The soft morning sunlight filtered through the ornate windows of the Li Estate, bathing the polished stone floors in a warm glow. Outside, birds chirped in melodic harmony, but within one of the inner courtyards, the true peace lay in the quiet stillness of a young boy sitting cross-legged beneath the flowering spirit tree.
Li Qingyun slowly opened his eyes. At only four years of age, his deep gaze held an eerie calmness, maturity beyond his years. His crimson eyes sparkled with clarity, not unlike the glow of a treasured gem under sunlight.
It had been two years since he first began cultivating the Jade Body Tempering Scripture, a Rank 1 Supreme Grade body-refining technique gifted to him by his father.
He hadn't needed to sit and meditate day after day like others might. Instead, with his unique system, the technique had been quietly and efficiently cultivated to completion—without strain or danger. Every breath he took, every moment passed, it cultivated on its own.
It took 100 energy points in total—ten years' worth of cultivation compressed into two. He had charged his system slowly and patiently with silver, gold, and even several lesser spirit stones his mother gave him as playthings. Every little treasure he had been given as a spoiled, beloved only child became fuel for his rise.
When the technique reached perfection, the transformation was subtle yet profound.
His bones had hardened like refined jade, sturdy and flexible. His muscles were lean, perfectly proportioned, and carried strength far beyond what a child his age should possess. His skin shimmered slightly under sunlight, the luster of someone whose body was both fortified and pure.
He opened his interface:
---
[Host: Li Qingyun]
[Realm: None]
[Slots Available: 1]
[Technique Cultivating: None]
[Energy: 8]
[Techniques cultivated: Jade body tempering scripture (perfect) ]
---
"Only 8 points left," he thought, rubbing his chin.
Just then, his mother, Lin Meiyu, stepped into the courtyard with a soft smile.
"Yun'er, are you still sitting out here?" she asked gently, kneeling beside him.
"Yes, Mother," he replied with a bright smile.
That evening, as golden lanterns lit the halls of the Li estate, Li Qingyun sat on a soft cushion beside his parents in the eastern wing of the manor. The gentle fragrance of medicinal incense drifted through the air.
"Mother, Father," Qingyun looked up, his tone soft but firm, "what kind of school is the one I'll be attending?"
Li Tianyang chuckled, sipping from his tea. "It's called the Azure Noble Academy. It doesn't teach cultivation, but you'll learn etiquette, history, poetry, governance, and everything a noble child should know."
Lin Meiyu gently stroked her son's hair. "You'll meet many children from prominent families, Qingyun. Not all of them will be friendly, but remember—you're the son of the Li family. There's no need to fear anyone."
Li Qingyun smiled. "I'm not afraid, Mother. I just don't want to waste time. Once my awakening happens next year, I want to focus only on cultivation."
Li Tianyang raised an eyebrow. "Still thinking about that already, huh? You've always been serious for your age."
"I have to be," Qingyun said honestly. "I don't want to disappoint either of you. I'll attend the academy like you said, but once the awakening is done, I'll be cultivating full-time."
Lin Meiyu shared a glance with her husband before responding, "Then we'll support you however we can. You've already cultivated the Jade Body Tempering Scripture completely. Most children wouldn't even understand a single line of that technique at your age."
"Because my body was ready thanks to you both," Qingyun replied with genuine gratitude. "The pills, the baths… I know they weren't easy to prepare."
"Foolish child," Li Tianyang laughed, though his eyes softened. "You're our son. There's nothing we wouldn't do for you."
His father, Li Tianyang, a refined man with sharp brows and a calm aura of power, nodded. "It's a good idea. Next year is the Meridian Awakening Ceremony for children. You should have a good understanding of etiquette and literacy before then."
Li Qingyun's eyes sharpened slightly. Meridian Awakening, the process by which one's cultivation potential was revealed. Veins, meridians, dantian—all examined and rated.
He wasn't nervous. He was curious.
In my previous life, there were no such things. Just fatigue, repetition, and deadlines. But here… cultivation potential is everything. A test like that could determine the direction of my path.
"Father," Qingyun asked calmly, "how many meridians does an average person have awakened?"
"Between 5 and 7," Li Tianyang replied after sipping tea. "Nine is considered rare. Ten… well, that's a genius. And more than that—"
"Only monsters," his mother finished with a chuckle.
Li Qingyun filed the information away silently. Ten meridians or more… If the system really adjusts to my talent, I may be able to surprise them all.
Qingyun lowered his eyes for a moment before speaking again. "Can I ask something else?"
"What is it?" Lin Meiyu asked.
"If I behave well in school and study properly… can I have a few more gold coins to keep with me? I just feel more at ease having some treasures around." He smiled innocently, masking his true intentions with childlike charm.
Li Tianyang chuckled. "Planning to become a little merchant now?"
"No," Qingyun said quickly, "I just like looking at shiny things. They help me think!"
Both parents laughed at his innocent reasoning.
"Alright," Lin Meiyu agreed. "You can have some extra gold. But don't go flaunting it around at school, alright?"
"I won't! Thank you, Mother, Father!"
The next day, he stood at the gates of Azure Sky Noble Academy, a grand estate-like institution carved from cloud-grey stone and marked with the golden insignia of the Blazing Sun Empire. His parents waved him off, and he entered with hundreds of other children from noble families.
Some were curious, others shy. A few were arrogant already, puffing their chests like little roosters.
Li Qingyun stayed calm, his eyes observing everything.
So many paths, so many fates. But mine… mine is already moving.
As Li Qingyun walked through the halls of the academy, the chatter of other children and the grandeur of noble life faded into the background. His thoughts were fixed on a single, unwavering goal. "Once my meridians awaken… I will fully devote myself to cultivation. No distractions, no hesitation. This second life is a blessing I won't waste like the last. I've already built the foundation with the Jade Body Tempering Scripture—my body is ready, my mind is clear, and my will is firm. The only thing I lack is the right opportunity. After the awakening, when my talent is revealed, no matter how many meridians I possess, I'll walk the cultivation path with everything I have. I don't need to be the best in the world right away—but I will walk forward faster than anyone else. Every step, every technique, every breath will be for a single purpose—ascending beyond mortal limits."