The following morning arrived quietly—just as it always did in Qinghe Village.Birds sang their usual songs, the sun peeked lazily from behind the mountains, and a light breeze danced across the fields.
But Lin Wei was already awake.
He wasn't meditating. He wasn't practicing martial arts. He was just... stretching and brushing his teeth by the river.
Ding!
[Early Wake Routine: +2 Discipline]
[River Water Contact: +1 Cold Resistance]
[Bodily Care: +1 Physical Recovery Rate]
He smirked. "So I get rewarded for hygiene now?"
The System was relentless—and absurd.
After just one full day of normal activity, Lin Wei already felt lighter, faster, and clearer in thought. It wasn't dramatic—no explosions or glowing breakthroughs—but his body was undeniably transforming.
And that terrified him.
Because things that couldn't be explained always attracted trouble.
While heading back to the village square, Lin Wei passed by the old blacksmith's forge. The shop hadn't opened yet, but a familiar face was already there Wu Shen, the blacksmith's hot-headed son.
He stood with a training spear, shirtless, sweat already coating his skin.
Thrust. Block. Step. Sweep.
He moved like someone with real potential—rough but aggressive, pushing himself harder with every breath.
Lin Wei paused, watching from the edge of the path.
Ding!
[Observing Martial Movements: +1 Combat Awareness]
[Comparative Insight Unlocked: Your combat instincts slightly improve while analyzing others.]
A bead of cold sweat ran down Lin Wei's back. "Now I get stronger just by watching people train?"
He backed away quickly.
But not fast enough.
"Oi! Lin Wei!"
Wu Shen's voice rang out like a punch.
Lin Wei flinched. "Morning, Wu Shen."
The muscular teen tossed the spear into the dirt. "I've been meaning to ask. You been doing something new lately?"
"What do you mean?" Lin Wei kept his tone casual.
"You used to pant after carrying one bucket. But yesterday, you carried three for Auntie Nuan without even breaking a sweat. She said your grip nearly cracked the wood."
Lin Wei laughed awkwardly. "Guess I'm just eating better?"
Wu Shen narrowed his eyes.
Ding!
[Under Pressure: +1 Deception]
[Smile While Lying: +1 Bluff]
"Don't get cocky," Wu Shen said, turning back to his spear. "If you start getting too full of yourself, someone will knock you back down."
Lin Wei's smile faded the moment he walked away.
Later that day, Lin Wei visited Granny Tu's herb shed to help sort out medicinal plants with Mei Lan. Her cheerful energy had a way of calming him down.
"You look tense," she said, elbowing him lightly.
"Just didn't sleep well," he lied.
Ding!
[Familiar Bond Strengthened: +1 Trust - Mei Lan]
[Gentle Environment Detected: +1 Spiritual Awareness]
While she worked on labeling dried herbs, Lin Wei sat cross-legged in the corner, pretending to organize roots.
In reality, he was testing something.
He focused on his breathing. In. Out. No techniques. No channels. Just... stillness.
Ding!
[Passive Meditation: +1 Mental Fortitude]
[You have reached Level 4. Growth Rate Increased.]
[Hidden Trait Progress: 50% toward "Tranquil Ascender"]
His eyes snapped open. "A hidden trait?"
He suddenly wanted to shout, but held himself back.
That evening, as the village prepared for the monthly offering festivals, Lin Wei was asked to help carry bamboo lanterns to the hilltop shrine.
He did, quietly.
Ding!
[Offering Preparation: +2 Karma]
[Twilight Walk: +1 Energy Flow Efficiency]
On the way up the stone path, he overheard the village chief and the shrine keeper talking in hushed tones.
"...you noticed the change in him too?"
"I have. He moves like someone who's been training under a master. But no one's taught him."
Lin Wei's steps slowed.
The shrine keeper's voice dropped. "If he's hiding something, we'll know soon enough. Power doesn't stay quiet forever."
That night, Lin Wei sat alone by the river under a full moon. His reflection stared back at him—a calm, peaceful face… hiding something dangerous.
"I can't stay long."
He whispered it to the wind.
This village was peaceful. But peace didn't last in a world of cultivation and greed.
He would enjoy the days he had left—but once he hit Level 5, he'd quietly disappear. A new name. A new town. A new life.
No one could know.
Ding!
[Day 2 Complete. Passive Growth Recorded.]
[Progress: 0.09% toward Immortal Realm.]
[Warning: Local Awareness of Host has increased.]
Lin Wei sighed.
Even doing nothing had consequences.