As I stepped through the great stone archway of Wind Clouds City, the scents of roasted meats, herbal incense, and vibrant spices swept over me like a wave. Lanterns swayed above cobbled streets, and vendors called out their wares beneath fluttering banners. The city buzzed with life—celebration was in the air.
I walked deeper into the city, letting curiosity guide me through its winding alleys and bustling plazas. Along the way, I overheard a pair of cultivators in flowing green robes speaking in hushed tones near a teahouse.
"You heard?" one said. "The Wind Cloud Secret Realm Competition begins in three days."
"Of course," the other replied. "Every ten years the city opens the gate to the realm. Only those above Qi Refining and below Nascent Soul are eligible. They say the realm is littered with Orb Fragments, and the top three gatherers gain entry to the Wind Cloud Special Cultivation Grounds."
I stopped and listened more intently.
"Thousands will compete," the man continued. "But only the strong or lucky will survive. Last time, half didn't return."
A secret realm… rare treasure… and a chance to grow stronger. This was the opportunity I needed.
---
I found an inn near the heart of the city and rented a modest but quiet room on the third floor. Once inside, I shut the door, drew the curtains, and sat cross-legged on the bed.
"System."
How many breakthroughs can I do?
Ding
Host, you can do three breakthroughs.
"Break through once," I commanded.
The air shimmered. Energy surged from deep within my soul.
Ding
3000 XP consumed.
The power exploded within me. My veins burned with molten heat. My meridians widened. Muscles tensed and thickened with spiritual essence. My core pulsed and transformed.
Ding
Congratulations! Host has broken through to Body Tempering - 1st Layer
+180 Strength
+140 Agility
+100 Spiritual Energy
+46 HP Regen/minute
Ding
Current XP: 9755
Before me, a glowing screen unfolded in mid-air.
---
STATUS WINDOW
Name: Zhen Huan
Level: Body Tempering - 1st Layer
HP: 780/780
SE: 710/710
Strength: 950
Agility: 813
Intelligence: 20/20 – MAX
Charm: 90/100
Luck: ???
Skills:
• Inferno Slash – First Form
↓
[Show Full Status]
---
I burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Finally, Body Tempering Realm!"
---
For the next three days, I allowed myself to breathe. I wandered the festival markets, sampled sweet plum wine, watched fireworks from a rooftop, and listened to traveling musicians play ancient melodies. Wind Clouds City had a soul of its own—and for once, I felt at peace.
But the peace didn't last.
---
The Day of the Wind Cloud Trials
Thousands gathered in the city square. A grand stage had been erected at its center, surrounded by elite guards and disciples from sects all over the continent.
Then, a powerful voice echoed through the air.
"I am Jun Ji, the City Lord of Wind Clouds City!"
A tall man in golden robes stood atop the platform, radiating a calm and mighty presence. His gaze swept across the crowd like a blade.
"Let it be known! From this moment, the gates of the Wind Cloud Secret Realm shall open! Only those above Qi Refining and below Nascent Soul may enter! And Secret realm will open for 2 days."
He raised his hand. Behind him, a massive jade gate shimmered to life with glowing runes.
"The Wind Cloud Competition... begins now!"
The crowd erupted. Warriors unsheathed weapons. Cultivators ignited their auras. The world shifted.
And I stood among them, eyes locked on the gate, a fire burning in my chest.
Let's see what's in there.