By the afternoon, Cloud Mist Peak had become livelier than it had ever been in the past ten years. The once silent mountain paths were now filled with disciples walking up and down the stone steps, their voices echoing through the misty air as they excitedly discussed the strange new training hall that had appeared overnight. Some disciples came out of curiosity, some came after hearing their friends talk about improved techniques, and others simply wanted to witness the mysterious place with their own eyes.
Inside the Cloud Mist Internet Café, every computer was currently occupied. The room that had once felt spacious was now filled with disciples watching the glowing screens with fascination. Some players sat completely still, their consciousness inside the virtual worlds created by the system, while others who had just finished their sessions stood nearby discussing their experiences with excitement.
"I almost defeated that giant monster!" one outer disciple exclaimed.
"Did you see how it moved? That thing was faster than most demonic beasts!" another replied.
Nearby, the three inner disciples who had arrived earlier were still deeply focused on their training sessions. The tall swordsman who had first tested the system was currently battling inside the Zombie Catastrophe Realm, fighting wave after wave of terrifying undead creatures.
Inside the virtual world, the ruined city looked darker and more dangerous than before. Broken buildings leaned dangerously over the empty streets, and the air was filled with an eerie silence that made every sound echo unnaturally.
The swordsman gripped his weapon tightly as several monsters slowly surrounded him.
Unlike the first time he entered this world, his movements were now much calmer and more controlled.
"Come," he muttered quietly.
The creatures charged forward.
His sword flashed through the air like a streak of lightning.
Within seconds, several monsters collapsed to the ground.
Back inside the computer shop, the surrounding disciples watched the screen with amazement.
"That inner disciple is incredible."
"He defeated those monsters so quickly!"
Lin Tian calmly observed the scene while standing behind the counter. Although the disciples were excited, he remained completely relaxed.
The system panel floating in front of him displayed the current statistics of the shop.
Active Players: 20
Total Visitors Today: 47
Spirit Stones Earned: 235
Lin Tian rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"In just half a day…"
He had originally expected the shop to take several days before attracting attention. However, the disciples' reactions were even more enthusiastic than he had predicted.
Just then, the door of the shop slowly opened once again.
This time, the room suddenly became much quieter.
Several disciples instinctively stepped aside as a figure walked into the shop.
The man wore long dark robes embroidered with intricate patterns that faintly glowed with spiritual energy. His calm and composed expression gave him an air of quiet authority.
Lin Tian immediately recognized him.
Gu Shenzhi.
The Peak Master of Array Formation Peak.
Unlike the hot-tempered Lei Ba or the proud Jian Tianlong, Gu Shenzhi was known throughout the sect for his intelligence and mysterious personality. Many disciples believed he could see through even the most complex formations with a single glance.
The moment he entered the shop, his sharp eyes slowly scanned the room.
His gaze paused briefly on the strange machines arranged across the tables.
"So this is the place that has been causing such a commotion," he said quietly.
All the disciples immediately bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Elder Gu."
Gu Shenzhi nodded slightly before turning his attention toward Lin Tian.
"Peak Master Lin."
Lin Tian smiled faintly.
"Elder Gu. I didn't expect a peak master to visit my small shop."
Gu Shenzhi slowly walked deeper into the room, carefully observing the computers and glowing screens.
"I heard many unusual rumors today," he said calmly. "Disciples claiming they can fight inside illusion worlds and improve their techniques."
He stopped beside one of the machines and examined it closely.
"As the peak master of Array Formation Peak, I am naturally curious about strange formations."
Lin Tian crossed his arms.
"And what do you think?"
Gu Shenzhi placed his hand lightly on the machine.
"I see no traditional formation arrays," he said slowly.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"And yet… this place is filled with a powerful energy I cannot fully understand."
Several disciples nearby listened nervously.
Gu Shenzhi turned back toward Lin Tian.
"May I try it?"
Lin Tian gestured toward one of the empty computers.
"Of course."
For the first time since entering the room, Gu Shenzhi showed a small hint of curiosity in his eyes.
He sat down in front of the machine.
Lin Tian quickly explained how to activate the system.
Moments later, the glowing screen flashed brightly.
Gu Shenzhi's consciousness entered the virtual world.
Inside the shop, the disciples immediately gathered around the screen to watch.
The scene that appeared was a massive battlefield filled with countless warriors clashing in fierce combat.
It was the Warring States Battlefield Realm.
Gu Shenzhi stood calmly in the center of the battlefield while soldiers charged in every direction.
His normally calm eyes widened slightly.
"This illusion…"
He raised his hand and felt the wind rushing past him.
"It feels completely real."
Before he could analyze the situation further, enemy soldiers rushed toward him.
Gu Shenzhi quickly grabbed the spear that appeared in his hands and defended himself.
Although he was not a warrior cultivator, his sharp mind allowed him to adapt quickly.
Inside the computer shop, the disciples watched the battle unfold on the screen with great excitement.
"Even Elder Gu is fighting!"
"I wonder how long he'll last."
Several minutes later, Gu Shenzhi suddenly opened his eyes.
Back in the shop, he remained seated silently for a moment.
Then he slowly stood up.
His usually calm expression now showed genuine surprise.
"That… was remarkable."
The entire shop fell silent.
Gu Shenzhi looked down at his hands as if testing his control over his spiritual energy.
"My reaction speed improved slightly," he said quietly.
Then he turned toward Lin Tian.
"For an illusion formation… this is extraordinary."
Lin Tian simply smiled.
"It's not exactly an illusion formation."
Gu Shenzhi studied him for a moment before nodding slowly.
"Indeed."
Without another word, he placed a pouch of spirit stones on the table.
"I will return tomorrow."
Then he calmly walked out of the shop.
The moment he left, the room exploded with excitement.
"Did you see that?"
"Even a peak master admitted it was useful!"
Lin Tian calmly watched the door close.
Outside, the sun was beginning to set behind the distant mountains.
Meanwhile, in another peak far away, a certain proud swordsman had already heard the news about Gu Shenzhi's visit.
And this time…
The entire Lingyuan Sect would begin paying attention to Cloud Mist Peak.