Sect Master Wants Glory

The journey back to the main Azure Cloud Sect was a stark contrast to my initial, terrifying arrival.

This time, I wasn't being dragged as a captive; I was walking alongside Commander Urg and Commander Zephyr, a respected (if still slightly bewildered) Branch Sect Master.

My white robe billowed majestically, and I made sure to occasionally unfurl my [Basic White Wings System] for a short, majestic glide over a particularly rocky patch, just to remind them who they were dealing with.

(My landings were still… a work in progress, but I was getting better at sticking them.)

My new recruits, the twenty-plus bewildered but hopeful disciples, were settling into the Heavenly System Sect.

Jian and Fang were already organizing them, assigning temporary tents, and getting them involved in the ongoing construction.

Li, with her [Minor Charisma System], was a natural at making them feel welcome, her cheerful voice echoing across the valley.

Old Man Huo and Xiao Mei, freshly returned

(and full of stories about how they barely escaped a minor rockslide), immediately began teaching the new disciples about the valley's local resources and dangers.

My sect was growing, and it felt amazing.

"So, Sect Master Alex," Zephyr said, observing my latest aerial maneuver

(which ended with a slightly undignified wobble), "your flight capabilities seem to be improving. Though I still recommend a cultivation art for truly sustained flight."

"Baby steps, Commander Zephyr," I replied, dusting off a bit of imaginary dirt from my pristine white robe. "Baby steps. Anyway, tell me more about this Grand Sect Tournament.

What's the deal? Is it like… a fantasy Olympics?"

Urg grunted. "More brutal than your 'Olympics,' I imagine. It's a series of challenges.

Combat, strategy, resource gathering, even a bit of puzzle-solving. Sects send their strongest, their brightest. It's about showing off your sect's prowess."

"And the rewards?" I asked, my internal Systems Trader brain immediately thinking in terms of points.

"Prestige," Zephyr stated. "Influence. And, of course, a share of the grand prize pool – rare spiritual herbs, ancient cultivation manuals, powerful artifacts. All divvied up based on ranking."

"Ah, material incentives!" I nodded sagely. "Very important for motivation. And our Sect Master wants to win, obviously."

Urg actually cracked a small, rare smile.

"The Sect Master always wants to win. Especially against the Blazefury Sect. Their Sect Master, Grand Elder Kael, is an arrogant old fossil. Beating them is half the fun."

"Blazefury Sect, huh?" I mused. "Sounds fiery. Do they specialize in… fiery stuff?"

"They are renowned for their fire element cultivators," Zephyr confirmed. "And the Verdantwood Sect for wood and healing, the Ironfist Sect for earth and defense, and the Starlight Conclave for illusions and mental arts. Each sect has its specialty."

My mind immediately began racing through the System Shop, thinking of counter-systems.

[Water Manipulation System] for the Blazefury Sect?

[Anti-Illusion System] for the Starlight Conclave? This was like a giant, tactical RPG!

"And how many disciples typically participate from each sect?" I asked.

"Usually a team of ten to twelve of their most elite young cultivators for the main combat events," Urg replied. "Plus a few for specialized challenges."

"Excellent," I said, a grin spreading across my face. "Twelve systems. That's a lot of potential points. And a chance to show off what the Heavenly System Sect can really do."

Urg grunted, then said something I almost missed. "Just don't give them any more 'fairy dust' that tickles their noses."

"Point taken, Commander Urg," I said, suppressing a chuckle.

The [Minor Meteor Shower System] incident would apparently haunt me forever.

The journey passed quickly, filled with discussions about past tournaments, the strengths and weaknesses of rival sects, and Urg's surprisingly detailed (and aggressive) tactical plans for various scenarios.

Zephyr, meanwhile, seemed to enjoy asking me increasingly complex questions about how "systems" interacted with this world's spiritual energy, proving he was more than just a smirk and some sparks.

Finally, the grand silhouette of the Azure Cloud Sect appeared, its glowing buildings piercing the clouds. It was even more majestic than I remembered.

We were led directly to the Sect Master's private chambers. He sat at his large, polished stone table, a map of the cultivation world spread out before him. Lyra was already there, meticulously organizing scrolls.

"Alex," the Sect Master greeted me, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "You have returned. And your sect, I hear, is thriving."

"It is, Sect Master," I confirmed, giving a respectful bow. "The construction is well underway, and we have a fresh batch of eager recruits, thanks to Commanders Urg and Zephyr."

Urg grunted proudly. Zephyr gave me a subtle wink.

"Good, good," the Sect Master nodded. "Now, to the matter at hand: the Grand Sect Tournament. It commences in precisely one month.

We have selected our core team of twelve disciples. They are the best of the best, highly talented, rigorously trained. But I believe your 'systems' can elevate them to an entirely new level."

"I am ready, Sect Master," I said, my voice firm. "I have just the systems in mind to give them an undeniable edge. We can discuss the details."

"Excellent," the Sect Master said, gesturing to a small table beside him. On it, sat a shimmering pile of what looked like solidified spiritual energy – glowing crystals, rare herbs, and even a small, beautifully crafted jade artifact.

"These are initial payment. The first installment. More will come upon a victorious outcome in the tournament."

My eyes widened. My dashboard, which showed [Points: 1,296], was about to get a serious boost. My internal System was probably already doing a happy dance.

"Sect Master," I began, my voice filled with professional enthusiasm, "let's talk systems. For the main combat team, I recommend a combination of offensive and defensive enhancements.

The [Super-Strength Kick System] is excellent for powerful attacks, especially if they are used to kicking projectiles.

The [Enhanced Stamina System] for endurance in prolonged battles. And for defense, perhaps a [Minor Elemental Shield System] – tailored to their elemental affinity, of course – for robust protection."

Lyra, ever sharp, interjected. "Sect Master, the cost of twelve such powerful systems… it would be substantial. Not to mention the additional personal benefits Alex would accrue."

"Indeed, Lyra," the Sect Master said, his gaze fixed on me. "Alex, what is your proposed cost for these twelve elite systems? Both in 'points,' and in material wealth for your nascent Heavenly System Sect?"

My mind raced. I needed points for the System Shop, for those "Group Support Systems," and for my own ultimate upgrades.

And my sect needed resources, proper cultivators, and influence. This was the ultimate negotiation.

"Sect Master," I began, adopting my most serious, confident tone. "For twelve [Super-Strength Kick Systems], twelve [Enhanced Stamina Systems], and twelve [Minor Elemental Shield Systems] – that's thirty-six individual system allocations – the base point cost would be 3,600 points.

However, given the immense prestige and power it will bring to the Azure Cloud Sect, and the critical nature of this tournament, I propose a unique arrangement."

The Sect Master leaned forward, intrigued. "Speak your terms, Alex."

I request a permanent annual allocation of 100 high-grade spiritual stones from the Azure Cloud Sect's reserves.

This will ensure my disciples have the resources to cultivate and thrive."

Urg grunted. "One hundred spiritual stones? That's a fortune for a branch sect!"

"It's an investment, Commander," I countered. "In a cutting-edge approach to cultivation.

An investment that will pay dividends in prestige and future power for the Azure Cloud Sect."

"And thirdly," I added, looking directly at the Sect Master, "upon a glorious victory in the Grand Sect Tournament, I request official recognition from the Azure Cloud Sect for the Heavenly System Sect, elevating its status from 'branch' to a full, independent sect, allied with the Azure Cloud Sect.

And a public declaration of the System's power, allowing me to recruit more openly."

The Sect Master's eyes gleamed. He leaned back, then burst into a rare, full-throated laugh. "Independent sect! Public declaration! Alex, you drive a hard bargain, for a man who wields 'fairy dust'!"

I grinned. "Well, Sect Master, my fairy dust just helped us beat a Boulder-Beast. Imagine what it can do for your elite disciples." I knew he'd heard about it from Urg.

The Sect Master looked at Lyra, who gave a slow, deliberate nod. He looked at Urg, who, surprisingly, just grunted in agreement.

Zephyr gave a subtle thumbs-up.

"Very well, Alex," the Sect Master said, a look of profound amusement and ambition on his face.

"We have a deal. The resources will be allocated. The bonuses guaranteed.

And if we win this tournament… the Heavenly System Sect shall rise as an independent power.

Prepare yourself, Alex. The future of the Azure Cloud Sect, and perhaps, the entire cultivation world, rests on your 'systems'!"