Alex stared at the scroll in his hand, blinking as if it might suddenly make more sense. The cover proudly displayed the title Harry Potter Magic and Sun Woksang Style Bamboo Breathing a mouthful that made his head spin. Honestly, he wasn't quite sure what either of those things were supposed to mean in the world of cultivation, but the system had insisted he "update skill books" and he had followed orders. He tapped the "update" button, hopeful. The system blinked once. Then twice. And then, suddenly, a cold message popped up:
Update failed. Not enough sect points.
Alex blinked. He stared at the message as if it might change its mind. What the heck? he muttered under his breath. He rubbed his temples and sighed. "I used all my sect points to make scrolls for my disciples…but none for myself. And now it just refuses to update
He tapped again, scrolling through the system interface, hoping for some sort of mistake. But no, the cold, emotionless text stayed the same. Then, just when he was about to give up, the system cheerfully pinged with a warning message
Warning: Sect points can only be used to create items, techniques, or upgrades for disciples or sect-related matters. Host-exclusive skills require battle points, obtainable through combat or by winning the sect tournament.
Alex blinked again, this time in disbelief. So I can't even make myself a basic fireball spell without winning the tournament first?
Correct. No offense, but the system prefers the host act like a proper sect master. Sleeping all day will lead to zero cultivation and eventual death.
Alex stared at the screen, feeling the weight of that last sentence like a cold slap.
I'm dead, he muttered. I'm going into that sect tournament without a head or a golden finger.
He could already see it playing out: other sect masters summoning sword auras, throwing lightning bolts, flying around on magical eagles and him, standing there awkwardly with a stick and a scroll called Drunken Panda Backflip Style. Ugh fine, he sighed and pushed himself up from the wooden chair. He smoothed his rumpled robes and forced a smile that fooled no one, least of all himself.
Heading outside, he called into the courtyard with a voice barely hiding his frustration. Xiao Xiao! Let's go cultivate under the waterfall! Bring some buns on the way Xiao Xiao poked her head out of her room, clutching her slime like a treasured pet. Her big eyes sparkled with excitement. Now? she asked.
Yes. Now, Alex said. She practically bounced over, her energy infectious. Okay! Alex turned to the other disciple, who was sulking nearby while poking the cooking pot with a stick. Lin Feng, he called out.
Her eyes snapped open. What?
You're on hunting and cooking duty today, he said, trying to sound stern but failing because she looked far too pleased to get some fresh air. As punishment for, you know peeping on your master all night. Lin Feng's eye twitched. "Peeping is such a strong word. Alex gave her a flat look that clearly said Don't argue. Go gather lunch. You're not off the hook.
Tch. Fine," she grumbled, grabbing her bow and stalking off like a storm cloud. Alex shook his head and looked back to Xiao Xiao. Ready? Ready! she chirped, skipping ahead.
As they walked down the stone path, the warm morning sun filtering through the trees, Lin Feng leaned against a nearby tree, arms crossed, glaring after them. What is Master thinking She narrowed her eyes. Why the waterfall? Why not just do cultivation in the house? It's dry, warm, and
Her eyes flicked to Xiao Xiao, who was skipping happily ahead. And Xiao Xiao's so small and cute. Is this what I think it is?! Why didn't he take me instead? Lin Feng shook her head violently. Stop it, brain! Stop thinking like a chocolate Her thoughts were interrupted by a system notification that sounded suspiciously like a ping.
Ding! Disciple Lin Feng is experiencing forbidden thoughts. +200 Sect Points awarded for "Improper disciple behavior" and "Attempted seduction of sect master.
Alex, already halfway down the mountain with Xiao Xiao and the buns, suddenly froze. He looked up at the sky in disbelief. The hell, system? Are you encouraging this
The system said nothing, but a tiny counter blinked in the corner of his vision: +200 Sect Points. He sighed deeply.
Okay. I take it back. Peep all you want, just don't kill me. He tossed a steamed bun into his mouth, trying to chew thoughtfully as they approached the waterfall.
The waterfall roared ahead, spraying fine mist that sparkled in the sunlight. The pool below shimmered like liquid glass, surrounded by moss-covered stones. Alex set down the basket of buns and gestured at the scene. Alright, Xiao Xiao. Let's get started. First lesson: cultivating under a waterfall.
Xiao Xiao's eyes shone with determination, but as she settled on a rock and closed her eyes, Alex's mind wandered back to the system's failed skill updates. He frowned. If I can't upgrade my own skills without winning that tournament then I'm going to have to train hard myself. No more relying on those fancy scrolls.
He took a deep breath and scanned his disciples. Xiao Xiao was still at the Qi Establishment stage just barely scratching the surface of cultivation. And Lin Feng? She was a little further along, but probably too distracted to make much progress today.
Alex exhaled sharply. Alright. Training it is. He clapped his hands together, and Xiao Xiao jumped to attention, slime wriggling at her feet. First balance and breathing exercises.
Xiao Xiao giggled and tried to copy his awkward stances, occasionally slipping on the wet stones. Alex couldn't help but smile despite himself. This isn't so bad," he admitted.
Suddenly, he realized something. Hey, Xiao Xiao what level is your slime? She looked down, eyes bright. Um… I don't know? It's just my little friend. Alex frowned and tapped his system again.
System evaluation: Unknown object detected. Current system level insufficient to analyze. Please update system for full function. He groaned. Of course.
Later, after several attempts at breathing exercises, Xiao Xiao and Alex were both soaked and dripping, laughing as they balanced precariously on mossy rocks Just then, Lin Feng returned, carrying a bundle of freshly caught fish and some wild vegetables. Looks like punishment duty is done, she smirked, dropping the bundle at Alex's feet.
Alex looked up, surprised. And how was the hunt? Easy. Not bad at all, she said, grinning. Alex narrowed his eyes. I'm assigning you wood gathering tomorrow. No exceptions. Lin Feng groaned dramatically, but she knew better than to argue.
As the sun climbed higher, the three of them prepared their simple meal, the waterfall's roar mixing with their laughter. Despite the chaos, the training, and the system's unhelpful quirks, Alex realized something important. This little patch of wilderness, these strange disciples, and even his broken system it was home.