The vast lands stretched endlessly before Lin Tian as he continued his carefree journey. With Wang Kai, his black-furred companion, walking silently beside him, the world felt peaceful. The two roamed without urgency, moving from one town to the next, experiencing the simple joys of traveling.
For ten days, Lin Tian wandered across mountains, rivers, and villages, never staying in one place for too long.
On the first day, they traveled along a dirt path winding through golden wheat fields. Farmers waved as Lin Tian passed, their faces filled with warmth despite their simple lives. Wang Kai trotted ahead, occasionally stopping to sniff the air before continuing.
On the third day, they reached a misty bamboo forest. The tall, green stalks swayed with the wind, their rustling sounds filling the air. Lin Tian walked through the narrow pathways, hands tucked behind his head, enjoying the fresh scent of bamboo. Wang Kai moved with careful steps, his sharp senses attuned to every movement.
"Relax, there's nothing dangerous here," Lin Tian chuckled, patting Wang Kai's head.
The dog huffed but eased his stance, continuing his silent patrol beside his master.
By the fifth day, they arrived at a peaceful riverside town. The scent of grilled fish wafted through the air, and Lin Tian treated himself to a leisurely meal by the water. Wang Kai lay beside him, his tail flicking lazily as he enjoyed the breeze.
"This is the life," Lin Tian sighed, savoring the food while watching the river shimmer under the setting sun.
The seventh day brought them into the mountains. The rocky terrain stretched high into the clouds, and the sound of waterfalls echoed in the distance. They camped under the stars that night, a small fire crackling beside them. Wang Kai curled up nearby, his fur reflecting the flickering flames.
"It's been a while since I've slept outdoors," Lin Tian murmured, leaning against a boulder and gazing at the night sky.
Wang Kai's ears twitched at the distant howl of a wolf, but he didn't move. He knew that with Lin Tian by his side, nothing in this world could pose a threat.
On the tenth day, they finally arrived at a large town, its streets filled with cultivators, merchants, and travelers. Unlike the quiet villages they had passed, this place was lively and full of energy.
Lin Tian strolled through the bustling streets, taking in the sights. Martial artists practiced techniques in open courtyards, traders called out their wares, and street performers entertained passing crowds.
Then, in the heart of the town, he saw it.
A massive martial arena stands proudly amidst the surrounding buildings. The stone pillars bore inscriptions of past champions, and banners waved high, announcing upcoming matches.
From within, the sound of clashing fists and roaring crowds echoed in the air.
Wang Kai tilted his head, staring at the arena with interest.
Lin Tian smirked.
"An arena, huh? Let's see what kind of fighters this place has."
With that, he stepped forward, curiosity sparking in his gaze as he entered the town's martial stage.
The martial arena was alive with energy. The massive open pit was filled with fierce fighters, each displaying their skills in a series of intense duels. The ground, marked with streaks of sweat, blood, and the occasional spark of energy from spells, trembled with each powerful strike. The surrounding stands were packed with spectators, their cheers echoing off the stone walls, amplifying the clamor of the matches.
At the center of it all, the fighters clashed their movements a blur of skill and power. Some wielded swords, others staffs, and a few were using their bare hands, displaying sheer physical strength. The air was thick with the sounds of combat—the clang of weapons, the grunts of exertion, and the applause of the audience.
Lin Tian stood at the edge of the arena, his hands casually tucked behind his head, eyes scanning the fights. He wasn't here to join the fray. Instead, he found himself drawn into the raw energy of the place. For a brief moment, he almost wished he could get involved, but he wasn't interested in such chaos. His gaze wandered from one fighter to the next, analyzing their movements, when his system activated, providing information on the nearby combatants.
System: "Fighter 1 – Level: Early Foundation Stage. Fighter 2 – Level: Mid Foundation Stage. Tactical Advantage: Fighter 2."
Lin Tian glanced at the system's readout but didn't pay much attention to it. The system often provided such data, but it was rarely necessary for someone like him, with his sealed cultivation. However, it was a useful tool for gauging the strength of others, and he used it for entertainment more than anything else.
Then—
A young boy in the stands caught his attention. He asked the system to check it for him,
"Hey System check that kid there in the stand, if possible get me his status panel"
[Ding! Ok boss]
[System: "Unusual Target Detected:]
[Subject - Jian Li. Innocent Child,]
[Emotional Stability: High.]
[Talend: Very poor]
[Potential Influence: Undetermined.]
[Warning: No threat detected."]
"Jian Li…" Lin Tian mused, narrowing his eyes. "So that's the boy's name, but his talent is really bad, well the system says he is quite emotionally stable well let's see I don't mind a laborer, ahem! Helper, yes helper, if he passes the character test, I don't mind taking him as my 1st disciple."
While Thinking about this Lin Tian went toward the kid,
He said to the kid "What are you doing in this place, young man"
Li Jian was a bit stunned, you know nobody here talked to him as he was from a commoner family of government workers.
In this world, nobody gives a shit if you are an official they only respect cultivators and strength.
And the big brother here looks like he is a cultivator,
He hurriedly replied "Big brother I came here to ask the fighters to teach me cultivation even the entry-level will do" Then his Eyes lit up he thought this big brother also looked like a cultivator maybe he could teach him how to cultivate.
He asked "Big brother are you a cultivator can you teach cultivation"
His little mind cannot be hidden from Lin Tian,
"Yes, I am, but are you sure you want to learn cultivation from me?" Asked Lin Tian