A Mortal with the proficiency panel

Chapter 1: Awakening the Proficiency Panel

The cold mountain wind howled through the valley, rustling the leaves of ancient pine trees. A thin layer of mist clung to the ground, coiling around the wooden houses of the remote Qinghe Village like a silent predator. Inside a modest cottage on the outskirts of the village, a young man sat cross-legged, his body drenched in sweat as his breath came in ragged bursts.

"Haaah... haah..."

Lin Tian clenched his fists, feeling a fiery heat coursing through his meridians. The remnants of the diluted Qi condensation pill he had swallowed earlier were being absorbed into his body, but the progress was painstakingly slow. No matter how hard he tried, his cultivation remained stagnant at the first layer of the Body Refinement Realm.

Three years... Three years, and I’m still stuck here... He gritted his teeth, frustration flashing across his face. Others his age had already stepped into the Qi Gathering Realm, yet he remained a mere mortal struggling to strengthen his body.

As despair threatened to take root in his heart, an unfamiliar sensation surged through his mind.

[Ding!]

A crisp, mechanical sound echoed in his consciousness, followed by an illusory screen that materialized before his eyes.

[Proficiency Panel]

Body Refinement Realm (1st Layer) – 5/100

Basic Breathing Technique – 12/100 (Novice)

Basic Fist Arts – 8/100 (Novice)

Basic Sword Arts – 3/100 (Novice)

Lin Tian’s eyes widened in shock. "What... is this?"

The floating panel displayed his cultivation realm and techniques, along with something he had never heard of before—Proficiency Points.

Before he could fully comprehend the meaning, new information flooded his mind.

[Proficiency System Activated]

[By practicing martial techniques, cultivation methods, or absorbing Qi, proficiency will increase. Once the proficiency threshold is reached, mastery will improve automatically.]

[Proficiency Points can also be obtained by defeating opponents, refining medicines, or crafting weapons.]

Lin Tian’s breathing quickened. A system? He had never heard of such a thing in this world! Cultivation required years of effort, talent, and opportunity, yet this Proficiency Panel seemed to simplify the process.

He focused on the Basic Breathing Technique.

[Would you like to convert 5 Proficiency Points to increase mastery?]

He hesitated for only a moment before willing it to proceed.

[Ding!]

[Basic Breathing Technique – 17/100 (Novice)]

A warm sensation surged through his meridians, and his breathing unconsciously adjusted, becoming smoother and more efficient. His body felt noticeably lighter, and the stagnant Qi within him seemed to flow with slightly greater ease.

"It works!" His hands trembled with excitement.

If every technique could be improved like this, wouldn’t that mean he could reach greater heights at an unprecedented speed?

Lin Tian immediately sprang up, grabbing an old wooden sword from the corner of the room. He stepped outside, the cool night air invigorating him as he assumed a basic stance.

"Basic Sword Arts!" He took a deep breath and swung the wooden sword forward.

At first, his movements were stiff and lacking fluidity. But with each swing, a notification appeared in his mind.

[Basic Sword Arts +1 Proficiency]

[Basic Sword Arts +1 Proficiency]

After an hour of relentless practice, he checked his status again.

Basic Sword Arts – 30/100 (Novice)

His grip on the sword tightened. If this pace continued, he could master the technique in mere days! This was a power that defied the heavens!

For the first time in years, Lin Tian’s heart burned with hope. He was no longer shackled by his so-called lack of talent.

As the first rays of dawn painted the sky, he made his way to the training grounds of Qinghe Village. A few early risers were already present, some sparring with wooden weapons while others practiced their breathing techniques.

“Lin Tian? You’re up early,” said Wang Tao, a burly youth with a broad smile. “Still stuck at Body Refinement?”

Lin Tian smirked, gripping his sword. “How about a friendly spar?”

Wang Tao blinked in surprise but nodded. “Alright, but don’t cry when you lose.”

The two took their positions, and the moment Wang Tao lunged forward, Lin Tian’s body moved on instinct. His wooden sword traced an arc through the air, intercepting Wang Tao’s strike with ease.

[Basic Sword Arts +2 Proficiency]

Lin Tian twisted his wrist, redirecting the force and counterattacking. The impact sent Wang Tao staggering back, eyes wide in shock.

“What the—?! You were never this fast before!”

Lin Tian exhaled, feeling the flow of battle. Every exchange added to his proficiency, refining his skills in real time. He didn’t just improve through talent—he could grind his way to mastery.

The fight continued, each strike sharper than the last. By the time it ended, Lin Tian had gained another 15 proficiency points, pushing his Basic Sword Arts closer to the next level.

Panting, Wang Tao grinned. “Damn, you’ve improved. Guess I’ll have to take you seriously next time.”

Lin Tian simply nodded. This is just the beginning.

With his Proficiency Panel, he would carve his own path in this world of cultivation—step by step, point by point, until he stood at the very peak.