Wang Ming's Room – Night
Wang Ming sat cross-legged on the wooden floor of his modest room. A thin cultivation manual rested in his hand, its faded pages fluttering slightly in the breeze from the open window. As he glanced over its contents, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Now that the clan has distributed the cultivation techniques… I can finally begin cultivating," he mused internally, his expression calm yet cold.
With the monthly distribution of spiritual stones, his cultivation speed would soar eighty to a hundred times faster than his previous estimation of one or two months. But of course, this astonishing speed wouldn't come from this worthless cultivation manual. No. It would be from his own technique the one he personally crafted in his past life.
"If I followed this trash technique from the clan," he thought, flipping the page lazily, "I'd barely break through in two or three days. And the spiritual stones they gave me… they'd only last for two days of cultivation. That's the real problem."
He closed the book and narrowed his eyes. Despite possessing a technique leagues beyond anything in the clan and a lifetime of knowledge to support it he couldn't afford to act recklessly. Exposing such abilities now would be the same as painting a target on his back.
"No… I have to endure. Until I officially become a Rank One Formation Apprentice, I'll play the part of a mere genius."
A bitter smile formed on his lips as he exhaled slowly and placed the book aside. "A genius… how laughable."
Without wasting another thought, he shut his eyes and began circulating his spiritual energy, the room growing still as a quiet pressure slowly filled the air.
One Week Later – Elder Wang Kai's Office
Inside the dimly lit office, Elder Wang Kai sat on a wooden chair, leafing through academy records. The faint scratching of his brush against paper echoed in the otherwise silent room. Just then, a guard stepped in and bowed respectfully.
"Elder, Young Master Wang Ming has come to visit you."
Wang Kai looked up, eyebrows furrowing.
"Wang Ming?" he repeated, confused. "What's he doing here?"
For a moment, he tried to figure it out. Why would a new student voluntarily visit him? At this point, Wang Ming should be busy cultivating not wasting time with idle visits.
The guard hesitated before replying, "He says… he's had a breakthrough."
Wang Kai's frown deepened.
"So soon?"
Even for a gifted twelve-year-old with unwavering dedication, it should've taken at least ten to twelve days to reach the Zeroth Stage. Perhaps two weeks at best. But now?
"Bring him in," Wang Kai finally ordered.
Moments later, the guard returned, leading Wang Ming into the room.
The elder's eyes immediately took in the boy's appearance dark circles under his eyes, a hint of exhaustion etched into his features. Yet, there was no mistaking it. The aura around him had changed. He had indeed broken through.
'This brat…' Wang Kai thought silently, suspicion flickering in his gaze. 'He's been cultivating far more intensely than I expected.'
Clan Leader's Hall – Same Night
In a secluded hall lit by a single lantern, the black-robed guard knelt before the imposing figure of the clan leader.
"Reporting: Young Master Wang Ming is the first among the new batch to break through," the black clothed figure said. "According to Elder Wang Kai and our spies, he's been cultivating continuously for the past seven days, leaving his room only to eat and sleeping barely a few hours each day."
The clan leader leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping the armrest rhythmically.
"A scheming, hardworking, and ruthless genius, hmm…" he murmured with a strange glint in his eyes. "Very well. Award him one hundred and fifty spiritual stones."
"Yes, Clan Leader." The black-robed man bowed and swiftly disappeared into the shadows.
Now alone, the clan leader stared at the flickering lantern flame before him, his expression unreadable. Then, a chilling smile curved across his lips.
"If you won't accept affection… then I will offer you benefits."
He stood up slowly, his presence filling the room with a strange pressure.
"But if you reject even that…"
His voice dropped, cold and sharp like a blade in the night.
"…then prepare to witness my other side."
The flame flickered once and then settled.
Would you like the next chapter to focus on:
Wang Ming receiving the spiritual stones and his internal plan?
Reactions of his peers and possible jealousy or schemes?
A flashback to his past life and how he developed his technique?