Ruolan stared at the glowing book in Lin Xuanji's hand as if it might explode.
To be fair, Lin Xuanji shared that concern.
He lifted the book carefully. "System… this thing isn't going to melt my fingers, right?"
(Low probability.)
"What do you mean low probability? What does high probability look like?!"
(That scenario has already been prevented.)
"Why mention it if it's prevented?!"
(Transparency.)
Lin Xuanji inhaled sharply through his nose. "You and I are going to have a very long argument one day."
Ruolan looked between them, confused. "S-Sect Master… is the technique dangerous?"
"Well…" Lin Xuanji flipped open the glowing cover. A surge of energy puffed out like a magical sneeze, ruffling his hair and nearly knocking Ruolan backward. "Maybe."
Ruolan gulped.
Lin Xuanji squinted at the floating characters inside the book. They shimmered, shifted, twisted, as if the technique had its own opinion on whether it should be readable.
"What does it say?" Ruolan asked timidly.
Lin Xuanji cleared his throat. "System? Translation please."
(Technique: Soul-Birthing Lotus Art. A rare technique designed for unstable physiques and damaged soul roots.)
Ruolan stiffened.
Lin Xuanji blinked slowly. "Damaged… soul roots?"
Ruolan lowered his head, gripping the hem of his tunic. "…My spiritual root was stolen. My stepmother took it. They said I wasn't even worth throwing out, but… I survived somehow."
That explained the trembling aura around him. The empty feeling.
The way the mountain reacted.
Lin Xuanji placed a hand on Ruolan's shoulder. "Well, lucky you. The System gave you something just right for that."
"R-Really?"
"Yeah. Very convenient," Lin Xuanji muttered under his breath. Then louder: "Here. Take it."
The book floated gently toward Ruolan.
As soon as it touched his hands, the glow softened. The script settled. The wild energy calmed like a beast recognizing its master.
Ruolan gasped. "It… it feels warm."
Lin Xuanji crossed his arms. "Good. That means it likes you."
(Correction. Techniques cannot feel emotions.)
"Shut up," Lin Xuanji muttered.
Ruolan clutched the book like a lifeline. "Thank you, Sect Master. I… I thought I would never cultivate again."
Lin Xuanji smiled awkwardly. "Well, that's what sects are for, right? Helping people. Growing strong. Occasionally running for your life, but let's focus on the first two."
Ruolan nodded vigorously.
Then Lin Xuanji remembered something important.
Very important.
"System," he said, "Do we have… anywhere to sleep? Like, beds?"
(Host may construct a disciple hut.)
Lin Xuanji pointed dramatically at the ground. "Then do it!"
The blueprint in his hand dissolved into fragments of light that drifted to the ground.
The mountain trembled—very slightly—before stone rearranged itself smoothly, neatly, precisely. A second hut rose from the ground beside the first.
Ruolan's jaw dropped. "Sect Master… did you just…?"
Lin Xuanji puffed out his chest. "Yep. That's the System's construction function. Very advanced. High-end. Premium."
(It is basic-level functionality.)
"I SWEAR TO THE HEAVENS—"
Ruolan giggled.
The sound surprised both of them.
Then Lin Xuanji sighed. "Alright, Ruolan. That hut is yours. Get settled, wash up, maybe take a nap, and… tomorrow we start training."
Ruolan nodded, bowing deeply before hurrying toward his hut.
Lin Xuanji watched him go, arms crossed, feeling a strange warmth.
His first disciple.
A real disciple.
On a mountain that was no longer empty.
He exhaled.
"System."
(Yes, Host.)
"Is… this really how sect building starts?"
(Correct.)
"And it gets easier, right?"
A pause.
A long pause.
(…No.)
"…Fantastic."
The wind seemed to laugh at him.