The strange sensation Li Wei felt lasted only a moment before it ended, his system prompt screen appearing soon after.
Skill Upgraded: Basic Swordsmanship -> Novice Swordsmanship
Li Wei smirked at the notification. So I don't even need to practice to level up? No wonder it's called the Young Master System, he mused.
Leng Yue, standing nearby, observed him with her usual composed demeanor. "Did you have a breakthrough in your technique?" she asked, her tone calm but probing.
Li Wei couldn't help but think she was sharper than she let on, perhaps even hiding her true cultivation. It didn't bother him much. "Just some minor enlightenment, nothing major," he replied nonchalantly. While normal cultivators had to practice tirelessly to see progress, his system allowed him to gain mastery as long as his cultivation level was sufficient to execute the techniques. A ridiculous cheat—but he wasn't complaining.
Leng Yue's eyes narrowed slightly. "Does this mean you'll start taking your cultivation seriously now, Young Master?"
Li Wei dusted himself off, standing lazily. "I don't have much of a choice, do I?" His gaze shifted to her, curiosity flickering in his expression. "What did Mother leave for you?"
"My spatial ring contains mostly spirit stones and items suited to my cultivation." She paused, then added with a faintly challenging tone, "Would you like to inspect it, Young Master?"
He waved her off. "No need. I trust what's there will suffice." For now, he thought, given he was relying on her power until his own grew stronger. Acting too pompous wouldn't serve him—at least not yet.
Li Wei pulled out a map of the Azure Sky World, carefully examining it. Using the information they had gathered from Liu Mei, they pinpointed their location.
"This is the Jade Lotus Region, within the borders of the Shimmering Moon Kingdom," Li Wei noted.
Leng Yue leaned closer, her gaze scanning the map. "No wonder Liu Mei was weak. This territory should have very few Core Formation experts."
The realization filled Li Wei with confidence. "Perfect. Let's head to Crescent Moon City."
Without hesitation, Leng Yue took out her flying sword, ready to depart. Li Wei was about to do the same but hesitated, eyeing his Mystic Grade sword. It was a rarity, even in the Celestial Realm, and though the region seemed safe, unsheathing it felt like overkill. Still, he decided to take it out, convinced it added to his air of authority.
The moment he drew the blade, it released a powerful aura that shot into the sky, piercing the clouds.
"Refine it, quickly!" Leng Yue snapped, alarm flashing in her usually placid expression.
Li Wei acted immediately, channeling his spiritual energy into the sword. A conscious connection formed, allowing him to suppress the aura.
"We need to leave—now," Leng Yue urged, her voice firm. "Cultivators from miles around will rush here. Even if they can't take the sword, knowing you have it could create unnecessary trouble."
He nodded in agreement. They mounted their flying swords, leaving the scene at high speed. Below, the landscape blurred as they made their way toward Crescent Moon City.
The city walls of Crescent Moon City loomed in the distance, surrounded by fertile plains and lush forests. As they approached, Li Wei gestured for them to descend.
"Let's enter through the gates," he suggested.
Leng Yue glanced at him, her expression unreadable but compliant. Assuming he wanted to gather information discreetly, she didn't argue. In reality, Li Wei hoped to trigger a quest—or at least provoke someone into offending him.
The city was bustling with life. High outer walls stood as protection against beasts and enemies alike. Inside, districts teemed with activity. Vendors lined the streets, selling everything from fresh produce to mystical artifacts. Mortals and low-rank cultivators moved through the chaos, creating a lively, noisy atmosphere.
As they descended, they noticed a long line of people and caravans waiting to enter the gates. The queue snaked far beyond the city walls. At the back of the line stood a sickly woman leaning heavily on a wooden staff. Two children clung to her sides—a boy and a girl, their clothes tattered but their eyes bright.
Curiosity stirred, and Li Wei approached them. "Why the long line?"
The boy glared at him, his voice sharp despite his youth. "You can't cut in front of us! Our mother is sick and needs help."
"Hush!" the woman scolded, bowing deeply despite her frailty. "Forgive him, great sir. The line is long because a beast tide destroyed our village. The city has imposed strict entry measures. We've been waiting for days."
The girl, who had been staring at Leng Yue with wide eyes, suddenly spoke. "You're so beautiful, Miss."
Leng Yue offered her a small smile, but before Li Wei could respond, a system prompt appeared in his vision.
Side Quest: A True Young Master Helps the Less Fortunate
Objective: Assist the poor family and ensure everyone knows of your generosity.
Reward: 200 EXP, 50 System Coins, 1 Reputation Point
Li Wei sighed inwardly. He was tempted to leave, but the rewards—though minor—convinced him otherwise. His lips curved into a charming smile. "It is your honor to meet me, who is admired even by the heavens. Follow me, and I will ensure you enter the city."
The woman hesitated but eventually nodded, too fearful to refuse. Gripping her children's hands, she followed Li Wei and Leng Yue toward the front of the line.
As they passed, murmurs of discontent rippled through the crowd.
"Who do they think they are?" someone grumbled.
"Must be from a big clan," another whispered, eyeing their robes and bearing.
At the gates, the guards tensed, their gazes sharpening as they noticed Li Wei and Leng Yue cutting the line. Before they could speak, a commanding voice rang out.
"Who dares cut in front of the Lin Clan?"
Li Wei turned, his smirk widening as he took in the speaker—a tall, broad-shouldered man radiating arrogance. His richly embroidered robes bore an insignia that screamed wealth and power.
"I, Li Wei, your grandfather, dare," he replied with deliberate condescension. "And who might you be?"
The man's eyes narrowed dangerously. "I am Lin Shen, core disciple of the Lin Clan. You will show proper respect."
Li Wei laughed, the sound echoing boldly. "Respect? You're in the presence of greatness. It's you who should bow to me."