The morning sun rose slowly, its pale light stretching over the eastern mountains. The air was still cold, as it always was in the Cloudwater Sect at this time of day. For the last three years, Yu Liang had disliked mornings, since they only meant another day of the same work and quiet hopelessness.
But today felt different. He had woken not from the chill but from the memory of the faint blue screen that had appeared before him the night before. The numbers it displayed still lingered in his mind. That brief light felt almost imaginary, like something playing a joke on him but after calling, it was present.
There was a new restlessness in his body.
It was not the spiritual energy he had long wished for, but something close to anticipation. He was still a handyman disciple with tasks waiting for him, yet his steps filled with an unusual sense of lightness. He did not feel only like a servant anymore. He felt as if it was the beginning of something new.
Stepping out of his small shack, he saw the three other handymen who often worked alongside him. They were already walking down the path. Chen, the oldest, had lines of age and labor across his face. Wei Feng, thin and quiet, always looked under fed. Xiao Fei, the youngest, worn out but still had some brightness in his eyes, untouched by the ’exhaustion’ the others carried.
"Morning, Yu Liang," Chen muttered without lifting his head.
"Morning, Old Chen," Yu Liang answered, his tone lighter than usual as he joined them.
Wei Feng and Xiao Fei stayed quiet, too tired to speak. The four followed the stone path toward the main courtyard. They had walked this road many times before.
Old Chen glanced sideways at him. "You seem in better spirits today. Did you find some good or your cultivation improved?
Yu Liang shook his head with a small laugh. "Nothing like that. I just slept well."
Old Chen gave a faint smile. "A good night’s sleep is worth more to us than any medicine, I suppose. Since we can’t afford the real ones."
Wei Feng spoke softly, almost to himself. "Yesterday, I saw disciples practicing sword forms. They looked so... free."
Yu Liang felt the weight of his words. He had once felt the same way when he first joined the sect, eager to prove himself and move up in cultivation."One day, Wei," he said, his voice steady. "We’ll reach that point too."
Old Chen chuckled bitterly. "Don’t give him false hope. We’re handymen. Our path is already set. Better to accept it."
Normally, those words might have discouraged Yu Liang. But not today. He held onto the secret only he knew. His situation had changed, though no one else could see it yet.
At a fork in the path, Yu Liang stopped. "I’m going to work street to get a new bucket. I’ll meet you at the courtyard."
Chen raised a brow. "Your old bucket still works, doesn’t it?"
"Barely," Yu Liang replied with a shrug. "It’s time to replace it."
He separated from the group and walked toward the work street, a busy lane where stalls sold items to low level disciples. He had often walked there before, but only to look. He had never been able to buy anything.
Today, he had a few coins. They were nothing compared to spiritual stones, but his system made them meaningful. He carried a handful of bronze coins and a dozen spiritual stones. It was little by normal standards, yet he knew it was enough for what he intended.
He passed a stall with a sign that read "Brother Ling’s Elixirs." The owner, a young man with a lazy look, sat behind a table with a few small bottles. Yu Liang’s eyes stopped on one, a clear vial with a red pill inside. He recognized it as a Low Grade Body Tempering Pill. It helps to strengthen the body and meridians for early cultivation. The price was ten spiritual stones.
Yu Liang had just enough. Spiritual stones were the standard currency, and coins were practically worthless compared to them.
When he entered the stall, Yu Liang asked, "Senior Brother, I want a Low Grade Body Tempering Pill."
The man frowned. "The pill costs ten low grade spiritual stones. Did you really have that much money?"
"Yes, Take this," Yu Liang said.
Seeing a handyman so decisive in action, it surprised him but after a pause, the disciple shrugged. "Fine. Take the pill."
As the transaction completed, a clear chime sounded in his mind.
[ Ding! Host has spent a total of 10 low grade spiritual stones ]
For a moment, Yu Liang waited. Instantly then more text appeared.
[ Multiplier Triggered: 10x ]
[ Host receives 100 low grade spiritual stones ]
His mind moved instinctively to inventory. When he checked, there were one hundred low grade spiritual stones inside.
The stall owner had already turned away, uninterested. To him, Yu Liang was only another poor handyman disciple making a small purchase.
Yu Liang stared at the pill in his hand and then at the balance. For someone like him, this amount could sustain life for months. But what mattered more was the potential. He realized that every purchase was not only a loss but also a gain, multiplied many times.
He decided to test it again. Taking out ten low grade spiritual stones from his pouch, which he commanded to system, he returned to the stall. This time, he asked for a Low Grade Healing Pill. The owner raised an eyebrow at seeing him hold spiritual stones but said nothing as he passed over the small green pill.
Yu Liang paid. The chime rang again.
[ Ding! Host has spent a total of 10 low grade spiritual stones ]
Then the notification continued.
[ Multiplier Triggered: 50x ]
[ Host receives 500 low grade spiritual stones ]
Yu Liang checked the inventory. This time, he found that five hundred spiritual stones were added, bringing his total to 592 low grade spiritual stones and 101 copper coins in total.
The realization struck him immediately. He now had more wealth than most handyman disciples would ever see. With it, he could buy better resources.
But the excitement gave way to concern. He was still a handyman, someone expected to own nothing of value. If others saw him with this many stones, he would draw dangerous attention.
He glanced toward another stall that sold stronger items, such as a Middle Grade Body Tempering Pill that could raise cultivation by a stage or two. The price was one hundred low grade spiritual stones. For him now, it was affordable.
Yet he stopped himself. Buying such a pill openly would raise questions. People would notice, and with it suspicion would follow.
He put the thoughts away and considered carefully. The safest approach was to remain unnoticed. He would continue his usual duties, blending in. But whenever the sect sent handyman disciples on errands outside, he would use those opportunities. Away from watchful eyes, he could buy what he needed while disguised.
Like now the broken bucket he had meant to replace became his cover.
A small smile formed on Yu Liang’s face. His life had not changed outwardly, but the direction of his path was now different.