Chapter 1: The Worthless Young Master's Awakening
Lin Feng stared at the notification floating in his vision, his hands trembling with disbelief.
[DING! Supreme Dual Cultivation System Activated!]
[Host: Lin Feng][Cultivation Level: Mortal Realm - 1st Stage][Physique: Trash (Upgradeable)][Spiritual Root: None (Upgradeable)][System Points: 0][Daily Mission Available: Accept?]
"This... this can't be real," Lin Feng whispered, touching his temple where a searing pain had struck him moments before. He was in the Lin Family's herb garden, the same place where his cousin Lin Hao had humiliated him just an hour ago.
"Lin Feng, you worthless piece of trash!" Lin Hao's mocking voice still echoed in his mind. "Even after eighteen years, you still can't cultivate a single strand of qi. What's the point of the Lin Family keeping a waste like you?"
The gathered disciples had laughed, their jeers cutting deeper than any blade. Even Lin Mei, the girl he'd secretly loved for years, had looked at him with pity and disgust.
"Accept the mission," Lin Feng said firmly, his voice carrying a newfound determination that surprised even himself.
[Daily Mission Accepted!][Mission: Absorb spiritual energy for 1 hour][Reward: 10 System Points, Basic Cultivation Technique][Penalty: None][Time Limit: 24 hours]
Lin Feng's eyes widened as knowledge flooded his mind. Unlike the complex cultivation manuals he'd struggled with for years, this was different. The system was guiding him, showing him exactly how to circulate his qi, how to absorb the spiritual energy from his surroundings.
He sat cross-legged beneath the ancient Spirit Oak, the tree that had been in his family for generations. As he began to follow the system's instructions, he felt something he'd never experienced before—a warm current of energy flowing through his meridians.
[Spiritual Energy Absorption: 1%... 5%... 10%...]
The progress bar in his vision filled steadily. For the first time in eighteen years, Lin Feng was actually cultivating!
"Young Master Lin Feng?"
The soft voice startled him. He opened his eyes to see Xiao Yun, one of the family's servant girls, standing nearby with a worried expression. She was about his age, with delicate features and eyes that always seemed to hold a hint of sadness.
"Xiao Yun? What are you doing here?" Lin Feng asked, noticing how the late afternoon sun highlighted her graceful figure.
"I... I brought you some medicine," she said, holding out a small vial. "Elder Lin said your injuries from this morning's sparring session might need attention."
Lin Feng had forgotten about the bruises Lin Hao had given him during their 'training.' But as he looked at Xiao Yun's concerned face, he felt something stir in his chest. She was the only one who had ever shown him genuine kindness.
[DING! Potential Cultivation Partner Detected!][Xiao Yun - Affinity: 85%][Dual Cultivation Compatibility: Excellent][Special Ability: Pure Yin Physique (Dormant)]
Lin Feng's eyes widened. The system was showing him information about Xiao Yun that even she probably didn't know.
"Xiao Yun," he said gently, standing up. "Would you like to cultivate with me?"
She blinked in surprise. "Young Master, you know I can't cultivate. I'm just a servant, and my spiritual root is too weak—"
"Trust me," Lin Feng interrupted, extending his hand. "I think I might be able to help you."
After a moment's hesitation, she placed her delicate hand in his. The moment their skin touched, both felt a jolt of energy.
[Dual Cultivation Mode Activated!][Partner: Xiao Yun][Cultivation Speed: +200%][Partner's Cultivation Speed: +500%][Unlocking Partner's Hidden Potential...]
As they sat together, Lin Feng guided Xiao Yun through the basic breathing techniques the system had shown him. To his amazement, she began to absorb spiritual energy at an incredible rate.
"Young Master... I can feel it! The qi is actually flowing through my body!" Xiao Yun's eyes sparkled with joy and disbelief.
[Mission Progress: 100%][Daily Mission Complete!][Rewards: 10 System Points, Basic Cultivation Technique - "Harmony of Heaven and Earth"][Bonus Reward: Partner's loyalty increased to 100%][Level Up! Mortal Realm - 2nd Stage]
Lin Feng felt power coursing through his body as he advanced a cultivation stage in a single day—something that should have taken months, if he could do it at all.
"System, what can I purchase with 10 points?" he asked mentally.
[System Shop Available][Basic Spiritual Pills: 5 Points][Cultivation Technique Upgrade: 20 Points][Physique Enhancement: 50 Points][Weapon Techniques: 15 Points][Memory Fragments of Ancient Masters: 100 Points]
"I'll save up for now," Lin Feng decided. "What about tomorrow's mission?"
[Daily Mission Preview][Mission: Defeat someone one cultivation stage above you][Reward: 20 System Points, Combat Technique][Accept?]
Lin Feng's lips curved into a cold smile. Lin Hao was at the 3rd Stage of Mortal Realm. Perfect.
"Xiao Yun," he said, helping her to her feet. "Tomorrow, things are going to change for both of us."
As they walked back toward the family compound, Xiao Yun's hand still in his, Lin Feng felt a confidence he'd never experienced before. The system had given him more than just the ability to cultivate—it had given him hope.
But as they approached the main courtyard, they heard the sound of cruel laughter. Lin Hao was there with his followers, tormenting another servant.
"Well, well," Lin Hao called out, spotting them. "If it isn't the waste Lin Feng. Still trying to play cultivator? And holding hands with a servant girl, how pathetic."
[DING! Quest Triggered!][Face-Slapping Opportunity Detected!][Optional Quest: Humiliate Lin Hao publicly][Reward: 50 System Points, Reputation boost][Accept?]
Lin Feng's eyes flashed with dangerous light. "Accept."
"Lin Hao," Lin Feng said, his voice carrying a new authority that made several disciples step back. "How about we settle this with a proper duel? Tomorrow morning, in front of the entire family."
Lin Hao's face twisted with amusement. "You? Challenge me? You can't even cultivate, you worthless—"
"I can now," Lin Feng interrupted, releasing a small portion of his qi. The pressure that emanated from him was clearly at the 2nd Stage of Mortal Realm.
The laughter died as everyone stared in shock. Lin Hao's expression changed from amusement to anger.
"Fine," Lin Hao snarled. "Tomorrow morning. When I'm done with you, you'll wish you'd never been born into the Lin Family."
As the crowd dispersed, Xiao Yun squeezed Lin Feng's hand. "Young Master, are you sure about this? Lin Hao is very strong..."
Lin Feng smiled, his confidence unshakeable. "Don't worry, Xiao Yun. Tomorrow, everyone will see that this 'waste' is going to become the strongest cultivator in the Azure Dragon Province."
[Daily Mission Updated][Mission: Defeat Lin Hao in public duel][Reward: 30 System Points, Face-Slapping Achievement, Lin Family Recognition][Time Limit: 24 hours]
That night, as Lin Feng prepared for sleep, he couldn't help but think about how his life had changed in a single day. The system had given him power, but more importantly, it had given him a chance to protect those he cared about.
Looking at the moon through his window, he made a silent vow. "I will become strong enough to protect Xiao Yun, strong enough to earn respect, and strong enough to uncover the truth about this system."
Little did he know that his journey was just beginning, and that the Supreme Dual Cultivation System would lead him to heights of power beyond his wildest dreams—and into the hearts of the most powerful women in the cultivation world.
Chapter 2: The Face-Slapping Duel
The Lin Family's training courtyard buzzed with excitement as dawn broke over the Azure Dragon Province. Word of Lin Feng's challenge had spread like wildfire through the family compound, and now nearly every family member, servant, and disciple had gathered to witness what many assumed would be Lin Feng's final humiliation.
Lin Feng stood in his quarters, staring at his reflection in the bronze mirror. His appearance had already begun to change—his previously dull eyes now held a sharp, predatory gleam, and his once-weak frame seemed more solid, more imposing.
[DING! Pre-Battle Analysis Available][Opponent: Lin Hao][Cultivation Level: Mortal Realm - 3rd Stage][Combat Experience: Moderate][Weakness: Arrogance, predictable attack patterns][Recommended Strategy: Defensive counter-attack]
"Young Master," Xiao Yun's voice came from behind him. She entered carrying a simple breakfast and a worried expression. "Everyone is saying you're going to be crippled today. Maybe you should—"
"I won't lose," Lin Feng said with quiet certainty, turning to face her. "But I need to ask you something important. Do you trust me completely?"
Xiao Yun's cheeks reddened slightly. "With my life, Young Master."
[DING! Dual Cultivation Partner Loyalty: 100%][Special Ability Unlocked: Qi Sharing][Temporary boost available before combat]
Lin Feng took her hands in his. "Then lend me your strength for this fight."
As they connected through the system's dual cultivation technique, Lin Feng felt Xiao Yun's pure yin qi merging with his own. The energy was incredibly potent, and he could feel his cultivation solidifying, becoming more stable and powerful.
[Temporary Buff Applied: Yin-Yang Harmony][Combat Effectiveness: +30%][Duration: 2 hours]
"Young Master... I can feel myself growing stronger too," Xiao Yun gasped, her aura flickering with newfound power.
[Partner Advancement: Xiao Yun has reached Mortal Realm - 1st Stage]
The change in her was visible—her posture straightened, her eyes grew clearer, and an aura of confidence surrounded her that hadn't been there before.
"This is impossible," she whispered. "I've never been able to cultivate before..."
"With the right partner, anything is possible," Lin Feng said, squeezing her hands gently. "Now, let's go show them what we're capable of."
The training courtyard was packed. Lin Feng's father, Lin Tianyu, sat in the place of honor with the other family elders. His expression was unreadable, but Lin Feng caught the slight disappointment in his eyes. His father had long ago given up hope that his son would amount to anything.
Lin Hao stood in the center of the courtyard, his cultivation aura on full display. Several female disciples gazed at him admiringly, including Lin Mei, who had been the object of Lin Feng's affection for years.
"Look at him," Lin Mei whispered to her friend. "Lin Hao is so strong and handsome. How could anyone compare waste like Lin Feng to him?"
Elder Lin Jian, the family's chief instructor, stepped forward. "This will be a formal duel. Victory goes to whoever forces their opponent to yield or become unable to continue. Are both participants ready?"
Lin Hao cracked his knuckles. "More than ready to put this trash in his place."
Lin Feng simply nodded, his calm demeanor earning confused looks from the crowd. Where was the nervous, stuttering boy they all knew?
"Begin!" Elder Lin Jian shouted.
Lin Hao immediately charged forward, his fist wreathed in qi. "Crushing Mountain Fist!"
The technique was one of the Lin Family's intermediate martial arts, and Lin Hao's execution was flawless. The crowd gasped as his fist, powered by 3rd Stage qi, shot toward Lin Feng's face.
But Lin Feng was no longer the same person who had been beaten yesterday. The system's combat analysis kicked in, and he could see Lin Hao's attack pattern as clearly as if it were moving in slow motion.
[Attack Pattern Analyzed][Optimal Counter: Flowing River Step + Harmony Palm]
Lin Feng sidestepped with impossible grace, his movement technique flowing like water. Lin Hao's powerful punch met only air, and the momentum carried him past Lin Feng's position.
"What?!" Lin Hao spun around, shock evident on his face.
Lin Feng's counter-attack came immediately. His palm, infused with the perfect balance of yin and yang qi from his dual cultivation with Xiao Yun, struck Lin Hao's exposed shoulder.
The impact sent Lin Hao stumbling backward, but more shocking was the visible damage to his qi circulation. The harmonious energy had disrupted his meridians, causing his cultivation to waver.
"Impossible!" Lin Hao roared. "You're only at the 2nd Stage!"
"Cultivation level isn't everything," Lin Feng replied calmly. "Technique, timing, and understanding matter more."
[DING! Combat Performance: Excellent][Bonus Objective Available: Defeat opponent without taking damage][Additional Reward: 20 System Points]
Lin Hao's face contorted with rage. "You think one lucky hit makes you strong?! I'll show you the difference between us!"
He began to gather his qi for a more powerful technique, his aura flaring wildly. "Raging Tiger Technique!"
This was a high-level martial art that Lin Hao had learned from an outer sect master. Golden tiger-shaped qi formed around his fists as he launched a flurry of attacks.
But Lin Feng was ready. His movement technique had evolved during the fight, becoming more fluid and natural. He weaved between Lin Hao's strikes like a leaf dancing in the wind, each dodge perfectly timed.
The crowd watched in stunned silence as Lin Feng, the family's notorious waste, completely outmaneuvered their genius Lin Hao.
"How is this possible?" Elder Lin Jian muttered. "His movement technique... it's reaching the level of perfection!"
Lin Feng could hear the system's guidance in his mind, but more than that, he could feel the connection to Xiao Yun, who was watching from the side with tears of joy in her eyes. Her faith in him was giving him strength beyond what any cultivation technique could provide.
[Perfect Dodge Streak: 12][Combat Mastery Increasing...][New Technique Unlocked: Thousand Shadows Step]
As Lin Hao's attacks grew more desperate and sloppy, Lin Feng decided to end the fight. He activated his new technique, and suddenly there seemed to be multiple Lin Fengs moving around the courtyard.
"Wh-where are you?!" Lin Hao spun frantically, trying to target the real Lin Feng among the shadows.
Lin Feng appeared behind him, his palm glowing with gentle but unstoppable force. "It's over, Lin Hao."
The "Harmony of Heaven and Earth" technique struck Lin Hao directly in the back, sending him flying across the courtyard. He crashed into the stone wall and slumped to the ground, his cultivation completely disrupted and his qi meridians temporarily sealed.
Silence fell over the courtyard. Then, slowly, the crowd began to murmur in amazement.
"He actually won..."
"Lin Feng defeated Lin Hao without taking a single hit!"
"How did he become so strong overnight?"
[DING! Combat Complete!][Flawless Victory Achieved!][Rewards: 50 System Points, Face-Slapping Achievement, Combat Mastery +1][Bonus Reward: Family Recognition, Lin Hao's Cultivation Resources][Level Up! Mortal Realm - 3rd Stage]
Lin Feng felt the power coursing through him as he advanced another stage. He was now equal to Lin Hao's previous cultivation level, and his combat ability was clearly superior.
Elder Lin Jian stepped forward, his expression one of complete shock. "The winner... Lin Feng!"
Lin Feng's father, Lin Tianyu, stood up slowly. For the first time in years, there was something other than disappointment in his eyes.
"Lin Feng," his father called out. "Come here."
As Lin Feng approached, his father studied him carefully. "You've changed. This isn't just about cultivation—your entire demeanor is different. How?"
"I finally understood that strength comes not from within yourself alone, but from the connections you make with others," Lin Feng said, glancing at Xiao Yun, who was beaming with pride.
[DING! Relationship Status Update][Father - Lin Tianyu: Indifferent → Interested][Lin Mei: Dismissive → Curious][Family Reputation: Disgrace → Rising Star]
"From today forward," Lin Tianyu announced to the crowd, "Lin Feng will have access to the family's cultivation resources. He has proven himself worthy of the Lin name."
As the crowd dispersed, many disciples who had previously mocked Lin Feng now looked at him with respect and fear. Lin Mei approached him hesitantly.
"Lin Feng," she said, her voice soft. "I... I wanted to apologize for how I treated you before. Perhaps we could—"
"I'm not interested," Lin Feng cut her off politely but firmly. "I've already found someone who believed in me when I had nothing to offer."
He walked over to Xiao Yun and took her hand, causing her to blush deeply. Lin Mei's face showed a flash of jealousy and regret.
[DING! New Daily Mission Available][Mission: Cultivate with partner for 2 hours][Reward: 15 System Points, Relationship progression][Accept?]
As they walked away from the courtyard together, Lin Feng felt a satisfaction he'd never experienced before. But he also knew this was just the beginning. The system had bigger plans for him, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Young Master," Xiao Yun said quietly, "what happens now?"
Lin Feng smiled, his eyes looking toward the distant mountains where he knew more powerful cultivators lived. "Now, Xiao Yun, we begin our journey to the top. This family, this province, this entire world—they're all just stepping stones on our path to true power."
[DING! Main Quest Unlocked][Quest: Become the Supreme Cultivator][Reward: ???][Warning: This path will make you enemies of heaven and earth][Accept?]
"Accept," Lin Feng said without hesitation.
The system chimed in response, and Lin Feng felt his destiny calling. This was no longer about proving himself to his family or winning back Lin Mei's affections. This was about reaching heights that no cultivator had ever achieved before.
And he wouldn't be making the journey alone.
To be continued...