Reborn in a cultivation world with my Ex girlfriends

Wang Li stared at Feng Yuling, her words echoing in his mind.

"A secret technique?" he repeated, his voice a mix of curiosity and wariness. "You mean something forbidden?"

Feng Yuling nodded, her silver-blue eyes steady. "Not forbidden—just… restricted. My family considers it too dangerous for outsiders. But you're not exactly an outsider anymore, are you?"

Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications.

Wang Li swallowed hard. He knew better than to take her offer lightly. In a world where strength meant survival, techniques that accelerated cultivation were worth more than gold. But they always came with a price.

"Why would you risk sharing it with me?" he asked.

Feng Yuling hesitated, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Because I know you, Wang Li. If you stay weak, you'll be crushed. And…" Her voice grew quieter. "I don't want to watch that happen again."

Her words pierced through his defenses. For all her icy demeanor, there was warmth buried beneath the surface—a warmth she rarely showed.

He exhaled slowly. "Alright. What's the catch?"

A faint smile tugged at her lips. "Smart question. The technique draws on the natural energies of the moon and frost, but it can overload your meridians if you're not careful. If you mess up…"

"Kaboom?" he guessed dryly.

"More like frozen solid from the inside out." She shrugged. "But if you succeed, you could leap through several minor realms in a short time."

Wang Li considered her words carefully. The risks were terrifying, but could he afford not to take them?

"Teach me," he said at last.

Feng Yuling's eyes gleamed with approval. "Good. I'll prepare the first stage tomorrow night. Until then, rest. You'll need it."

###

The next morning, Wang Li awoke with a renewed sense of purpose—and a lingering ache in his ribs.

His breakfast was interrupted by a loud knock on his door.

"I'm coming, I'm coming," he muttered, opening it to find Mu Qingling standing there, hands on her hips.

"Good, you're awake," she said brightly. "You're coming with me."

"Uh, where?"

"To the Treasure Pavilion, of course!" Mu Qingling beamed. "I pulled a few strings and got us access. We need to upgrade your pitiful weapon."

Before he could protest, she grabbed his wrist and practically dragged him through the sect's winding pathways.

The Treasure Pavilion was an imposing structure made of black jade and gilded doors. Only elite disciples were allowed inside, and it housed artifacts, pills, and manuals—everything a cultivator could dream of.

The attendant barely glanced at Mu Qingling's token before allowing them entry.

"How did you pull this off?" Wang Li whispered.

"I have my ways," she said smugly, leading him toward the armory section.

Rows of gleaming swords, spears, and exotic weapons lined the walls. Each one pulsed with spiritual energy.

"Anything you like?" Mu Qingling asked.

Wang Li's gaze settled on a sleek black dagger. Its surface shimmered like liquid night.

"What's this?"

The attendant raised an eyebrow. "The Shadowfang. Forged from void iron. It enhances stealth and can cut through most defensive arrays."

Mu Qingling whistled. "Good choice. Take it."

Wang Li hesitated. "Won't that cost a fortune in contribution points?"

"I've got plenty," Mu Qingling said with a wink. "Consider it an investment in my favorite sparring partner."

Warmth stirred in his chest at her casual generosity. "Thanks, Qingling."

"Don't mention it. Now, let's get you back to training before someone else tries to kill you."

###

As they exited the pavilion, Wang Li felt a tug of unease at the back of his mind. Something about today felt… too calm.

His instincts were proven right when Lin Ruoyan appeared on the path ahead.

"Oh, great," Wang Li muttered. "What now?"

"Wang Li," Lin Ruoyan called, her fiery hair catching the sunlight. "Come with me. You've been summoned."

"Summoned?" Mu Qingling frowned. "By who?"

"The Sect Master."

Wang Li's stomach dropped. The Sect Master rarely summoned ordinary disciples—unless something serious was about to happen.

"What did you do?" Mu Qingling hissed.

"Nothing!" Wang Li protested. "At least, nothing recently…"

Lin Ruoyan smirked. "Relax. If he wanted to kill you, he wouldn't bother with formalities."

Comforting.

Wang Li reluctantly followed her toward the central peak, where the Sect Master's grand hall loomed above the clouds. His palms felt clammy as they ascended the steps.

When they entered the hall, an oppressive spiritual pressure washed over him. The Sect Master, a tall figure with graying hair and eyes like endless voids, sat upon a throne of celestial jade.

"Wang Li," the Sect Master intoned. "Step forward."

Wang Li bowed deeply. "This disciple greets the Sect Master."

"Your recent progress has drawn attention," the Sect Master said, his voice calm but powerful. "You've tangled with some of my most talented disciples and survived. Impressive."

Wang Li didn't dare to respond. He knew better than to interrupt a figure of such authority.

"I have an assignment for you," the Sect Master continued. "A delegation from the Azure Sky Sect arrives next week. You will assist in hosting them."

Wang Li blinked. "Me, Sect Master? Why?"

"Because they requested someone… 'unusual,'" the Sect Master said dryly. "And you fit that description."

Translation: They wanted someone disposable. Great.

"I won't fail," Wang Li promised, though his gut twisted with unease.

The Sect Master nodded. "You are dismissed."

As Wang Li left the hall, Lin Ruoyan fell into step beside him.

"Any idea why they want me?" he asked quietly.

"Probably to test you," she replied. "Or maybe someone in the Azure Sky Sect has a personal grudge. Either way… you'd better be careful."

Wang Li sighed. As if his life wasn't complicated enough already.