The moment I stepped into the Wind Cloud Secret Realm, the world around me changed.
Lush forests stretched as far as the eye could see, with giant trees towering into the misty sky. The air was thick with spiritual energy, and the distant cries of beasts echoed in every direction.
But something was off.
I looked around.
No one.
Everyone had been teleported to different parts of the realm.
Then—
Ding!
Sub-Mission Activated
Mission: Take First Place in the Wind Cloud Competition
Rewards:
• 1500 XP
• Unknown Token
I narrowed my eyes. "Huh? What is this token?"
The system remained silent.
It just… nodded.
I sighed. "Tch. You're as vague as ever."
With no further answers, I pushed forward, dashing through the treetops, using momentum and agility to cover ground fast.
But for the first hour, I found nothing. No fragments. No people. Just endless wilderness.
Then, a rustle in the distance.
I spotted two figures running along a narrow trail—cultivators, both clad in black robes. A quick glance through my senses told me they were Body Tempering - 3rd and 4th Layer.
I leapt in front of them.
"Hey," I said calmly. "Do you have any Orb Fragments?"
They halted, surprised. One of them sneered.
"Well, well, a 1st Layer thinks he can compete," he mocked. "Brother, let's kill him and split the loot."
The other laughed. "Gladly."
In an instant, arrows flew toward me while the spear-wielder lunged.
I dodged the arrows narrowly, pivoted, and blocked the spear's thrust with the flat of my blade. But they coordinated well, one attacking while the other pressured from range. It wasn't easy.
The bowman readied another shot—but I closed the distance and slashed through him.
Ding
You killed Body Tempering - 3rd Layer Cultivator – XP Gained: 1990
The spear-wielder roared, "How?! Your cultivation's lower than ours!"
"Maybe," I said, "but you're still going to die."
Our weapons clashed again and again—until finally, I broke through his guard and ended it.
Ding
You killed Body Tempering - 4th Layer Cultivator – XP Gained: 2100
I searched their space ring and stored in my system space. Most importantly:
[Orb Fragments +3]
---
I moved deeper into the realm but still found nothing. Frustration crept in… until a wicked idea crossed my mind.
If I can't find them… I'll take them.
From people.
Whenever I encountered a group, I'd step out calmly and ask: "Hand over your Orb Fragments… and I'll let you live."
Some agreed and walked away in fear.
Others resisted.
Those who resisted… died and there space ring was stored in my system space.
Ding
You killed Body Tempering - 4th Layer Cultivator – XP Gained: 2170
[Orb Fragments +2]
[Orb Fragments +5]
Ding
You killed Body Tempering - 3rd Layer Cultivator – XP Gained: 1992
[Orb Fragments +9]
[Orb Fragments +2]
[Orb Fragments +1]
Ding
You killed Body Tempering - 5th Layer Cultivator – XP Gained: 2550
[Orb Fragments +11]
Ding
You killed Body Tempering - 5th Layer Cultivator – XP Gained: 2500
[Orb Fragments +28]
[Orb Fragments +7]
[Orb Fragments +6]
Ding
Current XP: 23057
By the time Day Two dawned, the weaker ones had been eliminated.
Only the strong remained.
I found a cave hidden beneath a waterfall and decided to pause. The final day would be the bloodiest. I needed to be ready.
"System," I asked, "how many breakthroughs can I do?"
Ding
Host can do six breakthroughs.
"Do five," I commanded.
Ding
17100 XP consumed.
The power hit like a lightning strike. My bones cracked and reformed. My body pulsed with raw might. Energy spiraled upward, pushing me into a higher state of cultivation.
Ding
Breakthrough successful – Body Tempering - 6th Layer
+300 Strength
+190 Agility
+180 Spiritual Energy
+49 HP Regen/minute
Ding
Current XP: 5957
I stepped out from the cave.
My aura surged with new strength.
Let's see how many Orb Fragments I have.
[Total Orb Fragments: 74]