Three weeks passed in relative peace.

It was surreal, honestly. After the constant chaos of my first two weeks in the sect, suddenly having time to just... cultivate and train felt almost wrong. Like the universe was setting me up for something terrible.

[PARANOIA: HEALTHY]

[BUT ALSO, ENJOY THE DOWNTIME]

[YOU'VE EARNED IT]

The Mei Family had gone silent after their spectacular fall from grace. Mei Ling was spotted occasionally in the outer sect areas, doing her disciplinary labor with a perpetually sour expression. Mei Feng had been expelled entirely, and the family's remaining members kept their heads down.

My daily routine had settled into something almost normal:

Mornings: Cultivation in my chamber, letting ACS work its automated magic while I meditated or studied sect techniques.

[CULTIVATION PROGRESS: 53% → 78% TO STAGE 6]

[ESTIMATED BREAKTHROUGH: 4-5 DAYS]

[YOUR PROGRESSION IS STILL ABSURDLY FAST]

Afternoons: Training with my new group, Yun Xia, Zhou Ming, Su Mei, and occasionally Han Feng when he wasn't on sect missions. We practiced techniques, sparred, and generally pushed each other to improve.

"Again!" Su Mei called out, deflecting my strike with her staff. "Your footwork telegraphs your intentions. An experienced opponent will read it."

I adjusted, attacked again. This time my strike connected, barely.

"Better!" She grinned. "You're learning. Slowly, but learning."

[TRAINING PROFICIENCY: INCREASING]

[INFINITE TIDE SCRIPTURE: 74% → 81%]

[COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS: IMPROVING]

Zhou Ming had improved dramatically under the group's collective instruction. His cultivation had jumped from Stage 4 to Stage 5 in just three weeks, still not as fast as my cheating progress, but impressive for normal standards.

"Senior Brother Lin," he said during a water break, "thank you. For everything. Teaching me, including me in training, just... being kind."

"You earned it," I said. "You work hard and you're genuine. That's rare in the cultivation world."

[MENTORSHIP RELATIONSHIP: SOLID]

[ZHOU MING LOYALTY: MAXIMUM]

[YOU'VE GOT A DEDICATED JUNIOR BROTHER]

Evenings: Usually spent with Yun Xia. We'd progressed from awkward dates to comfortable companionship. She'd become my anchor in this chaotic world, someone who saw me as just Lin Tian, not the mysterious genius or political asset.

Tonight, we sat in the sect gardens, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and purple.

"You've been quiet lately," she observed. "More than usual."

"Just thinking," I said. "About how weird this all is. A month ago, I was outer sect cannon fodder. Now I'm inner sect, part of a faction, have friends, a girlfriend..." I smiled at her. "It feels surreal."

"Girlfriend?" She raised an eyebrow, playfully. "I don't remember officially agreeing to that title."

"Oh. I just assumed—"

She laughed and kissed my cheek. "I'm teasing. Of course I'm your girlfriend, you dense cultivator."

[RELATIONSHIP STATUS: OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED]

[GIRLFRIEND ACQUIRED]

[ROMANTIC SUBPLOT: PROGRESSING NICELY]

[HAREM COUNT: 1]

[WAIT, SHOULD WE BE TRACKING THAT?]

'Please don't track that.'

[TOO LATE. HAREM TRACKING SYSTEM: ACTIVATED]

[CURRENT MEMBERS: YUN XIA]

[POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: SU MEI(?), JIANG MEI(?), THAT INNER SECT GIRL WHO KEEPS STARING AT YOU(?)]

'System, no.'

[SYSTEM, YES]

The peace shattered on a Tuesday morning.

I was in my cultivation chamber, about to attempt breaking through to Stage 6, when an urgent messenger arrived at my door.

"Lin Tian! Emergency assembly! All inner sect disciples to the main hall immediately!"

[WELL, THAT'S OMINOUS]

[TOLD YOU THE PEACE WOULDN'T LAST]

I threw on my robes and rushed to the main hall, joining a stream of confused disciples. The hall was massive, capable of holding all three hundred inner sect members plus elders. By the time I arrived, it was already packed.

Yun Xia found me in the crowd. "Do you know what's happening?"

"No idea."

Su Mei pushed through from the Blue Moon section. "Rumor is it's about the Crimson Wastes expedition. The one that happens every five years."

[CRIMSON WASTES?]

[CHECKING SECT RECORDS...]

[OH. OH NO.]

[BOSS, THIS IS BAD]

'What is it?'

[THE CRIMSON WASTES: ANCIENT RUINS CONTAINING POWERFUL TREASURES AND CULTIVATION RESOURCES]

[ALSO: FILLED WITH DANGEROUS BEASTS, DEADLY FORMATIONS, AND HIGH MORTALITY RATE]

[EVERY FIVE YEARS, THE SECT SENDS DISCIPLES ON AN EXPEDITION]

[SURVIVAL RATE: APPROXIMATELY 60%]

[THIS IS CLASSIC "TRAINING ARC WHERE PEOPLE DIE"]

The hall fell silent as Sect Master Liang took the platform. His Nascent Soul Stage 6 cultivation radiated authority that made everyone instinctively straighten.

"Disciples," he began, his voice carrying easily. "As many of you know, every five years our sect organizes an expedition to the Crimson Wastes, ancient ruins from the Immortal Era, rich with treasures, techniques, and cultivation resources."

Excited murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"This year's expedition will be larger than usual," the Sect Master continued. "Due to our losses during the Blood Moon invasion, we need to replenish resources and strengthen our disciples rapidly. Therefore, participation will be mandatory for all inner sect disciples Stage 5 and above."

The murmurs turned to worried whispers.

[MANDATORY]

[YOU CAN'T OPT OUT]

[THIS IS happening WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT]

"The expedition will last three months," Sect Master Liang said. "You'll be divided into teams of ten, led by a Stage 8 or 9 senior disciple. Your objectives are to explore the ruins, retrieve valuable resources, and return safely."

"What about the dangers?" someone called out. "The mortality rate—"

"Is significant," the Sect Master acknowledged bluntly. "The Crimson Wastes are dangerous. Ancient formations, corrupted beasts, rival sects seeking the same resources. Some of you will not return." His expression hardened. "But those who do will be rewarded handsomely. Contribution points, rare cultivation pills, access to advanced techniques. This is an opportunity for rapid advancement."

[TRANSLATION: RISK YOUR LIFE FOR REWARDS]

[CLASSIC CULTIVATION WORLD LOGIC]

"Teams will be announced tomorrow," the Sect Master continued. "You have one week to prepare. Stock up on supplies, check your equipment, settle any personal affairs. Dismissed."

The hall erupted into chaos as disciples rushed to discuss, plan, and panic.

Yun Xia grabbed my arm. "Lin Tian, this is serious. Three months in ancient ruins? People die on these expeditions."

"I know."

"And it's mandatory. We can't refuse."

"I know."

Su Mei joined us, her usual cheerfulness replaced by concern. "Blue Moon members are gathering to discuss strategy. We should coordinate, make sure our people end up on good teams."

"Can we influence team assignments?" I asked.

"Officially? No. The sect assigns teams for 'optimal balance.'" She made air quotes. "Unofficially? Factions absolutely lobby to get their members together. Safety in numbers."

[FACTION POLITICS: BACK IN PLAY]

[TIME TO LEVERAGE YOUR CONNECTIONS]

The next twenty-four hours were a blur of preparation and politicking.

Blue Moon Association held an emergency meeting where Jiang Mei outlined survival strategies, resource sharing protocols, and emergency signals. The atmosphere was tense but organized, people genuinely looking out for each other rather than jockeying for advantage.

"Stick together when possible," Jiang Mei instructed. "If you find rare resources, don't be greedy, grab what you can and retreat. The Wastes are full of formation traps that activate when people get greedy."

"What about rival sects?" someone asked.

"Crimson Peak Sect and Verdant Valley Sect will also be sending disciples. Officially, we're all supposed to avoid conflict. Unofficially..." She grimaced. "Don't travel alone. Ever."

[MULTIPLE HOSTILE PARTIES]

[DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT]

[THREE MONTHS OF THIS]

[YOUR SURVIVAL PROBABILITY JUST DROPPED TO 51%]

That evening, I found Elder Hu in his quarters.

"Lin Tian," he said, gesturing for me to sit. "I assume you're here about the expedition."

"Yes, Elder. I wanted to ask... is there any way to—"

"Refuse? No." His tone was final. "The Sect Master made it mandatory. Even provisional disciples must participate if they meet the cultivation threshold."

"Which I do."

"Which you do." He poured tea. "However, I may be able to influence your team assignment. What are you hoping for?"

"Teammates I can trust. Blue Moon members, if possible. Yun Xia especially."

Elder Hu nodded. "Reasonable. I'll speak with the assignment committee. No guarantees, but I'll try." He studied me. "You're worried."

"Shouldn't I be? Three months in deadly ruins with a 40% mortality rate?"

"Yes, you should be worried. Fear keeps you alive." He sipped his tea. "But you're also more capable than most disciples your age. Your combat record proves that. Trust your abilities, trust your teammates, and don't take unnecessary risks."

"That's the plan."

"Good." He set down his cup. "Also, Lin Tian, the Crimson Wastes are where disciples make their names. Perform well, and you'll cement your position in the sect. Possibly even advance to full inner sect status ahead of schedule."

[OPPORTUNITY DETECTED]

[HIGH RISK, HIGH REWARD]

[CLASSIC CULTIVATION WORLD SCENARIO]

Team assignments were posted the next morning.

I pushed through the crowd gathered around the announcement board, searching for my name.

[SCANNING...]

[FOUND: TEAM 7]

[MEMBERS: LIN TIAN, YUN XIA, SU MEI, ZHOU MING, HAN FENG...]

My team included almost everyone from my training group. Either Elder Hu had pulled serious strings, or the assignment committee recognized that we worked well together.

The team leader was listed as Chen Rou, a Stage 9 disciple I didn't know.

[CHEN ROU: STAGE 9, FEMALE, AGE 24]

[REPUTATION: SERIOUS, COMPETENT, NO-NONSENSE]

[THREE PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS, 90% TEAM SURVIVAL RATE]

[SHE'S GOOD AT KEEPING PEOPLE ALIVE]

Yun Xia found me in the crowd. "We're on the same team!"

"I know. Elder Hu must have arranged it."

"Thank him later. Right now..." She looked at the board. "We need to meet our team leader and the other members. Get to know each other before we're thrown into deadly ruins together."

Smart. I scanned the rest of Team 7's roster:

Chen Rou (Leader, Stage 9)

Han Feng (Stage 6)

Su Mei (Stage 6)

Lin Tian (Stage 5)

Yun Xia (Stage 5)

Zhou Ming (Stage 5)

Plus four others I didn't recognize

Ten disciples total. Six days to prepare. Three months in the Crimson Wastes.

[TEAM COMPOSITION: MIXED BUT DECENT]

[LEADER: EXPERIENCED]

[KNOWN ALLIES: 5/10]

[UNKNOWN FACTORS: 4/10]

[ODDS: UNCERTAIN BUT BETTER THAN SOLO]

A message arrived that evening, meet Team 7 tomorrow morning, eastern training ground, for introductions and initial planning.

I spent the night reviewing everything I knew about the Crimson Wastes (not much), checking my equipment (adequate but could be better), and trying not to think about the mortality statistics.

[BOSS]

'Yeah?'

[YOU'RE GOING TO SURVIVE THIS]

[WE'VE SURVIVED EVERYTHING ELSE]

[BLOOD MOON INVASION, DUELS, ASSASSINS, SECT POLITICS]

[THIS IS JUST ANOTHER CHALLENGE]

'This challenge lasts three months.'

[THEN WE'LL BE EVEN STRONGER BY THE END]

[LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE]

[YOU'LL PROBABLY REACH STAGE 6, MAYBE STAGE 7]

[INFINITE QI + DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT = RAPID CULTIVATION]

'That's... actually a good point.'

[I'M FULL OF GOOD POINTS]

[NOW SLEEP]

[BIG WEEK AHEAD]

I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, processing everything.

One month ago, I'd died from a vending machine and woke up in a cultivation world with a system that did everything for me.

Now I was about to venture into ancient ruins where 40% of disciples died, alongside teammates I'd need to keep alive, hunting for treasures while avoiding rival sects and deadly monsters.

"My life is insane," I muttered.

[CORRECTION: YOUR LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE]

[INSANE IS JUST A SIDE EFFECT]

Fair point.

Tomorrow, I'd meet my team.

In six days, we'd enter the Crimson Wastes.

In three months... well, hopefully I'd still be alive to find out.

[OPTIMISM: NOTED]

[SURVIVAL PROBABILITY: RECALCULATING...]

[CURRENT: 51%]

[WITH PROPER PREPARATION: 57%]

[WITH LUCK: 64%]

[WE'LL TAKE THOSE ODDS]

[STATUS UPDATE:]

[TIME IN SECT: 1 MONTH]

[CULTIVATION: STAGE 5 (78% TO STAGE 6)]

[FACTION: BLUE MOON ASSOCIATION]

[RELATIONSHIP: YUN XIA (OFFICIAL GIRLFRIEND)]

[TEAM: ASSIGNED]

[UPCOMING EXPEDITION: CRIMSON WASTES (MANDATORY)]

[DURATION: 3 MONTHS]

[SURVIVAL RATE: HISTORICALLY 60%]

[YOUR ODDS: BETTER THAN AVERAGE]

[NEXT CHAPTER: TEAM MEETING AND PREPARATION]

[THEN: ADVENTURE ARC BEGINS]

[BUCKLE UP, BOSS]

[THIS IS GOING TO BE INTERESTING]

I smiled in the darkness.

Interesting was one word for it.

Deadly was another.

But I'd face it anyway.

With friends, faction, cultivation, and a sarcastic system that somehow always had my back.

What could possibly go wrong?

[BOSS]

[STOP ASKING THAT]

[YOU'RE TEMPTING FATE AGAIN]

'Right. Sorry.'

[TOO LATE]

[PLOT COMPLICATIONS: ALREADY INCOMING]

[SLEEP NOW, WORRY LATER]

Tomorrow would bring new challenges.

But tonight, I rested.

Because soon, rest would be a luxury I couldn't afford.

The Crimson Wastes awaited.

And with them, my next trial.

[GOOD LUCK, BOSS]

[YOU'RE GOING TO NEED IT]

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