Ripples in the Pond

The following days at the Cloud Piercing Sect were a whirlwind of activity. News of Wei Shirong's miraculous mastery of the Stone Heart Sutra spread like wildfire, transforming him overnight from a pariah to a subject of intense curiosity and speculation. Disciples who had once shunned him now sought his company, eager to bask in the reflected glory of his achievement.

Wei Shirong, however, remained unmoved by the sudden attention. He continued his daily routine with the same stoic determination, spending long hours in solitary cultivation. The only visible change was the occasional flicker of blue light that seemed to dance beneath his skin, a subtle reminder of the power growing within him.

On the third morning after his breakthrough, Wei Shirong arrived at the training grounds to find an unexpected crowd gathered. At the center stood Elder Zhou, his weathered face set in stern lines as he addressed the assembled disciples.

"Quiet down, all of you!" Elder Zhou's voice cracked like a whip, silencing the murmurs. His gaze swept over the crowd before settling on Wei Shirong. "Ah, there you are. Come forward, boy."

Wei Shirong complied, moving through the parting crowd with measured steps. As he approached, he could feel the weight of countless eyes upon him, a pressure that would have unnerved most. But Wei Shirong's face remained impassive, his dark eyes meeting Elder Zhou's unflinchingly.

"Wei Shirong," Elder Zhou began, his voice carrying across the silent courtyard. "Your recent... achievement... has caused quite a stir. The Sect Leader himself has taken notice."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. The Sect Leader was a figure shrouded in mystery, rarely seen by the lower disciples. For him to take an interest in a previously unremarkable disciple was unprecedented.

Elder Zhou continued, his tone grave. "You are to report to the Inner Sanctum immediately. The Sect Leader wishes to assess your progress personally."

Wei Shirong nodded, his voice steady as he replied, "I understand, Elder Zhou. I will go at once."

As Wei Shirong turned to leave, a hand caught his arm. It was Meng Yao, her eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and concern.

"Wei Shirong, wait!" she said, her voice low and urgent. "This is a great honor, but it's also dangerous. The Inner Sanctum... there are rumors about what happens there. Promise me you'll be careful."

For a moment, Wei Shirong simply stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then, in a voice so quiet only she could hear, he said, "I will, Meng Yao. Thank you for your concern."

As Wei Shirong walked away, following Elder Zhou towards the forbidding peaks that housed the Inner Sanctum, the crowd of disciples erupted into excited chatter.

"Did you see that?" one young disciple whispered. "He actually thanked her! I've never heard him say more than two words to anyone before."

Another disciple snorted. "Don't be fooled. He's still the same emotionless statue he's always been. This is probably just another one of his tricks."

Li Hao, standing at the edge of the crowd, clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. "This isn't over," he muttered, his eyes burning with hatred as he watched Wei Shirong's retreating form. "I'll expose you for the fraud you are, Wei Shirong. Just you wait."

---

The path to the Inner Sanctum was treacherous, winding up steep cliffs and through dense, mist-shrouded forests. Wei Shirong followed Elder Zhou in silence, his steps sure and steady despite the difficult terrain.

As they climbed, Elder Zhou finally broke the silence. "I won't lie to you, boy. I don't understand what happened three days ago. By all accounts, it should have been impossible."

Wei Shirong remained silent, waiting for the elder to continue.

Elder Zhou sighed, a sound heavy with age and weariness. "I've been hard on you, Wei Shirong. Perhaps too hard. But you must understand, in our world, those without passion, without drive... they don't survive long."

"I understand, Elder Zhou," Wei Shirong replied, his voice devoid of resentment or anger. "You did what you thought was best for the sect."

Elder Zhou glanced back at him, his brow furrowed. "You're a strange one, Wei Shirong. Even now, after proving us all wrong, you show no pride, no joy. What drives you?"

For a long moment, Wei Shirong was silent. When he finally spoke, his words were carefully chosen. "I seek... understanding, Elder Zhou. Of myself, of this world, of the power within me. That is my drive."

Elder Zhou nodded slowly. "A philosophical answer. We shall see if it satisfies the Sect Leader."

As they crested the final ridge, the Inner Sanctum came into view. It was a massive structure, carved directly into the face of the mountain. Ancient symbols and intricate carvings covered its surface, pulsing with a faint, otherworldly light.

"Remember, boy," Elder Zhou said as they approached the towering doors. "Show proper respect. The Sect Leader is not known for his patience or forgiveness."

Wei Shirong nodded, his face a mask of calm as the doors swung open, revealing a cavernous hall within. As they stepped inside, Wei Shirong felt a familiar warmth in his chest. The EX system interface flickered to life before his eyes.

**[New Area Discovered: Inner Sanctum]**

**[Quest Available: Impress the Sect Leader]**

**[Reward: 500 EXP, ???]**

Wei Shirong's eyes narrowed slightly at the mysterious reward, but he had no time to ponder it. At the far end of the hall, seated upon a throne of polished jade, was the Sect Leader.

He was a man of indeterminate age, his face unlined yet his hair as white as snow. His eyes, when they fixed upon Wei Shirong, seemed to glow with an inner fire.

"So," the Sect Leader's voice echoed through the hall, rich and resonant. "This is the disciple who has caused such a commotion. Step forward, Wei Shirong."

Wei Shirong complied, moving to stand before the throne. He bowed deeply, showing the respect Elder Zhou had advised.

"Rise," the Sect Leader commanded. "Tell me, young disciple, how did you accomplish what you did? How did you master in a day what takes others weeks or months?"

Wei Shirong straightened, meeting the Sect Leader's piercing gaze. "I focused solely on the task at hand, Sect Leader. I allowed nothing to distract me from my goal."

The Sect Leader's eyes narrowed. "A commendable attitude, but hardly explanation enough. There is more to this, isn't there?"

For a moment, Wei Shirong hesitated. Should he reveal the existence of the EX system? As if in response to his thoughts, a new message appeared before his eyes.

**[Warning: Revealing the EX system may have unforeseen consequences]**

Decision made, Wei Shirong spoke carefully. "There is... something within me, Sect Leader. A power I do not fully understand. It guides me, helps me grow stronger."

The Sect Leader leaned forward, his interest clearly piqued. "Interesting. Very interesting indeed. And this power... can you demonstrate it?"

Wei Shirong nodded. "I believe so, Sect Leader."

The Sect Leader gestured to a large stone block off to one side of the hall. "That block is infused with energy-resistant properties. Many of our elite disciples have tried and failed to leave so much as a scratch on its surface. Show me what your mysterious power can do against it."

Wei Shirong approached the stone block, aware of the Sect Leader's intense scrutiny. As he stood before it, he closed his eyes, focusing on the energy flowing through him. He could feel the Stone Heart Breathing technique he had unlocked, pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat.

**[Skill Activated: Stone Heart Breathing]**

**[Effect: Increases physical strength and Qi control]**

Wei Shirong opened his eyes, drew back his fist, and struck. The impact resonated through the hall like a thunderclap. For a moment, nothing seemed to happen. Then, with a sound like shattering glass, a spiderweb of cracks spread across the surface of the stone block.

The Sect Leader's eyes widened, a rare display of surprise crossing his features. "Remarkable," he murmured. "Truly remarkable."

Elder Zhou, who had been watching silently from the side, stepped forward. "Sect Leader, if I may... what does this mean for Wei Shirong's future in the sect?"

The Sect Leader stroked his beard thoughtfully. "It means, Elder Zhou, that we must nurture this talent carefully. Wei Shirong, from this day forward, you will be granted access to the Inner Sanctum's libraries and training facilities. Elder Zhou will oversee your training personally."

Wei Shirong bowed deeply. "Thank you, Sect Leader. I am honored by your generosity."

As Wei Shirong straightened, he caught a glimmer of... something... in the Sect Leader's eyes. It was gone in an instant, but it left him with an uneasy feeling.

"Do not thank me yet, young disciple," the Sect Leader said, his voice taking on a harder edge. "With great privilege comes great expectation. I will be watching your progress closely. Do not disappoint me."

Wei Shirong nodded solemnly. "I understand, Sect Leader. I will not fail you."

As Wei Shirong and Elder Zhou left the Inner Sanctum, the Sect Leader's words echoed in Wei Shirong's mind. He knew that his life had changed irrevocably. The path ahead would be fraught with challenges and dangers, but also opportunities for growth beyond his wildest dreams.

**[Quest Completed: Impress the Sect Leader]**

**[Reward: 500 EXP, Access to Inner Sanctum]**

**[Level Up! Current Level: 3]**

**[New Skill Unlocked: Qi Sense]**

Wei Shirong allowed himself a small, satisfied nod. He was one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of the EX system and his own potential.

---

As Wei Shirong and Elder Zhou descended from the Inner Sanctum, they found Meng Yao waiting anxiously at the base of the mountain. Her face lit up with relief when she saw them.

"Wei Shirong! Elder Zhou!" she called out, rushing to meet them. "What happened? Is everything alright?"

Elder Zhou raised an eyebrow at her forwardness but didn't reprimand her. Instead, he turned to Wei Shirong. "You may tell her what transpired, if you wish. I must report to the other elders." With that, he strode away, leaving Wei Shirong and Meng Yao alone.

Meng Yao turned to Wei Shirong, her eyes wide with curiosity and concern. "Well? What did the Sect Leader say?"

Wei Shirong regarded her for a moment, his expression as impassive as ever. But when he spoke, there was a hint of... something... in his voice. Not quite emotion, but perhaps the seedling of it.

"The Sect Leader was... impressed," he said slowly. "I have been granted access to the Inner Sanctum's resources. Elder Zhou will oversee my training personally."

Meng Yao's jaw dropped. "That's... that's incredible, Wei Shirong! Do you know how rare that is? Nobody our age has ever been allowed into the Inner Sanctum before!"

Wei Shirong nodded. "I understand it is a great honor. And a great responsibility."

Meng Yao's excitement dimmed slightly as she studied Wei Shirong's face. "You don't seem very happy about it. Aren't you excited?"

Wei Shirong tilted his head slightly, considering her words. "I... I'm not sure what I feel, Meng Yao. Excitement is... difficult for me."

Meng Yao's expression softened. She reached out, hesitantly, and placed a hand on Wei Shirong's arm. "It's okay, Wei Shirong. I understand. Or... well, I'm trying to understand. Just know that I'm here for you, okay? Whatever you need."

For a long moment, Wei Shirong stared at her hand on his arm. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Thank you, Meng Yao. Your friendship is... appreciated."

As they walked back towards the main sect grounds, Wei Shirong found himself pondering Meng Yao's words. Excitement, happiness, friendship... these were concepts he understood intellectually, but had never truly experienced. Yet, as he glanced at Meng Yao walking beside him, he felt... something. A warmth, perhaps. A connection.

It was a small thing, barely perceptible. But for Wei Shirong, it was a monumental shift. A crack in the wall of apathy that had surrounded him for so long.

As they reached the training grounds, they found a crowd waiting for them. Disciples pressed forward, eager for news. Even Li Hao was there, his face a mask of barely concealed resentment.

Wei Shirong raised a hand, silencing the clamor of questions. In a clear, steady voice, he addressed the crowd.

"From this day forward, I will be training in the Inner Sanctum under Elder Zhou's guidance. I tell you this not to boast, but to set an example. With dedication and focus, any one of you could achieve great things."

His words were met with a mix of awe, envy, and in some cases, disbelief. As the crowd dispersed, discussing this latest development, Wei Shirong turned to Meng Yao.

"I must go," he said. "There is much to prepare for."

Meng Yao nodded, a small smile on her face. "Go, Wei Shirong. But remember, no matter how high you climb, you'll always have a friend down here rooting for you."

As Wei Shirong walked away, he felt the familiar warmth in his chest. The EX system interface appeared before his eyes.

**[New Quest Available: Forge a True Friendship]**

**[Reward: 1000 EXP, Enhanced Emotional Capacity]**

Wei Shirong's eyes widened slightly at the quest description. Enhanced emotional capacity? Could the EX system actually help him overcome his emotional void?

For the first time in as long as he could remember, Wei Shirong felt a flicker of genuine anticipation. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges both external and internal. But with the EX system as his guide and Meng Yao as his support, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And Wei Shirong had just taken his first stride towards a destiny that would shake the very foundations of the Murim world.