More Disciples More Points

My muscles ached, my sword arm felt heavy, but a fierce exhilaration surged through me.

We had faced a genuine threat, not just a couple of grumpy Bristle-Boars, and we had won. The Heavenly System Sect's first monster hunt was a resounding success.

My disciples, buzzing with adrenaline, were already discussing strategies, critiquing their own movements, and praising the potency of the potions and my new elemental blade.

Fang, his temporary stone armor shimmering faintly before it dissolved, even managed a low chuckle. Old Man Huo kept flexing his still-bulging biceps.

"Sect Master Alex!" Li beamed, her face streaked with dirt but radiating joy.

"That was incredible! The armor, the strength… we truly are unstoppable with your systems!"

I grinned, leaning on my [Basic Elemental Blade (Earth)].

"Not just my systems, Li. It was all of us. Your morale boosts, Jian's precision, Old Man Huo's charge, Xiao Mei's insights, and Fang's unyielding defense. We're a team. And this is just the beginning."

My dashboard, however, was a bit less celebratory: [Points: 1,296].

That Boulder-Beast had cost me 500 points in consumables and 800 for the sword. A net loss of 100 points for the fight itself. The System apparently didn't offer "Victory Bonus" points for epic monster slaying. Grumpy.

As we began the long, hard task of butchering and collecting resources from the Boulder-Beast

(its rocky hide was useless, but its internal core glowed with valuable mineral energy), a new fire ignited within me.

"Alright, everyone," I announced as we finally dragged a substantial chunk of mineral core back to the camp. "Listen up!"

They gathered around, tired but eager.

"We just faced a Boulder-Beast," I said, my voice serious, "and we won. Why? Because we worked together, and because my systems gave us the edge.

This sect, the Heavenly System Sect, is going to be different. It's not just about cultivating Qi. It's about combining that with the power of systems. It's about making ordinary people extraordinary."

I looked at their faces, lit by the flickering campfire.

"We need to grow. We need more disciples. Not just cultivators from the Azure Cloud Sect, but anyone with potential. Anyone who wants to be stronger, faster, smarter, or even just find cool rocks!" I winked at Jian, who gave a faint smile.

Old Man Huo stroked his beard. "More disciples, eh, Sect Master? That's always a challenge. Most cultivators are already tied to their sects, or wander alone.

And common folk… they rarely have the talent for cultivation."

"Exactly!" I said. "And that's where the Systems come in! They don't need innate cultivation talent. My systems can grant abilities to anyone.

Even those who can't cultivate Qi. Imagine a fisherman who always finds the biggest fish, a farmer who grows crops faster than anyone else, a weaver who can create magic cloth! These aren't just minor benefits; they're life-changing."

Li's eyes widened. "You mean… even people without cultivation talent can become strong?"

"Strong in their own way, yes!" I confirmed. "Stronger than they ever thought possible. And imagine a whole sect filled with such people! Each with a unique system, all working together! That's the kind of power I want to build in this world. A power that helps everyone, not just those born with talent."

Xiao Mei, who had been listening intently, closed her book.

"Sect Master, that sounds… revolutionary. But recruiting would be difficult. Most towns are wary of new sects, and major sects already claim most talented cultivators."

"Indeed," Jian added, ever practical.

"We would need a strategy. Where would we find such 'ordinary people with potential' who would be willing to join a new, untested sect?"

I thought about Oakhaven. About Bramble, and Borin. They were ordinary people, and they had embraced the systems.

"Villages," Old Man Huo rumbled, his eyes gleaming with a newfound shrewdness. "Smaller, isolated villages. They are often overlooked by the big sects.

They face their own challenges – wild beasts, harsh seasons, lack of resources. They would be more open to something… new. More desperate for help."

"Exactly, Old Man Huo!" I beamed. "We start small, we prove ourselves, and we build from there. We become a beacon of hope for the common folk!"

Fang grunted, a surprisingly approving sound. He probably liked the idea of helping normal people. Or maybe he just wanted more fights.

"So," I said, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. "Tomorrow, we send out a recruitment party. To the nearest villages.

And we're not just looking for cultivators; we're looking for anyone with a spark, anyone who wants to improve their life, anyone who's willing to take a chance on the Heavenly System Sect!"

Li cheered. Jian gave a rare, almost imperceptible nod. Xiao Mei already seemed to be planning a recruitment pamphlet in her mind.

Old Man Huo stroked his beard, a thoughtful expression on his face. Fang, well, Fang just grunted. But it was a good grunt.

The next few days were a flurry of preparations. The construction of the Heavenly System Sect continued apace, solidifying its presence in the valley.

We repurposed some of the Boulder-Beast's mineral core into surprisingly sturdy (if slightly lumpy) building materials, much to Master Glimmer's fascination.

My disciples, with their newly enhanced abilities, were also preparing. Li practiced her charisma on the construction crew, convincing them to work an extra hour for some specially brewed herbal tea (which, surprisingly, worked).

Xiao Mei devoured ancient texts on local geography, mapping out the nearest villages. Jian refined his Qi sensing, trying to locate potential recruits from afar.

Old Man Huo and Fang sharpened their weapons, ready for any trouble on the road.

I, meanwhile, spent my mornings honing my own new skills.

My [Basic Elemental Affinity (Earth)] was slowly improving; I could now create a small, shallow trench with a minute's concentration.

My [Minor Kinetic Shield] deflected pebbles thrown by Fang with ease.

And my [Minor Combat Prowess System] made my movements surprisingly fluid, allowing me to dodge attacks from Old Man Huo's (now very fast) broadsword in mock sparring. I was getting stronger, more confident, more like a proper leader.

And the wings? I could now fly in surprisingly straight lines for short bursts, without crashing. Mostly.

On the appointed morning, the recruitment party stood ready. It would be Li, Old Man Huo, and Xiao Mei.

Jian and Fang would remain at the sect, assisting with security and construction, acting as my temporary commanders.

"Remember," I instructed them, my voice firm. "Tell them about the Heavenly System Sect. Tell them we offer a new path to strength.

That everyone has potential. And tell them about the 'systems' – how they can change lives."

Li nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "We will make you proud, Sect Master Alex!"

Old Man Huo clapped Li on the back. "Don't worry, laddiebunch. This old man knows how to talk to villagers. And how to spot a good recruit."

Xiao Mei, with her refined intellect, had prepared a short, concise speech, probably cross-referenced with five different ancient texts on persuasive rhetoric.

As they set off, their figures growing smaller as they disappeared among the trees, I felt a surge of hope. This was it. The next step.

Expanding the Heavenly System Sect, bringing in new blood, new talents, new dreams.

I watched them go, then turned to the sprawling, still-under-construction sect grounds. My mind wandered to the Clash-Ball pitch, still overgrown but beckoning.

Soon. First, we'd build our numbers. Then, we'd train. And then, we'd conquer.

Just as I was about to head back to oversee some construction, my dashboard flashed.

[SYSTEM HINT: USER IS NOW READY FOR ADVANCED LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES. UPGRADE TO 'SECT MASTER' STATUS IMMINENT UPON SUFFICIENT SECT GROWTH.]

[SYSTEM MESSAGE: GOOD. NOW STOP DAYDREAMING, DOOFUS. THERE'S WORK TO BE DONE.]