Eternal Rebirth: The System's Chosen Exile

The next morning, Lin Wei woke to the sound of distant drums echoing through the village. The rhythmic pounding was unlike anything he'd heard before, and it carried an air of urgency. He quickly dressed and stepped outside, where he found Jiang Feng waiting for him.

"What's going on?" Lin Wei asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Jiang Feng's expression was serious. "The Azure Sky Sect is holding a recruitment trial today. It's a rare opportunity for cultivators to join one of the most powerful sects in the region. I thought you might want to participate."

Lin Wei blinked, surprised. "Me? Join a sect? I've only been here for a few days. I'm not ready for something like that."

Jiang Feng shook his head. "You're stronger than you think. And this trial could be a chance to prove yourself. Besides, the sect's resources could help you control your system and grow faster."

Lin Wei hesitated, but the determination in Jiang Feng's eyes convinced him. "Alright. I'll give it a shot. What do I need to do?"

"The trial is divided into three stages," Jiang Feng explained as they walked toward the village square. "The first stage tests your Qi control. The second stage is a combat trial. And the third stage… well, no one knows what it is. It changes every year."

The village square was already crowded with cultivators of all ages, each wearing robes of different colors and styles. At the center of the square stood a group of sect elders, their presence commanding respect. One of them, a tall man with a long white beard, stepped forward and raised his hand for silence.

"Welcome, cultivators," the elder said, his voice carrying across the square. "Today, you will have the opportunity to prove your worth and join the Azure Sky Sect. The trial begins now."

The first stage was held in a large courtyard filled with stone pillars. Each pillar had a small crystal embedded in its surface, glowing faintly with Qi.

"Your task is simple," the elder explained. "Channel your Qi into the crystal and light it up. The brighter the glow, the better your score."

Lin Wei stepped up to one of the pillars, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. He closed his eyes and focused on the spark of Qi in his chest, guiding it through his arm and into the crystal. At first, the glow was faint, but as he concentrated, it grew brighter and brighter.

The elder nodded approvingly. "Not bad. Next."

The second stage took place in a large arena, where cultivators were paired off for sparring matches. Lin Wei's opponent was a young woman with a confident smirk and a gleaming sword.

"Ready?" she asked, raising her blade.

Lin Wei nodded, gripping his practice sword tightly. The match began, and the woman lunged at him with impressive speed. Lin Wei barely managed to block her strikes, his movements clumsy compared to hers.

But as the fight went on, Lin Wei began to adapt. He used his **Qi Sense** to anticipate her movements and his **Shadow Step** to dodge her attacks. When she left an opening, he struck with a **Frost Palm**, freezing the ground beneath her feet and throwing her off balance.

The woman stumbled, and Lin Wei pressed the advantage, disarming her with a well-timed strike. The crowd erupted in cheers, and even the sect elders looked impressed.

"Well done," the elder said, nodding to Lin Wei. "You've passed the second stage."

The final stage was held in a secluded garden, where a single stone tablet stood in the center. The tablet was covered in ancient runes, and the air around it hummed with energy.

"This is the final test," the elder said. "The tablet contains a hidden message. Decipher it, and you will prove your worth."

Lin Wei stepped forward, staring at the runes. They were unlike anything he'd ever seen, but as he focused, his system screen flickered to life:

**[New Quest: Decipher the Ancient Runes. Reward: Random Ability.]**

Lin Wei closed his eyes, activating **Qi Sense**. He could feel the energy flowing through the runes, each one pulsing with a unique rhythm. Slowly, he began to piece together the message, his system translating the runes in his mind.

The message was simple but profound: *"True strength lies not in power, but in understanding."*

As Lin Wei spoke the words aloud, the tablet began to glow, and the runes shifted, forming a new pattern. The elder smiled, clearly impressed.

"You've passed the trial," he said. "Welcome to the Azure Sky Sect."

Lin Wei felt a surge of pride and relief. He had done it. He had proven himself.

As he walked back to Jiang Feng, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what lay ahead. The Azure Sky Sect was just the beginning. With his glitchy system and newfound skills, he was ready to face whatever challenges came his way.