Chapter 3 - The little Fairy

Xie Ren nodded, amused. "That sounds both insulting and impressive."

The fairy started pacing in the air, clutching her head.

[No, no, no! Even trash cultivators have something! Even if it's garbage-tier talent, the system should at least register something! But you have nothing.]

"I think I know the reason now." Xie Ren said with a chuckle.

[Host, what do you mean? What's the reason?!]

Xie Ren smirked. "Why don't you guess?"

[Uh… top-tier trash?]

Xie Ren laughed lightly. "You're a strange little fairy. You're just born, yet you possess so much power. What exactly are you?"

[H-Huh? What do you mean, Host? I'm just a cute little fairy here to help you!]

"Did someone send you to me?"

[The system randomly chooses a host who seems fit to wield the system's authority.]

Xie Ren nodded slowly, stepping forward. His fingers brushed through the air, lingering just beneath her tiny wings. "I see."

Before the fairy could react, his hand shot up like a hawk snatching its prey.

Two fingers closed around her fluttering wings, holding her in place.

[H-Huh?!]

Her legs dangled helplessly in the air.

[Unhand me, Host!] The fairy's voice was panicked. [Let go!]

She was well aware that no mortal or cultivator, no matter how seemingly powerful, should be able to touch a spiritual entity like her.

Yet, she was in his grasp. Her wings beat furiously, and her thoughts collided in a frantic whirl. She realized, with growing certainty, that this trash host, or rather, this man, was hiding his true strength, one that even her sharp spiritual senses couldn't detect.

Could this host be an old monster in disguise?!

It wasn't uncommon for powerful, ancient cultivators to disguise themselves as ordinary people, living among mortals while concealing their true strength.

Some did it to escape past enemies, others to seek enlightenment, and some were just weird old hermits who liked pretending to be beggars.

But if that were the case, then,

[Host, I think there has been some mistake.]

"Mistake?"

[Host—I mean, Lord Immortal, can you please release me? We can resolve this misunderstanding.]

"In the past ten years, you were the first to call me trash." Xie Ren smirked, noticing her sudden shift in behavior. "Now, what should I do with you?"

"I've never tasted a fairy before," he said casually. "Maybe I should."

The fairy's eyes went wide, her wings freezing mid-struggle.

[W-Wait! Please! Don't eat me!] She whimpered.

[Forgive me for calling you trash! I'm sorry! Please don't eat me, Lord Immortal! I'm just a cute little fairy, I've only just been born! I haven't even seen the world! I-I can't even… I can't cook yet! I have so much to learn!]

Xie Ren stood still, watching her tiny body shake in his grip.

He sighed, clearly unimpressed. With a dismissive flick of his hand, he released her.

She fluttered weakly in the air, still sniffling and wiping her tiny eyes with her wings.

"Stop crying," Xie Ren muttered. "I won't eat you. You barely have any muscle."

[You're really not going to eat me?]

"Yes, I'll let you off in case there's a need for emergency food."

Hearing his words, she continued sobbing.

"Tell me something. What exactly is your role in this so-called host's life? What are you supposed to do for me?"

The fairy hesitated for a moment before answering, her voice sobbing.

[I am here to assist the host… My purpose is to guide the host through tribulations and help the host grow stronger by giving the host challenges and tasks. Upon completion, the host will be rewarded.]

"Challenges and tasks?" Xie Ren raised an eyebrow. "So basically, you want me to become your puppet?"

[No, no, Lord Immortal! That's not it at all!]

[I just want to help you! I want to be a useful companion!]

"Mmm. But from what I just heard, that's exactly what it sounded like. A mysterious system that makes me stronger, guides me, helps me…" He trailed off, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Sounds a little too good to be true."

"And what does this system get in return? Because no deal ever comes without a price."

[…]

She nervously glanced away, twiddling her fingers as if she had suddenly found something very interesting in the air.

Xie Ren smirked. "Ah, so there is a catch."

[W-Well, that is…]

He lifted a hand to stop her. "Don't say it."

The fairy blinked in confusion.

"Let's keep it a surprise," Xie Ren said, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "I like surprises."

The fairy blinked in surprise, her large, gleaming eyes filled with confusion. [You... you're okay with it?]

"Why not?" Xie Ren shrugged, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Now then, let's get to the fun part. What rewards am I getting for becoming your host?"

The fairy quickly zipped in the air, pulling up a small, glowing panel in front of Xie Ren. A soft chime rang out.

[Ding! Opening newbie gift pack!]

A brilliant light flashed as a list of rewards appeared before Xie Ren in glowing golden text.

[Received: (Special Physique) Divine Vajra Physique (1x)]

[Received: Qi Refinement Level +10]

[Fusion complete!]

Xie Ren stared at the panel, unimpressed. He casually rolled his shoulders and flexed his fingers. "...That's it?"

He tilted his head, expecting some sort of earth-shattering transformation, golden lightning, a divine aura, or at least a few dramatic wind gusts. But nothing happened.

"Hmm…" He clenched his fists, twisting his torso from side to side. "I thought I'd feel… I don't know, stronger. Maybe grow an extra arm or something."

The fairy, who had been watching with anticipation, quickly pulled up his status screen.

[Host: Xie Ren]

[Identity: Taishan Sect master]

[Age: --]

[Cultivation level: --]

[Talent: --]

[Special Physique: --]

Nothing had changed.

She blinked. Then zoomed in, squinting as if that would somehow reveal a hidden truth. But no matter how many times she refreshed the panel, the results remained the same.

The fairy forced a wry smile, barely holding back the creeping existential dread washing over her.

"So, Where's this Divine Vajra Physique? Did I just get scammed?"

The fairy flapped her wings, feeling an overwhelming urge to cry.

"What else does this system have?"

The little fairy perked up, her wings fluttering eagerly. [There are various features! I'll have to see what's most suitable.]

A soft hum echoed in the air as golden symbols flickered.

[Searching for a suitable feature for the host…]

A glowing translucent screen materialized before him.

[Ding, suitable feature found!]

[Supreme Sect Master Feature Activated!]

[Description: This feature allows the host to locate genius talents and recruit them to the host's sect. Upon successful recruitment, the host will receive appropriate rewards. This feature allows the host to gain experience through disciple breakthroughs.]

"That's interesting," he muttered.

[Scanning for talented disciples nearby…]

[Scan complete! One genius disciple candidate detected at the sect's entrance!]

[Name: (Generating...)]

[Talent: SSS-Grade]

[Special Physique: Nine-Tail Immortal Body]

A disciple candidate the sect's entrance?

Could it be…?

Xie Ren didn't hesitate and headed toward the sect's main entrance.