Chapter 44: Storm Dragon Robe
A quiet breeze rustled the wind-chimes across the ruined landscape as Lei Feng stood beneath a towering tree marred by scars, his gaze fixed on the figure before him—Grandmaster Zhi.
Grandmaster Zhi's expression was calm, hands folded behind his back, the sleeves of his long robe drifting gently as if moved by a rhythm beyond the wind. His posture was relaxed, almost carefree. Yet to Lei Feng, that stillness held a weight far heavier than steel.
Should I really accept his offer? Lei Feng's brows twitched slightly, his mind racing beneath the surface of his calm facade. The System can guide me, yes... but it doesn't know the intricacies of this world—its traditions, its traps, its power structures. Knowledge... I lack real-world knowledge. Someone like Grandmaster Zhi could be invaluable.
But suspicion clung to him like a shadow. What if he has an ulterior motive?
Lei Feng studied him again, this time more carefully. Grandmaster Zhi didn't move, didn't speak. There was a quiet patience in him—ageless and serene.
No... if he had any malicious intent, he wouldn't have saved me when he did. And someone like him... if I miss this chance, I might not get another opportunity in this lifetime. Worse, I might offend someone unfathomable without even realizing it.
He clenched his fists tightly at his sides, the inner conflict churning in his chest.
A soft cough broke the silence.
"I don't have all day, boy," Grandmaster Zhi said flatly, though a hint of humor curled behind his voice.
Startled from his thoughts, Lei Feng snapped back to the present. His eyes sharpened with sudden clarity, lightning dancing within the pale-blue irises.
"I don't want to lose this chance. I hope I don't regret this," he whispered beneath his breath.
Then he stepped forward, his stride firm.
"I am willing to be your disciple, Grandmaster Zhi!"
Grandmaster Zhi raised an eyebrow, a corner of his lip lifting. "Hah! Nice choice, boy."
His tone shifted slightly, his sapphire-blue eyes narrowing with the weight of ancient oceans.
"But from now on, you'll call me 'Master.' Understood?"
"Y-Yes, Master!" Lei Feng stammered, caught off guard by the sudden shift in aura. His body moved instinctively into a respectful bow, but he couldn't tear his gaze away from the Grandmaster's eyes—deep, luminous, and strangely mesmerizing, like twin stars encased in ice.
"Hahaha! Excellent!" Grandmaster Zhi laughed, hands behind his back once more. "You'll be my first disciple in... centuries."
Lei Feng's thoughts nearly imploded.
Centuries?! But he looks like he's in his thirties!
Before he could ask, Grandmaster Zhi casually shrugged—as though the notion of living centuries was as mundane as commenting on the weather.
Then, with a flick of his fingers, the air shimmered. A vortex of pale-blue light spiraled open like a holographic ripple in space, and from it, a folded set of navy-blue garments drifted out, floating toward Lei Feng.
"Here," Grandmaster Zhi said. "Change. You're not walking around in those rags, not as my disciple."
Lei Feng blinked in astonishment. "That's... dimensional magic? No, wait... that must be what they're mistaking my System inventory for."
As the robes touched his hands, a familiar ding echoed in his mind.
---
Ding!
You have received a Magic Treasure: [Storm Robes]
> [System Update]
— Data Stream: Legendary outfit created from the Storm Dragon's sacred scales
— True Name: Storm Dragon Robe
— Origin: Desolate War Era
— Rank: Platinum
Attributes:
• Elemental Resistance: Lightning +100%, Wind +70%
• Enhanced Agility: +50%
• Charm Modifier: +30%
Special Abilities:
• Lightning Flash: A high-speed movement technique resembling teleportation. Mana cost scales with effectiveness. (Cooldown: 20 minutes)
• Storm Shield: Summons a protective barrier of wind and lightning that deflects incoming damage.
---
Lei Feng's pupils dilated. "Platinum grade?!"
His breath caught. That's a treasure worth over ten million credits... and it's made from dragon scales?
Wait... dragons actually exist in this world?
The thoughts came fast and wild, but one detail struck him hardest: 100% lightning resistance... that's total immunity!
His heartbeat surged as he scanned the rest of the robe's effects.
70% wind resistance... 50% increase in movement speed... and even a 30% charm buff?! Absurd!
And the special skills—Lightning Flash and Storm Shield—weren't ordinary by any means. Those are Rare+ skills... tier three skills!
In this world, basic, intermediate, and advanced skills were tier one. Top-grade, superior, and rare were tier two. Rare+... those were near myth in Volaris City. Only the big families, like the Ling Family, could dream of possessing such things.
A low chuckle broke the tension.
Grandmaster Zhi raised an eyebrow. "Finished drooling?"
Lei Feng blinked.
"When you're done with your child-like admiration, put the robe on," Grandmaster Zhi said, smirking. "I can't have my first disciple looking like a beggar."
He summoned a holographic screen that acted as a wall made from arcane technology. "There, change in that." He smiled.
Lei Feng scratched his head, slightly embarrassed. "Sorry, Master. I just wasn't expecting... this."
Inwardly, though, he pondered hard. How can someone gift such a treasure so casually? Who exactly is this man...?
But he quickly set the thought aside.
It doesn't matter right now. One thing is clear—I made the right choice.
He stepped behind the nearby holographic wall and changed into the Storm Dragon Robe.
The moment the fabric touched his skin, a surge of energy wrapped around him like a gentle breeze, flowing through his limbs and heightening his senses. His body felt lighter, more attuned to the air itself—as if his very presence moved with the wind.
He stepped out.
---
The robe was stunning.
Woven from deep navy-blue silk-like material, it shimmered subtly with each movement, the fabric catching light like the surface of a midnight ocean. Intricate silver embroidery traced lightning bolts across the hem and cuffs, winding like living veins of storm essence.
A high collar framed his face sharply, beneath which a glowing azure crest pulsed softly over his chest—etched in the shape of a coiled dragon amidst clouds.
His sleeves were loose and elegant, seeming to flutter even without wind, and at his waist, a black leather belt held glowing storm runes, flickering faintly like circuitry—modern and arcane combined. The entire ensemble whispered of speed, danger, and a hidden power, restrained only by its wearer's will.
In that moment, Lei Feng no longer looked like a wandering vagabond or a young star-in-training.
He looked like a revered master.
Grandmaster Zhi nodded approvingly, a subtle glint of pride flickering in his sapphire eyes like lightning across a calm sky.
"Good," he said, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of ages. "Now... you're starting to look the part."
There was no grand declaration, no ostentatious display—just a quiet remark that made Lei Feng's heart stir with anticipation. For a moment, time itself seemed to pause.
Then, with a flick of his sleeve, Grandmaster Zhi sent a small object flying through the air.
"Catch."
Lei Feng's eyes widened. He reacted on instinct, catching the object mid-air. It was a skill book.
His eyes lit up with excitement—until he glanced at the title.
"Basic Swordsmanship," he read aloud, frowning.
He quickly flipped through the pages. His expression darkened. It wasn't just basic—it was painfully rudimentary. His System had already given him a passive, advanced-grade basic swordsmanship skill. Compared to that, this felt… insulting.
What the hell?! This is even worse than what I already have!
Grandmaster Zhi chuckled knowingly. "Listen, boy. It's not about how strong a skill is—it's how well you can wield it. Without a solid foundation, all those flashy techniques are just wasted potential. Can you call yourself a swordsman if you don't even master the basics?"
Lei Feng forced a smile, his thoughts bitter. You don't understand, Master… I've already learned this.
But Grandmaster Zhi continued, unfazed. "Also, from now on, don't store your sword away for convenience. Carry it—at your waist or on your back. A swordsman's blade is part of his soul. The more time you spend with it, the deeper your connection will grow. Power is important, yes, but so is control. Mastery."
Lei Feng sighed internally. He wants me to walk around like some cultivation novel protagonist… in this world of cities and systems?
Still, deep down, he respected the advice. He recalled Zhan Xi'an—how he always wore his sword with pride and preached similar ideals.
"Okay, Master," he said at last, his voice steady. "I understand."
"Good."
With another flick of his sleeve, Grandmaster Zhi sent two more objects soaring through the air—but this time, not directly at Lei Feng.
He's testing me.
Lei Feng's eyes flashed with lightning.
Swoosh!
He vanished and reappeared instantly, intercepting both objects with a single, fluid motion.
Grandmaster Zhi laughed, his voice bright and free. "Hahaha! Nicely done, boy. I definitely won't regret choosing you."
Lei Feng turned to respond—but Grandmaster Zhi was gone.
Not just gone—vanished. The sky, once glowing with a rainbow arc of residual elemental energy, was now clear.
Lei Feng stood still, stunned.
What an unfathomable master...
To be continued...