The morning sun bathed the Xuanling Sect courtyard in soft golden light. Mist still clung to the stone paths, and the seven disciples moved with a mixture of eagerness and caution. Xuán Wèi hovered invisibly above them, the faint glow of his system interface pulsing with calculated intent.
**[System]: Level 1 mission partially complete. Reputation points requirement pending.]
He smirked. The first task had been finished efficiently, but reputation points… that required strategy, perception, and subtle manipulation.
A Challenge Beyond Power
He summoned the disciples to the courtyard, concealing the system entirely.
"Today's task," Xuán Wèi announced, "is not about cultivation or raw power. It's about the Xuanling Sect's reputation. You will show the world what it means to be disciples of this sect."
Ling Wei tilted her head. "A demonstration, Master?"
Yien yawned, "Sounds boring, but fine."
Huo Lan gripped his staff tightly. "Then I'll make it impressive."
Xuán Wèi's smile deepened. Strength alone wouldn't sway the world — influence, perception, and reputation did.
Reputation points weren't just numbers. They reflected the sect's standing, its disciples' conduct, and how outsiders perceived its power and order.
The Sect in Action
Xuán Wèi assigned roles:
Ling Wei would guide villagers through minor conflicts, demonstrating harmony of Dao flows.
Yien would assist with heavy labor, showing strength tempered with care.
Huo Lan would oversee protection and vigilance in risky areas.
The remaining disciples handled auxiliary tasks: organizing resources, aiding elders, and helping with public displays.
Each act, each decision, silently contributed to the pending reputation points. Xuán Wèi's system tracked every success and failure, invisible to the disciples.
"Perception shapes reality," Xuán Wèi thought. "If the world sees our sect as powerful and benevolent, disciples will come… and the sect will grow stronger."
Influence in Motion
As the disciples carried out their tasks:
A villager nearly fell into a shallow river. Yien was there in an instant, steadying them and earning grateful nods.
Ling Wei resolved a quarrel over land with calm, precise words, leaving both parties impressed.
Huo Lan prevented a collapsing wall from harming a group, demonstrating vigilance and discipline.
Each action subtly boosted the sect's reputation, though Xuán Wèi knew it would take careful orchestration to fully satisfy the requirement.
By midday, the system displayed the updated tally:
[Reputation Points]: 82% complete
Xuán Wèi nodded. "Better, but not enough. Reputation is earned in every subtle interaction. One careless word could undo progress."
Sect Upgrades Triggered
With the growing reputation points, the Xuanling Sect began to show subtle signs of progress:
Stone pathways gleamed more smoothly, reflecting careful maintenance.
Courtyard banners shimmered with magical energy, projecting a faint aura of prestige.
Villagers paused to admire the disciples' discipline, spreading word of the sect's deeds.
Every minor upgrade would draw attention from potential disciples, increasing the chances of attracting talent once the Level 2 system unlocks.
The Next Steps
Xuán Wèi observed the disciples, invisible, noting each misstep and victory.
Mission Status:
Task 1 (Complete) ✅
Task 2 (Reputation Points) In Progress ❌
"Soon," he whispered, "we will unlock the next stage of the system. But first… let us ensure the world knows the Xuanling Sect deserves to be respected and feared."
The disciples, unaware of the system tracking every move, felt a quiet pride. They worked harder, strategized more carefully, and began shaping the sect's public image — laying the foundation for future growth, stronger disciples, and Level 2 plug-in quests.