Go Be A Sect Master First

The words "SYSTEM SHOP" pulsed in my mind, a beacon of glorious possibility.

With 6,786 points, I felt like a kid in a candy store, except the candy was supernatural power. I could almost hear the triumphant jingle of a cash register.

My conversation with the Sect Master about Clash-Ball systems continued, but a significant portion of my brain was already window-shopping.

"So, Alex," the Sect Master's voice cut through my mental retail therapy. "About these specialized systems for Clash-Ball. What would you propose?"

"Sect Master," I said, snapping back to reality. "For Clash-Ball, you need power, precision, and endurance.

I'm thinking a combination of the [Super-Strength Kick System] and perhaps the [Enhanced Stamina System] for your key players. Maybe even a [Minor Aura of Leadership System] for your team captain, to inspire his comrades."

Urg grunted. "Aura of Leadership? That sounds like a soft trick. Give us strength!"

"An army marches on its stomach, Urg, but it fights with its heart," I retorted, remembering some cheesy war movie line. "Leadership matters! It's not just about brute force."

The Sect Master stroked his beard. "Intriguing. The combination of direct physical enhancement with a… morale-boosting ability. I like it.

But for such powerful systems, I imagine the cost in points would be substantial?"

"Indeed, Sect Master," I confirmed.

"The Super-Strength Kick System is 100 points. The Enhanced Stamina System is also 100 points. The Aura of Leadership is 200 points."

The Sect Master's eyes gleamed.

"So, to outfit a few key players… perhaps three or four? We would be talking about hundreds of points. But given the returns you mentioned, it seems like a worthwhile investment for the sect." He paused, then his gaze sharpened.

"Alex, how long do these systems last? Are they permanent?"

"As far as I know, yes, they're permanent," I replied, feeling a surge of satisfaction. No refunds, no expiration dates. Quality merchandise.

"Excellent!" the Sect Master declared.

"We shall select a few candidates tomorrow. For now, rest. And perhaps continue to 'explore' your abilities." He gave me a knowing look, as if sensing my mental wandering.

Once I was back in my comfortable new room, the "SYSTEM SHOP" notification on my dashboard practically vibrated. I focused on it, imagining opening it up.

A new interface bloomed in my mind, far more elaborate than the simple scrolling list. It had categories, filters, even a little shopping cart icon. This was amazing!

Just as I was about to click on "All Systems" to browse, a new message flashed across the top of the shop interface, in that same familiar, grumpy font.

[SYSTEM ALERT: ACCESS DENIED.]

[SYSTEM STATUS: ANNOYED AT YOUR IMPATIENCE.]

Then, another line appeared, burning with exasperation:

YOU MUST BE A SECT MASTER TO OPEN THE SYSTEM SHOP, YOU STUPID! GO BE A SECT MASTER FIRST, THEN CAME! I AIN'T NO PERSONAL SHOPPING ASSISTANT FOR COMMONERS!

My jaw, which seemed to spend a lot of time dropping in this world, hit the metaphorical floor. "What?! A Sect Master?!" I exclaimed aloud, startling myself.

"But… but I just got here! I'm a Systems Trader, not a… a cultivation leader!"

The System remained stubbornly silent, the message burning into my mental retina.

A Sect Master. That was a huge jump. That implied leading a whole group, managing resources, dealing with rival sects, probably meditating for hours on end. I was a guy who once struggled to assemble IKEA furniture.

Leading a sect sounded infinitely more complicated.

My dreams of a shopping spree evaporated like morning mist. I had 6,786 points, and I couldn't even browse the good stuff. This was cosmic torture.

I paced my room. Sect Master. How was I, Alex, supposed to become a Sect Master? This sect already had one, and he seemed pretty good at it.

Was the System suggesting I overthrow him? That sounded dangerous and morally questionable. Or… maybe start my own? A Systems Trading Sect?

The next morning, after a surprisingly good night's sleep

(despite the shock of the System's new demand), I requested an audience with the Sect Master.

He received me in a smaller, more intimate study, surrounded by ancient scrolls and glowing artifacts. Lyra, Urg, and Zephyr were not present, which was a relief.

"Alex," the Sect Master greeted me, gesturing to a comfortable cushion. "What is on your mind so early?"

I took a deep breath. This was a long shot, but I had to try. "Sect Master, I've been… contemplating the nature of my abilities. And I've come to a realization.

To truly unlock the full potential of the Systems Trader, to acquire the most powerful and specialized systems, I need a… a larger operational base."

The Sect Master looked intrigued. "A larger operational base? You mean more disciples? More resources?"

"More than that, Sect Master," I said, choosing my words carefully. "My System… it needs to recognize me as a figure of authority.

A leader. Someone who can truly command and guide a group. Specifically… a Sect Master."

The Sect Master's eyes widened fractionally. He didn't laugh. He just stared at me, a flicker of understanding, and perhaps, a hint of something else.

"You believe your 'System' requires you to be a Sect Master to access its full capabilities?" he finally asked, his voice low.

"Yes," I confirmed, nodding vigorously. "It's like… a rank requirement. The bigger the impact I can make, the greater the systems it will allow me to access. And leading a sect, shaping its destiny, is the ultimate impact."

I left out the "you stupid!" part.

He was silent for a long moment, stroking his beard. I could almost hear the gears turning in his ancient, wise mind. He was weighing my words, weighing the implications.

He had just witnessed the power of my systems. He knew what they could do.

"The Azure Cloud Sect has been my life's work," he said slowly, his gaze drifting to the panoramic window that overlooked the sprawling sect grounds. "To relinquish it… is not something I would do lightly. Even if it were for the greater good."

"Oh, no, Sect Master!" I quickly interjected. "I wasn't suggesting that! Not right away, anyway.

That would be… deeply disrespectful. And frankly, I have no idea how to run a sect. I'd probably accidentally convert it into a giant pizza oven."

He chuckled, a dry, amused sound. "A giant pizza oven, you say? Perhaps not the worst fate for a sect."

"No, what I mean is," I continued, pressing my advantage, "I need to start somewhere. A smaller sect. A… a mid-sized one, perhaps? One that I can build up, manage, learn the ropes.

One where I can experiment with different types of systems and prove my leadership capabilities to… the cosmic benefactors."

The Sect Master regarded me for a long moment. "A mid-sized sect… a branch sect, perhaps? Or a new foundation?" He mused.

"It would require resources. Cultivators. Territory. And most importantly… loyal disciples."

"Exactly!" I said, leaning forward. "You already have the resources, Sect Master! And the cultivators! You could lend me a contingent of Qi cultivators to start.

Those who might be seeking new opportunities, a new path. They could be my first disciples, and I could enhance them with systems, just like I did for Tian."

The Sect Master's eyes narrowed, but a calculating glint appeared in them. "A fascinating proposition. A 'System-enhanced' sect.

An experimental venture. If successful, it could serve as a powerful ally, and a template for future growth." He stood up and walked to the window, gazing out at the vast, cloud-shrouded peaks. "Very well, Alex. I will consider your request.

But know this: to be a Sect Master is to bear an immense responsibility. It is not just about gaining power for yourself, but about guiding and protecting those under your care."

"I understand, Sect Master," I said, a serious expression on my face. "I won't let you down. Or the System." (Even if it thought I was a doofus).

As I walked back to my room, the Sect Master's words echoing in my mind, a fresh wave of excitement and trepidation washed over me.

A Sect Master. Me? It was absurd. But also… thrilling. It was the only way to unlock the full power of the System Shop. And if I could get my own sect, outfit it with powerful systems, and maybe even turn them into a Clash-Ball powerhouse… that would be epic.

Back in my room, I ignored the "SYSTEM SHOP" notification for a moment. If I was going to be a Sect Master, even a mid-sized one, I needed to be stronger myself. I had 200 points. Time to invest in me.

I scrolled through the limited catalogue of systems I could access directly. My eyes darted past 'Super Speedy Laundry System' and 'Expert Fishing System'. I needed something that would make me formidable, even without Qi.

Something that would give me a fighting chance if I ever ran into Urg in a dark alley (or a bright training ground).

And there it was. Just within my budget.

[Minor Kinetic Shield System] - Cost: 200 Points (Creates a personal, invisible kinetic shield that deflects minor physical impacts and energy attacks. Regenerates slowly.)

A shield! Perfect for a non-cultivator surrounded by literal human tanks. This wouldn't make me punch harder, but it would make me harder to punch. And it cost exactly 200 points.

"Alright, System," I whispered, focusing intently. "You called me a doofus, but you also gave me points. I'm taking this. Consider it a down payment on my future Sect Master status."

With a mental command, I allocated the [Minor Kinetic Shield System] to myself.

A subtle hum enveloped me, a feeling like a thin, invisible layer of solid air had settled around my skin. I felt… protected. Not invincible, but definitely less squishy.