Favorability: 14%
Emotional State: Mild irritation
Cause: Interrupted cultivation earlier today
Ren squinted toward the lotus pond. Sure enough, Su Meilin stood by the water, arms crossed, staring at the reflection like it had personally offended her.
Ren considered his options.
Option one: walk away and live another day.
Option two: talk to her and possibly accelerate his own demise.
He chose option two, because apparently death had already failed once.
He approached slowly, stopping a respectful distance away.
"Let me guess," Ren said lightly. "Someone disturbed your peaceful cultivation, and now the universe must pay."
She turned, surprised—then suspicious.
"It was you this afternoon," she said flatly.
Ren placed a hand over his heart. "Wow. I leave a lasting impression already? I'm flattered."
Her lips twitched before she caught herself.
> System Update:
Micro-expression detected.
Favorability: 14% → 15%
Ren nearly laughed. One percent for sarcasm. I should've tried this years ago.
"You're unusually talkative today," Su Meilin said.
"Near-death experiences do that," Ren replied. "They really encourage self-improvement. Or reckless honesty. Jury's still out."
She studied him in silence. "You don't act like someone with no cultivation."
Ren shrugged. "I compensate with charm and low expectations."
That earned him a genuine look—curious, not dismissive.
> System Notification:
Conversation Stability: Acceptable
Continue engagement for incremental gains.
Ren internally groaned. I can't believe I'm grinding social XP.
"Well," Su Meilin said at last, turning back toward the pond, "at least you weren't unpleasant."
Ren gasped softly. "High praise. I'll have that carved on my grave."
She shook her head, walking away.
> System Update:
Target: Su Meilin
Favorability: 15% → 17%
Reason: Non-threatening humor and restraint.
Ren watched her go, stunned.
"Seventeen percent," he whispered. "I didn't even embarrass myself."
> System Advisory:
Host is adapting well.
Ren smirked. "Careful. If I adapt any faster, people might start expecting things from me."
He turned back toward his room, hands in his sleeves, posture relaxed for the first time since reincarnating.
Still no cultivation.
Still broke.
Still one bad day away from disaster.
But now?
Now people were confused.
And in Ren's experience, confusion was the first step toward leverage.
"Alright, world," he muttered. "Let's see how far a sarcastic dead programmer can climb your sacred power ladder."