Chapter: 2. Check-in to Obtain (Random)
The morning light was just beginning to show, and the mountain village was still shrouded in a thin mist.
Qin Mu sat cross-legged on the bluestone in front of his door, his eyes slightly closed, his breathing long and steady. Ever since he had awakened the divine treasury in his body, he had developed the habit of meditating and practicing at dawn.
"Today should be the day I can check in again."
Qin Mu opened his eyes, a hint of anticipation flashing in them. He had been in this world for three months and had long since figured out the rules. Every seven days, he could check in once, and the rewards were random.
The first time he checked in, he received a "Basic Cultivation Technique," which allowed him to step onto the path of cultivation. The second time, he received a "Spirit Gathering Pill," which increased his cultivation by a small amount. The third time, he received a "Movement Technique," which allowed him to move as fast as the wind.
Now, it was time for the fourth check-in.
"System, check in."
Qin Mu said silently in his mind.
[Ding! Check-in successful! Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Random Reward - "Sword Technique: Falling Flower Sword Intent"!]
A warm current flowed through his mind, and countless sword technique insights merged into his consciousness like a tide. Qin Mu only felt his mind buzz, and many sword moves appeared in his mind as if he had practiced them for decades.
"Falling Flower Sword Intent..."
Qin Mu muttered to himself, a look of surprise appearing on his face. This sword technique was not simple. It contained three moves, each one more profound than the last. Although it was not a top-tier divine ability, for his current realm, it was already a rare treasure.
He stood up, picked up a wooden stick from the ground, and began practicing according to the sword technique insights in his mind.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
The wooden stick traced graceful arcs in the air, and the fallen leaves around him were swept up by the sword energy, swirling and dancing. Qin Mu's movements grew smoother and smoother, and the sword intent became more and more condensed. In the end, his entire person seemed to merge with the sword, his presence sharp and unstoppable.
"Good sword technique!"
A voice of praise came from not far away. Qin Mu turned his head and saw an old man with white hair and a kind face standing under the tree, watching him with a smile.
"Grandpa Medicine Master."
Qin Mu hurriedly put away the wooden stick and greeted him respectfully.
The Medicine Master was one of the elders of the village, proficient in medicine and alchemy, and had taken good care of him since he arrived.
"Child, your sword technique has already gained some true meaning." The Medicine Master stroked his beard and smiled. "But cultivation requires a balance of hardness and softness. Do not be too eager for quick results."
"Yes, disciple will remember."
Qin Mu nodded in agreement. He knew that the Medicine Master was reminding him not to be too focused on attacking techniques and neglect the foundation of cultivation.
"Come, I have something to tell you." The Medicine Master waved at him.
Qin Mu followed the Medicine Master to the latter's small courtyard. The courtyard was filled with various medicinal herbs, and a faint fragrance of medicine drifted through the air.
"Sit." The Medicine Master pointed to a stone stool and then poured a cup of tea for Qin Mu himself.
"Grandpa Medicine Master, what do you want to see me about?" Qin Mu asked, taking the tea.
"I heard that you plan to go to the town to participate in the assessment of the Heavenly Sage Academy?" the Medicine Master asked.
Qin Mu was slightly startled, then nodded. "Yes, I want to try my luck. If I can enter the Heavenly Sage Academy, I will have a better path for my future cultivation."
The Heavenly Sage Academy was the most prestigious academy in the surrounding thousands of miles, and many cultivators dreamed of entering it. However, the assessment was extremely strict, and only those with exceptional talent could pass.
"With your talent, it is not impossible to enter the academy." The Medicine Master nodded, then his expression turned serious. "However, I must remind you that the assessment at the Heavenly Sage Academy is not just about cultivation. There are also many dangers. You must be careful."
"Disciple understands." Qin Mu cupped his fists and bowed.
"Also..." The Medicine Master hesitated for a moment, then took out an old bronze mirror from his bosom and handed it to Qin Mu. "This mirror was left to me by an old friend. It has some protective power. Take it with you."
Qin Mu looked at the bronze mirror. The mirror surface was mottled and covered with mysterious patterns, clearly not an ordinary item.
"This is too precious. I cannot accept it." Qin Mu hurriedly declined.
"Take it." The Medicine Master insisted, pushing the bronze mirror into Qin Mu's hand. "I am old and have no use for it. It is better to give it to you young people. Besides..." He smiled meaningfully. "I have a feeling that you will go far in the future. This mirror might be of some help to you."
Qin Mu looked at the Medicine Master's sincere expression and no longer refused. He carefully put away the bronze mirror and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Grandpa Medicine Master."
"Go on." The Medicine Master waved his hand. "Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, stay true to your heart and do not forget your original intention."
"Yes, disciple will remember."
Qin Mu said goodbye to the Medicine Master and returned to his own small courtyard. He packed some simple luggage, then walked out of the village and headed toward the town.
The sun was rising, and golden light sprinkled over the earth. Qin Mu walked along the mountain path, his mood relaxed.
"With the Falling Flower Sword Intent, my strength has improved by another level. This time, the assessment at the Heavenly Sage Academy, I am somewhat more confident."
He clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within his body, a trace of determination flashing in his eyes.
"However, the assessment at the Heavenly Sage Academy is no small matter. I must not be careless. I need to make good use of these few days to consolidate my cultivation and master the Falling Flower Sword Intent to perfection."
Thinking this, Qin Mu quickened his pace and disappeared into the morning light.