City of Champions Awaiting

Twenty days. Twenty glorious days of non-stop training, strategizing, and surprisingly good flatbreads at the Azure Cloud Sect.

My life had officially become a montage.

The twelve tournament disciples, now fully integrated with their systems, were absolute powerhouses. Li Wei's kicks could shatter training dummies, Borin's elemental shield could deflect focused Qi blasts, and Ren, the strategist, could predict sparring patterns with unnerving accuracy.

I even taught them a bit about "teamwork" and "passing" from my old world's "football," which they found utterly baffling but surprisingly effective in their combat drills.

My own systems were also humming along.

My [Minor Kinetic Shield] could now reliably absorb a full-power punch from a mid-tier cultivator (though it still left me a bit breathless).

My [Basic Elemental Affinity (Earth)] was strong enough to create small, temporary earth walls for cover, or even a surprisingly sturdy (if lumpy) chair.

And my [Basic White Wings System]? I could now fly for sustained periods, albeit still with the grace of a slightly tipsy swan. My landings were mostly upright, which I considered a win.

My personal point count: [Points: 3,210].

"System!" I mentally yelled, utterly flummoxed. "What happened to my points?! Did you buy a cosmic yacht without me? Did you invest in a galactic banana peel farm?!"

The blue screen, of course, remained silent. No explanation. No "HAHAHA I WAS TROLLING." Just a smug, unyielding silence. I sighed. Fine. Cosmic taxes, perhaps.

Or maybe the System was just being a moody teenager. I'd deal with it later.

For now, 3,210 points was still a decent amount. Enough for some critical purchases if needed.

The day of departure arrived. The air crackled with anticipation.

The Sect Master, radiating quiet confidence, stood at the head of our formidable contingent. Beside him were Commander Lyra, looking as sharp and analytical as ever, Commander Urg, whose scowl seemed to have a hint of excited anticipation, and Commander Zephyr, who gave me a knowing wink. Behind them, stood our twelve system-enhanced disciples, their auras vibrant, their eyes gleaming with determination.

And then there was me, in my pristine white robe, looking every inch the mysterious, winged Sect Master.

"Alright, everyone," the Sect Master announced, his voice clear and resonant. "To the Grand Sect Tournament! To glory!"

A cheer erupted from the disciples.

We set off, a grand procession of power and purpose, heading towards the tournament town, a journey that would take eight days.

The first few days of travel were mostly uneventful.

We traversed winding mountain paths and vast plains. My disciples, fueled by their enhanced stamina, barely seemed to tire. I, meanwhile, used my wings for short, exhilarating flights, soaring above the treeline, enjoying the view.

My landings were still a bit dramatic, but at least I wasn't face-planting anymore.

"Sect Master Alex," Zephyr called out one afternoon, as I drifted down from a particularly graceful (in my opinion) aerial loop.

"Your flight has certainly improved. Though I must ask, does it not drain your… 'points'?"

"Nope!" I chirped, landing with a slight wobble.

"My personal systems are permanent. No point cost for using them. Just for getting them."

Urg grunted.

"So, you just fly around for free? Hah! What a waste of good Qi."

"It's not Qi, Commander Urg," I patiently explained. "It's… kinetic energy. And it's very efficient. Plus, it's great for spotting rogue squirrels from above."

Lyra, ever the pragmatist, interjected.

"Sect Master Alex, the tournament town will be bustling. Many sects, many cultivators. It would be wise to remain inconspicuous until the opening ceremony. We do not wish to reveal our full hand too early."

"Understood, Commander Lyra," I nodded.

"No more impromptu aerial displays. Unless, of course, a particularly large, aggressive squirrel needs to be deterred."

Urg actually snorted with laughter. "A squirrel? You'd use your 'systems' on a squirrel?"

"Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, Commander," I said sagely, trying to sound profound. "Even a squirrel-related one."

The Sect Master, walking a few paces ahead, chuckled. "Alex, your perspective is… refreshing. Tell me, what are your thoughts on our team? We have high hopes for them.

Especially for Li Wei. She is, without a doubt, our most promising talent. Her swordplay is unmatched among her peers, and her agility is truly exceptional."

I grinned internally. Li Wei was indeed amazing.

And now, with her [Super-Strength Kick System], she was probably the most dangerous person on two legs. "Li Wei is a powerhouse, Sect Master," I agreed.

"Her natural talent, combined with the systems, will make her truly formidable. But honestly, every one of your chosen disciples is a star.

They're all incredibly talented, and the systems have just… unlocked their full potential."

"Indeed," the Sect Master nodded, a proud smile on his face. "This tournament will be a true test. The Blazefury Sect, the Ironfist Sect, the Starlight Conclave… they all have their champions.

Grand Elder Kael of the Blazefury Sect is particularly confident this year. His star disciple, a young man named Ignis, is said to possess a fire affinity so potent he can melt stone with a glance."

"Melt stone, huh?" I mused.

My [Basic Elemental Affinity (Earth)] suddenly felt a little less impressive.

But then I remembered my [Minor Elemental Shield System (Earth)] that Borin had. Maybe I could buy a stronger one for myself.

Or even a [Water Manipulation System] from the shop if it ever opened.

My dashboard, still showing [Points: 3,210], seemed to mock me.

So many possibilities, so few points for the really flashy stuff!

I thought. I mean, 3,210 points was good, but a [Greater Fireball System] was 1,000.

A [Minor Teleportation System] was 5,000. The truly powerful stuff was still out of reach.

Unless the System decided to be generous again. Or I made a lot more deals.

The days of travel continued.

We passed through small villages, their inhabitants staring in awe at our grand procession. I occasionally waved, feeling a surge of pride for my growing (if currently absent) Heavenly System Sect.

On the eighth day, as the sun began to set, a new sight appeared on the horizon.

Not mountains, not forests, but a sprawling, bustling city. Its walls were immense, its towers pierced the sky, and a constant hum of activity seemed to emanate from within.

This was the tournament town, a hub of cultivation, commerce, and competition.

"There it is," the Sect Master announced, his voice filled with quiet triumph.

"The City of Champions. Our destination."

A wave of excitement rippled through our group.

The disciples straightened their robes, their faces set with grim determination.

Urg cracked his knuckles. Zephyr's eyes sparkled. Lyra gave a rare, almost imperceptible smile.

As we approached the city gates, the sheer scale of the event became apparent. Cultivators from dozens of different sects, each with their own distinctive robes and auras, were streaming into the city. The air thrummed with raw spiritual energy, a symphony of power and ambition. This wasn't just a local skirmish; this was the big leagues.

"Alright, everyone," I said, my voice filled with a mix of awe and exhilaration.

"Time to show them what the Azure Cloud Sect, and the Heavenly System Sect, can really do. Let's make some noise!"

The city gates loomed, massive and imposing. Beyond them lay the arena, the challenges, and the glory.

And somewhere in there, a chance for me to prove that a Systems Trader, even one who occasionally crashed his wings and had a mysteriously fluctuating point balance, could truly change this world.