Chapter 9: A Master's Promise, A Disciple's Awakening.
Sun rays cut through the cold mist as Lin Mo stood near the edge of the cliff, a faint breeze fluttering his loose robes. Behind him, Luo Yixue sat cross-legged on a flat stone, her breathing slow but unstable.
Her face was pale, forehead glistening with sweat. Yet, despite her obvious discomfort, her eyes burned with something she hadn't felt in years—hope.
Lin Mo glanced back lazily and muttered to himself, "She's tougher than she looks…"
Suddenly, her body jolted.
"I-It's hot… and cold… something is moving inside my chest…" Luo Yixue gritted her teeth. "Master, I… I don't know what's happening!"
He walked over and crouched beside her, gently placing a finger on her forehead. A soft blue light passed from his fingertip into her body.
"Hmph, your spiritual veins were completely blocked. The system's reward has barely cleared a path," he murmured. "But… your talent is unique."
He stood up, tapped the ground lightly with his foot, and a small jade table rose from the earth with a pot of tea already steaming on top. He poured himself a cup and took a slow sip, as if nothing extraordinary was happening behind him.
> Ding!
Disciple Luo Yixue has officially stepped into the path of cultivation.
Reward Unlocked: Heaven-Grade Spirit Well Formation Manual
Extra Reward: Low-Grade Formation Flags (x3)
Lin Mo raised an eyebrow. "System, do you always give presents like it's New Year's?"
He waved a hand lazily, and a stream of light from the system panel flowed directly into Luo Yixue's forehead.
Her body shook again—but this time, with control.
Her breathing calmed, and the chaotic energy around her began to settle. A faint lotus mark began glowing on the back of her right hand, followed by a gentle aura forming behind her.
A translucent golden lotus bloomed in the air, spinning ever so slowly, its petals shining in sunlight.
Luo Yixue's eyes fluttered open, dazed.
"I… I succeeded?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Unless that floating flower is a mirage," Lin Mo said with a smirk, "I'd say yes."
Her eyes widened, tears forming immediately. "All my life… they said I had no spiritual roots. That I was cursed. That I should just die…"
Her voice cracked, and she buried her face in her hands.
Lin Mo looked away, tapping his folding fan gently on his palm.
"Cursed? Who said that?" he said, his voice unusually calm.
"No one believed me. Even when I was bleeding from my mouth every time I tried to cultivate, they laughed. Said I was pretending."
Lin Mo turned his head and looked at her, really looked this time. "Listen carefully."
She lifted her head slowly, her eyes meeting his.
"I don't care what the world called you," he said, standing tall. "You're my disciple now. If anyone dares to insult you again…"
He flicked his fan at a boulder nearby.
CRACK!
The rock split cleanly down the middle, as though it had been sliced by a divine blade.
"…I'll make them eat their words. Literally, if needed."
Yixue's lips quivered.
She tried to hold back, but a small laugh escaped her. For the first time in years, it wasn't a fake smile.
"Thank you… Master."
He scratched the back of his head, looking away. "Don't thank me. Thank the system. I'm just the handsome guy who picked you up off the ground."
The system screen flickered again.
> Optional Mission Unlocked:
Establish a Sect within 3 Days.
Bonus Reward: Mysterious Chest (Contains Random High-Level Item)
Lin Mo raised an eyebrow. "Oh? A sect now?"
He looked down at Luo Yixue and nodded thoughtfully.
"Well, I guess it's better than being called some random mountain hermit."
He turned toward the horizon and muttered, "What should I name this sect… Something cool, maybe…"
Behind him, Luo Yixue whispered under her breath, still looking at her lotus mark.
"Master… I'll do my best. I'll never let you down…"
---
Somewhere far beyond mortal comprehension…
In a space with no time, no dimensions, no rules—
A faint chuckle echoed.
> "A sect with one disciple. A master who doesn't even know his own strength. Hilarious. Lin Mo, you might be my greatest entertainment in centuries."
The voice was amused.
Not malicious. Not caring. Just watching… like a reader enjoying a story.
Chapter 10: A Master's Casual Stroll… and a Heaven-Grade Egg?
[Morning - Misty Bamboo Forest, Beyond Sky Peak]
Lin Mo stretched lazily on a giant rock near his courtyard, basking under the morning sun. His eyes were half-closed.
> Lin Mo: "Aah~ This weather's perfect for… absolutely nothing."
Luo Yixue, full of energy as always, was sweeping the courtyard with intense focus. Her little eyebrows were knitted together in determination.
> Luo Yixue: "Master! The leaves won't sweep themselves!"
> Lin Mo (yawns): "Let nature handle nature. Why fight destiny?"
> Luo Yixue: "Then can destiny also cook me breakfast?"
> Lin Mo (serious face): "…You win."
She giggled, and Lin Mo sighed, walking over to the tiny outdoor kitchen. He was invincible, with a system no less—but here he was, flipping flatbreads for a child disciple.
> System: [DING! "+1 Heavenly Cooking Point."]*
> Lin Mo: "Seriously?"
> System: [New Recipe Unlocked: Spiritual Flatbread of Qi Recovery.]
> Lin Mo: "I was just making a paratha!"
---
[A Little Later – Deep Forest Trail]
Lin Mo decided to take a walk while Luo Yixue stayed to "guard" the courtyard.
He strolled down the mountain path, hands behind his back, humming.
Suddenly, the system dinged.
> System: [WARNING: Unknown energy detected nearby. Estimated grade — Heaven-rank.]
> Lin Mo (blinks): "Oho? Something good, or something troublesome?"
> God Author (through system, casually): "Let's just say… spicy surprise, no refunds."
> Lin Mo: "...Why do I feel like I'm in a prank show?"
He followed the Qi trail — and found a giant, golden egg resting gently in the middle of a flower field.
Just an egg. Sitting there. With glowing runes around it.
> Lin Mo (deadpan): "Please don't tell me I'm about to become a chicken dad."
> God Author: "...Cock-a-doodle-Dao?"
> Lin Mo: "I will break this egg just to spite you."
---
[He picks up the egg]
> System: [DING! Congratulations, you have obtained: 'Ancient Mythical Beast Egg - Rank Unknown']
> System: [Caution: Hatching conditions are unknown. Attempting to forcibly break the egg may cause… consequences.]
> Lin Mo: "Why do I feel like this egg is staring at me?"
> God Author: "Maybe it's judging you for not wearing socks."
> Lin Mo: "I swear you're just having fun with my life."
> God Author: "Well, you are quite entertaining."
---
[Back at the Courtyard]
Luo Yixue saw the glowing egg in Lin Mo's hands and her jaw dropped.
> Luo Yixue: "M-Master… did you steal that from a dragon?"
> Lin Mo: "Technically, I found it abandoned. Finders, keepers."
> Luo Yixue (worried): "What if its mom comes looking for it?!"
> Lin Mo: "Then we'll say it was adopted… by force."
---
[End Scene: That Night]
The egg glowed faintly on a golden pillow, as if breathing.
Luo Yixue curled up next to it, guarding it like a little chick herself.
Lin Mo looked at them, smiling lightly.
> Lin Mo (murmurs): "First a disciple… now a giant egg. What's next, a talking sword?"
> God Author: "…Not a bad idea."
> Lin Mo: "Don't you dare."