The world dissolved around Xuán Wèi in a swirl of light and cold air. One moment he was in his small, modest apartment in the modern world; the next, he landed in a cliff-side garden, mountains stretching endlessly in every direction.
He staggered to his feet, brushing dust from his robes that had appeared out of nowhere. His vision caught a faintly glowing crystal hovering in midair. The system, his mysterious companion through this reincarnation, had granted him his beginner gift:
Qi Core of Awakening – a pulsating crystal that would kickstart his cultivation
Dao Fragment – faintly glowing, whispering possibilities of power and techniques
"So, this is my new life…", Xuán Wèi muttered, smirking. "Weak mortal no more. Let's see how fun this gets."
As he looked down at the valley below, a vast sect lay before him, terraces carved into the mountains, mist swirling through ancient halls and training grounds. A banner fluttered: "Xuanling Sect – Founded by the Mysterious Immortals of Old."
A group of mortals had gathered near the main hall, whispering nervously. Xuán Wèi could sense their potential through the system—some weak, some promising, and a few golden-potential talents that might become exceptional disciples.
"Welcome to Xuanling Sect," Xuán Wèi called out, his voice calm but commanding. "Founded centuries ago by immortals whose deeds shook mountains and rivers, our sect accepts all who have potential. Faith, bloodline, origin… none of that matters. Only loyalty and talent do."
The system pulsed faintly in his mind: Potential disciples detected. First recruitment available. Reward: Dao fragments and authority points.
A faint smirk appeared on Xuán Wèi's face. Ah, let's see how fast we can shake some egos—and gather power.