Chapter 2: First Day in the Sect
The next few days passed in a blur for Lin Chang. He woke early in the mornings, attended to his daily chores, and observed the other children. The sect was a grand place, far more impressive than the small, humble village he had grown up in before his transmigration. Yet, this new world held both wonder and danger.
He learned quickly that the sect was divided into various sections, each with its own purpose. The outer court, where the servants like him worked, was bustling with activity. The inner court, where the disciples and elders trained, was far more disciplined. Lin Chang had no contact with the inner disciples yet, but he knew that the path to entering their ranks required years of rigorous cultivation.
The days were long, and he kept to his routine. His mornings were spent cleaning, gathering herbs, and occasionally helping the older servants with more tedious tasks. His afternoons were spent with the other children, who were mostly around his age, although they were all much more energetic than he was.
Despite his apparent age of one, Lin Chang interacted with the children naturally, his past-life wisdom allowing him to understand them easily. The other children, though much older than he was, did not suspect that he was different from them in any way. They treated him like a baby, indulging him with toys and occasional games, but Lin Chang never let his guard down. He was here to observe and bide his time.
One afternoon, as Lin Chang was helping clean the courtyard, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Lin Chang, are you playing with us today?" It was the same boy from before—the one who had invited him to join the other children.
Lin Chang paused, wiping his hands on his robe. The boy stood by the courtyard gate, his face alight with excitement.
"Not today," Lin Chang said softly, keeping his voice childlike. "I'm helping the caretaker."
The boy tilted his head and frowned, clearly disappointed. "Oh, you always help the caretaker. Don't you want to learn cultivation like the older kids?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Lin Chang glanced up at the sky. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting an orange glow across the grounds. Cultivation, he knew, was the key to advancement in this world, but he wasn't ready to begin that path just yet. Not in this form.
"I'll learn when I'm older," Lin Chang replied, smiling faintly. "For now, I want to watch."
The boy scratched his head, clearly not understanding Lin Chang's preference. "Okay, but when you do learn, don't forget to show me your tricks, alright?"
Lin Chang nodded quietly, watching the boy run off to join the other children. His playful spirit was contagious, and Lin Chang couldn't help but appreciate his innocence. It reminded him of what he had lost—his past life, the family he never had, the world he once lived in. But it also reminded him of his current purpose. He was no longer a part of the world he once knew. This world, with its power struggles, sects, and cultivation, was where he would forge his new destiny.
His attention shifted back to the task at hand. There was no rush. He had all the time in the world, or at least, that's what the Lifespan System had promised him. His current lifespan was still young, a mere fraction of the ninety years he was meant to live. The system had also shown him his spirit root—a Five Elements Spirit Root, Grade 1. It wasn't exceptional, but it wasn't weak either. It would do for now.
The days continued to pass as Lin Chang focused on the mundane tasks of servant life. He had learned to harness the power of the Lifespan System in small ways, quietly accumulating lifespan from the spirit herbs he tended to. The system allowed him to use the lifespan he harvested to enhance his cultivation potential, but he remained careful. He needed to be discreet. If he acted too hastily, someone would notice.
One evening, while tending to the herb garden behind the servant's quarters, Lin Chang felt a subtle shift in the air. The familiar, comforting energy of the sect's surroundings was suddenly tinged with something darker. He wasn't sure what it was, but it made his instincts flare.
The Lifespan System reacted to this change, as if sensing an unfamiliar presence.
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[ System Notification: A nearby cultivator's lifespan has been detected. ]
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Lin Chang frowned, his small brow furrowing in concentration. His system allowed him to sense the lifespan of those around him. It was a strange sensation, but one he had grown accustomed to. It was as if he could see the very threads of life extending from every living being.
He focused harder, trying to pinpoint the source of the disturbance. It wasn't a familiar presence, and it wasn't part of the sect.
Slowly, he turned to face the entrance of the garden, where a figure stood, silhouetted against the dimming sky.
"Who is it?" Lin Chang whispered to himself, his small body instinctively retreating into the shadows of the garden. The figure did not move closer, but their aura was unmistakable—a cultivator, no doubt, but one from outside the sect.
The figure remained still, their presence so subtle that it was almost as if they were blending into the environment. Lin Chang hesitated, his thoughts racing. What were they doing here? Was this some sort of test, or had something more sinister arrived?
A faint voice broke the silence. "Who's there?"
Lin Chang's heart skipped a beat. The cultivator's eyes were sharp, and they had sensed his presence. But Lin Chang did not respond. He had no desire to interact with this person just yet. He needed to remain unseen, to avoid raising any suspicion.
"Come out, child," the voice called again, gentle yet firm.
Lin Chang swallowed, trying to calm his racing heart. With careful steps, he moved back further into the garden, making sure to avoid any rustling that could give away his position.
The cultivator seemed to sigh, and Lin Chang heard the faintest of footsteps as the person turned away and began walking back toward the main sect grounds.
Once the figure was gone, Lin Chang slowly emerged from the shadows, breathing a quiet sigh of relief. He glanced down at the Lifespan System's panel again, confirming the readings.
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[ Lifespan Detection:
Unknown Cultivator – Lifespan: 83 / 200
System Note: The cultivator is from outside the sect. Unknown intent detected. ]
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Lin Chang furrowed his brow. It was an odd feeling. Cultivators from outside the sect rarely came here, especially at night. There was something strange about this one. He would need to be careful. This was just the beginning.
As he finished his chores for the evening and retreated to his small room, Lin Chang couldn't shake the feeling that his peaceful life was about to change. The world outside the sect was vast and full of dangers. It was only a matter of time before the true test would come.
But for now, he could only wait.
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(End of Chapter 2)