The First Step Toward Strength

Xu Liang studied Zhao Wei carefully.

A stranger appearing out of nowhere, claiming to recruit "talented strays" for his own faction? It was too convenient. Too sudden.

But I have nothing right now. No resources, no allies, and no cultivation. If he can provide an opportunity, I'll take it… for now.

Zhao Wei's smirk remained as he watched Xu Liang's calculating gaze.

"I can tell you're smart," Zhao Wei said, brushing dirt off his tattered robe. "That's good. But you don't have many choices, kid. You're weak, alone, and stuck in a forest where beasts will tear you apart before sunrise. Following me is your best option."

Xu Liang's grip on the wolf's fang tightened slightly.

He hated being looked down on.

But Zhao Wei wasn't wrong.

His current strength was laughable compared to real cultivators. His system gave him an edge, but he had no idea how powerful it truly was. Until he had a proper foundation, he needed to play along.

"Fine," Xu Liang said. "I'll listen. But if you try anything, I'll kill you."

Zhao Wei's grin widened. "That's the spirit."

With that, he turned and started walking. "Come on, we've got ground to cover before nightfall."

Xu Liang followed cautiously, still keeping an eye on the man.

As they moved deeper into the forest, he took the chance to observe his surroundings. Towering trees with thick, gnarled roots stretched as far as the eye could see. The air carried the scent of damp earth, and distant roars echoed through the foliage—signs that this was no ordinary forest.

"This place… it's part of a sect's territory, isn't it?" Xu Liang asked after a while.

Zhao Wei glanced at him. "Not bad, kid. You catch on fast."

Xu Liang's eyes narrowed.

"Whose land is this?"

"The Iron Wolf Sect."

A flicker of cold fury passed through Xu Liang's heart, but his face remained impassive.

The sect that abandoned him.

The same sect where disciples had beaten him nearly to death and thrown him away like trash.

Zhao Wei continued. "Technically, this area is part of their outer hunting grounds. But it's a grey zone—sects like Iron Wolf don't patrol here often. Too many spirit beasts, not enough resources worth guarding. That's why I chose this place."

Xu Liang frowned slightly. "Chose it for what?"

Zhao Wei smirked. "You'll see."

They walked for nearly half an hour before the trees thinned out, revealing a hidden clearing surrounded by rocky cliffs. A faint glow of campfire light flickered in the distance.

Xu Liang's sharp eyes caught three figures near the fire.

Two of them were young men, their clothes worn but their bodies lean and strong. The third was a girl with dark red hair, a dagger strapped to her waist.

As soon as they noticed Zhao Wei approaching, they stood up, alert.

"Another one?" one of the young men said, raising an eyebrow at Xu Liang.

"He survived in the forest alone," Zhao Wei said lazily. "That means he's either capable or lucky. Either way, we can use him."

The girl with the dagger folded her arms. "Hmph. I'll be the judge of that."

Xu Liang's eyes flickered. Testing me already?

The girl stepped forward, her gaze sharp as a blade. "I don't trust weaklings. If you want to stay, you have to prove you're worth keeping."

Zhao Wei chuckled. "Relax, Meilin. The kid's smart. Let's hear what he has to say first."

Xu Liang didn't hesitate. He needed information.

"Before I agree to anything," he said, his tone steady, "tell me exactly what you people are trying to do."

The other young man smirked. "Zhao Wei didn't explain?"

"He's testing me. Just like you are," Xu Liang said flatly.

Zhao Wei burst out laughing. "See? I told you he's sharp."

Meilin's lips curled slightly, as if approving of his attitude.

Zhao Wei finally answered.

"Our goal? Simple." His gaze turned serious. "The sects rule everything. They decide who gets to cultivate, who gets to live, and who gets to die. We don't accept that."

Xu Liang's brows furrowed slightly. "You're trying to go against the sects?"

Zhao Wei chuckled. "Going against them? No. Not yet."

His expression darkened.

"We're just trying to survive."

The air grew heavy.

Xu Liang said nothing, but he could already see it.

A group of outcasts. People abandoned by their sects, or those who never had the chance to join one.

Zhao Wei continued, his tone calm but firm. "The world isn't kind to those without a background. We take in the ones who don't have anywhere else to go. In return, we train together, fight together, and grow stronger together. No sect rules us. No master owns us."

Xu Liang's mind spun.

A faction of rogue cultivators.

It was risky. Without the protection of a sect, they were vulnerable. But at the same time… they were free.

A faint smile tugged at Xu Liang's lips. Interesting.

He looked around at the group, then back at Zhao Wei.

"Fine," he said. "I'll join."

The tension eased. Zhao Wei grinned. "That's the right choice."

But Meilin smirked. "Not so fast."

Before Xu Liang could react, she dashed forward, her dagger flashing in the firelight.

Instinct kicked in. Combat Assistance Mode activated.

His body moved before he could think—he sidestepped at the last second, barely dodging her blade.

Meilin's eyes gleamed. "Fast reflexes. But let's see how long you last."

She attacked again, her movements sharp and precise.

Xu Liang quickly analyzed her technique. Speed-based. She aims for weak points. Precision over brute force.

His mind worked fast.

Instead of dodging outright, he let her attack graze him—but in that moment, he countered, grabbing her wrist and twisting it.

Meilin's eyes widened.

For a split second, her balance broke.

Xu Liang swept her legs, knocking her backward.

But before she could hit the ground, she flipped mid-air and landed on her feet. She took a step back, dagger still in hand, but this time, her smirk was genuine.

"…You're not bad," she admitted.

The other two young men clapped. "Hah! Finally, someone who isn't useless."

Zhao Wei grinned. "Welcome to the group, Xu Liang."

Xu Liang exhaled slowly, his heart still steady.

He had passed their test.

But this was just the beginning.

Now, it was time to start his true path to strength.