The mountain was supposed to be empty.
At least, that was what every map, jade slip, and drunken cultivator at the tavern agreed upon. Spirit Veins here were thin. The qi was gentle to the point of being lazy. Even the birds cultivated at a relaxed pace.
Which made it the perfect place for Shen Qinghe.
Shen Qinghe stood at the mountain's peak, sleeves fluttering softly in the breeze, holding a cup of warm tea.
He looked… ordinary.
No oppressive aura.
No golden light piercing the heavens.
No thunder following his footsteps.
Just a man in simple robes, sipping tea and watching clouds drift by as if he had nowhere important to be.
Ding.
[Sect Summoning System Activated]
Congratulations, Host. You have been bound as Sect Master.
Shen Qinghe took another sip.
"Mm," he said calmly. "About time."
The system paused.
…Host shows no shock.
Adjusting expectations.
A translucent panel unfolded before him.
Current Sect Status:
Name: Unregistered
Members: 1 (Sect Master)
Reputation: None
Danger Level: Incalculable
Shen Qinghe squinted at the last line.
"That seems excessive."
Correction unavailable.
Below the panel, a new option pulsed softly.
[Summon Elder]
Cost: 0 Sect Points
(First summon free. Please choose carefully.)
Shen Qinghe glanced at the empty mountain behind him. Wind stirred the grass. Somewhere, a squirrel attempted enlightenment and failed.
He nodded once.
"Let's begin modestly."
He tapped the option.
The sky did not darken.
The earth did not tremble.
Instead, a door appeared.
It was wooden. Old. Slightly crooked. The kind of door one might find at the back of a village teahouse.
It opened with a gentle creak.
An elderly man stepped out, carrying a broom.
He wore gray robes patched at the elbows, his hair tied loosely with twine. His cultivation was… impossible to read. Not because it was hidden—but because it felt like nothing at all.
The old man looked around, nodded approvingly, then bowed deeply.
"This subordinate greets Sect Master."
Shen Qinghe returned the bow.
"Elder, you're early."
The old man smiled.
"When one sweeps long enough," he said mildly, "one learns not to be late."
Elder Summoned Successfully.
Identity: Elder Tian Yuan
Specialty: Realm Sweeping, Dao of Stillness, Casual World Preservation
Threat Assessment: DO NOT PROVOKE
Shen Qinghe gestured to the mountain.
"We're starting a sect."
Elder Tian Yuan followed the gesture, eyes warm.
"A fine place. Quiet. The heavens won't mind us here."
"They usually don't," Shen Qinghe agreed.
The elder paused, then carefully asked, "Shall I… reinforce reality?"
"Just a little," Shen Qinghe said. "Don't make it obvious."
"Of course."
Elder Tian Yuan tapped his broom once.
That was all.
Far away, several immortal ancestors suddenly felt an inexplicable chill and decided to enter seclusion for the next ten thousand years.
By sunset, the mountain had changed.
Still gentle. Still quiet.
But now—
Spirit qi flowed naturally, like a sleeping dragon breathing.
Stones arranged themselves into steps.
A wooden plaque appeared at the entrance, carved with three simple characters:
Clear Wind Sect
Shen Qinghe stood before it, satisfied.
Sect Established Successfully.
New Feature Unlocked: Disciple Recruitment.
Warning: Talents may arrive voluntarily.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
As if on cue, a figure stumbled up the mountain path.
A teenage boy, clothes torn, spiritual roots unstable, eyes burning with stubborn hope.
He collapsed at the foot of the steps and looked up.
"M-may I… seek refuge?"
Shen Qinghe smiled gently and set down his tea.
"Of course," he said.
"Our sect is very welcoming."
Behind him, Elder Tian Yuan began sweeping the steps.
Slowly.
Thoroughly.
As if preparing the world for guests.