The sun climbed high above the valley, its warmth a comforting presence as the Heavenly System Sect continued to take shape.
Master Glimmer, with his boundless cheer and unnerving ability to make stone float, was a whirlwind of efficiency.
Jian and Fang, my temporary commanders, proved surprisingly adept at managing the construction, occasionally stopping to test their enhanced Qi flows or flex their hardened skin.
My mornings were spent overseeing the building, offering (still mostly unhelpful) suggestions, and refining my own systems.
I looked down at my trusty (but increasingly dusty and patched) jogging shorts and band t-shirt. They were great for chasing Bristle-Boars, but they hardly screamed
"Sect Master of the Heavenly System Sect." I mean, seriously, what kind of powerful leader wears activewear to official sect business?
"System," I muttered, accessing my dashboard, which currently showed [Points: 1,296].
"I need a fashion upgrade. Something that says 'I'm in charge, but also approachable, and maybe a little bit mysterious.'"
The System, predictably, remained silent on the fashion front. It had no aesthetic preferences, apparently. Or it was still mad about my previous fashion choices.
I navigated to the [SYSTEM SHOP].
The "Group Support Systems" tab was still there, beckoning, but I resisted. First, style. Then, substance. Or maybe, substance in style.
I clicked on [UTILITY] first, hoping for 'Fashion Enhancement System' or 'Instant Clean Clothes.' No luck.
Then I tried [WEAPONS], but no, a sword wouldn't solve my current sartorial crisis.
Finally, I scrolled down the main list, past all the powerful, point-draining systems. And there it was. Simple. Elegant. Perfect.
[Plain White Robe (Cosmetic)] - Cost: 50 Points
(A flowing, pure white robe. Provides no defense or special abilities. Just looks really, really good.)
Fifty points. For just a piece of cloth. My logical brain screamed, "Waste of points, Alex! You could buy ten Minor Healing Potions!"
But my inner fashionista, who had been repressed for years by the demands of earthly comfort and pizza-eating, screamed, "YES! IT'S GLORIOUS!"
I imagined it. A pure white robe. And my ethereal white wings. It would be iconic! Like a celestial pigeon, but in a good way.
"Alright, System," I muttered, ignoring the internal debate. "One [Plain White Robe (Cosmetic)], please. Don't judge my life choices."
I mentally purchased it. With a soft shimmer, a perfectly folded, pristine white robe materialized in my hands. It felt incredibly soft, almost ethereal.
Not like regular cloth. More like… woven moonlight.
I immediately slipped it on. It flowed around me, perfectly tailored despite the lack of measurements. It was simple, elegant, and had just the right amount of mysterious aura.
I even managed to make my wings shimmer subtly through the back of the robe, creating an effect that was both understated and incredibly cool.
I stepped outside, trying to look nonchalant. Jian was directing a cultivator who was carrying a massive stone.
He glanced at me, did a double-take, and then his eyes widened slightly. Fang, usually oblivious, actually stopped grunting and stared.
Master Glimmer, mid-air while floating a beam, nearly dropped it.
"Sect Master Alex!" Li exclaimed, running over, her eyes sparkling. "You look… majestic! Like a true Celestial Being!"
Old Man Huo stroked his beard, a slow, appreciative nod on his face. "A fine garment, laddiebunch. You actually look like you know what you're doing now." That was high praise from him.
I struck a pose, subtly flexing my wings. "Just embracing the spirit of the Heavenly System Sect, everyone. Now, back to work!"
My points were now [Points: 1,246]. Worth every single point. Looking the part was half the battle, right?
Days turned into a week, then two. The Heavenly System Sect grew by leaps and bounds. With Master Glimmer's expertise and my disciples' enhanced capabilities, huts quickly became houses, foundations solidified into training grounds, and a central hall, adorned with simple but elegant carvings, began to rise.
The valley, once wild, now hummed with the cheerful sounds of construction and the occasional burst of Qi as disciples practiced.
But one thing still bothered me. My recruitment team hadn't returned.
Li, Old Man Huo, and Xiao Mei had left over a week ago. They were supposed to visit two nearby villages, spread the word, and bring back potential recruits.
It should have been a round trip of five, maybe six days at most. Seven at the outside. But it had now been ten.
"Jian," I said one evening, my gaze fixed on the mountain path they had taken. "Are you sure they should be taking this long?"
Jian, ever calm, shook his head. "Sect Master, the paths can be unpredictable. Sometimes, minor beast incursions or rockslides can delay travelers.
But yes, this is longer than anticipated. Their communication talismans have also been silent."
Fang, who had been sharpening his club nearby, let out a low grunt. It sounded worried. Even Master Glimmer seemed to hum a little less cheerfully during the day.
I tried not to worry. Li was charismatic, Old Man Huo was experienced, and Xiao Mei was incredibly smart. They could handle themselves.
But the longer they were gone, the more a cold knot formed in my stomach. What if they ran into something they couldn't handle? What if a rival sect was operating in those villages?
My dashboard was silent. The System gave no hints. It just sat there, waiting for me to be a full Sect Master.
By the end of the third week, the Heavenly System Sect was looking legitimately impressive.
There were more houses, a bustling mess hall (serving surprisingly tasty, non-pizza meals), and even a rudimentary defense wall taking shape.
The valley felt alive, vibrant. The construction crew, under Master Glimmer's cheerful leadership, had done an amazing job.
But the silence from my recruitment team was deafening.
"...."
"It's too long," I finally said, my voice heavy. "Something's wrong. We need to go look for them."
Jian nodded. "I agree, Sect Master. I can prepare a small scouting party."
"No," I said, a new resolve hardening my voice. "I'm going. This is my responsibility. They are my first disciples. You two stay and protect the sect. I'll go myself."
I mentally activated my wings, feeling the familiar tingle. I was still a bit wobbly, but flying would be faster.
Just as I made the decision, a familiar blue screen, glowing with an almost triumphant glee, popped up in front of my face.
[SYSTEM ALERT: USER'S OVER-RELIANCE ON OTHERS DETECTED. PERSONAL GROWTH REQUIRED.]
[SYSTEM STATUS: SMUG. VERY, VERY SMUG.]
Then, a new message, bigger and accompanied by a sound that was suspiciously like a faint, disembodied chuckle.
OHH LOOK! THERE ARE PEOPLE COMING TO OUR SECT! NEHAHAHAHA! AND THEY LOOK VERY… EXCITED TO BE HERE!
My eyes, and Jian's and Fang's, snapped to the main path leading into the valley.
And there they were. A group of people. Coming towards us.
But it wasn't Li, Old Man Huo, and Xiao Mei.
It was a large group, perhaps twenty or thirty individuals. And they weren't walking. They were being herded. Pushed by burly figures in unfamiliar, dark robes, their faces grim.
And at the head of the group, leading them into our valley…
It was Commander Urg. And Commander Zephyr. And behind them, a larger force of Azure Cloud Sect cultivators.
They weren't bringing new recruits.
They were bringing… something else. And Urg's face, usually scowling, was twisted into a triumphant, chilling grin.
My heart plummeted. This wasn't a friendly visit. This wasn't a recruitment drive. This was a hostile takeover. And the System's "NEHAHAHAHA" suddenly sounded a lot less funny. My shiny white robe suddenly felt very, very exposed.