ALL NOVEL Chapter 7: First check-In
Chapter 7 - First Check-In
Li Tianhuan's thoughts drifted as the Academy Elder continued his lecture on primeval essence and apertures. The words became a dull hum in the background as a familiar red screen flickered in the corner of his vision. It was the system, appearing with a faint glow.
System Notification:
Check-In Function Available.
Li Tianhuan's eyes narrowed slightly, his heart beating faster. "Finally," he thought. He focused on the notification, and the system expanded with its usual crisp, black text on a glowing red backdrop.
Check-In Location: Yanxiao Clan Academy
Reward: Heavenly Essence Treasure Lotus Gu
Note: As this is your first check-in, the rewards have been increased from Low to Intermediate quality.
Li Tianhuan's brows furrowed as a new line of text appeared below the reward description:
Mission Requirement: Touch Yan Yueqing's hand beside you for 20 seconds.
His face froze, and he could feel his stomach sink. "What the…" he thought, incredulous. He stole a quick glance at Yan Yueqing, who was scribbling notes on the lecture with an innocent focus. Her braid rested neatly on her shoulder, and her sharp eyes scanned the diagrams on the board as if she were the perfect student.
"Touch her for 20 seconds? Are you kidding me?" Li Tianhuan thought, his mind racing. The Heavenly Essence Treasure Lotus was no ordinary Gu. Known for its ability to enhance a cultivator's aperture, it could increase the efficiency of primeval essence recovery and amplify the overall capacity of the aperture. It was a treasure that could significantly boost his cultivation path. But the requirement…
"Why couldn't it just be something normal? Like standing up or reciting a phrase?" He took a deep breath, trying to suppress the frustration bubbling inside him. The system had been generous so far, but its methods were… unconventional.
The system's screen blinked again:
Host has 10 minutes to complete the requirement. Failure to do so will void the check-in.
"10 minutes? Oh, come on!" Li Tianhuan cursed inwardly. He weighed his options, his gaze flickering back to Yan Yueqing. "It's just 20 seconds… she probably won't even notice. Or… maybe she will." He grimaced. "This is going to be awkward as hell."
He glanced around the classroom. The elder was deep into his lecture, and most of the students were absorbed in taking notes or daydreaming. It was as good an opportunity as any.
Steeling himself, Li Tianhuan turned slightly toward Yan Yueqing, his voice low and measured. "Yueqing…"
She looked up, her expression curious. "Hmm?"
"I… uh… Can you give me your hand for a second?" he said, his tone hesitant.
Yan Yueqing frowned, her face flushing red as she asked, "Why… do you need my hand?"
"Come on, just give it. I won't do anything weird. I just want to check something," Li Tianhuan said quickly, reaching out and gently placing his hand over hers. He felt his heart race as the timer in his mind began to count down. "20 seconds… just 20 seconds."
Yan Yueqing blinked, her blush deepening. "What are you doing?"
Li Tianhuan forced a small, disarming smile. "I'm just checking my hand size against yours."
The seconds felt like hours as he held her hand, his thoughts racing. "Please don't slap me, please don't slap me…"
Finally, the system pinged softly in his vision:
Requirement Completed.
He quickly withdrew his hand, giving her an awkward smile as he flexed his fingers. "All done," he said casually. "Your hand is slightly smaller than mine."
Yan Yueqing stared at him, her eyes narrowing. "Li Tianhuan… you're acting weird."
"Am I? Must be the stress of the lecture," he said, trying to sound nonchalant while looking back at the diagrams on the wall, as though nothing unusual had happened.
The system screen expanded again, and his heart leapt at the words:
Check-In Complete.
Reward Obtained: Heavenly Essence Treasure Lotus.
Li Tianhuan leaned back slightly, relief washing over him. "Worth it," he thought, though he made a mental note to brace for whatever eccentric requirements the system might throw at him next.
The Academy Elder, who had just finished his class observed the class for second with a calculating gaze, suddenly cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "I have an announcement," he began, his voice firm and commanding. "As part of the Yanxiao Clan's tradition, every student in this academy will receive a free Gu worm. This is to aid you in your cultivation journey and ensure the clan's younger generation remains competitive and strong."
The room erupted into excited chatter as students cheered and whispered among themselves. Some speculated about which Gu worms they should take, while others exchanged confident grins, already dreaming of the advantages their new Gu would bring. The air buzzed with anticipation, as even the usually reserved students couldn't hide their enthusiasm.
"Now," the elder continued, raising his voice to quiet the room, "I will present ten different Gu worms, all of the illusion path and Rank 1. Each student will choose one to begin their cultivation."
He gestured to an attendant, who approached with a wooden tray holding ten small jars, each containing a unique Gu worm. The elder began introducing them one by one:
Mist Veil Gu - Creates a thin layer of fog around the user, obscuring their presence and confusing enemies.
Shadow Mirage Gu - Generates illusory duplicates of the user to distract or deceive opponents.
Phantom Echo Gu - Projects illusory sounds to mislead or unsettle targets.
Smoke Screen Gu - Releases a dense cloud of smoke, ideal for escapes or concealing movements.
Mirror Image Gu - Reflects an illusory copy of the user, mimicking their movements precisely.
False Aura Gu - Alters the user's aura to appear stronger or weaker than it truly is.
Dream Thread Gu - Sends thin threads of illusion into the mind of a target, creating false visions.
Ethereal Step Gu - Distorts the user's silhouette, making their movements harder to track.
Veil of Night Gu - Covers the area in an illusion of darkness, blinding enemies temporarily.
Illusion Spark Gu - Produces a flash of light to disorient and momentarily blind foes.
"These Gu worms," the elder explained, "are all foundational for illusion path cultivation. Choose wisely, as this will be the first step on your journey as a Gu Master."