Ascension Log

The heavens wept the moment Kai Lin opened his eyes.

Thunder rumbled in the distance, though no storm had yet gathered. The air was thin, sharp, and tinged with spiritual energy so dense it clung to his skin like mist.

He blinked slowly. The world around him was unfamiliar — towering peaks cut through drifting clouds, and ancient stone steps coiled around the cliffs like dragons asleep in the mountains.

This was not Earth.

His last memory had been of blood. His own, warm and heavy in his chest. The cold steel. The betrayal. A sharp pain, then—

Silence.

And now, rebirth.

A chill wind blew past him as he sat at the foot of a stone stairway, his clothes torn and dusty, body frail and human once more. Yet his soul trembled not from weakness, but from something else:

[Sign-In System Activated.]

A voice, emotionless and ancient, echoed in his mind like a bell struck deep within a sacred temple.

Location Detected: Entry Steps of the Azure Sky Sect.

Would you like to sign in?

Kai Lin did not speak. He simply nodded.

Sign-In Successful.

Reward: 100 Years of Cultivation Base (Sealed).

He drew a sharp breath.

His meridians surged with warmth. His bones groaned. His core flickered — though still hidden behind the veil of mortal flesh, something had changed.

A hundred years of cultivation, sealed… for now.

He clenched his fist slowly. The power wasn't active, but it was there. Sleeping beneath the surface. Waiting.

"Hey, you! Are you here for the entrance test?"

A voice broke the silence. Kai turned. A youth in gray robes stood a few paces away, eyebrows raised. His tone was casual, but his eyes carried the cold arrogance of someone born inside the sect.

Kai rose to his feet.

"I am," he replied, voice quiet but firm.

The youth snorted. "Late arrivals go last. Hope you brought some talent with you. Azure Sky doesn't keep trash."

He walked off, leaving Kai alone again with the wind and the distant toll of bells.

Kai looked to the stairs.

Above, the sect awaited. Sects were power. Power was survival. And in this world, survival was war.

But he had no fear.

He had the system.

And he would sign in again tomorrow.