Ren spent the next hour doing the most important thing any reincarnated protagonist could do.
He panicked quietly.
He lay on Lin Fan's narrow bed, staring at the ceiling beams while internally cataloging everything that could go wrong—which, judging by Lin Fan's memories, was everything. Imminent expulsion. Outstanding debts to at least three fellow disciples. Two angry senior sisters who had both slapped Lin Fan on different occasions for reasons that were… generously described as "misunderstandings."
And worst of all, zero cultivation.
In a sect where even outer disciples could casually crack stones with their palms, Lin Fan's greatest achievement was not fainting during morning exercises.
Ren sighed. "System," he said mentally, feeling faintly ridiculous. "Status?"
A translucent panel appeared.
> Host: Lin Fan
Cultivation: None
Body Condition: Substandard
Reputation: Infamous
Yin-Yang Balance: Severely skewed
Overall Evaluation: Pathetic, but salvageable
"…You didn't have to say it like that."
> Correction:
Emotional cushioning reduces efficiency.
Ren rolled his eyes and sat up. "Fine. How do I start?"
Another panel slid into view.
> Beginner Objective:
Initiate first Yin-Yang Harmony cycle.
Recommended Action:
Identify compatible Yin-aspected partner within Azure Blossom Sect.
Ren's lips twitched. "You make it sound like grocery shopping."
> System Function Unlocked:
Yin Energy Diagnostic Scan (Basic)
Before Ren could object, the world subtly shifted.
Suddenly, he felt things.
The ambient Qi in the room became visible as faint currents of light. More disturbingly, when he glanced toward the door, a soft glow lingered in the direction of the sect's inner courtyard—like a cluster of candles, each burning with different intensity.
Ren swallowed.
"…I'm guessing those are people."
> Affirmative.
Yin energy levels vary by individual.
Compatibility influenced by temperament, cultivation, emotional state, and karmic alignment.
Ren stood, straightening his robe. If he was going to survive here, hiding in his room wasn't an option.
He stepped outside.
The Azure Blossom Sect lived up to its name. Stone paths wound through flowering trees, petals drifting lazily through the air as disciples trained, chatted, or pretended not to notice Lin Fan's presence.
Pretended being the key word.
Whispers followed him immediately.
"Isn't that Lin Fan?"
"Still hasn't been kicked out?"
"I heard Elder Zhou is done protecting him."
"Tch. What a waste of resources."
Ren kept his expression neutral, though internally he was screaming. Yep. Still humiliating. Different world, same energy.
As he walked, the diagnostic scan pulsed faintly. Most disciples registered as dim or unstable—low compatibility, or simply not worth the trouble.
Then, abruptly, one presence flared brighter than the rest.
Ren's steps slowed.
Ahead, near the lotus pond, stood a young woman in pale green robes. Her posture was composed, her expression calm as she practiced a slow, flowing sword form. Each movement carried a quiet elegance, petals drifting around her as if drawn by her Qi.
Lin Fan's memories supplied the name instantly.
Su Meilin.
Inner disciple. Talented. Beautiful. Completely out of Lin Fan's league.
And apparently—
> Target Detected:
Yin Energy: High
Compatibility Projection: Excellent
Risk Level: Extreme
Ren nearly choked.
"Of course," he muttered. "Start me on hard mode."
As if sensing his gaze, Su Meilin's sword stopped mid-motion. She turned, sharp eyes locking onto him.
Silence fell around the pond.
Her brows drew together. "Lin Fan," she said coolly. "Why are you staring?"
Several nearby disciples smirked, already enjoying the show.
Ren felt every instinct screaming to apologize, flee, or fake a sudden illness. Instead, he forced himself to breathe.
Different life, he reminded himself. Different choices.
"I was just admiring your technique," he said, keeping his tone respectful. "It's… very refined."
Su Meilin blinked.
Once.
Twice.
This was not the crude compliment she'd expected. Her gaze sharpened, studying him as if seeing him for the first time.
"Hmph," she said. "At least you have eyes."
She turned away, sheathing her sword. The surrounding disciples looked disappointed.
Ren released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
> System Notification:
Initial contact successful.
Favorability: Neutral → Slightly Curious.
Ren's heart pounded.
He hadn't gained power. He hadn't cultivated Qi. But for the first time since waking up in this world, he felt something shift.
This wasn't going to be easy.
It wasn't going to be clean.
But Lin Fan—no, Ren—finally had a path forward.
And the Azure Blossom Sect had no idea what kind of trouble its weakest disciple was about to cause.