1 System Activates!

On the peak of a towering mountain, Quan Feng stood tall with his long, dark hair whipping in the fierce wind. Though he was a revered elder of the Crimson Flame sect, he donned the garb of a young master from an influential family.

Five years had passed since he had transmigrated into this world where people could soar on their swords, shatter mountains with a single blow, and attain immortality. Yet, he had received no divine system to aid him. As a mere mortal, how was he to survive in this treacherous realm?

Fortunately, his natural talent was exceptional, and the sect had taken notice. Otherwise, he would have spent his days toiling for a pittance like any other mortal.

In a mere five years, Quan Feng had broken through four major realms: the Mortal Realm, the Qi Gathering Realm, the Foundation Establishment Realm, and the Core Formation Realm. Such a feat had never before been achieved in the history of the sect.

With his striking countenance, formidable cultivation, and elevated status, he was the object of many women's desires. However, Quan Feng remained secluded, seldom emerging from his seclusion.

Standing beside him was another elder whose cultivation had reached the first stage of the Core Formation Realm. "Elder Quan, today marks the examination of new disciples. Your strength has now ascended to the fifth stage of the Core Formation Realm, which is more than sufficient to accept disciples. The sect master wishes to know whether you are interested."

"Elder Li, I must decline. For the time being, I wish to focus solely on my cultivation and remain undistracted." Quan Feng replied resolutely.

This world was fraught with danger, with hidden experts and young masters from distinguished families lurking at every turn.

Why should he squander his time helping others when he was not yet strong enough to protect himself? Though his rank in the sect was high, Quan Feng was not a fool. He knew that in the larger world beyond the sect, he was just a feeble unknown cultivator.

Without the aid of a divine system, he had to rely on his own wits and brawn to survive and become stronger until he reached the pinnacle of power.

"I see. Your dedication to cultivation is laudable, which accounts for your rapid advancement in such a short time. I shall take my leave now. May the Dao guide your path, Elder Quan."

"May the Dao guide your path as well, Elder Li." Quan Feng replied, offering his parting words.

Suddenly, a transparent screen appeared out of nowhere, startling Quan Feng.

[System binding in progress... 5%... 13%... 47%... 89%... 100%]

[Successfully bound. The host may now accept disciples and grow stronger as their cultivation progresses.]

Quan Feng comprehended immediately what was happening. "Why the hell are you activating only now?"

Memories of his early days in this world, when he was a vulnerable mortal, flooded his mind. He recalled the struggles he faced as he fought to retain his innocence and elude bandits who sought to enslave him or women who craved his body. He remembered his near-death encounter with an evil cultivator.

[The host was not strong enough to be bound by the system]

[The host shall now receive a gift]

[Received top-grade Earth-rank Golden Lion Armor!]

[Received top-grade Earth-rank Nine Suns Burning Fist martial technique!]

At the sight of these two rare items, Quan Feng trembled with excitement. His anger dissipated in a flash. Who could remain angry upon receiving such treasures?

Even though Quan Feng was a prodigy that the sect had high hopes for, he could only obtain a top-grade mortal item. He had heard rumors of items beyond the Earth rank, such as the Sky, Celestial, and Divine ranks, but he had never seen one. A top-grade Earth rank item was already considered a rare treasure that could stir up conflicts among sects.

How could he not feel excited and grateful for the system's gift? The power that he could obtain from it was immeasurable.

After getting a taste of the system's benefits, Quan Feng quickly jumped on his flying sword and flew towards the bottom of the mountain.

Elder Li, having set out to attend the new disciples examination, was caught off guard when he saw Elder Quan flying at full speed behind him. "E-Elder Quan? What brings you here?" he asked, surprised.

"I have changed my mind," replied Quan Feng, his eyes shining with determination. "I believe it is time for me to contribute to the sect by nurturing future talents."

Elder Li was taken aback. He remembered how Quan Feng had refused to take on disciples, citing his own cultivation as his top priority. What had caused him to change his mind so suddenly? But before he could voice his thoughts, Quan Feng spoke again.

"Elder Li, I will be waiting for you at the bottom of the mountain," he said with a smile, before increasing his speed and overtaking him.

As the young man soared away on his flying sword, his form gradually dwindled into a speck on the horizon, until he vanished completely from sight, leaving Elder Li stunned and dumbfounded.

.

.

.

As Quan Feng descended to the bottom, his flying sword soared over a sea of thousands of sect candidates, each waiting eagerly to be tested by the examinators. The Crimson Flame sect stood tall and proud, renowned throughout the land for their formidable strength. Alongside them were the Burning Sky Sect, the Violet Cloud Sect, and the Seven Star Sect, each with their own Spirit Severing Realm experts.

As the number one sect in the Dragon Spine Region, countless individuals traveled from far and wide to test their luck and join their ranks. For even the weakest cultivator to become a member of the sect would mean an incredible change in their fortunes - not just for themselves, but for their entire family!

But passing the Crimson Flame sect's entrance test was no easy feat. The criteria were notoriously strict, and only the most talented and skilled cultivators had any chance of success. Nonetheless, commoners and those from powerful families alike continued to flock to the sect, determined to try their luck.

Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted out in awe, "An immortal!" Every eye turned to see Quan Feng, standing atop his flying sword.

"He looks so young!" exclaimed one candidate.

"If only I had his talent, my life would be changed forever," said another.

Most of the candidates were barely 16 years old, while Quan Feng was only a few years older. It was no wonder they were all amazed - especially as he rarely showed himself to the public.

Furthermore, Quan Feng refused to dress like the typical sect elder, instead choosing to don the garb of a rich young master. He disliked the traditional attire, which was more suited to middle-aged looking cultivators. As a young fifth stage Core Formation cultivator, the sect master made him a favor, allowing him the freedom to dress as he pleased.

Even though most of the candidates were oblivious to his true identity, some managed to deduce it thanks to their connections within the sect.

Floating above the candidates, Quan Feng's eyes turned crimson as he activated his system's function to locate his potential disciple. He didn't need physical contact to do so; all he had to do was find someone shrouded in a green aura, indicating that they met the system's lofty requirements.

But as the search continued, Quan Feng's expression grew despondent. None of the thousands of candidates were talented enough to meet his system's standard. "Why do you set the bar so high?" he grumbled.

[Replying to the host. I do not set the bar high.]

"Are you mocking me?!" Quan Feng wanted to hurl expletives at the system. "Are you saying that all these candidates are trash?"

[Please do not blame me. If the host wants to blame someone, it should be yourself. My standard is merely based on the host's talent. A skilled master only has capable disciples.]

Quan Feng bit his lip, unable to retort. "It seems I've come here for nothing..."

As if sensing the elder's shift in demeanor, Elder Li asked, "Elder Quan, is everything alright?"

Quan Feng composed himself, putting on his usual aloof expression. "I'm fine. Nothing's wrong."

"Very well." Elder Li eyed Quan Feng with suspicion. 'Elder Quan is acting strange today,' he thought.