Zui Zian stumbled through the crowded, dusty market streets of Wu Tan City. The air was thick with the scent of herbs, cooking oil, and unrefined Dou Qi—the internal energy of the cultivators.
Only a few hours had passed since his rough arrival, and his mind was still reeling, split between the memories of his life on Earth and the sudden, overwhelming knowledge of this new world's plot.
He was currently only a 3-star Dou Disciple (Dou Zhi Qi), the lowest rung, and his internal energy felt thin and worthless.
But his skill, the [System Breach], was running silently.
[System Breach Protocol]
[Running in Background]
[Host Status: Dou Zhi Qi 3-Star.]
[Ability: Eternal Blue]
He scanned every person who walked by, not out of malice, but pure, terrified curiosity. Each scan was a blueprint of their internal energy conduits. It was terrifyingly easy to see the flaws: a minor fluctuation in a Dou Master's Qi Sea, a slight misalignment in a Dou Ling's bone structure that would cripple them with one specific pressure point.
"This whole world is a security nightmare," he muttered, nervously clutching the small pouch of copper coins he'd scavenged.
A sudden hush fell over the street, drawing Zui Zian's attention. A group approached, radiating confidence and, more importantly, immense Dou Qi pressure.
At the center was a woman of breathtaking, almost frigid beauty. Her lavender-and-white robes marked her as a disciple of the Yun Lan Sect. This was Nalan Yanran, the Young Sect Mistress.
Flanking her were two formidable protectors: an elderly, imposing man, Ge Ye (a powerful Dou Ling), and another Yun Lan disciple.
Zui Zian's focus snapped to the leader. His system immediately went into high-priority mode, the blue text flashing a rapid, comprehensive analysis:
Target: Nalan Yanran.
Vulnerability: Core Cultivation Method – Wind/Ice
Affinity. Exploit Code: [Wind Element Flux] (Success Rate: 20% - DANGEROUS).
[Target: Ge Ye.]
[Vulnerability: Qi Sea Stability Matrix (High-Level Flaw).]
[Exploit Code: [Cultivation Base Lock] (Success Rate: 75%).]
Zui Zian swallowed hard. That Ge Ye could have his life ruined with a simple mental command, but it would wipe out his current energy reserves. He quickly deactivated the scan, trying to look as harmless and low-ranked as possible.
Nalan Yanran's group stopped a few feet away. They were looking for directions, but clearly considered the locals beneath their notice. Ge Ye finally fixed his gaze on Zui Zian, who, with his clean clothes and sharp eyes, looked like he might actually know the area, unlike the dusty merchants.
"Boy," Ge Ye's voice boomed, laced with the casual arrogance of high power addressing dirt, "You seem to know this city. We seek the residence of the Xiao Clan."
Zui Zian's heart sank. This was the moment. The very first intersection with the main plot, and it was the infamous 'Divorce' scene.
"The Xiao Clan?" Zui Zian echoed, trying to feign ignorance. He knew the way perfectly—it was burned into his memory from the novel. Damn it. This is exactly what I wanted to avoid.
Nalan Yanran stepped forward, her expression cool and utterly detached. "We are short on time. Guide us there swiftly, and you will be rewarded." Her tone wasn't a request; it was a command issued to a subordinate.
Zui Zian realized he had no choice. Refusing the Young Mistress of the Yun Lan Sect, especially with a Dou Ling guard, would be suicide. He had no power yet, only a terrifying, hidden skill he couldn't risk using.
He bowed his head, allowing a humble, slightly resentful expression to cross his face. "Yes, esteemed cultivators. I am Zui Zian, a local. Follow me."
He led them through the city, his steps measured and precise, relying entirely on the stored information of a world he'd once only read about. As he walked, his mind raced:
If they go to the Xiao Clan, the engagement will be broken. Xiao Yan will get the Three-Year Agreement, and he'll go to the Mountains for his training.
That means I have three years of peace to level up my [System Breach] before he starts really shaking the Continent.
Zui Zian's steps were quick and efficient. He led the Yun Lan Sect group—Nalan Yanran, the powerful Elder Ge Ye, and the accompanying disciple—straight through the main thoroughfare until the grand, imposing gate of the Xiao Clan Residence loomed before them.
"Here we are, honored guests," Zui Zian said, his voice flat, gesturing quickly to the entrance. He bowed low, a shallow act of respect meant only to facilitate his escape. "My duty is done. If you would excuse me."
He did not wait for Nalan Yanran's promised reward. To linger was to risk entanglement in the unfolding drama. He needed distance, not coppers. Slipping away, he melted into a small crowd of curious onlookers that had begun to gather, their faces a mixture of anticipation and dread, all aware of the momentous visit.