The morning sun filtered weakly through the cracks of Lin Feng's shack, painting the broken walls in pale light. He sat cross‑legged on the splintered bed, eyes closed, trying to circulate spiritual energy through his meridians. The five spiritual roots scattered the flow like water leaking from a cracked jar. Every attempt burned, every breath felt heavy.
Still, he endured. I must cultivate. No excuses. No retreat.
The memory of the system's silent panels lingered in his mind. The shop was locked until Qi Gathering 3rd Stage. Inventory and Host Status were usable, but Appraisal Eyes were sealed. It was a cruel reminder: progress would not come easily.
His concentration broke as mocking voices echoed outside.
"Trash trying to cultivate again?"
The rival gang had returned. Stones clattered against the shack, laughter rang out, and one boy shouted, "Even if you sit here for a hundred years, you'll still be trash!"
Lin Feng's fists clenched, but he did not rise. Rage simmered beneath his calm exterior. He remembered his vow: patience first, revenge later. His eyes gleamed with hidden confidence. Mock me now. Soon, you'll kneel.
When the gang finally left, Lin Feng opened his eyes and surveyed the damage. The shack was more broken than ever. His parents had built it with hope, but now it was nothing more than a cage, a target for harassment.
He stood slowly, decision forming. Better to sell this place than let them torment me here.
That afternoon, he walked straight to the rival gang's leader. The man sneered when Lin Feng offered the shack. "Selling us your trash hole? You've finally learned your place."
Lin Feng's smile was cold. "Twenty spirit stones. Take it or leave it."
The gang members laughed, their voices dripping with mockery. One tossed a small pouch at his feet. "Ten spirit stones. That's all your shack is worth. Be grateful we're even paying you."
Humiliation burned in Lin Feng's chest, but he bent down and picked up the pouch. His fingers tightened around it, knuckles white. You think you've cheated me. But I'll make you choke on this deal.
With only ten spirit stones, Lin Feng left the inner market behind. His steps carried him to the outer area of Stone Willow Market, where the streets were quieter and order was enforced. Here, gangs did not dare cause trouble — house management kept strict rules.
He found a small house listed for rent. The price was five spirit stones. Relief washed over him. Safety at last.
But when he approached the manager, the man's eyes narrowed, scanning Lin Feng's aura. "Qi Gathering, Second Stage? Five roots?" His lips curled into a greedy smile. "Seven spirit stones."
Lin Feng's jaw tightened. "The sign says five."
The manager shrugged. "For you, it's seven. Weak cultivators attract trouble. If you want safety here, pay more."
Humiliation burned deeper than before. Bowing his head, Lin Feng handed over seven spirit stones. His teeth ground together as he whispered inwardly, I'll get this back a hundred times over. For now, I need safety.
The small house was modest but sturdy. Its walls were whole, its roof intact. For the first time since awakening, Lin Feng felt secure. He sat inside, clutching the pouch of remaining spirit stones. Only three were left.
Then, the system flickered.
A faint glow shimmered in his mind. Words appeared: "Empty slot detected. Host may store external items."
Lin Feng's breath caught. He picked up one spirit stone and focused. In an instant, it vanished from his hand, reappearing in the Inventory. His eyes widened. "It works… even now."
Joy surged through him. The shop was locked, but Inventory was usable. He could hide treasures, weapons, pills — anything. No gang could steal from him again.
He tested further, placing coins and stones into the Inventory. Each vanished instantly, safe from prying eyes. Relief washed over him. This alone is enough to change everything.
Lin Feng leaned back, closing his eyes. His humiliation at paying extra rent still burned, but now it was tempered by hope. The system was real. The Inventory was his shield. And when he reached Qi Gathering 3rd Stage, the shop would open.
His lips curled into a determined smile. If heaven calls me trash, I'll use this shop to overturn heaven itself.
Outside, the market hummed with life. Merchants shouted, disciples strutted, gangs prowled — but none dared enter the outer area. Lin Feng sat cross‑legged in his new home, spirit stones hidden safely in Inventory, his mind focused on cultivation.