The heavy silence of the clearing pressed down on Zhao Feng, punctuated only by the crackle of the bonfire and the subtle hum of hostile Qi from Gronn and his flanking warriors. The System's advice echoed in his mind: "Tactical Recommendation: Evaluate potential resource gain vs. diplomatic establishment. Hostility often leads to resource depletion." Direct conflict, while perhaps winnable, would contradict the very essence of 'world-building.' He needed to create, not destroy, here.
His eyes, still glowing with a faint purple hue from his cultivated power, swept over Gronn's weathered face. He sensed a core of pragmatism beneath the aggression. This wasn't malice, but tribalism, a defense mechanism in a harsh, unformed world. Zhao Feng needed to demonstrate value, quickly and undeniably.
He made his decision. "Chieftain Gronn," he began, his voice calm, projecting an unshakeable confidence that belied his true, internal tension. "I understand your caution. The Primordial Expanse is indeed unforgiving. But hostility between us is wasteful. I possess knowledge, and perhaps, capabilities, that could benefit your Stone Hearth Clan."
Gronn scoffed, his grip tightening on his staff. "Knowledge? What knowledge? We survive by strength and the earth's bounty, not by whispered secrets, boy."
Zhao Feng knew words alone wouldn't suffice. He focused his refined Qi, drawing it to his palm. The transparent scroll, the 'Basic Detection Scroll,' was still a part of him, subtly enhancing his perception. He could see Gronn's internal Qi flow – strong but unrefined, clunky, prone to blockages from years of brute force without proper guidance.
He stepped forward, lowering his hands, a gesture of peace. "Your warriors are strong, Chieftain. But even the strongest body can be riddled with hidden ailments, minor Qi imbalances that dull their edge." He chose his words carefully, avoiding any mention of 'system' or 'game.' "Permit me to demonstrate a minor ability, a cleansing of vitality, that can bolster even the most robust warrior."
Gronn hesitated, his eyes narrowing, but curiosity flickered within his deep yellow Qi signature. "A cleansing, you say? What trickery is this?"
Without waiting for full permission, Zhao Feng took a single, controlled step towards the nearest warrior, a young man whose Qi glowed a dull green, tinged with a faint, agitated red around his shoulder – a minor injury from training, perhaps. He extended his hand, not touching, but hovering inches from the warrior's shoulder. He channeled a sliver of his purest, most refined Qi, not for attack, but for subtle manipulation. He didn't use a System potion; he needed to show his own capability.
He nudged the stagnant Qi within the warrior's shoulder, gently guiding it, clearing the minor blockage. The young warrior gasped, his eyes widening. The faint redness in his Qi aura instantly faded, replaced by a healthier, vibrant green. He flexed his shoulder, a look of utter astonishment on his face. "By the Ancestors... the ache... it's gone!"
A murmur ran through the Stone Hearth Clan. Gronn's own imposing Qi wavered, his gaze now filled with a grudging respect. "You... you purified his Qi without even touching him?" He looked at Zhao Feng differently now, not as a trespasser, but as a being of a different caliber.
"It is a basic application of refined Qi," Zhao Feng replied modestly, though internally, he noted the success of his gamble. The diplomatic approach had paid off.
Gronn finally lowered his staff. "Hmph. Perhaps your 'knowledge' has some use. Step into the circle, Zhao Feng. You may share our fire, for now. But prove your worth to the Stone Hearth Clan."
Zhao Feng entered the crude settlement, the air thick with the smell of woodsmoke and damp earth. As he mingled, observing the clan, he began to see their struggles: their limited hunting tools, their rudimentary defenses, the weary faces of cultivators whose strength was draining faster than it could be replenished. They were strong in spirit, but lacked efficiency.
World-Building Opportunity Detected: Stone Hearth Clan Strength: [Weak]. Potential for Enhancement: Combat Efficiency, Resource Gathering, Defensive Capabilities.
The words popped into his mental interface, accompanied by a new, almost eager tone from the System. "Host has successfully established preliminary diplomatic relations. The 'World Builder' tag is now active. New objectives for Clan Enhancement and Military Development are available."
Then, a flurry of new icons flooded his System Market interface. They pulsed with vibrant colors, far more intriguing than the basic items he'd seen before.
"The System Market has been updated with specialized schematics and resources." The System's voice was clear, crisp. "New Categories Unlocked: [Soldier Training Cards], [Mystical Mounts & Companions]."
Zhao Feng's gaze swept over the new additions. There were cards: 'Basic Spear Cultivator Card (100 Primordial Essence),' 'Light Archer Card (120 Primordial Essence),' 'Qi Shield Bearer Card (150 Primordial Essence).' Each card, when mentally selected, showed a brief animation of a normal person transforming, their body infused with Qi, learning a specific combat discipline miraculously fast. This was exactly what he needed! These weren't just about his own strength, but about multiplying it through others.
And the Mystical Mounts! He saw a 'Spirit Wolf Pup (500 Primordial Essence),' an 'Ironhide Boar Mount (700 Primordial Essence),' and even a faint, shimmering 'Young Sky Serpent (2000 Primordial Essence)' which, the description promised, could grow into a formidable aerial companion. He still only had 40 Primordial Essence. This new knowledge was thrilling, but also a stark reminder of his current resource limitations. He needed far more Primordial Essence to truly begin shaping this clan.
As the clan settled down for the night, Zhao Feng found himself staring into the flickering bonfire. Gronn had given him a small, protected spot near the center. He could hear the rough, good-natured banter of the warriors, the quiet murmur of the elders. He had gained entry. Now, the true world-building began. He had to earn more Primordial Essence, and quickly. He had a clan to strengthen, soldiers to miraculously train, and perhaps, even a dragon to eventually tame. The path ahead was clear, but the cost, and the risk, were immense.