The Salted Fish Cultivator: My Pet System Awakens

The quiet hum of the academy grounds at dawn was broken by the sharp clang of practice swords meeting. Students were already awake, training vigorously in the sparring fields or meditating by the reflection pools.

Lu Tian, however, was slouched under a tree near the eastern garden, eyes half-closed. A book lay open in his lap, its pages untouched as he pretended to read. He had chosen this spot carefully—away from the instructors, away from the noise, and most importantly, away from effort.

"This is nice," he muttered to himself, shifting slightly to get more comfortable.

For a moment, it felt like he had successfully evaded responsibility for the day.

Then Zhang Wei's booming voice shattered his peace. "Brother Lu! There you are!"

Lu Tian groaned, burying his face in the book. "Why do you always find me?"

"Because I know all your hiding spots," Zhang Wei said proudly, plopping down beside him.

Wei Jingyi followed quietly, carrying a small bag. She glanced at Lu Tian's book and raised an eyebrow. "You're not actually reading, are you?"

Lu Tian closed the book with a dramatic sigh. "Of course not. I was using it to block the sunlight."

Zhang Wei laughed. "Classic Brother Lu."

Wei Jingyi rolled her eyes and pulled out a scroll. "Well, if you're done pretending to be productive, we should head to the practice hall. There's a test today."

"A test?" Lu Tian groaned. "Of what?"

"General combat readiness," Wei Jingyi said. "Elder Zhao announced it yesterday. Did you not hear?"

"Probably not," Lu Tian muttered. "I have a selective listening talent."

"Well, it's mandatory," Zhang Wei added, grinning. "And there's no way you're skipping it."

---

The practice hall was bustling with activity as students lined up for their evaluations. Elder Zhao, a tall man with a no-nonsense attitude, stood at the front, arms crossed as he observed the students with a critical eye.

Lu Tian slouched at the back of the line, doing his best to blend in.

"What are we being tested on?" he whispered to Zhang Wei.

"Basic combat techniques," Zhang Wei replied. "Footwork, strikes, and stamina. You know, the stuff you hate."

"Perfect," Lu Tian said flatly.

As the line moved forward, students displayed their skills one by one. Some performed with precision and confidence, their movements fluid and controlled. Others stumbled or hesitated under Elder Zhao's watchful gaze, earning stern critiques.

Wei Jingyi stepped up next. She took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly as she assumed a basic stance.

Lu Tian noticed the slight tremor in her movements and frowned. "Is she nervous?"

"She always gets like this during tests," Zhang Wei whispered.

Wei Jingyi began her demonstration, executing a series of strikes and defensive maneuvers. While her technique was decent, it lacked the power and confidence of her peers.

When she finished, Elder Zhao nodded curtly. "Adequate. Work on your confidence."

Wei Jingyi bowed and quickly stepped aside, her face pale.

"Next!" Elder Zhao barked.

Lu Tian groaned as Zhang Wei nudged him forward. "Go on, Brother Lu. Show them what you've got."

"What I've got is a headache," Lu Tian muttered as he shuffled to the front.

Elder Zhao's sharp gaze bore into him. "Lu Tian. Let's see if you've improved."

"I wouldn't get your hopes up," Lu Tian said, assuming a half-hearted stance.

The test began, and Lu Tian moved with the bare minimum effort. His strikes were slow, his footwork lazy, and his stance wobbly.

Elder Zhao's frown deepened. "Pathetic. Again!"

Lu Tian sighed and repeated the routine, this time putting slightly more effort into his movements. It was enough to scrape by, but Elder Zhao's disapproving glare was enough to make even Zhang Wei wince from the sidelines.

"Barely passable," Elder Zhao said. "You'll never amount to anything with that attitude."

"Noted," Lu Tian replied, already walking away.

---

As the trio left the practice hall, Zhang Wei couldn't stop laughing. "Brother Lu, that was amazing! I've never seen someone put so little effort into a test and still pass."

"I aim to disappoint," Lu Tian said with a shrug.

Wei Jingyi remained quiet, her gaze fixed on the ground.

"What's wrong?" Lu Tian asked, glancing at her.

She hesitated before shaking her head. "Nothing. I'm just tired."

"You sure?" Zhang Wei pressed.

Wei Jingyi nodded, though her expression didn't match her words.

---

That evening, Lu Tian returned to his dorm, eager to collapse onto his mattress and forget about the day.

As he stepped inside, a loud crack echoed through the room. He froze, staring in disbelief as his desk wobbled precariously before collapsing into a pile of broken wood.

"What now?" he muttered, kicking a splinter away.

The air around him grew heavy, and a faint hum resonated in his mind—a subtle reminder of the system's presence.

"No bed, no desk. What's next? My door?"

Zhang Wei peeked in, holding a bowl of noodles. "Brother Lu, what was that noise?"

"Nothing," Lu Tian grumbled, sitting on the floor.

Zhang Wei grinned. "If your desk broke, you can always use the floor. It's great for building character."

"Why are you still here?" Lu Tian asked, glaring at him.

"To keep you company," Zhang Wei said, slurping his noodles.

Lu Tian sighed, rubbing his temples. "Great. Just great."

---

The next day, the academy grounds were alive with activity. Students hurried to their respective classes, their conversations a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.

The first lecture of the day was Cultivation Ethics, a course focused on the moral responsibilities of cultivators. Lu Tian slouched in his seat at the back, his eyes glazing over as the instructor droned on about the importance of balance and restraint.

Beside him, Wei Jingyi was furiously taking notes, her brows furrowed in concentration.

"Why are you trying so hard?" Lu Tian whispered.

"Because I have to," she replied without looking up.

Lu Tian frowned but didn't push further.

---

As the day progressed, Lu Tian found himself in yet another class—Herbology and Alchemy. The room was filled with the scent of medicinal plants, and each student was tasked with creating a basic healing elixir.

Lu Tian stared at the bubbling cauldron in front of him, his expression one of pure disdain. "This is a waste of time."

Zhang Wei leaned over, peering into his cauldron. "Brother Lu, I think yours is… curdling."

"That's probably normal," Lu Tian said, waving a hand dismissively.

The cauldron began to bubble violently, and a loud pop sent a spray of green liquid across the table.

Zhang Wei jumped back, laughing. "Brother Lu, you've invented poison!"

The instructor sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Lu Tian, please try to take this seriously."

"No promises," Lu Tian replied, wiping the green sludge off his sleeve.

---

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Lu Tian found himself back in the garden, lying under the same tree he had started the day at. The air was cool and quiet, and for once, there was no one around to bother him.

"Maybe tomorrow will be better," he muttered, closing his eyes.

The faint hum returned, a subtle reminder that the system was always watching, always waiting.

Lu Tian sighed. "Probably not."