The sun barely rose over the Xuanling Sect when Xuán Wèi called Wei Tian to the central courtyard. The air shimmered faintly with temporal energy, a sign that the system had already prepared the next task.
[System]: Host, Level 2 plug-in quest available. Recommended disciple: Wei Tian. Location: Temporal Ruins. Reward: Dao artifacts, cultivation manuals, and sect points.
Wei Tian's silver eyes widened as the system's message echoed in MC's mind.
"This… is my first task?" Wei Tian asked, a mixture of excitement and apprehension in his voice.
"Correct," Xuán Wèi replied, smirking. "It's not just about completing it, though — it's about showing the world why the Xuanling Sect is worth following. And, of course, why I'm your teacher."
The Quest
The Temporal Ruins lay several days' journey from the sect, hidden in a pocket of distorted time. Legends spoke of artifacts capable of bending time, and even immortal cultivators approached with caution.
As they entered, the air warped around them — seconds stretching into minutes, movements lagging, then snapping forward unpredictably. Wei Tian struggled to stabilize his senses, but under MC's guidance, he slowly synchronized with the distortions.
"Focus on your Dao connection, not just your eyes," Xuán Wèi instructed. "Time is not an enemy — it's a tool."
[System Update]: Reputation Points +3. Sect appearance slightly enhanced. Plug-in quest in progress.
Challenges Along the Way
Temporal guardians appeared: ethereal beings who could stretch or rewind Wei Tian's movements.
Wei Tian's initial attempts failed, but Xuán Wèi allowed him to learn from mistakes, subtly hinting at solutions.
By observing Wei Tian's reactions, the system noted his adaptability, increasing his potential to unlock higher-level rewards.
Growth and Humor
At one point, Wei Tian's foot slipped, causing him to nearly fall into a temporal trap. Xuán Wèi caught him effortlessly.
"Careful," he said teasingly, "if you fall, time will just rewind and mock you forever."
Wei Tian rolled his eyes but smiled faintly — even in danger, MC's humor made him more confident.
Conclusion
By evening, Wei Tian had navigated the core of the Temporal Ruins, discovering a minor Dao artifact — a Chrono Crystal capable of enhancing temporal perception.
[System Update]: Quest partially complete. Reputation Points +5. Wei Tian progress: +10% in Time & Void Dao affinity.
Back at the sect, Xuán Wèi allowed Wei Tian to rest. The young disciple's face shone with both fatigue and exhilaration.
"Not bad for your first trial," MC remarked. "Next, we aim higher — more difficult plug-ins, stronger artifacts, and maybe even a challenge to your luck. Don't get too comfortable."
The Xuanling Sect's aura pulsed subtly, attracting attention from nearby lands — the sect's growth and reputation was only beginning to ripple outward.