《Heavenly Cult of Games》 001 A Madmans Gamble 001 A Madman''s Gamble I stood at the mountain¡¯s peak, my feet planted firmly on the jagged rocks, as the wind howled like a starving beast. The sky above churned in fury, dark clouds rolling in like a tide of doom. Thunder roared, and streaks of lightning slashed through the heavens like the wrathful strokes of an angry god. The Heavenly Tribulation was never an easy thing. ¡°Strike me if you could! I dare you!¡± I bellowed, my grizzled white hair whipping wildly in the wind. ¡°This old man ain¡¯t dead yet!¡± Heavenly Tribulations only occurred for two reasons¡ªeither someone was on the verge of a significant cultivation breakthrough, stepping closer to immortality, or some lunatic was trying to tamper with the heavenly laws that governed this world. No one in their right mind would dare attempt the latter. It was practically an open invitation for a one-way trip to the afterlife. So why the hell was there a Heavenly Tribulation aimed directly at me? Was I achieving a grand breakthrough? Or... was I the aforementioned lunatic? Yeah, I was the latter. And oh, I regretted it already. Almost. I convinced myself it was just lightning¡ªbig, flashy, and deadly, sure, but nothing I hadn¡¯t dealt with before. I¡¯d already died once; what was one more time? This was just a test of my luck¡ªat the expense of my lifespan, of course. But if there was no gain, I wouldn¡¯t be doing this in the first place. So. ¡°Make me regret it, you fucking clouds!¡± The sky responded with an ominous rumble, the swirling mass of storm clouds brimming with untamed power. Lightning coiled within like a beast eager to strike, and I met its challenge head-on with the only response it deserved. I flipped it off. With both hands. ¡°Fuck you!¡±I shouted at the heavens, my middle fingers proudly raised. ¡°Fuck you twice!¡± ZAAAP! BANG! A blinding streak of lightning tore through the sky, aiming straight for me. But it never touched me. Instead, it struck the gleaming object standing proudly beside me¡ªmy very own creation. A lightning rod. Not just any lightning rod, though. This was something forged with my own ¡®genius,¡¯ a blend of wacky sciences I half-remembered from my past life and the mystical properties of this damn cultivation world. It was expensive, dangerously experimental, and if I was being honest, a gamble in itself. But for now, it worked. ¡°Hahahaha! Are you blind!?¡± I taunted the sky. ¡°Missed me again!¡± If a news reporter from my previous life saw me now, the headline would probably read: "Madman Yells at Clouds¡ªLives to Tell the Tale." ZAP! ZAAAAP! Another barrage of lightning struck down, each bolt hungrily drawn to my rod, sparing me from its wrath. I grinned like a lunatic, because, well, I was one. The truth was, I had nothing to lose. The body I now inhabited belonged to an old man with a shattered cultivation and no Dantian to speak of¡ªa death sentence in a world where strength was everything. The odds of survival, let alone prosperity, were slim. So why not bet it all? If I succeeded, I¡¯d have a chance to change my fate. If I failed? Well, at least I wouldn¡¯t have to worry about growing old and weak in a world that had no place for the powerless. It was a win-win situation. Even if it was insane. "What!? Is that all you got!?" I stood atop the desolate mountain peak, the winds howling around me as if the heavens themselves were screaming in frustration. My frail, withered hands clenched into fists, shaking¡ªwhether from excitement or fear, I wasn''t sure. The storm raged above, but the lightning had yet to claim me. Fu Shi¡ªthat was my name now. A wandering cultivator, once renowned as the Game Master, reduced to a crippled old man with a destroyed Dantian. But before all that? I had been a game designer. And now, that was the real tragedy. Not that I couldn¡¯t cultivate. Not that I was a powerless relic in a world where strength dictated survival. No, the greatest pain was the knowledge that I could no longer create games. In a world deprived of the internet, computers, and everything I once used to bring my visions to life, how was I supposed to fulfill my purpose? That emptiness gnawed at me. A life without game design? A future where I could no longer create? I refused to accept that. And so, I had made my choice. If I could just succeed in bending the Heavenly Lawsto my will, I wouldn¡¯t just reclaim my ability to cultivate¡ªI would recreate my dream. A world where I could build, experiment, and design. I would develop my greatest game yet. I grinned at the furious sky, spreading my arms wide. "You couldn''t, wouldn''t, shouldn''t stop me! You''re just another game waiting to be made!" With that, I sat in the lotus position, closed my eyes, and meditated.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. I wasn''t just gambling with my life¡ªI was gambling with the very fabric of reality. As I delved into my newly inherited memories, I found myself dancing between my past and Fu Shi¡¯s. The old man had lived a patheticyet gloriouslife. Notorious as the Game Master, he was less of a sage and more of a thrill-seeking lunatic. Where others sought enlightenment, he sought excitement. Where others pursued wisdom, he pursued the next high-stakes gamble. He treated life itselfas a game. Not in a philosophical, "life is a grand journey" kind of way, but in the worst, most recklessway possible. He took risks not for power, but for the sheer exhilaration of it. He threw himself into life-or-death situationsjust to see if he could cheat fate one more time. A true addict. And yet, as insane as he was, he had been happy. His life had been a series of challenges, gambits, and impossible victories. And when he finally lost¡ªwhen his final betcost him everything, including his cultivation¡ªhe still smiledon his deathbed. No regrets. Well¡­ maybe a few. But nothing he dwelled on. I couldn''t help but admire that, in a way. "Congrats, old man," I muttered under my breath. I had no idea whyhe chose to challenge the heavens, but whatever his reasons were, I hoped they wouldn¡¯t come back to bite mein the ass. Opening my eyes, I returned to the present. The storm had vanished. The clouds that once crackled with divine fury had dissipated, leaving behind only the stillness of victory. Beside me, my lightning rod, crafted from rare metal essence, pulsed with terrifying energy, still crackling with the aftershock of the tribulation. I wasn¡¯t about to touch it. In my current mortal state, even the slightest contact would turn me into dust on the wind. But that didn¡¯t matter. I was alive. And more importantly¡ªI had done it. I took a deep breath, staring up at the now-peaceful sky. "Aaah¡­ I¡¯m alive. What a relief!" My body ached, my energy was drained, and I still had a long way to go¡­ Pain. Aching, pulsing pain. That was the first thing I felt as I lay on the rocky ground, my body reminding me that, somehow, I was still alive. For a frail mortal, surviving a Heavenly Tribulationshould have been impossible. Even catching a glimpse of those divine lightning bolts could shatter a person''s mind, let alone standing beneath them. And yet, here I was. I had no cultivation baseto protect me. No spiritual roots. No Dantian. Just willpower, a stubborn soul, and perhaps, the lingering fragments of Fu Shi''s old consciousnessthat refused to die. But more importantly¡ªI had succeeded. A hoarse whisper left my cracked lips. "System..." The word carried all my desperation, all my hope. And then¡ª [Ping! Game Master''s System ACTIVATED!] An electronic voice echoed in my mind, clear and synthetic, yet unmistakably real. For a moment, I froze. Then, the realization hit me like a sledgehammer. I did it. I REALLY DID IT! "Hehehe... Hehehehe... HAHAHAHAHA!" Despite the stiffness in my old bones, I staggered to my feet, arms outstretched to the heavens. From a distance, I must have looked like a lunatic¡ªan old man on the edge of a cliff, laughing manically at the sky. I didn''t care. Tears welled in my eyes. Not from fear, not from pain, but from pure, unfiltered joy. This system¡ªmy system¡ªwas my ticket to reclaiming my purpose. It was the first stepin turning this cultivation world into the ultimate game. Taking a deep breath, I focused on the glowing interface before me. [System Interface] [Name: Fu Shi] [Quintessence: 1] [Players: 0/1] It looked¡­ pathetic. But that was fine. This was just the beginning. I squinted at the unfamiliar term: Quintessence. "What the hell is this?" Diving into Fu Shi¡¯s inherited memories, I fished out an answer. Apparently, Quintessencewas an ultimate energy, surpassing qiin every possible way. It was pure, refined, and untouchableby ordinary cultivators. Huh. Sounds overpowered. Which meant I needed to study it diligently. And then, there was the [Player]subcomponent. I felt it in my gut¡ªthis was important. As a game designer, I had an instinct about these things. The system gave me one player slot¡ªdid that mean I could recruit someone? My thoughts raced as I made my way back to my cave abode. It had been a weeksince I transmigrated, but time had felt... fuzzy. Between adjusting to my new body, figuring out my predicament, and crafting that heaven-defying lightning rod, I barely had time to sit and process things. Settling down on a makeshift seat¡ªa pile of stones¡ªI exhaled. "How should I use this Quintessence?" Would it power me up? Was it a currency? Did I have to spendit on something? And then there was the Player system. What if¡­Quintessence was the cost to recruit players? What if¡­Players were the key to building my ultimate game world? My imagination ran wild, but before I could test anything¡ª GRUMBLE. My stomach twisted in agony. Oh, right. I was mortalnow. Without cultivation, I needed food. Unlike before, where a simple breath of qi could sustain me for months, I now had the dietary needs of a regular old man. For the past week, I had been surviving on gold-grade energy pills. These were valuable, capable of replenishing vigor and aiding in martial training. Cultivators would killfor them. And I had been eating them like candy. Honestly, if anyone saw me, they¡¯d probably call me insane. Just as I debated whether to waste another precious pill¡ª Jump. Jump. Jump. A meaty white bunnysuddenly hoppedinto my cave. Its black, beady eyessparkled with innocence. It was plump, full of meat, yet small enough to fit in my palm. My stomach growled louder. I eyed the bunny''s legs. Ain''t they meaty enough for a one-time meal? My survival instinctsscreamed at me. Food! Eat it! Don''t be weak! And yet¡ª "Kyu¡­ kyu ku!" ¡­What kind of soundwas that? Why was it so cute!? Damn it! Did rabbits even sound like that!? My stomach screamed for food, and yet my mind wavered. Was I really going to kill this adorablecreature? It was the logicalchoice. This was survival of the fittest. In this world, kindness meant weakness. But still¡ª "Kyu?" I gritted my teeth. I couldn¡¯t chase it. My body was too weak. If I let it go, I might starve. But then¡­ A thoughtstruck me. How about using Quintessence? I remembered how Fu Shi once controlled his qi, manipulating it with his will. Maybe¡­ maybe Quintessencecould work the same way? I raised two fingers, focusing my mind. ''I want you to be mine!'' [Ping! Used 1 Quintessence. Acquired 1 Player.] ¡­ Wait. WHAT!? The rabbit blinkedat me. I staredat the glowing notification in disbelief. "Kyu?" I slowly turned to the small bunny, now sitting perfectly still, looking up at me with those same innocent eyes. No way¡­ I swallowed hard. Did I¡­ just recruit a rabbitasmy first player? 002 Food Gathering 002 Food Gathering [Ping! Used 1 Quintessence. Acquired 1 Player.] "¡­" "Kyu?" WHAT!? I stared at the rabbit. The rabbit stared back. The air in the cave felt different. Though I lacked a cultivation base, I could sense something changing. An invisible energy swirled around the small creature, something intangible yet profound. It was growing. Not in size, but in presence. Its previously vacant black eyes now gleamed with something sharp. Something wise. I squinted. "B-But¡­ But¡­ but¡ªbut¡­" But WHAT?! Did I just waste my only Quintessence¡­ on a rabbit!? I wanted telekinesis! I wanted OP abilities! I wanted something that would let me defy the heavens! And instead¡­ I got a meaty, adorable, useless rabbit. FUCK. This was¡ªthis was not a stupid mistake. This was a helpless mistake. But STILL. The rabbit¡ªno, the player¡ªsuddenly hopped toward me, its movements fluid, confident. There was no hesitation in its approach. It looked at me, ears perked, eyes brimming with understanding. It was no longer just an animal. I felt it. And that made me want to eat it even more. The damn thing stood right next to me, tilting its tiny head in what I could only describe as annoyingly adorable curiosity. My gaze flickered toward the chest in the corner of the cave¡ªthe one filled with old Fu Shi¡¯s weapons. A spear leaned against its flank, and for a brief moment, I imagined what I could have done instead. One quick stab. One well-aimed thrust. One delicious roasted rabbit. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside¡ª The rabbit flinched. It understood. Oh? I narrowed my eyes. "You understood that, didn''t you?" The rabbit stiffened slightly, then let out a soft, "Kyu¡­" as if¡­ pleading. I exhaled sharply. Damn it. The intelligence in its eyes made it feel wrong to eat it now. I could kill a beast without hesitation. But killing something conscious? Something self-aware? Ugh. Yuck. I shivered at the thought. No, I couldn¡¯t. That would be too weird. Fine. I¡¯ll keep it alive. For now. I folded my arms and looked at it. "If you''re so smart now, then get me food." I didn''t expect much. Then¡ª [Ping! Giving Quest¡­ ¡®Food Gathering!¡¯] My head snapped up. Huh? The rabbit blinked at me, then hopped away. I stared after it, processing what had just happened. Did¡­ did my system just gave her a quest? I waited a few more seconds, then let out a slow, deep breath. "¡­Maybe this isn''t so bad after all." Thirty-Two Hours Later¡­ I take it back. This is bad. This is very bad. I lay flat on the cold, hard cave floor, staring at the ceiling, my stomach screaming in protest. The rabbit never came back. I should have stabbed it. I should have stabbed it. I groaned, clutching my empty stomach. "Ugh, such bad luck!" The worst part? I had spent the last several hours scouring the area for food. Nothing. Not a single fruit. Not a single edible herb. Not even an insect. This mountain was barren¡ªa wasteland disguised as a paradise. It had rich qi, sure. Ancient formations, definitely. But food? None. I sat up, rubbing my temples. "In my past life, I read so many cultivation novels¡­" I muttered, sighing. "Even now, I still don¡¯t get it. Why do master cultivators always isolate themselves in mountains like this?" They had no convenience stores. No fast food chains.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. No farming. No restaurants. Were they all just drinking air and eating qi for centuries? I groaned, forcing myself to stand. "I can¡¯t stay here." I made up my mind. I was leaving. Yes, this place had protective formations that kept enemies away. Yes, it was a cultivator¡¯s paradise in theory. But I wasn¡¯t a cultivator. I was just a mortal. And this place had nothing for me. Cultivators were, in a sense, just sophisticated cavemen. I had read countless cultivation novels back in my past life, and yet not one of them had convinced me otherwise. They meditated all day in remote mountains, secluded from civilization, hoarding their precious qi like it was some divine treasure. They ignored simple pleasures like good food, entertainment, and hygiene. Most NEETs and shut-ins were more respectable than these uncultured barbarians! At least they knew how to bathe and entertain themselves. I sighed. This place was boring me to death. Aside from the rich vital qi filling the air, this mountain had nothing. No food. No company. No internet. Just a bunch of old formations left behind by Fu Shi, making it a perfect place for cultivators¡ªbut not for me. And yet, despite my complaints, my body betrayed me before I even reached the foot of the mountain. My legs shook after taking less than a hundred steps. I groaned. I had planned to set up some traps in the nearby forest to catch rabbits for food. But given my frail physique, that plan was looking more impossible by the second. Honestly? I was developing a grudge against rabbits. "Huff¡­ Huff¡­" My breath came in ragged gasps, my vision swam, and exhaustion gnawed at my bones. Hunger, too, was making its presence painfully known. I gritted my teeth, pressing on¡ª Steeling my resolve, I stumbled toward the cave entrance, determined to abandon this mountain and¡ª Thud. I froze. A small thump echoed from outside. Then¡ª Jump. Jump. Jump. A familiar white figure hopped into view. The rabbit was back. She bumped against my foot. It was definitely the same bunny. The same one. The one I had so generously refrained from eating. She stood there, staring up at me with her beady black eyes, small paws outstretched. In those tiny paws were berries. "Kyuuu!" She chirped in greeting. ¡­Look at that. A cute little bunny. Should I stab it? I was tempted. Very tempted. But¡­ those dazzling eyes. I felt something as I stared at the little creature¡ªan odd connection, an instinctual understanding of her emotions. She was proud. Excited. And maybe just a little bit worried about me. I sighed, rubbing my temple. "Fine, I won¡¯t kill you." I crouched down, plucking half of the berries from her tiny paws. "But don¡¯t get me wrong. You were still my reserve food." The bunny did not flinch. Instead, she simply beamed up at me, as if she had already won. I nibbled on a berry, then another, trying not to devour them all in one go. [Ping! ¡®Food Gathering!¡¯ Accomplished!] My lips twitched. The bunny¡¯s ears perked, and she skipped around joyously at the sound of the system notification. Could¡­ she hear it too? Or maybe, after becoming a player, she had a system of her own? That made sense, didn¡¯t it? I had envisioned this world as a game. A world where players could grow and change. If this bunny was my first player, then maybe¡­ just maybe¡­ The system hadn¡¯t failed me after all. I chuckled, watching the bunny bounce around. I lifted the remaining berries in my palm. "The other half is yours," I told her, shamelessly acting as if I had gathered them in the first place. "Take it, little bunny." I had stopped thinking of her as just ¡®it¡¯ or ¡®rabbit.¡¯ She was now ¡®her.¡¯ And she was now ¡®bunny.¡¯ The bunny tilted her head. Then¡ªshe shook her head. She raised her paws again, pushing the berries toward me. "Kyu?" I blinked. ¡­Was she telling me to eat it all? "Kyu-kyu-kyu!" She chirped insistently, nodding her head as if trying to push her point across. I frowned. Could I¡­ understand bunny now? I wasn¡¯t sure how, but through this odd, almost psychic connection, I felt what she was trying to say. "Eat! Eat! Get stronk!" At least, that was the general message I got. I chuckled. "What a good little rabbit." She beamed. "Alright, alright! If you insist." I ate the remaining berries, feeling the sweet, tart flavor revive a sliver of my strength. Then¡ª The bunny opened her mouth. And revealed more berries. She had stuffed her cheeks full of them. Like a tiny, furry storage pouch. She spat them into her paws and once again pushed them toward me. I stared. The bunny stared back. I swallowed. My heart was¡­ moved. Though a tiny part of me was suspicious. I mean¡­ where had she stored those berries again? ¡­You know what? I didn¡¯t care. I reached out and grabbed them, smiling. "You are a good bunny." This bunny was incredibly resourceful and smart. Only now did I think to check her gender. I suppose I had just assumed she was female. Stereotypes, I guess. Bunnies always seemed feminine to me¡ªsmall, cute, and adorable. That was why I had been calling her ¡®her¡¯ this whole time. But I needed to confirm. I picked her up, turned her over, and inspected her nether regions. "Hmm¡­ oh." Yep. Definitely a she. The bunny twitched, giving me a look that could only be described as, "What the hell, old man?" I coughed awkwardly and set her down. "Just had to make sure." She huffed. To distract from the awkwardness, I grabbed another berry and popped it into my mouth. ¡­It was slimy. The realization hit me. These berries had been in her mouth. I shuddered but persevered. Food was food. Wasting it wasn¡¯t an option. One by one, I forced myself to eat every last berry. Sliminess be damned. And finally, after finishing the last one, I felt a small, but noticeable surge of energy return to my body. I sighed in relief. Then, with a thought, I summoned my system interface.
[SYSTEM STATUS] [Name: Fu Shi] [Quintessence: 1] [Players: 1/1]
"Huh¡­" So, after 24 hours, I had gained one quintessence. That was useful to know. I looked down at the bunny, who was staring up at me expectantly. She had fed me when I was weak. Helped me survive. I could not, in good conscience, do nothing for her in return. And now that I knew how to use quintessence, I knew exactly what I had to do. Quintessence was more than just energy¡ªit carried memory, life, and experience. With it, I could help her grow. I wanted this bunny to break free from the limitations of her species. I sat down in a lotus position, focusing my mind. The system¡­ It wasn¡¯t just mine. It belonged to my players too. And I needed to decide how it would work. I imagined it like a game. A world where players could progress, gain strength, and carve their own paths. And for my first player¡ªthis little bunny¡ªI wanted her to ascend to the heavens. Okay, maybe that was too ambitious. At the very least, I wanted her to become strong. Strong enough to hunt, fight, and survive. I opened my eyes. "Little bunny," I said softly, "thank you for the berries." She tilted her head. For the first time, I thought about her name. I couldn¡¯t just keep calling her ¡®bunny¡¯ forever. Delving into old Fu Shi¡¯s memories, I searched for a name that felt right. "Bi Yuan," I murmured. Yes. That would do. I smiled, reaching out to pat her head. "From now on, your name will be Bi Yuan," I declared. "I¡¯ll call you Yuan¡¯er. Is that alright with you?" She blinked. Then¡ª "Ku-kyuuu~" She nuzzled into my arms. I chuckled, stroking her soft fur. It seemed I didn¡¯t have to worry¡ªshe liked it.
[Ping! Giving Quest¡­ ¡®Food Gathering!¡¯]
I gave Bi Yuan another quest, which she accepted without hesitation. She happily bounded away, rushing downhill to complete her task. I watched her go, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Good bunny," I whispered. Then, I turned away and made my way back to my cave.
The hunger pangs were still painful, but I endured. A day passed. And then¡ªBi Yuan returned. This time, she carried a makeshift pouch made of leaves, filled with a bountiful supply of berries. I blinked in surprise. "You made this?" She puffed out her chest. I laughed. "Yuan¡¯er is so smart. Good girl." She beamed. This continued for a week. Every day, Bi Yuan grew smarter. She started with just berries, but soon, she improved her methods. She made traps. At first, they were simple. But day by day, she refined them. I only had to teach her once, and she mastered the skill. Now, she could catch small animals at her leisure. I marveled at her growth. It was like watching a game character level up in real-time. She was no longer just a rabbit. She was a hunter. And then¡ªone day¡ª She proudly dragged in her latest catch. I stared. There was a wild chicken. A fox. And¡­ No rabbits. I looked at her. "No bunnies, huh?" She stared back. For a long moment, we were silent. Then, Bi Yuan slowly shook her head. I chuckled. "Fair enough." She might have been a predator now, but I supposed even a hunter had limits. And maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªshe had a soft spot for her own kind. 003 The True Treasure 003 The True Treasure "There were some wild chickens, even a fox, but no bunnies, huh?" Bi Yuan stared at me. I stared back. Yeah, I couldn¡¯t exactly have her feeding me her own kind. I sighed and shook my head. "Fair enough." With my Razor Wind Sword, I got to work, cutting and dismantling the animals. It was¡­ messy. I had no prior experience with this kind of thing as a mortal, so my technique was sloppy at best. The fox¡¯s fur ended up ruined, and the chicken carcasses looked like they had been butchered by a blindfolded toddler. But food was food. Next, I grabbed my Clear Water Gourd and used it to wash away the bloody mess. Finally, I took my Scorching Sun Spear, skewered the meat like a massive kebab, and then¡ª With a thought¡ª I summoned fire. The flames blazed to life at the spear¡¯s tip, fueled by quintessence. Fire, just from thinking about it. This was the power of quintessence. It was a miracle. As long as I understood the principles behind something, I could make it happen¡ªas long as I had quintessence. And making fire? That was easy. It was wasteful, sure. But I¡¯d rather waste quintessence than eat my food raw. Qi could also create fire, but it couldn¡¯t compare to Quintessence, the primordial force of creation. Qi was derived from a technique, but Quintessence? It was the source. I turned the meat, roasting it evenly. The fire burned clean and steady, untouched by wind or moisture. It would last as long as my quintessence allowed it. I took a deep breath, savoring the scent of roasted meat. It had been too long since I last ate something substantial. Bi Yuan bounced excitedly beside me, her nose twitching at the delicious smell. I chuckled. "Patience, little bunny," I said, cutting a small portion for her. "You worked hard. You deserve a taste." She chirped happily and took a bite. ¡°Kugh~blegh~!¡± I stared. Damn it, so no meat for her, huh? After eating, I sat back and looked at my treasures. Most of them were useless now. Without qi, my spiritual artifacts were nothing more than ordinary weapons. The Razor Wind Sword was still sharp, but it had lost its wind-cutting properties. The Scorching Sun Spear could still stab, but it no longer burned with the power of the sun. I clicked my tongue. Quintessence could act as a substitute, but I¡¯d hate to be wasteful. I had so many treasures, but without qi, they were trash. Except for one thing. I grabbed my Clear Water Gourd and took a long drink. The cool, refreshing water soothed my throat. Unlike my other artifacts, the Gourd still worked. That was because it was powered by mental consciousness, not qi. In the future, it might even serve as a research subject for me to better understand how to integrate quintessence into artifacts. But for now¡ª I reached out and grabbed Bi Yuan, lifting her up. "You," I said, "are my true treasure." She tilted her head, ears flopping. I cradled her in my arms, stroking her soft fur. "All my spiritual artifacts are useless now. Except for you, Yuan¡¯er." I smiled. "Not that you were ever just an item. But a treasure is a treasure." She purred, rubbing against my chest. I laughed. The past month had been¡­ surprisingly stable. I had adjusted my lifestyle around Bi Yuan¡¯s abilities. Every day, I followed a routine: Bi Yuan, meanwhile, took care of me.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. She brought me food, set traps, and even helped me improve my survival skills. She was no longer just a bunny. She was my companion. And now, I needed to reward her. As I sat by the fire, I checked my system status. [SYSTEM STATUS] [Name: Fu Shi] [Quintessence: 37] [Players: 1/1] I had 37 quintessence now. More than enough to give Yuan¡¯er something special. I turned to her, watching as she curled up beside me. I rubbed my chin. What could I give her? A weapon? ¡­Bi Yuan wielding a sword was a funny image, but could she even hold one properly? Then again, this was a cultivation world. Xianxia bullshit happened daily. A month ago, I was fighting lightning to gain this vague system. The next day, I befriended a bunny. The day after that, the bunny fed me. Now, she was setting traps and catching prey like a seasoned hunter. Yeah, at this point, I wouldn¡¯t even be surprised if she learned martial arts tomorrow. I chuckled to myself. Then¡ª I looked at her again. And suddenly, I knew. I knew exactly what I should give her. Something better than a weapon. Something worthy of her efforts. "Hmmm¡­" I murmured. I reached down, gently scratching her ears. She perked up, looking at me. "Kyu?" I smiled. "You¡¯ll see, Yuan¡¯er," I said softly. "You¡¯ll see. It¡¯s time to level up properly from now on." *** ** * Bi Yuan was the only bunny in Butterberry Forest. She had never thought about it before. Not until she received the blessing of the White Ape. The memory was hazy, but she could still recall the moment she had wandered into the White Ape¡¯s cave. At the time, she had been just another rabbit, an ordinary creature driven by instinct alone. But fate had led her there. Through mystical strings of destiny, she had changed. She had been acknowledged. And in that moment, she had become Bi Yuan. The details of that fateful encounter were blurred, lost in the fog of her former ignorance. But no matter how faint the memory was, it held a special place in her heart. The White Ape had given her a task¡ªto gather food. And she had done so, eagerly. She had understood, in the simplest of ways, that to be recognized by the White Ape, she needed to pay tribute. So she worked. And in return¡ª She was blessed with strength. [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] [Name: Bi Yuan] [Level: 0] [Vitality: 100%] [Qi: N/A] [Stats: See More¡­] [EXP: 0/100] Bi Yuan instinctively understood what had happened. Something deep within her had changed. She had become something more than just a rabbit. She was a player. Her soul had been elevated, bound to a system that only she and the White Ape could perceive. It was a process invisible to the world, yet to Bi Yuan, it was as natural as waking up in the morning. It was as if she had suddenly become aware of herself, like a baby realizing it was alive for the first time. The feeling was strange. And yet¡ª It brought comfort. This system would change her life. She felt it. She could grow. She could evolve. She could become more. For the first time in her existence, Bi Yuan thought about the future. She would rise above her limits. She would become strong. And so, with that conviction, she devoted herself to her quests. Bi Yuan worked tirelessly. The more berries she gathered, the more traps she set, the more she adapted¡ª The more she grew. And with that growth, a new feeling began to take root in her heart. Ambition. The little bunny began to dream. And because she dreamed¡ª She worked harder. She toiled day after day, her efforts accumulating, her strength increasing. She endured. She waited. And then¡ª It happened. Her breakthrough. It was no longer just a thought. No longer just a hope. Slowly but surely, it was becoming real. [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] +10 EXP +10 EXP Bi Yuan trembled with excitement. Every time the system pinged, every time she earned more EXP, she could feel it. She was no longer a weak little bunny. The system had given her courage. And soon enough, she was no longer just a creature that fled from danger. She had become¡ª Faster! Stronger! Smarter! Bi Yuan¡¯s white fur glistened under the dappled sunlight that filtered through the trees. Her small yet powerful frame darted through the undergrowth, weaving through the forest with speed and grace. Like every other day, she was out doing her quest. But today¡­ Today would be different. Because today, she would hunt. And in her heart, a fire burned. She would prove herself worthy. Not just for herself¡ª But for the White Ape. Bi Yuan¡¯s paws moved with precision, her dexterous limbs setting more traps than ever before. Everything was as the White Ape had taught her. She surveyed the area. Then¡ª Her ears perked. She saw her target. A wild chicken. She crouched low, her tiny body hidden among the tall grass. Her sharp red eyes watched every movement of the bird, analyzing its patterns, comparing its strength to her own. Could she do it? Yes. She could. Bi Yuan steeled her resolve. Then¡ª She POUNCED! With a single leap, she closed the distance in an instant. The chicken barely had time to react before she was upon it. Bi Yuan¡¯s blunt white teeth sank into the bird¡¯s neck. She had no claws, so she used her nimble paws to strangle it. The chicken thrashed. It struggled. But Bi Yuan held on. She would not let go. She had decided to hunt, and so she would see it through. It took time¡ª But in the end, she won. The chicken went limp. The little bunny had killed her prey. She had done it. She had truly become a predator. Something that no rabbit should ever be. And yet¡ª She felt pride. Joy. She had accomplished something great. She had earned EXP. Her power had grown once more. Out of curiosity, Bi Yuan took a small bite of the chicken¡¯s meat. She chewed. Then¡ª She grimaced. It was disgusting. She spat it out immediately. And here she thought it would taste better raw. No. This was not for her. This was a tribute. The White Ape was an omnivore. This would serve him better. With that thought, Bi Yuan picked up her kill and hopped back toward the White Ape¡¯s cave. When she arrived, she could barely contain her excitement. She hopped in place, presenting the dead chicken to the White Ape with pride. The White Ape looked at her. Then¡ª He smiled. ¡°Great! Great!¡± His voice rumbled with approval. Bi Yuan beamed. Then, the White Ape said something strange. ¡°I have just finished creating a Special Class for you, but it will take time for it to be uploaded into your system,¡± he explained. Bi Yuan tilted her head. She did not understand. But then¡ª The White Ape reached out, placing a hand on her forehead. ¡°Until then, I will impart to you basic martial arts through mental inheritance.¡± Suddenly¡ª Bi Yuan felt a prick in her brain. A strange warmth spread through her skull. And then¡ª Knowledge poured into her mind. It flowed effortlessly, arranging itself within her consciousness. Bi Yuan¡¯s eyes widened. What was this? What was this feeling? Her heart raced. Something inside her was changing again. She was evolving. Again. ¡°Kyu!?¡± 004 The Bunny Paladin [Part 1] 004 The Bunny Paladin [Part 1] The White Ape was a generous teacher. Bi Yuan had already learned how to set basic traps, but now, she was introduced to something better¡ª Advanced traps. These traps were far superior. They used bait to lure prey and were cleverly camouflaged to blend into the terrain. The lesson was not difficult. Bi Yuan listened carefully, her red eyes focused on every detail as the White Ape demonstrated the process. She learned how to use vines, how to position traps in the right locations, and how to make them appear natural. She was grateful. Every piece of sacred knowledge gifted to her by the White Ape was precious. But what made her even happier¡ª Was the martial art the White Ape imparted to her.
¡°Your Special Class has to wait,¡± the White Ape told her. Bi Yuan tilted her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to exactly explain,¡± the White Ape continued, stroking his chin, ¡°but the internet is kind of¡­ slow.¡± Bi Yuan blinked. She did not understand. But she didn¡¯t care. She was already plenty happy with what she had received. Her new Basic Bunny Combat was simple¡ªso simple that others might dismiss it as weak. But Bi Yuan knew better. To her, this art was strong. It would allow her to elevate herself even further. And so, she practiced. And as she practiced¡ª She grew.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] [Name: Bi Yuan] [Level: 7]
Bi Yuan had come a long way. From Level 0¡ª To Level 7. She watched in delight as her level steadily increased, each number a testament to her progress. Every day, she set up traps throughout Butterberry Forest, using berries as bait and ensuring that each one blended seamlessly into the natural environment. She ran tirelessly, leaving her snares in favorable locations, where wild chickens were likely to pass. By afternoon, she would patrol the area, checking her traps. And sure enough¡ª A dumb chicken had fallen for one of them. Bi Yuan¡¯s beady eyes glowed with excitement as she watched the bird flailing helplessly, its legs ensnared by the vines. ¡°Kyu!¡± She ended the creature¡¯s suffering swiftly, driving a sharp twig into its neck. Her nimble paws wielded the twig with surprising finesse, her movements precise.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] +100 EXP
Bi Yuan repeated this every day. Her skill grew sharper, her traps deadlier, her kills more efficient. She even prevailed against a fox¡ªone that had nearly killed her! The fox was larger than the ones she had encountered before. But size meant nothing¡ª If one was dumb. And this fox was very dumb. It had been caught in her trap twice!
At first, it had struggled free, using its brute strength to break the vines. But before it could escape¡ª It stumbled into another trap, just a few steps away. Bi Yuan almost laughed. Unlucky for the fox. Very lucky for her.
This time, she did not need to engage directly. The fox could not move properly, its legs tangled. Bi Yuan wielded her sharp twig like a spear, circling the fox cautiously. Then¡ª She struck. Her movements followed the teachings of Basic Bunny Combat, using her legs and nimble footwork to dodge the fox¡¯s desperate attempts to retaliate.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. And then¡ª With a final thrust¡ª The fox collapsed. She had won.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] [Spear Mastery: Level 1] +500 EXP
Bi Yuan trembled with excitement. Not from fear¡ª But from joy. She had leveled up again! She had reached the peak of what was possible for her current form.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] [Name: Bi Yuan] [Level: 10] [Vitality: 100%] [Qi: N/A] [Stats: See More¡­] [EXP: 1000/1000]
PING! The system¡¯s voice echoed in her mind. Bi Yuan¡¯s ears twitched. She had hit her limit. If she wanted to grow stronger, she needed a breakthrough. A mixture of happiness and disappointment filled her heart. She had come so far¡ª Yet now, she was stuck.
Feeling troubled, she returned to the White Ape¡¯s cave. She wanted to ask for guidance. But as she stood before her master, she realized¡ª She could not talk.
Bi Yuan had never thought about it before. Among the animals she had encountered, most could communicate emotions easily. She could do the same with the White Ape¡ª But this method had its limits. She could express simple feelings, like hunger, joy, or determination¡ª But to ask something as complex as her system? To inquire about breakthroughs and leveling up? She lacked the words. She could not speak. And for the first time¡ª Bi Yuan felt frustrated. She needed more. More than just chirps and growls. She needed a voice.
As she stared up at the White Ape, her beady red eyes filled with silent questions. The White Ape looked back¡ª And froze. Then, he groaned, covering his face. "Kyaah... You are so cute, stop staring at me like that!" Bi Yuan tilted her head. ¡°Kyah... Cuteness destructive ¡Á100.¡± ¡­What? The White Ape sighed, shaking his head before giving her a gentle pat. "Just wait, Yuan''er¡­ You need to wait a little more.¡± Wait? She blinked. ¡°The power-up is on its way.¡± Bi Yuan perked up. "It¡¯s still updating on your system, so please be patient!" The words resonated within her. Slowly, she nodded. She did not fully understand, but she trusted the White Ape. If he said the power-up was coming¡ª Then she would wait. For now. For the past few days, the White Ape held her close. His thin, frail arms cradled Bi Yuan, sheltering her small fluffy body with care. And Bi Yuan loved every second of it. She basked in his praises. She melted under his gentle touch. But most of all¡ª She absolutely adored the belly rubs. They were heavenly. A feeling beyond words, beyond comprehension. If she could, she would spend eternity like this¡ªbut she knew better. Something important was coming. She could feel it. And so, together, they waited. They waited for the Special Class to finally assimilate with her system. And then¡ª The long-awaited day arrived.
The White Ape set Bi Yuan down, his eyes twinkling with excitement. ¡°It¡¯s time, Yuan¡¯er,¡± he announced, his voice gentle yet firm. The little bunny¡¯s ears perked up. And then¡ª PING!
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Unique Class: Paladin. Do you accept? [Y/N]
Bi Yuan blinked. The system interface appeared before her, displaying an unfamiliar term: Paladin. She tilted her head, her red eyes scanning the description.
[PALADIN ¡ª CLASS DESCRIPTION] A class specialized in the power of Aura and Fortification. Paladins are warriors with strong vitality and impressive strength. They are enforcers of justice, adhering to a divine code of conduct:
Bi Yuan¡¯s nose twitched. She barely understood some of those words¡ª But she understood the meaning behind them. A Paladin was strong. A Paladin was righteous. A Paladin was a protector. Bi Yuan wanted that power. She sent her intentions to the system.
"Yes."
And then¡ª A blinding white light enveloped her. It burned. She flinched, her small body trembling from the sudden pain. But the pain did not last. The burning turned soothing. A new energy surged through her tiny frame, filling her with renewed vigor. Something inside her changed¡ª Her soul expanded. She had been reborn¡ª A second time.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] [CLASS: Paladin Acquired] [Level Up! Level 11 (1st Stage¡ªMartial Tempering Realm)] [Vitality: 100%] [Qi: 100%]
Bi Yuan felt alive. Her body, her mind, her very being¡ª They thrummed with power. She had entered the Martial Tempering Realm, the first stage of cultivation. She could now harness Qi¡ª The first step on the path to immortality. Bi Yuan let out an excited "Kyu!", hopping around in delight. The White Ape chuckled. "This is not where your rewards end," he said, scooping her up with a knowing smile. Bi Yuan''s ears twitched. More rewards?
The White Ape carried her deeper into the cave. Here, in the darkest recesses of his abode, lay a hidden trove of treasures. At first glance, the collection appeared humble¡ª But Bi Yuan knew better. Everything here held power. Every object carried mystery. And at the center of it all¡ª A wooden chest, ancient and mystical, pulsed with faint energy. The White Ape extended a clawed finger, biting down on his thumb. A single drop of his blood fell onto the chest¡¯s surface¡ª And then¡ª SHHHHHHHH¡­ The chest shuddered, drinking in the blood like a thirsty beast. A golden light burst forth, illuminating the cave. From within, weapons floated into the air, their shapes elegant and deadly. Each one radiated spiritual energy, whispering of great battles fought and greater ones yet to come. The White Ape gestured. ¡°Choose.¡±
Bi Yuan stared, awestruck. Her heart pounded. So many weapons¡ª Yet she knew most were too large for her small body. Even so, she searched. There had to be one¡ª One that was meant for her. Her gaze moved between the treasures, searching for something special. And then¡ª She found it.
At the very back, it rested. Sleek, silver, and gleaming under the golden glow. Its shaft was strong. Its surface was polished. And at its top¡ª Three sharp points, like a harpoon. Bi Yuan¡¯s heart skipped. She knew. This was the one. This weapon¡ª It had never been used before.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] [Weapon Acquired: Fork of Perforation]
Bi Yuan chirped excitedly. This weapon was Untouched. A weapon without a previous owner¡ª A blade that had yet to taste blood. In human terms, it was akin to chastity¡ª But for weapons. Bi Yuan understood the importance of such a thing. An Untouched weapon held limitless potential. And now¡ª This Fork of Perforation belonged to her. Bi Yuan gripped the shaft with her tiny paws. Her journey as a Paladin Bunny had only just begun. 005 The Bunny Paladin [Part 2] 005 The Bunny Paladin [Part 2] I watched the little bunny pick up what I could only describe as a fork. A silver, three-pronged, well-balanced fork¡ª But a fork nonetheless. I rubbed my chin, feeling a strange sense of familiarity. Something about this thing itched at the back of my mind. Digging into old Fu Shi¡¯s memories, I searched for any record of its existence¡ª And what I found shocked me.
This so-called Fork of Perforation wasn¡¯t just some random weapon. It originated from the Celestial Ages¡ªa time when Perfect Immortals were as plentiful as grass and Gods still walked the mortal plane. An age of turmoil, where Gods fell en masse, shaking the very fabric of reality. Even now, just recalling that particular memory filled me with an unfamiliar emotion¡ª Awe. And that was rare. I had lived through the 21st century, seen wonders beyond imagination, and even created a system from scratch¡ª Yet this was the first time in a long while that I felt genuine reverence. This wasn¡¯t my emotion. It came from Fu Shi. The old Fu Shi. A part of me that had long since faded, but still lingered in memories.
I exhaled, shaking my head. ¡°Well, congratulations to you, Yuan¡¯er!¡± I said, pushing aside my misgivings. The little bunny wiggled her nose, holding the fork like it was the greatest treasure in existence. I couldn''t help but smile¡ª She was too cute. Still¡ª A fork? A utensil meant for eating? I sighed, rubbing my temples. I had a vast collection of legendary weapons, yet she picked this. Maybe she just liked the balance? Or maybe she had no clue what she was doing. Either way, I had to at least warn her. ¡°You know, Yuan¡¯er,¡± I said slowly, ¡°you could choose something better. That thing is barely an Exceptional Artifact at best.¡±
"Kyu?"
The little bunny stared at me, ears twitching. Her beady red eyes held a clear message: I don¡¯t understand. She tilted her head, as if asking: "Sheesh, what am I supposed to do?" Great. Not only could I understand bunny speech, but now I was reading bunny expressions too. I sighed. It seemed like explaining things was necessary.
"Listen," I began. "Artifacts are divided into five levels: Fine, Exceptional, Superior, Masterpiece, and Perfect. That fork has an awesome history, but in terms of raw power, it¡¯s¡­ kinda lame.¡±
"Kyu?"
Her nose twitched. Her ears flopped slightly. She had absolutely no clue what I just said. I sighed again. "...Fine, I give up." If she wanted the Fork of Perforation, then so be it. At the very least, she looked happy. And who was I to deny a bunny her happiness?
Bi Yuan, clearly eager to test her new weapon, bowed respectfully in my direction. Then, without hesitation, she scampered out of the cave. I watched her go, amusement flickering in my chest. This was an experiment for me too. The Paladin class I had created was unlike any other. It was based on this world¡¯s Buddhism, but I had¡­ tweaked it. I had shaped it into something new, something uniquely mine. Now, I was curious¡ª How effective would it be?
The Paladin class had three core skills: Typically, players would unlock skills gradually¡ª But I had thrown that out the window. I gave Bi Yuan access to all of them from the start. Why? Simple. I was experimenting. I wanted to see how strong they were. Would they be overpowered? Would they be useless? Only time would tell.
I glanced at my system interface.
[SYSTEM INTERFACE] [Name: Fu Shi] [Quintessence: 7] [Players: 1/1]
I had spent 30 quintessence creating the Paladin class. Now, I only had 7 left. Was it worth it? Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing was certain¡ª I had always been a sucker for Western fantasy. That was why I made Paladins. That was why I gave Bi Yuan this role. In another life, I would have loved to see a knightly order of warriors defending justice with divine radiance. Instead¡ª I got a bunny with a fork.
I let out a chuckle, shaking my head. Of all the worlds I could have transmigrated to¡ª It just had to be this one. I didn¡¯t have the luxury of choosing.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. All I could do was work with what I had. And right now¡ª What I had was a tiny, adorable, battle-hungry bunny. I could only hope¡ª That Bi Yuan would become strong enough to help me achieve my goals.
The Paladin class was designed with survivability in mind. I needed my player to live¡ª Because I only had one. If I lost her¡ª I¡¯d be back to square one. And that was not an option.
But deep down, there was another reason. Something more personal. The truth was¡ª I saw Bi Yuan as a hero. In my darkest moment, when I had been at my weakest¡ª That little bunny had saved me. It was childish, but¡ª I had fun creating the Paladin class just for her.
Creating a class was easy. Far easier than creating the system itself. At least this time, there were no heavenly tribulations trying to fry me into dust. I gazed at the empty space where Bi Yuan had bowed to me just moments ago. And then, I smiled. ¡°Good luck, Yuan¡¯er.¡± I hoped she would find great quests¡ª And even greater battles. *** ** * The mountain wind howled as a white blur streaked past jagged rocks, twisting vines, and startled birds. Bi Yuan rushed downward, her tiny form darting through obstacles as if they didn¡¯t exist. Her momentum built with every leap. Fast¡ª Faster¡ª Then slower, just at the right moment, before an accident could happen. She was testing her limits. Step by step, leap by leap¡ªshe was getting the hang of her new strength.
Her qi-enhanced muscles burned with energy as she activated her Paladin skill: Divine Fortification A technique designed for defense, but Bi Yuan used it differently. Instead of just protecting herself, she harnessed its effects to push her body further. It hardened her bones, reinforced her muscles, and absorbed incoming impact. The result? She could run recklessly¡ªand in turn, increase her speed even more!
White light shimmered along her legs, strengthening them beyond their natural limits. A journey that should have taken an hour¡ª She reduced to mere minutes. Her fortified limbs absorbed the shock of every landing, allowing her to push forward without hesitation.
How much of a boost she got depended on her cultivation base¡ªor, in player lingo, her level. At Level 11, she enhanced her legs by 110%. It didn¡¯t sound like much, but application was key. With this, Bi Yuan¡¯s movements were swift and seamless, carrying her from the mountains to the forest with explosive efficiency.
The moment she reached the foot of the mountain, Bi Yuan did not stop. Her killer intent surged, her heart pounding with excitement. She wanted to hunt. She wanted to test herself. She wanted to fight.
Her mere presence sent a message to the forest: Get out of the way, the murderous bunny is here!
The creatures near the periphery of the forest had already learned their lesson. For days, Bi Yuan had been hunting mercilessly, and now the wildlife had vanished. So, she had no choice but to venture deeper¡ªwhere stronger beasts lurked. And that was exactly what she wanted.
A sharp swoosh cut through the air.
Bi Yuan¡¯s ears perked¡ª Her body reacted on instinct. She dodged, a red blur swooping past where she had just been standing. Her eyes caught a glimpse of the attacker¡ª A fox!
But this one was different. It was bigger than the last fox she fought. And more importantly¡ª It was clever.
The moment its ambush failed, the fox vanished into the foliage, disappearing into the dense shrubs.
"Kyu-KYU-KYU!!" | You shameless fox! Do you want a piece of me?!
Her chirps were unintelligible to most¡ª But her rage was clear. Bi Yuan didn¡¯t blindly chase after the fox. Instead, she stood her ground, her tiny paws gripping the Fork of Perforation. She twirled the weapon, taunting the wily predator.
This was what she wanted¡ª A worthy opponent to test her strength! Bi Yuan knew this was reckless. But recklessness was part of growth. She had to challenge herself. She had to face danger. She had to prove her power!
But deep down¡ª That wasn¡¯t the real reason she was here.
She was simply drunk on her own strength.
And the fox took advantage of this.
SLAM! Something heavy crashed into her from behind. Bi Yuan¡¯s small body was sent rolling through the dirt. The force of the impact made her tumble several times, crushing shrubs beneath her. She skidded to a halt, her fur bristling with fury.
"KYUUU!!" | Come! I¡¯ll fill you with holes!!
With unusual eagerness, she launched herself toward the direction of the attack. Her fork gleamed, slicing through the air¡ª But it hit nothing. The fox was already gone.
It was not just clever¡ª It was fast.
It could have bitten her. It could have ripped into her flesh. It could have ended the fight with a fatal strike. But it didn¡¯t. And that was when Bi Yuan realized something was wrong.
!?
Why did it slam me instead of biting? The question struck her. Her ears twitched¡ª Her instincts screamed. She looked down¡ª And her blood ran cold.
A Deadly Trap Beneath her¡ª The ground was gone.
A steep creek yawned below, littered with the bones of countless animals. And at the bottom¡ª A waiting crocodile lurked in the waters.
This was not a fight. This was a trap.
"Kekekeke~" A mocking laugh echoed from above. The fox¡¯s silhouette appeared, its eyes glinting with amusement. | Die, poor bunny¡­
It was looking down on her. It thought she was an idiot. A foolish prey that had fallen into its trap. Bi Yuan¡¯s blood boiled. Unforgivable! This fox thought it could outsmart her?!
!!!
But the fox had made one mistake. It underestimated Bi Yuan¡¯s will to survive.
She wasn¡¯t some weak little bunny. She wasn¡¯t some helpless prey. She was¡ª The Paladin Bunny!
And she would not die that easily. The little bunny was no longer the same. She had evolved. She was stronger. She was faster. She was no longer just Bi Yuan¡ª She was SUPER BUNNY! She was PALADIN BUNNY!
Bi Yuan¡¯s ears twitched, her instincts sharp. From above, she spotted the fox¡ª Smug, arrogant, leering down at her openly as she fell. It thought it had won. It thought she was doomed.
It was wrong.
"Kyuuuu~! Divine Fortification!"
A pulse of holy energy surged through her body. Her legs strengthened, her muscles surged, her bones hardened. Bi Yuan kicked the air with immense force¡ª Her jumping power skyrocketed. With one explosive movement, she soared upward, blasting away from the deadly fall.
But she wasn¡¯t done yet. She needed more. She needed power!
Sacred Ash!
BOOM! A blinding white light erupted beneath her. Bi Yuan had unleashed her next skill¡ª A destructive martial spell that detonated the Holy Element at its core! A split second before impact, she kicked off the explosion¡ª Using the blast force to catapult herself even higher!
The fox¡¯s eyes widened in horror. The bunny was not falling. The bunny was flying! The fox panicked.
"Whoo~uck!!" | Save me, Croc!
But the crocodile was too far away. Separated by the creek, the fox had nowhere to run. And now¡ª Bi Yuan had returned to ground zero.
A Paladin¡¯s Resolve was not to be underestimated! Bi Yuan landed with a rough tumble, the force of her attacks leaving her charred. Pain flared in her body, but she did not waver. She was a Paladin! She endured!
She activated another skill¡ª Aura of Virtue!
A soft glow surrounded her, soothing her injuries. Her legs healed, their functions restored. The skill¡¯s holy aura spread outward, mending wounds and affecting all within its range. And it had another effect¡ª Enemies who harbored ill intentions were slowed.
The fox bared its fangs. It lunged at her¡ª But it was too late.
Sacred Ash¡ªSecond Strike! Bi Yuan focused¡ª Her Fork of Perforation trembled in her paws, glowing with divine energy. White sacred light poured into the weapon, intensifying every second. The fox charged, desperate to strike first. But the Aura of Virtue slowed its movement, giving Bi Yuan the time she needed.
The attack was ready. Bi Yuan unleashed her full power!
BANG!
A holy explosion burst from her fork¡ª Blasting the fox to oblivion. Ash and scattered embers remained in its place. The forest fell into silence.
Ping! +800 EXP
Bi Yuan panted, exhausted. Her maneuvers had been relentless, pushing her to the limit. But deep down¡ª She felt thrilled. The adrenaline. The rush of power. She wanted more.
She turned her gaze toward the creek below¡ª And locked eyes with the crocodile.
The Big Bad Croc. Stared. At her. The massive reptile had been watching the entire fight. Its jaws opened, revealing sharp rows of teeth. Then¡ª It laughed.
"HEH-HEH-HEH¡ª"
A slow, creepy chuckle rumbled from its throat. To Bi Yuan, it was the most savage grin she had ever seen. Then¡ª The croc spoke.
"Funny little one. Do you want a fight?"
!?
Bi Yuan froze. Her ears stood up, her fur bristling. A talking crocodile?! This was bad. This was very bad.
This wasn¡¯t some random beast. This was a real monster. Bi Yuan knew¡ªshe stood no chance.
Her survival instincts screamed.
"Ku-kyu¡­ Kyu!" | Maybe another time? Bye!
And just like that¡ª Super Bunny, Paladin Bunny, The Slayer of Foxes¡ª Scurried away like a scared rabbit. Because she was one. 006 Unique Cultivation [Part 1] 006 Unique Cultivation [Part 1] I watched the little bunny fight using my Mind¡¯s Eye. What a marvelous ability. A skill that let me observe events from unseen distances, completely bypassing the restrictions of the mortal eye. It was a unique power I had recently crafted using my last remnants of quintessence¡ªa power that should have been impossible in this world. Yet, I had created it.The cost? Just what was left of my Quintessence.
[Name: Fu Shi Quintessence: 0 Players: 1/1]
That zero still stung. My precious quintessence, completely depleted. But it was worth it. I had to watch Bi Yuan¡¯s fight¡ªboth as a learning opportunity and as an experiment. This was a crucial moment for shaping the future class system I envisioned. And what a spectacle it had been!
When she had been thrown into the creek, I panicked. I thought¡ªthat¡¯s it. She lost. But at the last second¡ª The little bunny turned the tables.
The fox was utterly annihilated. Sacred Ash was far stronger than I had anticipated. And when combined with Aura of Virtue and Divine Fortification? It was terrifying. Even as their creator, I had underestimated them.
I had no spiritual root, no Dantian. No means of cultivating like a normal person. The old Fu Shi had made sure of that. His blatant antagonism toward the heavens had left me with a body completely severed from the natural energy of the world. But still¡ª I had quintessence. And if I could wield it correctly, I wouldn¡¯t need qi. I wouldn¡¯t need conventional cultivation. I could create something new. A system of my own design, derived from the one I stole from the heavens.. And the proof of concept? Bi Yuan.
Transmigration, Reincarnation¡ªWho Cares?! I wasn¡¯t sure if I had reincarnated or transmigrated. Honestly? I didn¡¯t care. I wasn¡¯t the type to philosophize over fate or the cycle of reincarnation. The only thing that mattered was that I was alive. And that was enough.
I shifted my attention back to Bi Yuan. She had fled from the Big Bad Croc like a scared rabbit¡ªwhich, well, she was. But the croc¡­ That thing was interesting.
I turned my Mind¡¯s Eye onto the crocodile. It was massive. Larger than any crocodile I had ever seen¡ªeasily the size of a bus. Its scales shimmered like a fusion of jade and brass, giving it an almost metallic sheen. If I left it alone, would it evolve into something even more monstrous? A dinosaur, maybe? It wasn¡¯t a bad idea to make it a player¡­ But I had doubts about its loyalty. It wasn¡¯t as easy as just assigning a player status. A beast of that level¡­ If it turned against me, the consequences would be severe. For now, I left it alone.
I redirected my Mind¡¯s Eye back to Bi Yuan. What I saw made me pause. She was slaughtering everything in sight.
Chickens. Squirrels. Even the occasional unfortunate bird that got too close.
I frowned. ¡°It looks like she¡¯s¡­ farming.¡± The term slipped out of my mouth before I even realized it. Was this¡­ natural? I mean, sure, Bi Yuan had always been an oddball, but she was fighting like a player.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. No¡ªmore than that. She was acting like a gamer. A bloodthirsty, EXP-hungry gamer.
¡°Yuan¡¯er¡­ you¡¯re going to be a menace in the future.¡± I sighed, but I couldn¡¯t deny¡ª I was entertained. I enjoyed watching her stomp on weaker creatures like some kind of unstoppable force. That realization unnerved me. I wasn¡¯t always this¡­ barbaric. Had I changed? Or had I always been like this, and just never noticed? I didn¡¯t have the answer.
I wanted to keep watching. I wanted to keep experimenting. But¡ª The Mind¡¯s Eye flickered. The world blurred. My vision darkened. And then¡ª It shut off completely.
My mental concentration had reached its limit. The ability had consumed what little quintessence I had left.
¡°So, instead of qi¡­ I have to rely on mental power, huh?¡± It made sense. I had created the Game Master System not by manipulating qi, but by using my mind. Meditation had been the key to forming it. And without a cultivation base, my mental strength was the only thing I had to rely on. That was fine. I could work with this.
I sat in deep thought, piecing everything together. My body had no future. But my mind? That was my true power. I wasn¡¯t a cultivator. I wasn¡¯t a warrior. I wasn¡¯t a mage. I was the Game Master. And I would make this world mine. Meditation was the most basic form of cultivation. For the weak, it was a starting point. For the powerful, it was a forgotten relic. In every level of cultivation, meditation remained a method that never lost its value. Yet, as cultivators grew stronger, they abandoned it. Why? Because their techniques became far superior. Only at the pinnacle¡ªthe realm of the Perfect Immortal¡ªdid they realize its true worth.
That¡¯s why I thought¡ª Maybe I could still cultivate¡­ even without a Dantian. I had no spiritual root. I had no qi. But I had a mind. And if meditation could strengthen it¡ª Then maybe¡­ just maybe¡­ I could cultivate my mind instead. It was a fascinating thought.
The Great Experiment I sat in a lotus position, taking a deep breath. I let my thoughts drift into stillness. I closed my eyes. I relaxed. I focused. I reached toward the calmness within¡ª ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ ¡­zzzzz Zzzzz zZZZ ¡­zzzzz Zzzzz zZZZzzz ZzzZzZZZZ ¡°Hik!¡± I¡ª I fell asleep?
24 Hours Later I blinked. The sun had shifted. The air was cooler. A full day had passed just like that. Damn. That was¡­ unexpected. I checked my system, searching for some kind of breakthrough¡ª Meh. There was nothing at all.
[Name: Fu Shi Quintessence: 1 Players: 1/1]
Wait. 1 Quintessence? I had gained one. Did that mean¡­ my quintessence was increasing on its own? I pondered for a moment. Was there a way to increase my income? A gut feeling told me that more players would boost my quintessence gain. But there was a problem. I had no idea how to get more players without spending quintessence in the first place. And there was a limiter in the subcomponent of ¡®player.¡¯ [Players: 1/1] It couldn¡¯t be that [0/1] was my maximum limit, right? Could I increase the cap? If so, would it allow me to gain more quintessence per day?
For now, I won¡¯t worry about it. My biggest priority should be learning how to operate quintessence or finding a way to fight back. Better yet¡ª I needed a roadmap to a new cultivation path.
Qi? No. Quintessence? Too Wasteful. Mental Power? Maybe. Qi was out of the question. Quintessence? Too valuable to waste recklessly. That left me with one option¡ª Mental Power. After all, Mind¡¯s Eye had been created through mental concentration, not qi. If I could harness my mind, then maybe¡­
The Birth of a New Cultivation Method I sat down again. This time, I was determined. I entered a meditative state. I focused on my thoughts. I urged my mental power to move. And then¡ª I tried to activate Mind¡¯s Eye. With sheer willpower alone.
For days, I repeated the process. Little by little, I gained results. I used my quintessence sparingly, feeding small amounts into Mind¡¯s Eye whenever I could. And with that¡ª A whole new world unfolded before me. I magnified my vision, as if holding a lens to reality itself. And what I saw¡ª Shook me to my core.
The world was a web of cycles, all interconnected. Everywhere I looked, I saw life. The world was teeming with energy. Not just from living beings¡ªbut from death, from time, from the unseen forces that shaped existence. It was a flow of pure, raw essence. Something beyond qi. Something beyond conventional cultivation. Something¡­ fundamental.
I turned my Mind¡¯s Eye onto my own spiritual artifacts. And I saw¡ª Their blueprints. Every structure, every engravement, every mystical pattern embedded within them¡ª Laid bare before me. ¡°Hehehe¡­¡± I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. This is incredible¡­ With this power, I could reverse-engineer anything. I could design weapons. I could create artifacts. This wasn¡¯t just observation¡ª This was understanding.
I had seen the outside world. Now, it was time to look within. I turned Mind¡¯s Eye inward¡ª And I saw my soul.
It was like peering through a microspore, except¡­ It was psychedelic, a swirling cosmos of color and depth. It was vast. It was endless. I realized¡ª This was my essence. My mental world. A plane of existence I had never accessed before.
¡°This is a breakthrough.¡± I could see the structure of my own consciousness. The mind held depths and secrets that even cultivators never explored. Perhaps¡­ The human mind contained profound mysteries that defied mortal understanding.
Three Months Later¡­ Time passed mercilessly. Three months of solitude. Three months of mental cultivation. Three months of surviving off a little bunny¡¯s generosity. And my bones¡­ were feeling weaker each day. ¡°Sheesh¡­ I¡¯m so old¡­¡±
Ping! Bi Yuan has reached the maximum level.
[Name: Bi Yuan Class: Paladin Level 20 (1st¡ªMartial Tempering) (MAX LEVEL) Vitality: 100% Qi: 100% Stats: See more¡­ Exp: 6500/6500]
I stared. Then I blinked. Then I groaned. ¡°That was fast¡­¡± Bi Yuan had maxed out her level way too quickly. Now what? I rubbed my temples, feeling the headache coming. I needed a solution. And fast. 007 Unique Cultivation [Part 2] 007 Unique Cultivation [Part 2] In a short three months, Bi Yuan had reached the maximum level for the 1st stage. Now, she was ready to break through. She must be a cultivation genius! Or rather¡ª It was thanks to the system. And, of course, Bi Yuan¡¯s relentless efforts.
Sigh¡­ I didn¡¯t believe in innate talent. No one was born special. Everyone was as capable as another. At most, I believed in affinities¡ªbut never talent. Especially not the heaven-defying kind.
To me, ¡®talent¡¯ was just an over-exaggeration of an individual¡¯s aptitude. Yes, aptitude. A far more accurate description of what people mistook as ¡®talent.¡¯ If you were bad at something¡ª It simply meant you hadn¡¯t put in enough effort and time. If you were too good at something¡ª It meant you had either a cheat or a trick.
According to old Fu Shi¡¯s memories¡ª It took at least a year for a cultivator to break through from the Martial Tempering Realm to the next stage. And that was only if you were a second-generation young master, bathed in resources and constantly praised as a genius. Yet Bi Yuan had reached the peak in just three months.
Sigh¡­ Some bad memories are coming back to me¡­ Anyway¡ª ¡°I should stop with my philosophical bullshit about talent.¡± I shook my head. Now¡­ what could I do for Yuan¡¯er? Bi Yuan entered my cave, her fur sullied by hardened blood. Traces of her battles were etched into her body. The aura of a warrior radiated from the small creature in front of me.
For three months, I had watched her challenge the beasts of the forest. Each battle made my heart jump in fear. What if she died? The thought haunted me. Yet, time and time again¡ª The little bunny achieved the impossible.
Now, she was staring at me. Those big, imploring eyes. As if begging me to make her stronger. The last time she did this, I felt useless. Like a decorative NPC whose sole purpose was to exist. But now¡ª Things were different.
My Bountiful Quintessence [Name: Fu Shi Quintessence: 92 Players: 1/1] A long time had passed. And now, I had more than enough quintessence to do something great. However¡ª The next cultivation stage had more stringent requirements. I couldn''t just dump quintessence on her and expect instant success. This time, Bi Yuan needed enlightenment. Even the system had its limitations. Sure, I could force her breakthrough with more quintessence¡ª But did the little bunny have the patience to wait?
[Ping! Giving Quest... Class Advancement!] This was the only way. I couldn''t spoil her anymore. This was for her own good.
The Quest: Become a Silver Paladin [Quest: Become a Silver Paladin! Slay a Martial Tempering realm enemy (0/5) If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.Rewards: Achieve 2nd Stage Paladin status. Increased Art. Increased Aptitude. Remove Level Cap.] I spent 15 quintessence points to create this quest. Specifically, the class advancement reward. That was worth 15 days of my accumulated resources. Still¡ª The rewards were scrumptious. Especially since the system¡¯s players were capped at the 1st stage. What I was doing was forcefully removing the cap for the little bunny.
[Name: Fu Shi Quintessence: 77 Players: 1/1]
Bi Yuan bowed. Like she always did. And then¡ª She left.
I didn¡¯t stop her. Instead, I sat in a lotus position and meditated. Bi Yuan was an investment. She was the first player of my system. She was the proof that my vision¡ª Of turning this world into a game¡ª Was possible.
But it wasn¡¯t just that. I wasn¡¯t purely utilitarian. I had sincerity toward the little bunny. I was giving her an opportunity¡ª And I believed she wouldn¡¯t pass it up.
As I meditated, I pondered. On the meaning of ¡®Player¡¯ and ¡®Gamer¡¯. On old Fu Shi¡¯s life before mine. This world had rules. And I would change them. One player at a time. Weeks passed. Bi Yuan hunted tirelessly, seeking foes to complete her Class Advancement Quest. Meanwhile, I devoted myself to mental cultivation. It was difficult. I had to blindly feel for my path, lacking the guidance of a traditional cultivation method.
Despite my struggles in cultivation, I had no other complaints. With Bi Yuan¡¯s help, I had plenty of food stored. I ate well. I slept enough. For the first time in this new life, I felt a semblance of stability. A lull period¡ªa precious opportunity. I refused to waste it.
Retracing Old Fu Shi¡¯s Steps Had Been a Pain in the Ass. No matter how tedious, I forced myself to study the scriptures in my cave. I retraced old Fu Shi¡¯s cultivation, searching for a new path forward. If qi cultivation was impossible for me, then perhaps the mind held the key.
Beyond mental training, I maintained physical fitness with daily exercises. I also organized old Fu Shi¡¯s memories, arranging them into a Mental Library with the aid of quintessence. This was necessary. Not just for my advancement¡ª But because old Fu Shi¡¯s memories were fragmented.
I understood this fragmentation thanks to my superior mental power. I didn¡¯t mean to boast¡ª But if there was one thing I was truly skilled at, it was mental focus and endurance. Using this strength, I sorted and analyzed the old memories. Yet, even after all this time¡ª I had barely scratched the surface of old Fu Shi¡¯s long life.
My greatest motivation to meditate came from my growing mental power. I strongly believed that someday, my efforts would bear fruit. Maybe not today¡ª But eventually. And so, I immersed myself in meditation. Not just as a pastime, but as a necessity. Time passed mercilessly¡ª And I persisted.
Then, one day¡ª I felt it. Something changed.
While sorting through old Fu Shi¡¯s memories, I attempted to grasp the Heavenly Dao. The Dao was an abstract, philosophical concept. Yet, it held tangible power beyond simple reasoning. For most Perfect Immortals, the Dao could only be understood intuitively. Old Fu Shi was no different.
But I was. My perception of the Dao was not limited by intuition. I had the mind of a modern Earthling. A mind shaped by logic, science, history, and culture. My understanding of the Dao was convoluted, yet paradoxically ordered.
Even now, I found it strange. My thoughts did not clash with old Fu Shi¡¯s memories. Rather¡ª They interwove seamlessly.
A New Perspective on the Dao Opened to Me. I contemplated. Had I not possessed both my past knowledge and old Fu Shi¡¯s wisdom, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to interact with the Heavenly Dao the way I did. Likewise, had Fu Shi been in my place, even with his profound cultivation, he wouldn''t have been able to recreate my methods. His understanding of the Dao was profound in its own right¡ª But mine was different.
The Game Master System I had created¡ª It was only possible due to the combined knowledge of old Fu Shi and myself. I lacked qi, but I possessed an awareness of how the brain worked. And more intimately, how to make games. In the eyes of traditional cultivators, what I was doing was probably heretical. Or worse¡ª They might even call me a demonic cultivator.
That thought amused me. What did I look like from Fu Shi¡¯s perception?
Curious, I decided to look within. Before, I had briefly peered into my own soul. But I never dared to look too deeply. Not until now.
I had accumulated enough quintessence to save myself if anything went wrong. I had also perfected my Mind¡¯s Eye. There was no better time. And so, I activated it. I focused inward.
What I saw¡ª Astounded me. As I peered inward with my Mind¡¯s Eye, my vision distorted. The world around me faded¡ª And suddenly, I was inside something vast, boundless, and eerily familiar.
I found myself standing in a limitless space, surrounded by two opposing streams of memories. To my left¡ª I saw my past life. A life chained to an abusive gam development studio, where I worked myself to the bone. The endless crunch, the exploitation, the feeling of being nothing more than a tool¡ª All of it manifested before me in vivid detail. I saw myself sitting hunched over a keyboard, the glow of the screen illuminating my exhausted face. A superior loomed over my shoulder, spitting insults and demands. My hands shook as I typed. My body ached from exhaustion. And yet¡ª I kept working.
To my right¡ª I saw Fu Shi¡¯s memories. A lifetime spent in bitter struggle. Cultivation was a path paved with pain, and Fu Shi had endured all of it. I watched as he vomited blood after each failed breakthrough. I felt his agony as his body shattered, his soul tormented by forces beyond human comprehension. I witnessed his despair as he was betrayed by those he trusted. It was pain for pain, suffering against suffering. My life against Fu Shi¡¯s. Which was worse? Who had suffered more?
As I observed, an invisible force pushed against me. I felt a battle taking place¡ª Something was trying to eject me from this space! It was like a will opposed my intrusion. An instinctual, defensive reaction from this illusory mindscape. But I refused to leave. Instead¡ª I walked forward.
The more I pushed ahead, the more the memories changed. Gone were the images of exploitation and pain. Instead, I saw¡ª Hard work. Perseverance. Joy.
On my left, I watched my past self, not as a victim, but as a creator. I saw myself designing worlds, writing code, constructing game mechanics. I saw the passion I once had, before it was drowned in corporate cruelty. I saw the friends I made, the moments of laughter, the thrill of bringing ideas to life.
On my right, I saw Fu Shi, not as a tormented cultivator, but as a dedicated seeker of the Dao. He studied for centuries, endured setbacks, and still¡ª He persevered. He grew stronger. He taught disciples who looked at him with reverence. He laughed with comrades who respected him. Fu Shi¡¯s life was not just suffering. It was also a life well-lived.
As I went deeper, the illusion around me trembled. Cracks formed in the mindscape, splitting it like fractured glass. Then¡ª It shattered.
Everything was white. An endless void of pure emptiness. And standing before me¡ª A cracked porcelain version of Fu Shi. His surface was fractured, as if he were a fragile ceramic doll barely holding together. But his eyes... They were watching me. Waiting. I took a step forward¡ª And the porcelain figure spoke. 008 Unique Cultivation [Part 3] 008 Unique Cultivation [Part 3] I had expected to see something profound when I turned my Mind¡¯s Eye inward¡ª Blood. Bone. Flesh. Maybe even the intricate details of blood cells or atoms. But when I opened my eyes¡ª I found myself in an endless white void. And in front of me stood¡ª Old Fu Shi. The original. The Perfect Immortal. The one whose memories and body I now claimed as my own. I froze. Why was he inside me? Shouldn¡¯t he have already moved on? I had always thought that he was dead, his soul gone to the afterlife, leaving only his empty body behind for me to inherit. But now, here he was, staring at me with a mixture of disapproval and amusement. ¡°Hey there, young man...¡± the old man said in a chiding tone. That voice carried an air of kindly authority¡ªlike a teacher scolding an unruly student while secretly being proud of him. I didn¡¯t know what to say. I lifted my arm to touch my skin¡ª Only to realize I had no body. I was formless. A floating consciousness that existed simply because I thought I did. "What the fuck is happening!?" Old Fu Shi raised his hand, and a crystal-clear mirror appeared between us. In its reflection, I saw a young man in his mid-20s with disheveled black hair and dark eyes. I blinked. That was... me. But why? I had thought I had fully become Fu Shi¡ªyet my reflection did not show his old face, but my original one. A strange sense of displacement overtook me. His name was¡ª No. My name was¡ª "Who am I?" The man in the mirror frowned at me, mimicking my confusion. The thoughts in my head became chaotic, like tangled threads in a web of contradictions. I clenched my fist¡ª And the mirror shattered. CRACK! The shards disintegrated into nothingness. Old Fu Shi chuckled softly. ¡°You are you,¡± he said. ¡°And I am me.¡± He stroked his long, messy beard with the air of a sage, watching me carefully. I took a deep breath, steadying my thoughts. ¡°Why are you here? I thought you were gone.¡± The old man smiled. ¡°After I lost the Heaven¡¯s Game, I took precautions to preserve myself. You¡ª¡± he gestured at me, ¡°¡ªare the result of that.¡± Heaven¡¯s Game. I remembered it through his memories¡ª A series of trials: A game of chess. A puzzle. A simple toss of a coin. These were called the Three Heavenly Trades¡ªbut what they actually meant? No one knew except the Gods of Heaven. If someone won, they would gain immense power. But if they lost... Fu Shi had nearly won all three games. But in the end¡ª He only succeeded in one. Even though he had technically won, he wasn¡¯t rewarded. Instead, his cultivation was forcibly stripped away.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. How? How could something as powerful as the Perfect Immortal Realm be destroyed? It was impossible¡ª Unless... the Heavens themselves intervened. I remembered it happening. But I did not remember how. That fact alone terrified me. It was like knowing that Santa Claus existed, but not knowing how the presents got under the tree. Something was missing. Something was wrong. Suddenly¡ª A sharp migraine slammed into my skull. I gasped, clutching my head¡ªexcept there was nothing to clutch. It felt like a hammer was crushing my consciousness. ¡°Young man,¡± Fu Shi¡¯s voice cut through the pain. ¡°In my stead, you shall fight the Heavens.¡± His words felt like chains wrapping around my fate. I gritted my teeth. Why? Why me? I had never asked for this. I had already died once, only to be thrown into this world, forced to live another man¡¯s life. And now, I was expected to fight the Heavens? I felt my thoughts spiraling into panic. ¡°Wait, wait, wait¡ª¡± I shook my head. ¡°Why is this up to me? What about my past life? No¡ªwait, that didn¡¯t even matter... but still! Tell me¡ª¡± I looked straight into the old man¡¯s calm, yet pitying gaze. ¡°How much of my life was I ever in control of?¡± Fu Shi stopped stroking his beard. His gaze darkened. For the first time, I saw something deep in his eyes. Something older than eternity itself. And when he spoke¡ª His words shook me to my very core. "None." I blinked. Fu Shi continued, his voice filled with a quiet, solemn truth. "You have no control. None of us ever did. The Heavens dictate our fates, and we simply follow. As cultivators, we try to defy fate, to seek longevity, to fight for our own existence¡­ but in the end, we are all bound by the will of the Heavens." His words felt like iron chains wrapping around my very being. A truth too vast to comprehend. I had always thought that, even if life was unfair, I at least had choices. But what if... Everything had already been decided? Questions piled on top of questions¡ª And yet, I had no answers. ¡°It is a futile struggle.¡± Old Fu Shi¡¯s voice was filled with bitterness, his wrinkled face contorted with rage. ¡°Why?¡± he continued, his hand clenching into a fist as if trying to grasp something that would never be his to hold. ¡°It is because the Heavens forbid us.¡± A deep crack ran across his form, splintering his body like fragile porcelain. ¡°This is why you must fight.¡± I stared at him, unblinking. ¡°What if I don¡¯t?¡± ¡°What if I refuse to fight the Heavens?¡± The words slipped from my mouth instinctively, yet at the same time, it felt like they were always meant to be spoken. Somehow, our conversation followed a logic that shouldn¡¯t make sense¡ª But it did. It was implicit. Self-explanatory. Like I was reading between the lines of a story I had always known. ¡°You have no choice,¡± Old Fu Shi said, his voice final. ¡°They will come for you with a vengeance. The Heaven¡¯s Chosen will never allow Fu Shi to exist again.¡± I felt my heart sink. This wasn¡¯t about me choosing to fight. It was about survival. A thought suddenly surfaced¡ª My past life. ¡°¡­Then what about before all this? My past life¡­ why are so many memories blurred?¡± Old Fu Shi''s gaze dimmed, as if he were staring at something even he couldn¡¯t comprehend. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± His voice was distant. I clenched my fists. I could remember being an Earthling. I remembered the abusive gaming studio that wrung me dry like a used rag. I remembered the grinding, the suffering, the hopelessness. But¡ª I did not remember my name. I could recall the pain but not the person I was. It was too much. Too incredulous. My nails dug into my palms¡ªhard¡ªenough that I could almost feel the blood dripping between my fingers. Was this my real life? Or was it all just a cruel joke played by the Heavens? Before I could demand more answers, Old Fu Shi¡¯s body began to crumble. Faint wisps of ash peeled away from him, like dust scattered by the wind. He did not struggle. He only watched me, eyes filled with something I could not place. Something that felt like¡ª Regret. And then¡ª He was gone. I stood there, surrounded by nothing but endless white. There was no sound. No movement. No answers. Just me¡ª And the realization that nothing I had known was ever truly mine to begin with. This place¡ª It had to be inside my mind. I was certain of it now. This white void, the shifting memories¡ªthis was my Mental World. A hallucination? No. A fever dream? No. Even if it was a dream, I couldn¡¯t dismiss that conversation. The sensation of my nails biting into my palms was too real. The memories, the emotions, the desperation¡ªall of it was real. There was no way I could brush this aside as just another illusion. This was truth. And truth was something I could never run away from. Then, without warning¡ª I felt a pull¡ª A force yanking me back into the confines of my original body. My eyes snapped open. The void was gone. The whiteness vanished. I was back. I lay there, staring at the ceiling, my breath heavy. The old man I had spoken to¡ª Was he truly Old Fu Shi himself? No. He couldn¡¯t have been. Fu Shi had already been annihilated after the Heaven¡¯s Game. Then¡ª That must have been nothing more than the remnants of his consciousness. A dying imprint. A fragment of the past. Yet¡ª I sat up, running a hand through my hair, trying to ground myself. Who am I? Am I¡ª Fu Shi? Or am I still the man from my past life? I searched my mind for a name¡ªany name¡ª But all I found was silence. The past was slipping away, buried beneath layers of another man¡¯s existence. If I cannot remember my name¡­ Then I must be Fu Shi. Right? ¡°¡­Fucking shit,¡± I muttered under my breath, frustration boiling over. And here I thought¡ª I had already moved on from my past life. For a moment, I wasn¡¯t sure how much time had passed. But that was easy to check. I simply had to look at my system.
Status: Updated A familiar screen materialized in my mind¡¯s eye. [Name: Fu Shi] [Quintessence: 91] [Players: 0/1] I frowned. Fourteen quintessence had accumulated since my seclusion, meaning about two weeks must have passed. But something felt off. I didn¡¯t feel hungry. Or tired. Or even the slightest bit lethargic. Was this because of my meditation? Or maybe because I had immersed too deeply into my Mental World? I pushed aside the questions for later. Something else had caught my eye. [Players: 0/1] My breath hitched. Zero? There should have been one. What happened? Why wasn¡¯t Bi Yuan registered as my player? My fingers twitched. An uneasy feeling clawed at my chest. No. No, no, no¡ª My body moved before my thoughts could catch up. Mind¡¯s Eye¡ªActivate! I willed my consciousness outward, reaching for the familiar presence of my first and only player. A surge of fear struck me down. And then¡ª An unimaginable rage rose beyond the calm facade I always wore. No. This could not be. My mind refused to process what I saw. But my eyes¡ªthey did not lie. Bi Yuan¡¯s small, frail body lay lifeless on the ground. Her once pristine white fur was stained with blood. Her tiny frame was still, unmoving. And her eyes¡ª The bright, intelligent glimmer that once shone in them¡ª Was gone. What remained was the dull greyness of the dead. I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms so deeply I barely noticed the warm trickle of blood seeping through my fingers. It wasn¡¯t enough that she was dead. Her body was being desecrated. Through the Mind¡¯s Eye, I saw him. A cultivator, crouching beside Bi Yuan¡¯s corpse. His hands, filthy and unworthy, sliced into her flesh with precision. He worked like a butcher, harvesting her body for whatever dark purpose he had in mind. His aura¡ª Dark. Sinister. Corrupt with evil arts. My breathing was ragged. Every fiber of my being screamed. I felt my bones shake with the sheer force of my fury. I didn¡¯t care who he was. I didn¡¯t care why he did it. All that mattered was¡ª A single word escaped my lips. ¡°Vengeance.¡± It came out calm, almost whispered¡ªbut it carried the weight of a storm. Etched into my eyes was a cold, unwavering killing intent. Bi Yuan was mine. And I would make him suffer for taking her away. 009 The Gift of Immortality 009 The Gift of Immortality Zha Dong soared through the sky, his black robes fluttering in the wind as his flying sword carried him forward. His lips curled into a cruel smirk as he scanned the land below with his Spiritual Sense. The province was quiet¡ªtoo quiet. Not that he minded. The silence only meant that no one would come to save the weaklings when he descended upon them. His sect, the Bones Devouring Sect, had been in hiding for two centuries, biding its time in the shadows. But now, their master had emerged from his closed-door cultivation, stronger than ever, ready to unleash hell upon the world. And Zha Dong? He was simply fulfilling his duty. Zha Dong¡¯s Spiritual Sense stretched across the land, searching for threats¡ªnot that he expected to find any. ¡°Hmph. As a cultivator in the Spirit Mystery Realm, no one in this province can match me.¡± His voice was prideful, filled with undisguised arrogance. The Spirit Mystery Realm was the fourth major stage of cultivation. Few could fly using a spirit sword, but Zha Dong could. That alone made him a powerhouse in this pathetic, low-level province. He relished in the power that set him apart. He was a god among ants. "Like I said, this place is filled with weaklings¡­ Hehe¡­" A sinister chuckle escaped his lips as he adjusted his flight path. His destination was a village further south¡ªanother nameless settlement filled with insignificant lives waiting to be harvested. His sect required materials for their demonic arts. Human bones were the best. Any bones could be used¡ªmortal or cultivator, it mattered little. Bones could be refined into weapons, puppets, and undead minions. That was why Zha Dong had been sent out. His orders were clear: Collect bones. By any means necessary. With the Bones Devouring Sect¡¯s Master returning after two centuries of seclusion, their sect was stronger than ever. Soon, they would sink their fangs into the Kingdom of Blood and Iron¡ªcommonly known as the Biron Kingdom. A small, weak kingdom, located in the southern reaches of the continent. Perfect prey. No major experts ever came here. The thin atmospheric qi meant that most cultivators here never surpassed the third stage¡ªthe Will Reinforcement Realm. For a Spirit Mystery Realm cultivator like Zha Dong, it was heaven. "In this place, I am invincible." His grin widened. "I might as well have some fun while I''m here!" As he cruised through the sky, his Spiritual Sense suddenly twitched. A turbulent ripple of qi spread through the air¡ªa presence that stood out among the mundane energy of the land. Zha Dong¡¯s brows raised in interest. ¡°Hmm¡­?¡± Judging by its fluctuations, this was at least the Martial Tempering Realm. That was unusual. He licked his lips. "I''m feeling confident today. How about I check it out?" His grin twisted into something hungry. It wasn¡¯t every day he found someone stronger than the common rabble. "Maybe I¡¯ll find a foolish cultivator to toy with¡­ Heheheh¡­¡± His eyes gleamed with greed. The bones of cultivators were far more valuable than those of mortals. Admittedly, his Sect didn¡¯t care about the difference. Personally, Zha Dong was just¡­ bored. And if this mysterious presence turned out to be weak¡ª Then it would become his next sacrifice. With that wicked thought, Zha Dong altered his course, speeding toward the source of the qi disturbance. RUUUMBLE! The massive boar bellowed, its roar shaking the earth. The air was thick with tension as the two Martial Tempering Realm beasts clashed. TANG! TANG! TING! The sharp clang of metal echoed through the dense forest as the rabbit deftly parried the boar¡¯s tusks. Its movements were precise, controlled¡ªalmost unnaturally skilled for a mere beast. It wielded its weapon¡ªa fork-like spear¡ªwith the grace of a seasoned warrior. Zha Dong hovered above, watching with amusement. "A boar and a rabbit? How interesting." His Spiritual Sense had led him here, guiding him to the sudden burst of qi turbulence. Now, he understood why. Two cultivating beasts locked in mortal combat¡ªsuch a sight was rare in these parts. If left alone, these creatures could one day evolve¡ªeither as sacred beasts or demonic beasts, depending on their nature. But Zha Dong had no intention of leaving them alone. "Oho¡­ beasts with cultivation, huh? Not bad. They¡¯re better than ordinary humans, at least. And easier to catch, too¡­ Unlike human cultivators, they don''t scheme or struggle as much." His crimson eyes gleamed with predatory hunger. This was a lucky find. Without hesitation, Zha Dong made his move. SWUUUUNG! With a single, swift motion, he vanished from the sky¡ªreappearing at the boar¡¯s side in an explosive burst of speed. His blade flashed, and the boar¡¯s massive frame was cleaved in two before it could even register his presence. The beast let out a guttural groan, its body splitting apart as its lifeblood splattered across the forest floor. Zha Dong grinned, his gaze shifting to the rabbit¡ªthe lone survivor. It had frozen, its wide crimson eyes locked onto him, filled with shock and disbelief. "That''s a nice spiritual artifact you have there, rabbit¡­" He licked his lips, his tone dripping with malicious glee. "Hehehe¡­ Try not to die too quickly." And then¡ª STAB! It was over. His blade pierced clean through the rabbit¡¯s skull, killing it instantly. No struggle. No resistance. No fight left to give. Pathetic. Zha Dong wasted no time in looting his kills. The boar¡¯s bones came first¡ªessential materials for his sect¡¯s dark rituals. He even took the testicles, a rumored elixir ingredient in some particularly gruesome demonic recipes. Then came the rabbit. It was a rare white-furred specimen¡ªthough its fur was now stained red with its own blood. Zha Dong kneeled beside it, his carving knife glinting under the dim sunlight. "Now then¡­"This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. He flexed his fingers, relishing the feeling of sharp steel in his grip. And then, with unholy enthusiasm, he began to cut. His blade slid through flesh and fur with disgusting ease. He worked with unhealthy vigor, carving deep, jagged incisions into the rabbit¡¯s body. Piece by piece, he separated the remains, humming a twisted tune under his breath. This was the demonic path. To embrace it was to abandon humanity itself. To cultivate demonic arts was to let them consume your very soul. Even among evil cultivators, there was a distinction. Some were simply evil. Others¡­ had become monsters in human skin. Zha Dong belonged to the latter. He was just about to harvest the rabbit¡¯s bones when¡ª FSSSHH! The rabbit''s entire body turned to ash. The dark wind carried its remains away, scattering them like dust in the breeze. A wave of pure, unnatural silence followed. Zha Dong froze. His fingers trembled as he gazed at the pile of ash left in his palm. He could feel it¡ªa lingering energy, something ancient, something wrong. And then¡ª SHHIIIINK! He gasped. Something inside his dimensional ring shifted. He checked immediately, only to find that¡ª The fork-like weapon was gone. No. It hadn¡¯t disappeared. It had been taken. Zha Dong¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as he sensed the disturbance in space. It was a subtle tug, almost imperceptible¡ª But deliberately so. Whoever was responsible had made sure he felt it. It wasn¡¯t an accident. It wasn¡¯t subtle theft. It was a warning. Someone was watching. And they wanted him to know. Zha Dong staggered backward, his breath ragged. "What the hell was that!?" His mind raced, panic clawing at his thoughts. He had been so arrogant. So reckless. Had he just provoked someone he shouldn''t have? His instincts screamed at him¡ªthis was no ordinary cultivator¡¯s trickery. There was only one explanation. A godly expert. He had just slaughtered one of their people. His blood ran cold. "Did I just¡­ fuck up big time?" Fear gripped his heart. He didn¡¯t know who they were, but he knew one thing for certain¡ª Whoever it was¡­ They were coming for him. He couldn¡¯t linger. He had to leave immediately. With a sharp gesture, Zha Dong leapt onto his spirit sword, its aura igniting as he soared into the sky. His mission¡ªhe still had to finish his mission. The nearest village was only a few kilometers away. If he could finish his task quickly, then perhaps¡ª Perhaps he could still escape unscathed. He gritted his teeth, forcing down the creeping dread in his chest. Faster. He had to be faster. Because something¡ªor someone¡ªwas coming. And Zha Dong was not ready to meet them. *** ** * Bi Yuan felt terrible. She had set out on this journey full of excitement, eager to advance her class and prove her worth. The forest was supposed to be her trial, her place to grow stronger. Instead¡ª She had run into that ferocious, disgusting, obnoxious, dirty, bad, smelly, annoying ape! Bi Yuan''s little nose twitched in irritation even as the memories of her demise played in her mind. That ape¡ªthat vile human¡ªhad killed her. He had worn a black robe, his very presence reeked of death. His sword, drenched in a sickening evil aura, had glowed with corruption. It was natural for Bi Yuan to despise him. Her very nature¡ªher instincts¡ªwere aligned with righteousness. She had been born with a spirit that sought the light, a heart that rejected evil. And yet, that wretched man had ended her life without a second thought. It had happened so fast. One moment, she had been standing¡ªher muscles tensed, her mind racing, searching for a way to fight back. The next¡ª STAB! The cold steel pierced through her skull. There was no pain. Just an overwhelming emptiness as her very life essence began to leak away. She could feel it¡ªher existence being denied, unraveling like thread coming loose. It was beyond terrifying. Even the crocodile she had once feared lurking under the creek¡ªeven its overwhelming presence¡ªwas nothing compared to this. This was absolute. This was the end. Her thoughts fractured, her consciousness dimmed. No¡­ No, no, no, NO! Bi Yuan grimaced, but it was too late. Her world was fading to black. She was dying. And there was nothing she could do. In those final moments, a rush of memories flooded her mind. The White Ape¡­ her first hunt¡­ the thrill of growing stronger¡­ Her master. Master¡­ She had thought she was invincible. She had thought she could do as she pleased. She had underestimated the world. I was too arrogant¡­ Her body felt cold¡ªchilling, creeping death wrapped around her like a suffocating shroud. I¡­ I don¡¯t want to die¡­ And then¡ª She did. Everything was dark. A chilling silence engulfed her. She could see nothing. She could hear nothing. It was maddening. Was this what death was like? A place where nothing existed? Was she gone forever? She didn¡¯t know how long she drifted in this endless void. It felt like moments. It felt like eternity. She wanted to cry out, but she had no voice. She wanted to move, but she had no body. She was nothing. And then¡ª A light appeared. A small, glowing orb, floating in the vast emptiness. It was warm. It was inviting. It called to her. Bi Yuan reached out¡ªor at least, she thought she did. The moment she touched the light¡ª A rush of warmth enveloped her. Her soul pulled together¡ªher senses sharpened¡ªand suddenly¡ª She was alive again. *** ** * Life and death¡ªwas there truly a difference? When I opened my eyes, I saw the system''s familiar display floating before me. [Name: Fu Shi] [Quintessence: 84] [Players: 0/1] Zero. The sight of it twisted a knife in my heart. I exhaled slowly, willing my emotions to remain steady. I had felt it already¡ªBi Yuan¡¯s presence fading, her very existence snuffed out. Through my Mind¡¯s Eye, I had witnessed her death firsthand. Her lifeless body, the stain of blood on her once-pristine fur, the empty dullness in her eyes. She had been butchered. And I had been too late. I clenched my fists, feeling my nails dig into my palms. The pain was real, but it was nothing compared to the fury boiling inside me. That filthy demonic cultivator had slaughtered her as if she were nothing more than a tool. I knew this world was cruel. I knew the strong trampled the weak. But this? This was unacceptable. Bi Yuan had been mine. My first player. My pride and joy. And he had stolen her from me. But¡­ I wasn¡¯t powerless. I had the system. I had the power to defy death itself. With a thought, I activated my ability¡ªmy quintessence surged. I had expected difficulty, maybe even some price too steep to pay¡ªbut no. It was laughably simple. Ping! -1 Quintessence One. One single quintessence. That was all it took. I felt cheated. Was life truly this cheap? A laugh bubbled in my throat, though it held no humor. The irony of it was too much to bear. Life was supposed to be precious. Life was supposed to be irreplaceable. And yet¡ª For the system, life was just another commodity. Something to be bought and restored for a meager price. But¡­ I would be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t grateful. The moment my quintessence was spent, light began to gather. It started as a single radiant beam, then another, until a dazzling rainbow of colors coalesced before me. It shifted, twisted, and took shape¡ªuntil a small, familiar figure stood where there had once been nothing. White fur, as clean and pure as freshly fallen snow. Red eyes, gleaming with life and awareness. Her body was whole, her soul returned. Bi Yuan. She was alive again. I exhaled, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease. [Name: Fu Shi] [Quintessence: 83] [Players: 1/1] Balance restored. For now. *** ** * Bi Yuan was confused. She blinked, ears twitching as she tried to make sense of what had just happened. The last thing she remembered was¡ª Death. The sword. The cold steel piercing her skull. The darkness swallowing her whole. The suffocating silence of oblivion. And now¡ªshe was here. Alive. She lifted her small paws and stared at them. Her fur was clean, untouched by the blood that had once soaked it. Her body was whole. Her soul was intact. This was impossible. And yet¡ª "Yuan¡¯er! You are alive! HA¡ª! YOU ARE ALIVE!" A familiar voice rang through the cave, filled with unmistakable joy. Bi Yuan snapped her head up, eyes locking onto the towering figure before her. The White Ape. Her master. He looked at her with something she couldn''t quite describe. It was warm, yet there was a shadow in his gaze¡ªa depth of emotion she couldn¡¯t fully understand. But he was happy. Happy that she was alive. Bi Yuan trembled. Something stirred inside her chest¡ªsomething unfamiliar yet comforting. She had never felt this before. It was... Warm. Did this mean¡ªshe had someone who truly cared for her? Someone who would not abandon her? Her small heart thumped. She jumped forward, tiny paws colliding against the White Ape¡¯s sturdy chest, burying herself in his arms. She nuzzled against him, small chirps of affection escaping her mouth. He did not push her away. He simply held her close. For the first time, Bi Yuan understood what it meant to have someone at her back. It was nice. It was safe. She didn''t want to lose this feeling. But then¡ªthe reality of it all struck her. Bi Yuan pulled back slightly, looking up at her master with wide, incredulous eyes. How was this possible? She had died. Not almost died. Not barely survived. She had actually died! And yet¡ª She was here. "Kyu?" she squeaked. She stared at her own reflection in her master''s sharp golden eyes. She was alive. Truly alive. Her breathing quickened. Her small body shuddered as realization set in. "Ky-yu? KU-KYU!" Impossible. She was supposed to be dead! How could she have returned? How could she have defied the natural order? She was but a mere rabbit. A lowly beast in the grand scheme of things. This was not something that should be possible. And yet¡ªit had happened. Was this¡­ a divine gift? Her eyes darted back to the White Ape. He did this. She didn''t know how, but he was the reason she had returned. He had brought her back. Her master¡­ had granted her a second life. Was this¡ª A Gift of Immortality? She didn''t know how to thank him. The words wouldn''t come, even if she tried. But that was fine. Instead, she nuzzled against his chest once more, letting out soft chirps of gratitude. Her master said nothing. But she could tell¡ªhe understood. Even if his aura was terrifying. Even if his killing intent lingered, like a silent storm waiting to unleash its wrath. He still held her gently. "Ku~kuyuuu?" she murmured, tilting her head. The White Ape''s expression was unreadable, but his voice was soft when he finally spoke. "It''s fine," he said. "Stay here in the cave abode for the meantime, Yuan¡¯er." There was a promise in his words. A promise that he would handle things. A promise that vengeance would be delivered. And Bi Yuan? She had no doubt. *** ** * Bi Yuan trembled in my arms. She was scared. I didn¡¯t know what was going through her mind, but I could feel it¡ªher confusion, her fear, and her disbelief at having returned to the world of the living. She didn¡¯t understand. She couldn¡¯t. How could she? She had just died. And now, she was here, breathing, alive once more. Her small body shuddered against me, her tiny paws clutching at my fur as if afraid I would disappear too. Seeing her like this¡ª It enraged me. A burning sensation swelled within my chest, raw and uncontainable. My vision blurred at the edges, my nails digging into my palms so hard I nearly drew blood. I swore¡ª I swore I would make the one responsible pay dearly. I would rip them apart. I would shatter their bones. I would desecrate their very existence until not even their soul could escape my wrath! A thousandfold¡ªno, ten thousandfold of hurt! They would suffer. They would wish for death. And I¡ª I would not grant it easily. "I am going to deal with this personally." My voice came out low, dangerous, a growl brimming with unrelenting killing intent. Bi Yuan looked up at me, chirping softly. Perhaps she wanted to say something. Perhaps she wanted to stop me. But I was already gone. With one last glance at her, I turned and walked away, leaving the cave behind. Every step I took felt heavier, my fury simmering just beneath my skin. I didn¡¯t bother to suppress it. Let the world feel my rage. Let them tremble at what was coming. The one who dared lay a hand on my player¡ª I would find them. And when I did¡ª Hell itself would not be enough to contain my wrath. 010 Wrath of Fu Shi 010 Wrath of Fu Shi I staggered down the mountain, each hurried step jarring my already exhausted body. My legs screamed in protest, but I didn¡¯t care. Pain didn¡¯t matter. Fatigue didn¡¯t matter. Nothing mattered except my vengeance. That bastard was going to die. I activated my Mind¡¯s Eye, pouring quintessence into it. If I was going to hunt him down, I couldn¡¯t afford to lose him. Ping! -33 quintessence. Ping! The Mind¡¯s Eye has new functions! Marking. A simple but effective ability. As long as my target was within range, I could track him with ease. But I wasn¡¯t done yet. I needed more power. There were countless superpowers I could think of¡ªabilities that could bend reality itself¡ªbut I settled on one for its sheer versatility. Telekinesis. Ping! -20 quintessence. Ping! Acquired Telekinesis. I clenched my fist, testing the new ability. The ground trembled as I exerted my will, and a few loose stones lifted into the air. Good. This would be useful. Next, I recreated the lightning rod I had used when forging the system. But this time, I refined it, saturating it with lightning essence until it evolved into something far more destructive. Ping! -20 quintessence. Ping! The Lightning Rod has evolved into a Light Saber. I held the metal stick in my palm, feeling the crackling energy humming within. With a flick of my wrist, a blade of pure light extended from its tip. It was unmistakable¡ªan homage to a certain movie franchise, but far deadlier than fiction. This wasn¡¯t just light. This was Heavenly Tribulation Lightning. No ordinary cultivator would be able to defend against it. The sheer destruction contained within this weapon sent a shiver down my spine. Perfect. I deactivated the blade and tucked the hilt beneath my robe. With this, I wouldn¡¯t need to rely on qi to maintain its power. It would last as long as the lightning essence within remained. That bastard wouldn¡¯t even have the chance to beg for mercy. ¡°I¡¯ll slice, stab, and reduce him to ash,¡± I muttered, the rage burning hotter with every word. ¡°I swear on my name, he will die a miserable death.¡± I knew I could resurrect the dead. That should have made revenge feel meaningless, but it didn¡¯t. I needed this. Bi Yuan deserved vengeance. And after everything I¡¯d been through, I deserved it too. ¡°I¡¯ll kill him for the mental damages I suffered.¡± It sounded petty, but I didn¡¯t care. Maybe this world had changed me. Maybe Fu Shi¡¯s memories had seeped into my own. It didn¡¯t matter. All that mattered was making that bastard regret ever crossing me. I sighed, running a hand through my graying hair. ¡°I was pissed because Bi Yuan died helplessly¡­ Sigh¡­ Fucking shit¡­¡± My body ached. I was too old for this. I had to fix that. I spent the rest of my quintessence on age regression. Ping! -10 quintessence. Ping! Age Reversal by 100 years. A wave of warmth spread through me, and the stiffness in my joints faded. My body felt lighter, stronger. I wasn¡¯t young, not by a long shot, but compared to before, I was practically reborn. According to Fu Shi¡¯s memories, I had been 813 years old. Now, I was 713. A mere century shaved off, but enough to restore some vitality. My hair was still gray, but that was the least of my concerns. I checked my status. [Name: Fu Shi Quintessence: 0 Players: 1/1] No quintessence left. I had spent it all. But I didn¡¯t feel weak. On the contrary, I felt more prepared than ever. Taking down an Essence Gathering expert (5th stage) would be difficult, but not impossible. More importantly, I knew I wouldn¡¯t die¡ªnot to anyone below that level, at least. And that demonic cultivator? He was already dead. He just didn¡¯t know it yet. Though my blood boiled with murderous intent, I wasn¡¯t going to be careless. Charging down the mountain might have looked impulsive, but it wasn¡¯t. I was decisive, not reckless. Losing control of my emotions wouldn¡¯t help. If anything, I needed a clear mind to deal with that bastard properly. "Anyway¡­ I was once a Perfect Immortal at the pinnacle of cultivation. What could a meager Spirit Mystery realm do to me?" Of course, that was only half-true. It wasn¡¯t me who had reached that peak, but old Fu Shi. Still, that didn¡¯t bother me. More than confidence, I had faith¡ªfaith in my strength as the Game Designer who would reshape this world. Was that hubris? Absolutely.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. What did a game developer from the 21st century know about real combat? About taking lives? Nothing. And yet, I couldn¡¯t let that shake me. A mere demonic cultivator at the Spirit Mystery realm wouldn¡¯t stop me. I pressed forward, my killing intent unwavering. Using telekinesis to lighten my movements, I leapt from branch to branch with effortless agility. Each step propelled me faster, allowing me to maneuver through the dense forest like a phantom. Flying outright was possible, but I wasn¡¯t confident I could maintain it for long. Instead, I zigzagged through the trees, conserving my strength while keeping up my speed. At the same time, I activated my Mind¡¯s Eye. Zha Dong was still fleeing, soaring through the sky with frantic desperation. He had a destination in mind¡ªthat much was clear. But I didn¡¯t need to know where he was going. I only needed to know where he would be. I smirked. "You won¡¯t get far." He could fly all he wanted. I would intercept him soon enough. As I pursued him, my thoughts drifted. Bi Yuan¡¯s death had unsettled me more than I wanted to admit. Even though I had brought her back with my quintessence, the memory of her lifeless form refused to leave me. It was terrifying how powerful this system truly was. And even more terrifying¡ªhow much I had come to rely on it. The way resurrection worked¡­ I had a gut feeling. This power wasn¡¯t universal. It was limited. Only ''players'' could be revived. That made sense. After all, my system was modeled after my dream¡ªthe dream of creating the best MMORPG, not just on Earth, but in the entire universe. It had been an absurd goal, something I had pursued with obsessive fervor. Then, I woke up in this world. If not for the system, I might have lost my mind. Maybe even taken my own life. Because what was the point of existing in a world where I couldn¡¯t create or play games? That thought had tormented me back then. But instead of breaking, I had embraced my reality. Through acceptance, I had created the system. Through that system, I had found purpose again. And now¡­ I held the power of resurrection in my hands. That should have been exhilarating. But instead, it unsettled me. If I expanded the system the way I intended, would life still hold value? Would I start treating existence like nothing more than a game mechanic? That fear gnawed at me. And that was why Zha Dong needed to die. Only his blood would settle the storm in my mind. ROOOOOAR! A deafening roar erupted from the forest, a tide of raw qi shaking the air. A bear. The tree I had been about to land on exploded into splinters as a massive claw struck it from below. But I had already seen it coming. My Mind¡¯s Eye had warned me moments before, and with a flick of my will, I used telekinesis to halt my descent. My body floated for a split second, just long enough to shift direction and land on another branch. The bear let out another earth-shaking roar, its eyes glowing with qi-infused malice. An ambush. I grinned. "Not bad. But you''re in my way." The hunt wasn¡¯t over. And I didn¡¯t have time to waste. I floated in mid-air, weightless, untethered by the pull of gravity. Telekinesis was a convenient ability. No need for flying swords. No need for cumbersome movements. Just will it, and I soared. Yet, as smooth as my flight was, something dared to block my path. A massive bear, easily at the peak of the Martial Tempering Realm, stood before me. Its eyes gleamed with hostility, and its hulking frame rumbled with deep, guttural breaths. It was offended. Why? Because I had trespassed on its territory. "You filthy beast," I sneered, hovering in the air. "Wanna have a go? I''ll mince you into small bits until all you have left are bones." An exaggeration, of course. I had no time for that. I was on a mission. ROOOOOAAAAR! It seemed my threats meant nothing. Or perhaps, the beast simply didn¡¯t understand. Typical. Unlike Bi Yuan, this one was just another unintelligent lump of fur. "Fine. Have it your way." Without another word, I reached under my robe and pulled out a small metallic cylinder. With a mere thought, the Light Saber activated. BZZZZZTT! Lightning-like energy surged from the hilt, forming an azure shaft of light. A sci-fi fantasy weapon, completely out of place in this world of cultivation. I rushed forward, my Mind¡¯s Eye tracking every motion of the bear with absolute clarity. Its massive paw swung downward. A direct hit would have crushed me instantly. Too slow. I twisted my body, sliding under the beast¡¯s belly. Then¡ª SHHHHHRRRRK! The Light Saber sliced through flesh, the searing heat cauterizing the wound instantly. A satisfying, sizzling sound filled the air. The bear let out a horrid screech, its movements growing sluggish. I didn''t even give it a second glance. "You¡¯re lucky to die so easily," I muttered. "I have no time to mince you into pieces. Consider yourself fortunate, you dumb beast." With that, I dashed forward, not bothering to watch its final moments. It wasn¡¯t personal. Just necessary. Still¡­ Was there even a point in mocking it? It couldn¡¯t understand me anyway. Ping! Received 1 quintessence. "Huh?" I paused for a moment, mid-flight. So killing Martial Tempering beasts rewarded quintessence? Interesting. It was a small amount, but any gain was a gain. I immediately spent the quintessence to restore my physical and mental stamina. With this, I wouldn¡¯t lose control of my Telekinesis due to exhaustion anytime soon. Efficient. As I continued moving deeper into the forest, I encountered more beasts. Each one that dared stand in my way was slaughtered. Each one added to my quintessence count. Ping! +1 quintessence. Ping! +1 quintessence. Ping! +1 quintessence. "Hmm¡­ Not bad," I mused. "If I accumulate enough, I¡¯ll have more quintessence to work with." The temptation to slaughter everything in sight was there. It would be profitable, after all. But¡ª I had no time for distractions. The demonic cultivator who killed Bi Yuan¡ª I could not let him escape. That was non-negotiable. *** ** * Zha Dong soared through the sky, standing atop his flying sword like a specter cutting through the night. His robes billowed, his long black hair trailed behind him, and his grip on the sheathe of his blade was tight¡ªtighter than it had ever been. A bad premonition weighed heavily on his chest. There was no clear sign of pursuit. No visible enemy in the distance. Yet¡ª He felt it. A presence. One so overwhelming that it sent chills crawling down his spine. Something¡ªno, someone¡ªwas watching him. It was an intuitive feeling, honed through years of slaughter and cultivation. A predator¡¯s gaze. An unseen hunter lurking in the shadows. "Fuck, I better finish this fast..." He gritted his teeth, urging his flying sword to move faster. His mission was still incomplete, but he had no intention of sticking around any longer than necessary. Then¡ª A sudden disturbance caught his attention. Through his Spiritual Senses, he saw it. A wave of movement¡ªa migration. The sky behind him was flooded with birds, blackening the horizon as they took flight in panic. Below, the ground quaked as countless beasts stampeded through the forest. Not just prey animals like deer or boars. No. Even predators¡ªbears, tigers, and wolves¡ªwere fleeing. Beasts of all kinds, some even possessing cultivation, ranging from the 1st stage to the 3rd stage, ran without hesitation. As if something far more terrifying had entered the forest. As if something unnatural had disturbed the balance of power. Zha Dong''s face darkened. "This¡­ This isn''t a coincidence." For a moment, an unsettling thought crossed his mind. "Just what kind of monster did I provoke?" His heart pounded. His fingers trembled. The premonition of death grew stronger with every passing second. He needed to get to the village¡ªfast. And more importantly¡ª He needed to survive. 011 His Nightmare [Part 1] 011 His Nightmare [Part 1] One Well Village. A small, unassuming place. A village hidden from the grand stage of the world. It was a place where people lived their lives simply, without the concerns of martial cultivation, demonic arts, or celestial dao. And in this village lived Nee Chen. At eighteen years old, he had no grand ambitions, no lofty dreams, no desire for power. Nee Chen only wanted one thing¡ªa peaceful life. Tuk Tuk Tuk The sound of his hoe hitting the soil echoed through the quiet fields. His hands were calloused, his back drenched in sweat, but his heart was content. He had inherited his late grandfather¡¯s farm, and though the work was hard, it was his work. Nee Chen planned to till the land, sow the seeds, and reap the harvest. Then, he would do it again. And again. Until old age claimed him. His dream was simple¡ªto marry, to raise a family, and to die peacefully, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Others in the world pursued immortality, but he wanted none of that. And he wasn¡¯t alone. The entire One Well Village shared this sentiment. Unlike other villages that admired or envied cultivators, One Well Village had a different mindset. They avoided attention. They feared power. They wanted to live in obscurity, far from the chaos of cultivation. No sects. No martial warriors. No immortal daoists. Just quiet farming. While some villages dreamed of greatness, One Well Village did everything to stay unnoticed. The elders often said, "The less they see us, the better." Nee Chen never questioned it. It was just how things were. ¡°Big bro, look~! I¡¯m a cultivator! Shu~ shu~ shu~!¡± Nee Chen sighed, rubbing his temples. A small boy, no older than seven, was jumping around with a wooden sword, waving it in the air like a fool. ¡°Little Gao,¡± Nee Chen muttered, irritated. ¡°Shut up. I¡¯m trying to work.¡± ¡°But big brother Chen! Don¡¯t you think cultivators are awesome!?¡± Nee Chen snorted. Last month, a real cultivator had come to the village. A disciple from a righteous sect, asking about demonic cultivators. The villagers had welcomed him politely, but only barely¡ªjust enough to avoid offending him and make him leave quickly. But of course, Little Gao had to ruin everything. Nee Chen still remembered the embarrassment of that day. The moment the cultivator arrived, Little Gao had dropped to his knees and begged to be taken as a disciple. "Kowtowing like an idiot¡­ He even cried¡­"The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. The village elders had to drag the brat away, threatening him with a beating. It had been shameful. If Little Gao had angered the cultivator, things could have ended badly. But the boy hadn¡¯t learned his lesson. "Come on, big bro! Didn¡¯t you see it? The cultivator could fly on swords!" Nee Chen rolled his eyes. ¡°Shut up. Will flying on swords feed you?¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± Little Gao hesitated. ¡°I¡ªI don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡± With that, the conversation ended. Little Gao eventually ran off to find his friends, leaving Nee Chen in peace. With the brat gone, Nee Chen returned to his work. The repetitive motion of farming allowed his mind to wander. And it wandered to her. "Hmmm¡­ Xiang Ya¡­ I wonder if she¡¯s doing well¡­" A smug smile crept onto his face. Perhaps he should bring her some vegetables. A gift from his hard work. Yes. That would be a good idea. Nee Chen wiped the sweat off his brow as he made his way back to his hut. His daily work on the farm was done, and his body was exhausted. The sun had begun its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. The air was cool, a welcome relief after a long day under the scorching sun. He reached his home¡ªa humble hut made of wood, just big enough to fit his needs. It was nothing fancy, but it was his. Opening the door, his eyes immediately fell on the mess inside. Wood shavings, scattered tools, and unfinished carvings littered the floor. Wooden dust clung to the air, giving his home a faint earthy scent. His half-finished works¡ªfigurines, small toys, and decorative carvings¡ªwere spread across the small table in the corner. "Hmmm¡­ I almost died during the last harvest," he muttered to himself as he walked inside. It had been a harsh winter last year. He had spent too much time carving and not enough time stocking up food. He had made a mistake¡ªselling too much of his produce and leaving himself with almost nothing. If not for his kind neighbors, he would have starved to death. That was a lesson he would not forget. "I have to be careful about balancing my time," he mused, picking up a carving knife from the table. "Farming is stable¡­ but carving brings in extra money." Both were important, but one could not replace the other. As he absentmindedly sorted through the scattered wood pieces, his thoughts wandered¡ªagain¡ªto a certain girl. Xiang Ya. His childhood friend. His playmate. The most beautiful maiden in the village. Would he have a chance to marry her? Nee Chen sighed. Maybe¡­ if he had enough money. Maybe¡­ if he worked hard enough. Maybe¡­ if he proved himself worthy. A dumb grin spread across his face as he imagined it. ¡°He¡­ hehe¡­ hehehe¡­¡± A house with a big field. Children running around. Xiang Ya waiting for him after a long day of work. But then he quickly shook his head. "Enough fantasizing," he muttered, forcing himself to focus. "Dreaming won''t make it real. I need to work for it." He clenched his fists. "I will make it happen! I will work hard! I am the man!" With that thought, all exhaustion faded from his mind. His body was sore, his muscles ached, but he ignored it. Hard work was all he knew. If there was even a chance that his efforts could lead him to a better future, then he would take it. He laughed to himself. "That¡¯s a funny way to put it. A chance to increase my chances..." Shaking his head, he grabbed a new block of oak and sat down. Nee Chen picked up his carving knife and got to work. With each precise cut, he shaped the wood into something more. A small fox. A tiny rabbit. A fierce tiger. Figurines, toys, decorations¡ªhis hands moved with experience and skill. He wasn''t just good at carving. He was excellent at it. The traveling merchant would be coming soon, and Nee Chen planned to sell as much as he could. If he could earn a little extra money, then he would be one step closer to his goal. One step closer to Xiang Ya. The night passed in silence, interrupted only by the rhythmic sounds of carving. He worked tirelessly, focused only on his craft. His fingers grew sore, his shoulders stiff, but he didn¡¯t stop. He only stopped when his body could no longer keep up. At the cusp of midnight, exhaustion finally overtook him. His head drooped, his vision blurred, and before he knew it¡­ Nee Chen fell asleep, surrounded by the scent of fresh wood and the fruits of his labor. *** ** * Nee Chen stirred awake in the middle of the night. His body was sore, his arms felt heavy, and his vision was still hazy from exhaustion. He blinked a few times, trying to make sense of his surroundings. Then he heard it. Loud crying. WAAAAA~ WAAAaaaaaAAAAAAaaaaaaa~! Nee Chen groaned, rubbing his temples. It was a beautiful night¡ªcalm, peaceful, the stars shining brightly overhead. But how could he enjoy it with that wailing outside his door? He sighed. Only one person could cry this obnoxiously. With sluggish movements, he got up from his makeshift bed, walked toward the door, and opened it. Just as he expected, Lu Gao came running straight at him, tears and snot streaming down his face. "Big bro! Waaaa~ waaaaa~!" Nee Chen barely had time to react before the brat latched onto his arm, smearing his tears all over his clothes. This kid¡­ With a deadpan expression, Nee Chen stared down at the crying mess of a child. "This?" he muttered in disbelief. Lu Gao hiccupped between sobs. "Buojing and Guiren kept calling me an idiot! They¡­ they said I could never become a cultivator!" Nee Chen wanted to say, Well, they¡¯re not wrong¡­ but he held his tongue. Instead, he inhaled deeply, exhaled slowly, and forced himself to be patient. ''Breathe in, breathe out¡­'' He was this close to stuffing the brat into the village well, but he suppressed the thought. "Why come here, then?" Nee Chen asked, his voice flat. "It¡¯s not like I can turn you into a cultivator." Lu Gao froze. His big, teary eyes blinked up at Nee Chen. "..." "..." For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then¡ª WAAAAA~ WAAAaaaaaAAAAAAaaaaaaa~! Nee Chen flinched at the renewed wailing. His neighbors were definitely going to complain in the morning. He was very, very tempted to smack the brat. The village chief had done it plenty of times to discipline this little troublemaker, but Nee Chen¡­ Nee Chen was too soft-hearted for his own good. Instead, he tried talking some sense into him. "Stop. Stop. Stop!" he pleaded. But Lu Gao was too lost in his crying fit to listen. WAAAAA~ WAAAaaaaaAAAAAAaaaaaaa~! Nee Chen sighed. Tonight was going to be a long night. 012 His Nightmare [Part 2] 012 His Nightmare [Part 2] "Listen here, LU GAO!" Nee Chen¡¯s voice rang through the night like a whip, sharp and demanding. The brat flinched, his sniffling coming to an abrupt stop. His big, teary eyes looked up at Nee Chen in shock. Finally. Nee Chen sighed and softened his tone. "Little Gao, you¡¯re still young¡­ Fine. Think about it this way. You have at least a decade before you can even think about becoming a cultivator. And even then, it¡¯s not guaranteed. Becoming a cultivator is a matter of chance. You can¡¯t just wish for it and make it happen." Lu Gao opened his mouth to argue. "I¡ª" "O-k-a-y?" Nee Chen cut him off, enunciating each syllable with a firm stare. "I don¡¯t know if¡ª" "O-K-A-Y?" This time, Nee Chen¡¯s tone left no room for debate. Lu Gao shrank under his gaze and meekly nodded. Satisfied, Nee Chen let out a breath. "Good. Now, why did you come here, exactly?" Lu Gao wiped his nose with his sleeve. "Uuummm... because Mom would just smack me if she heard me crying like this." "...I see." Nee Chen nodded in understanding. He should¡¯ve guessed. Lu Gao¡¯s mother was a strict woman, and like most people in One Well Village, she didn¡¯t tolerate nonsense¡ªespecially when it came to cultivators. The village had an ingrained fear and disdain for the cultivation world. Unlike other places where people admired or envied those who pursued power, One Well Village preferred to remain unnoticed. "Go home now. You¡¯re annoying me. It¡¯s fucking midnight, brat..." Lu Gao pouted but obeyed. As he trudged away, Nee Chen shut the door and dropped onto his bed. But sleep did not come. Even after the brat had left, Nee Chen lay awake, staring at the ceiling. He tossed and turned, but the fatigue wouldn¡¯t drag him under. His mind was restless, tangled in thoughts he couldn¡¯t quite grasp. By the time the first light of dawn broke through his window, he gave up on sleep entirely. With a groan, Nee Chen got up and stretched. His muscles ached from the lack of rest, but there was work to be done. He stepped outside, breathing in the crisp morning air. The first thing he did was clean up the leftover wood scraps from the previous night. He alternated between his hut and his farm, using the waste as fertilizer for his crops. The hours passed in a blur of repetitive labor. He tilled the soil, sowed new seeds, and ensured his crops were well-maintained. Then, when he was done with that, he returned to his woodcarving. Back and forth, he worked tirelessly until the sun dipped below the horizon. By the time he finally decided to rest, his body felt heavy, exhaustion settling deep into his bones. "Ugh¡­ today was too tiring. I think I overdid it last night," he muttered to himself. Collapsing onto his bed, Nee Chen closed his eyes, eager for sleep to claim him. Tonight, he dreamt of a different life. In his dream, he was married to Xiang Ya, the most beautiful girl in the village. She was in their home, cooking him food, her smile warm and loving. It was everything he had ever wanted. "Xiang Ya," he murmured, reaching for her. "I love you." She turned to him with a soft smile. "Me too." For a moment, everything was perfect. Then, the dream twisted into a nightmare. The sky darkened. Clouds loomed overhead, suffocating the light. A sword appeared¡ªout of nowhere, out of nothing¡ªand pierced Xiang Ya¡¯s chest. Her smile disappeared, replaced by wide, unblinking eyes. Blood bloomed from the wound, staining her dress, dripping onto the floor. Nee Chen couldn¡¯t move. He wanted to scream, to reach out, to stop this from happening¡ª But he was frozen. Then, he saw them. Corpses. His fellow villagers, the people he had known all his life, lay lifeless on the ground. Their blood ran like a river, pooling together in a gruesome tide. Death swallowed the village. And then¡ªnothing. Nee Chen gasped awake. His back was drenched in sweat. His heart pounded against his ribs, his breath ragged and uneven. He rubbed his face with shaking hands. It was just a dream. But why did it feel so real? An ominous feeling settled in his gut. Nee Chen moved with urgency, his feet carrying him through the quiet village. The early morning mist clung low to the ground, thick and unmoving, while the sun remained hidden behind the clouds. The village was still asleep, unaware of the foreboding weight pressing on Nee Chen''s chest. He had to speak with the elder. Reaching the elder¡¯s house, he lifted his hand and rapped on the wooden door.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Knock, knock, knock. Silence. It made sense. The village was still asleep. But Nee Chen couldn''t calm the unease gnawing at his thoughts. He knocked again, louder this time. Knock, knock, knock. A moment passed before the door creaked open. Xiang Ya stood there. For a second, Nee Chen forgot why he was even here. Dark hair cascaded past her shoulders, framing a face too beautiful for a simple village like this. Her lips¡ªsoft, supple¡ªparted slightly in surprise. Her skin, fair and smooth, was illuminated by the dim morning light. And then¡ª "Boobs." Ahem. He choked on air, his thoughts betraying him. Xiang Ya blinked. "...?" "...!" Nee Chen swallowed hard. Cough! Xiang Ya cleared her throat, snapping both of them out of the awkward silence. "Brother Chen, why did you come?" "I¡ª" Before he could say another word¡ª "WAAAAAAAAA~ WAAAaaaaaAAAAAAaaaaaaa~!" A loud, familiar cry tore through the village''s morning stillness. Nee Chen turned his head and saw Lu Gao running toward him, his face red and streaked with tears. The brat stumbled to a halt in front of him, gasping for breath between sobs. "C-Cultivator! B-Brother Chen, my mom... waaAaaAa¡­ hik¡­ hik¡­!" Nee Chen¡¯s frown deepened. Something was wrong. Lu Gao was hyperventilating, his small hands trembling. Nee Chen knelt and placed a steady hand on the boy¡¯s back, rubbing slow circles to calm him. "What happened?" Xiang Ya asked, concern evident in her voice. But Lu Gao was struggling to speak through his sobs. Then¡ª The answer came to them. Three men stumbled toward them, their bodies covered in deep, bloody wounds. Nee Chen''s stomach lurched. These were men he saw every day. They worked the fields with him, shared drinks after a long day, laughed at the same jokes. But now, they were barely standing, their faces twisted in agony. One of them gasped, his voice raw with desperation¡ª "Demonic cultivator!" "Run!" "He killed all of¡ª" SLAASH! Blood splattered through the air. A blade sliced through one of the men¡¯s backs, splitting him open before he could finish his sentence. His body collapsed, lifeless. Behind them stood a robed figure, his sword still dripping with fresh blood. The air grew cold. "They ran quite fast..." The man mused, flicking his sword to shake off the excess blood. His gaze swept over the three villagers he had cut down, then turned toward the rest of them with an amused smirk. "Greetings, mortals. I am Zha Dong. Revere me!" Nee Chen couldn¡¯t move. His mind screamed at him to do something¡ªanything¡ªbut his body refused to obey. Lu Gao had already fainted from sheer terror. Xiang Ya stood rigid beside him, her breath shallow, her face drained of color. The village was no longer at peace. *** ** * Lu Gao still remembered the chirping of the crickets. It had been a peaceful night. A night just like any other. He had been playing at the village¡¯s periphery, waving his wooden sword through the air, lost in a fantasy where he was a powerful cultivator. In his mind, he cut down invisible enemies, soared through the skies, and became someone the whole village admired. But that fantasy shattered in an instant. He saw it. A figure in dark robes. A real cultivator. A blade flashing under the moonlight. His mother¡ªstanding there, searching for him, worry in her eyes¡ªwas cut down in a single stroke. The sword slashed through her stomach, parting flesh and muscle as if they were paper. Blood spilled onto the damp earth. Her insides¡ªpink, red, and glistening¡ªtumbled out in a grotesque heap. The metallic scent of blood filled the air, thick and suffocating. "M-mo-mom..." Lu Gao whispered. His voice was barely audible, drowned out by the pounding of his own heart. His legs trembled. His mind froze. A scream built in his throat but never came out. Lu Gao had always been a curious boy, eager to learn. His inquisitive nature had taken him to many places in the village, including the butcher¡¯s shop. He remembered the first time he had seen an animal being slaughtered. The smell of blood had made his stomach turn, but that wasn¡¯t what had stuck with him. It was the sound. The squealing. The desperate, high-pitched cry of a pig as its throat was slit. Now, he heard that sound again. But it wasn''t a pig this time. "K-kyaaa~" That was the last thing his mother ever said. Lu Gao''s breath hitched. This was his fault. If he hadn¡¯t snuck out to play¡ª If he had stayed home like he was supposed to¡ª Would his mother still be alive? "N-no..." His lips quivered. Tears blurred his vision. Then he ran. His small legs carried him through the village, past the homes of neighbors and friends. But the massacre followed him. From behind, he heard the screams. "Who is this?!" "Ah! He has a knife!" "That''s a fucking sword!" "Please, not my child!" The village erupted into chaos. Doors were flung open, confused voices rose in panic, people scrambled in the dark trying to make sense of what was happening. But understanding came too late. One by one, the screams were cut short. Lu Gao didn¡¯t look back. He couldn¡¯t. He didn¡¯t want to see it. He just kept running, his tears mixing with the bloodstained air. *** ** * Zha Dong moved through the village like a shadow, his sword carving through flesh with precise, almost artistic strokes. His grin stretched unnaturally wide, a manic expression of pure ecstasy as he watched the light fade from his victims¡¯ eyes. One after another, villagers collapsed at his feet. Some tried to fight, wielding farming tools in a desperate bid for survival. Others attempted to flee, but they were slow¡ªpathetically so. His sword sang with each cut. A thrust to the heart. A slash across the throat. A quick flick of his wrist to disarm and dismember. Then came the part he enjoyed the most. With practiced ease, Zha Dong extracted the bones from his victims. He worked quickly, his fingers moving with an almost obsessive care, peeling away flesh and sinew as if unwrapping a precious gift. The bones were beautiful. Smooth, white, and pure. He collected them with reverence, slipping them into a pouch at his waist. A woman crawled toward him, her hands shaking, eyes wide with horror. ¡°Please¡­ my son¡­ spare him¡­¡± she whimpered. Zha Dong tilted his head, considering her for a moment. Then he plunged his sword into her chest. He pulled the blade free, watching as she crumpled to the ground, her last breath escaping in a ragged wheeze. ¡°No exceptions,¡± he muttered, stepping over her corpse. The village was nearly silent now. The screams had faded, leaving only the occasional whimper or groan of the dying. Zha Dong licked the blood from his lips. There was only one place left. The largest house in the village. The elder¡¯s home. He saved it for last. *** ** * When Zha Dong arrived at his final destination, he was greeted by the sight of three survivors. A young woman, trembling with fear. A farm boy, frozen in place. And a child, unconscious in the dirt. ¡°Well, what do we have here?¡± Zha Dong mused, dragging his sword along the ground. The blade scraped against the stone, leaving a sharp, grating sound in the air. ¡°A beauty, a farm boy, and a brat¡­¡± He flicked his sword, splattering blood onto the dirt, and wiped the blade clean on the robes of a corpse beside him. The farm boy moved first. He rushed to the unconscious child, scooping up the kid and dragging him toward a pile of hay. He shoved the boy into the concealment of the dry stalks, his breathing uneven. Zha Dong didn¡¯t move. He simply watched, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. The farm boy was pathetic. His limbs shook. His breathing was erratic. He was completely overwhelmed, drowning in fear. Zha Dong let out a small chuckle. ¡°Heh~ It was just killing intent, and already you¡¯re like this?¡± Nee Chen¡¯s body locked up. He was frozen, unable to move, unable to think. The demonic cultivator¡¯s aura wrapped around him like an iron cage, suffocating, oppressive. His chest burned as if invisible hands were squeezing the air from his lungs. Zha Dong turned his attention to the girl. She was trembling. Her eyes darted toward the farm boy, but she couldn¡¯t move either. ¡°Not bad.¡± Zha Dong reached out, gripping Xiang Ya¡¯s chin between his fingers. He forced her to look at him, tilting her head from side to side. ¡°A little scrawny, but that face makes up for it.¡± Then, without hesitation, he pressed his lips against hers. The beauty stiffened. Her thoughts were unknown except to herself: Cold. His lips were cold. Disgust churned in her stomach. Her fear, for a brief moment, was overshadowed by revulsion. Her hands clenched into fists. And then¡ª She bit him. Zha Dong jerked back, eyes flashing with shock and fury. A thin trickle of blood ran down his chin from where her teeth had sunk into his skin. The beauty staggered away, spitting onto the dirt, rubbing her lips frantically as if trying to scrub off the filth of his touch. Zha Dong watched her. He watched as she scraped her tongue with her fingers, her face twisted in pure disgust. His grin vanished. His amusement died. A dark, seething hatred took its place. ¡°You slut.¡± His voice was low, venomous. ¡°I show interest in you, and this is how you repay me?¡± His grip tightened around his sword. His aura pulsed, a wave of killing intent crashing over the three survivors like a suffocating storm. ¡°I guess I don¡¯t need to hold back anymore.¡± Zha Dong licked the blood from his lips, his eyes gleaming with cruel delight. ¡°Time to collect everyone¡¯s bones.¡± 013 His Nightmare [Part 3] 013 His Nightmare [Part 4] "You slut! I show interest in you, and now you insult me?!" Nee Chen blankly watched as Xiang Ya recoiled from the forceful slap, her body twisting mid-air before she crashed into the side of a hut. The wooden wall cracked and splintered, and she tumbled through it, rolling until she hit another structure, leaving a streak of blood on the dirt. ¡°Time to collect everyone¡¯s bones,¡± The demon sneered, his eyes filled with perverse delight. ¡°But first, I will hurt you good! Ah, where are my manners? My name is Zha Dong¡­ and this Zha Dong is about to play with you!¡± Demonic qi swirled around his palm, dark and malevolent, as he strode toward Xiang Ya¡¯s crumpled form. Nee Chen¡¯s mind snapped. "You fucker! If you want to hit someone, hit me!" With sheer will, Nee Chen forced his body to move. He ignored the numbing fear, ignored the screaming in his head telling him to run. His heart pounded against his ribs like a war drum, his vision turning red with fury. Xiang Ya groaned weakly. She could feel several broken bones shifting inside her body. Blood trickled down the corner of her lips as she grimaced in pain. Nee Chen dropped to his knees beside her. His hands hovered over her trembling frame, afraid that touching her would only worsen her injuries. His voice was hoarse with desperation. "Xiang Ya, please¡­ d-don¡¯t¡­ don¡¯t lose consciousness¡­ Please!" Zha Dong chuckled, his amusement clear. "What a bunch of insects." Nee Chen shivered. A cold sweat drenched his back as despair etched itself onto his face. His arms and legs felt weak, his body collapsing under the crushing weight of powerlessness. Was this the end? Was this the miserable fate of a farm boy? The demise of One Well Village? No. He refused to believe it. But no matter how much he denied it, the reality in front of him was undeniable. This was real. All of it. Zha Dong smirked as he took slow, taunting steps toward them. His gaze flicked down at Xiang Ya, who lay battered and broken in the dirt. "What a pity," he mused. "She was kind of my type. Never mind, she''s not even that beautiful." Nee Chen''s body trembled. His head tilted at an unnatural angle as he glared at Zha Dong, his eyes filled with chilling wrath. For the first time that night, Zha Dong flinched. What¡­ was that? A brief, inexplicable feeling of unease gripped him. But before he could dwell on it, a sudden pressure filled the air. A strong presence erupted, shattering the night like a roaring flame. "You insolent fool!" The voice thundered through the village, carrying the weight of power and fury. The wind howled in response, rustling the bloodstained grass and stirring the embers of fallen homes. From the darkness, a figure emerged. An old man, his back straight and his steps unwavering, carrying a long curved blade. His robes fluttered in the breeze, his face carved with deep lines of age and experience. But his eyes¡­ his eyes burned with righteous fury. Zha Dong frowned.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Xiang Fu. The retired cultivator of One Well Village. "How dare you lay your filthy hands on my granddaughter?" Xiang Fu¡¯s voice was brimming with qi, each word sending ripples through the air. Zha Dong let out a snort, the momentary tension vanishing from his face. "How dare a 3rd-stage cultivator talk to me like that?" He spat with contempt. "Did you think your Will Reinforcement Realm cultivation is enough to deal with me?" Xiang Fu did not react to the insult. He simply raised his blade, his grip steady. Zha Dong sneered. There were eleven stages of cultivation in this world, each one representing a step closer to true power. The first four stages¡ªMartial Tempering, Mind Enlightenment, Will Reinforcement, and Spirit Mystery¡ªwere known as the Four Earthly Attributes. The gap between the first three stages was negligible in the eyes of a true cultivator. But the fourth stage¡­ The Spirit Mystery Realm. Zha Dong had long surpassed the limits of a mere mortal. His body was tempered to perfection, his mind honed to a razor¡¯s edge, his will unbreakable, and his spirit as vast as the heavens. He could crush boulders with his bare hands, hear whispers from a hundred li away, and see clearly for a thousand. And yet¡­ Xiang Fu stood before him, unyielding. "You would make me taste despair?" the old man said, his voice firm. He lifted his blade, his stance unshaken. "I have been there. It ain''t a fun place." Zha Dong¡¯s demonic qi churned with excitement. "Then let me send you back!" *** ** * Xiang Fu was born a farmer¡¯s son. His father had expected him to till the soil, sow the seeds, and tend to the farm. It was his fate, his father had repeatedly reminded him. But the farmer¡¯s son wanted none of it. He left home, chased the path of cultivation, and joined a sect. For the first time, his life felt fulfilling¡ªchallenging the world with only his sword at hand. Every waking moment was spent refining his swordsmanship, pushing his limits, and dueling with experts. The Biron Kingdom was too small for him. So when he reached the Spirit Mystery Realm, he resolved to leave for a higher place¡ªthe Azuon Empire. With dreams and ambition burning in his chest, he ventured into the golden sands of the Sandwyrm Desert, preparing for his greatest breakthrough. He had only one goal: to ascend to the Soul Recognition Realm¡ªthe next step toward immortality. But fate was cruel. The heavens struck him down. Lightning descended upon him like a divine hammer, scorching his body and soul. A Heavenly Tribulation¡ªa trial reserved for those reaching the pinnacle of cultivation¡ªdescended upon him before he was ready. Such trials were common for those breaking into the 8th stage and beyond, but for a mere 5th stage cultivator? It was unheard of. It was unfair. It was bad luck. The pain was indescribable. His body burned, his dantian cracked, and his cultivation¡ªhis life¡¯s work¡ªshattered. He fell. His ambitions, his dreams, everything¡ªreduced to delusions in the face of divine judgment. When he returned to the Biron Kingdom, he was no longer the rising genius he once was. His cultivation had been permanently crippled, reduced to the Will Reinforcement Realm. He had lost everything. His dreams of greatness had died. His path of cultivation had ended. And so, he gave up. He returned to One Well Village, only to find the graves of his parents waiting for him. They had passed while he was away, chasing an unreachable dream. He had left home as a young man of twenty, but when he returned, he was a fifty-year-old cultivator, his body still youthful yet his heart aged beyond measure. The villagers feared him at first. A cultivator was an outsider, a dangerous existence. But with time, Xiang Fu''s amiable personality won them over. He became one of them. A farmer. The irony was not lost on him. The boy who had run from the fields now plowed them with his bare hands. But in that simplicity, he found peace. With the strength of a cultivator, he worked faster than any mortal. He became the most acclaimed person in the village, not for his sword, but for his harvests. And in that quiet life, he found something greater than power. He found happiness. He married the village elder¡¯s youngest daughter, had children, and later¡­ a granddaughter. His time as a cultivator had ended. He was no longer Xiang Fu, the swordsman. He was Elder Fu, the farmer. He had lived two lives. One as a blade-wielding warrior, surviving by the edge of his sword. The other as a humble farmer, living for his family. And of the two, he cherished the second life far more. But the world was unforgiving. Cultivation or not, tragedy would always come. His wife died of illness. His son was devoured by a demonic beast. His daughter-in-law died giving birth. Every time, he had prayed to the heavens. Every time, he had hoped for mercy. And every time, misfortune found him. But he never let despair consume him. He chose to live for his granddaughter, Xiang Ya. He chose happiness. Now¡­ Now, it was happening again. Another tragedy. Another cruel twist of fate. Blood stained the ground. His granddaughter lay broken and gasping for breath. His hands trembled as he gripped his sword. Not again. ¡°You shall perish!¡± Xiang Fu lunged forward, his blade singing through the air like a crashing wave. CLANG! Steel met steel in a furious exchange of blows. In a single breath, they had already crossed a dozen moves. Xiang Fu felt it immediately. He was outmatched. Zha Dong¡¯s Spirit Mystery Realm cultivation gave him an overwhelming advantage in speed, power, and endurance. But Xiang Fu did not care. He would not back down. He had lost enough. He would not lose again. Zha Dong sneered as their weapons clashed once more. His eyes glowed with dark amusement. ¡°Not bad.¡± 014 His Nightmare [Part 4] 014 His Nightmare [Part 4] "But did you forget? I was a 4th-stage expert!" Zha Dong¡¯s voice rang with arrogance as he parried Elder Fu¡¯s sword with the sharp precision of a darting hummingbird. Their blades clashed, steel crying out in sparks and shrieking echoes. Elder Fu''s strikes were relentless, his sword flowing like the crashing waves of a mighty waterfall. Each swing carried the weight of decades of experience, each stroke brimming with unwavering resolve. It had been a long time since he last wielded his sword in battle. His bones ached, his body screamed for rest, but he did not stop. He could not stop. Zha Dong, however, remained unfazed despite being pushed back. A smirk played on his lips, his breathing steady, his movements fluid. "I could tell," he sneered. "You used to be a 4th-stage expert, huh? Too bad for you¡ªyour skills have regressed with your cultivation!" Elder Fu gritted his teeth, ignoring the sharp pang in his muscles as he pressed forward. He did not need to be reminded of his decline. He could feel it with every step, every strike. Zha Dong''s eyes gleamed with sadistic amusement. With a sudden burst of speed, he executed a precise thrust. Skull-Piercing Stab! His sword, shrouded in sharp demonic qi, shot forward in a deadly straight line. Elder Fu reacted on instinct, twisting his body at the last moment. But he was too slow. A sharp sting spread across his cheek as Zha Dong''s blade nicked him, drawing the first blood. Had he been a second slower, the blade would have pierced his skull. "You dodged that one. Lucky you~" Zha Dong taunted, his voice laced with mockery. Elder Fu staggered back, his chest rising and falling in ragged breaths. His vision swam. His grip on his sword trembled. Damn this old body. If he still had the strength of his youth, if he still wielded the power of the 4th stage, this fight would not be so one-sided. But he was no longer the man he once was. He was old. He was frail. And it was taking everything he had just to stand his ground. Elder Fu¡¯s breath was heavy, his body trembling from exhaustion. His vision blurred at the edges, but his grip on his sword did not waver. He had no time left. No strength to spare. If he did not end this now, no one in One Well Village would survive the night. With a deep, shuddering breath, he made his decision. His thumb stabbed into his own Dantian. A sharp pain like molten fire erupted through his core, but he did not cry out. This was the price he would pay. Qi, raw and uncontained, burst forth from his body, rippling through the battlefield like a violent wave. His robes fluttered as the sheer force of his unleashed energy cracked the ground beneath his feet. His aged body, weary and slow mere moments ago, now stood unshaken. A suicidal move¡ªone that no sane cultivator would ever attempt. Elder Fu was no longer concerned with survival. "You filthy demonic cultivator¡­ You were so proud of your strength," he growled, his voice carrying the weight of decades of regret, pain, and fury. "Let''s see you fight with all you¡¯ve got!" Zha Dong¡¯s smirk wavered as he instinctively took a step back. Impossible. Cultivators had been known to burn their Dantian to achieve temporary power boosts, but to forcefully return to a higher cultivation realm? That was unheard of. And yet, before him stood Elder Fu¡ªhis aura unmistakably that of a Spirit Mystery Realm cultivator. "My name is Xiang Fu!" The elder¡¯s voice rang across the battlefield, his qi crackling like thunder. "Once an inner disciple of the Flowing Blade Sect! Die!" He vanished. No, he moved too fast for mortal eyes to follow. The only sign of his attack was the whisper of his blade slicing through the air. Flowing Hundred Consecutive Cuts! One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Each strike landed with razor precision, the air itself vibrating with the force of his technique. Twenty-Five. Fifty. Seventy-Five. The world blurred into a storm of steel and qi. Like the wet monsoon reversing its flow, the battlefield was engulfed in a violent tempest. The wind howled. The heavens trembled. One Hundred Cuts! A drizzle fell¡ªa mere flicker of mist in the air. But hidden within it was death. Zha Dong¡¯s arms shook as he desperately raised his sword to block, but he was already too late. The first slash tore through his shoulder. The second ripped across his ribs. Then the third, the fourth, the fifth¡ªtoo many to count. Blood sprayed in every direction, painting the ground in crimson as the storm of blades swallowed him whole. "DIE!" Elder Fu roared, raising his sword for the final strike. But his body¡­ His body no longer listened to him. The elder staggered, his vision darkening. His knees buckled. His arms fell limp. His blade, once so steady, slipped from his grip and clattered onto the blood-soaked earth. The price had been paid. His life force was spent. His Dantian was in ruins. His soul flickered like a candle in the wind, and finally, it went out. Elder Fu collapsed, his body lifeless, his face frozen in grim determination. Except for the wound on his cheek, not a single blemish remained on his body. The storm had passed. And Zha Dong still stood.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Dripping with blood, gasping for breath, his clothes in tatters, his flesh riddled with cuts¡ªbut alive. A moment of silence filled the air. Then¡ª "He¡­ hehe¡­ hehehehehehe¡­ HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Zha Dong''s bloodied lips curled into a manic grin as he threw his head back and laughed. His laughter echoed through the empty village, bouncing off the ruined houses, reaching the ears of those too weak to run, too terrified to scream. The demon had survived. And there was no one left to stop him. *** ** * Xiang Ya¡¯s tears streamed down her pale cheeks, her face frozen in grief as she watched the only family she had left perish before her eyes. Her consciousness teetered on the edge, her mind drifting between dream and reality. ¡°N-no!¡± The demonic qi ravaging her veins left her weak, unable to even whimper. *** ** * Zha Dong, consumed by rage and madness, stabbed Elder Fu¡¯s corpse over and over again, each thrust of his blade fueled by his twisted satisfaction. His eyes gleamed with cruel delight, his lips curled into a manic grin. "That¡¯s what you get for getting ahead of yourself," he spat, plunging the blade into the elder¡¯s chest once more. ¡°DIE! DIE! DIE!¡± *** ** * Nee Chen stood paralyzed. Elder Fu¡­ a cultivator? He never would have guessed. The elder was one of the staunchest advocates for keeping their village free from the influence of cultivators, yet he had been one all along. The revelation was startling, but it was drowned out by something far greater¡ªrage. A raw, unfiltered anger surged within Nee Chen, unlike anything he had ever felt before. It swelled in his chest, boiled in his veins, and reached a breaking point. His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms as he stared at the bloody corpse of the elder who had once guided their village. The nightmare unfolding before him¡ªhe wanted it to stop! And then, it happened. Nee Chen felt something within him shift. A sensation both alien and natural at the same time. A warmth, a pulse, a swirling energy forming at the core of his being. Near his navel, his qi condensed, swirling like a storm, forming what he instinctively knew was a Dantian. The Martial Tempering Realm. The first step into cultivation. But there was no exhilaration in this newfound power. No moment of triumph. Only rage. His vision cleared, sharper than ever before. He could feel the flow of qi in his blood vessels, coursing through him like a rising tide. The world around him slowed just slightly, every movement of Zha Dong¡¯s erratic stabbing more pronounced, every breath from Xiang Ya¡¯s trembling form heavier. And yet, he did not act. Nee Chen knew better. Even with this strength, even with his Dantian now formed, the gap between him and Zha Dong remained like an insurmountable chasm. If he rushed in blindly, it would mean nothing but certain death. So he waited. A calm rage fermented within him. A silent promise forged itself in his heart. ¡®I swear¡ªI will make this filthy man suffer a thousand cuts!¡¯ Nee Chen struggled to steady his breathing. His mind was a whirlwind of panic, but he forced himself to focus. Survive. Xiang Ya had to survive. Lu Gao had to survive. But how? "Die, die! Old bastard!" Zha Dong''s manic laughter echoed through the village as he plunged his sword repeatedly into Elder Fu¡¯s lifeless body. The sickening sound of steel piercing flesh filled the air, each thrust dripping with hatred and cruelty. Nee Chen clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. His eyes darted around, searching¡ªdesperate for something, anything that could turn the tide. Then, his gaze landed on Elder Fu¡¯s sword. It lay just a few paces away from him, gleaming under the dim moonlight. Had the elder thrown it toward him in his last moments? A final act of hope, a silent plea for someone¡ªfor him¡ªto act? The weapon was smooth and slightly curved, its length falling between that of a long sword and a polearm. Nee Chen had watched in awe as Elder Fu wielded it, each stroke fluid, each movement precise. How had the old man controlled such a long blade with such effortless mastery? A mystery for another time. Now, he had to act. One wrong move, and he was dead. They were all dead. His gaze flickered toward Xiang Ya¡¯s broken form, then toward where Lu Gao lay unconscious. Doing nothing was worse than taking a risk. With each controlled breath, he fed his fear into the fire growing in his heart. His pulse pounded in his ears, but his grip was steady as he reached for the sword. Slowly. Carefully. Quietly. Step by step, he inched closer to the demonic cultivator. Zha Dong was still hunched over Elder Fu¡¯s corpse, his sadistic delight clouding his awareness. This was his chance. This was it! With everything he had, Nee Chen swung the sword. He felt the weight of it immediately¡ªit was much heavier than he had expected. But he didn¡¯t falter. He twisted his hips, rooted his feet into the ground¡ªjust like when he tilled the soil. His core was strong. His stance was steady. Strike! The blade whistled through the air. CLANG! Zha Dong blocked it with ease. "Fool!" the demonic cultivator sneered, his golden eyes flashing in amusement. "I saw that coming a thousand li away!" Nee Chen''s heart dropped. His full-force attack had been nothing more than an annoyance. Zha Dong¡¯s laughter rang through the night, twisted with rage and glee. He gripped his sword tightly, yet he did not bother to channel his qi. What need was there to use his full strength against a mere farmer? "I will vent my anger on you, pathetic bastard! Don¡¯t die on me yet! Make sure you endure! HAHAHAHA!" With reckless cruelty, he swung his sword. Nee Chen barely managed to react. His body moved on instinct, raising Elder Fu¡¯s sword just in time to intercept the incoming strike. The impact sent violent tremors through his arms. So heavy! His muscles screamed in protest, his grip barely holding. Sweat poured down his back, and his jaw clenched so tightly it hurt. Yet, he endured. His feet dug into the dirt, his heart pounding like a war drum. Fear clawed at his mind, whispering that death was near, but Nee Chen shoved it away. If he hesitated¡ª**if he faltered for even a second¡ª**he would die. Zha Dong¡¯s golden eyes gleamed with surprise. Blocked? His arrogant smirk twitched. "Hoh? That¡¯s unexpected." Nee Chen didn''t waste this one chance. Beneath his sleeve, his fingers curled around the handle of his carving knife. The same knife he used every day for woodcraft. His grip was firm, practiced. Though it was not a weapon meant for battle, it was an extension of his hands¡ªa tool he had wielded with passion and skill for years. Like a striking viper, Nee Chen¡¯s hand moved. SLASH! The knife sliced through flesh. Zha Dong staggered back, blood spilling from a deep gash across his throat. His eyes widened in shock. It wasn''t a fatal wound¡ªnot yet. A mortal would have died instantly, but Zha Dong was no ordinary man. His demonic qi surged, slowing the bleeding. But he had been wounded. By a farmer. By a nobody. Nee Chen¡¯s breath came in sharp gasps, his heart slamming against his ribs. He had done it¡ªhe had landed a hit! There was no technique. No polished swordsmanship. Only survival. But in that desperate moment, something had awakened in Nee Chen. Like a soldier who wielded a spear after a lifetime of plowing fields, or a dancer who found themselves naturally gifted in combat, Nee Chen had unknowingly walked a path all his life. A farmer¡¯s hands, skilled in tilling the soil, became steady in battle. A carver¡¯s precision, honed through countless hours of practice, became a deadly strike. This¡­ this was his Dao. And it had wounded an expert. Zha Dong¡¯s expression twisted in fury. He kicked at the ground, sending up a cloud of dust as he created distance. His demonic qi pulsed, sealing his wound just enough to keep him from weakening further. His voice was low, seething with rage. "You little¡­ worm." Nee Chen said nothing. He only tightened his grip on the sword, his breath steady despite the storm raging inside him. He had no cultivation. No great power. Yet he had drawn first blood. Some would call it luck. Some would call it talent. Zha Dong clutched his wounded throat, his demonic qi slowing the bleeding, but the pain and humiliation burned deeper than any wound. His golden eyes bore into Nee Chen, filled with fury and resentment. "You¡­" His voice came out hoarse, but the rage was unmistakable. "I will come back for you! You were lucky!" The demonic cultivator sneered, stepping back as he tossed his sword into the air. In a single, fluid motion, he leaped and landed on its flat side, balancing with ease. "Remember my name! I am Zha Dong of the Bones Devouring Sect!" With that, he fled. Like a coward. Like a dog with its tail tucked between its legs. Nee Chen stood frozen, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he watched the unbelievable sight of a man surfing on a sword through the sky. The cultivator shrank into a mere speck against the vast night, disappearing into the darkness. It was¡­ over. "...Ha¡­ ha¡­ ha¡­" A dry, mirthless chuckle escaped Nee Chen¡¯s lips, soon turning into a strangled laugh. Tears streamed down his face as his body trembled, his legs barely holding him upright. "You, piece of shit¡­" His voice cracked as he spat the words, but he wasn¡¯t directing them at Zha Dong. He was cursing himself. If only he had woken up earlier. If only he had warned Elder Fu about the danger before the attack began. If only they had evacuated sooner¡­ Maybe the elder would still be alive. Maybe fewer villagers would have died. Maybe¡­ maybe this nightmare could have been avoided. But ''maybe'' meant nothing now. Futile. That was all it was¡ªa madman¡¯s denial of the inevitable. Evil had knocked on their village¡¯s door, and they had not been strong enough to keep it out. A long, shuddering breath left Nee Chen¡¯s lips as he let the tension in his body finally ease. His arms felt like lead, his grip on the sword loosening as he willed himself to breathe. He couldn''t believe it. He made a cultivator flee. This was the best possible outcome. The chance of it happening had been impossibly slim, yet against all odds¡ªit had happened. A miracle. But deep inside, Nee Chen knew it wasn¡¯t just luck. At the back of his mind, he had planned for this. He had inflicted a severe enough injury, knowing that even a cultivator wouldn¡¯t risk death when faced with a fatal wound. He had hoped for Zha Dong to flee. And it worked. The nightmare had finally ended. Yet, the pain remained. Nee Chen wiped at his tears with the back of his trembling hand, his gaze shifting toward Elder Fu¡¯s still, lifeless form. His heart clenched. The old man was gone. But he had given them a fighting chance. Nee Chen closed his eyes and whispered a silent promise. "Elder Fu¡­ thank you. If you are watching, know this¡ªI will take vengeance on those who have wronged us." His hands curled into fists, his resolve hardening like tempered steel. Tonight, the village had suffered a great loss. But Nee Chen had survived. And he would not let their deaths be in vain. 015 Get Down Here 015 Get Down Here Zha Dong scowled as he pressed a hand to his throat. Though his demonic qi had sealed the wound, the lingering pain grated on his nerves. It wasn¡¯t just the physical injury that infuriated him¡ªit was the shame. A mere farmer. A pathetic mortal-born insect had drawn his blood. His fingers twitched with the urge to gut the brat, but he exhaled sharply, forcing himself to stay calm. That wasn¡¯t why he left. Sure, the farmer¡¯s sneak attack had caught him off guard, and sure, he¡¯d lost too much blood¡ªbut none of that was enough to make him retreat. No, it was something else. He reached into his robes and retrieved a small jade talisman hanging from a black string. A shiver crawled down his spine as his fingers brushed against it¡ªit was ice cold. The Woe Detecting Talisman. A unique treasure of the Bones Devouring Sect, designed to forewarn its cultivators of imminent danger. That was why he ran. "Fuck," Zha Dong muttered under his breath. His fingers curled around the talisman as he tried to suppress his frustration. "If not for my hunch telling me to flee, I would have enjoyed more of my time." His lips curled in distaste. If he had his way, he would¡¯ve stayed and butchered the rest of the survivors¡ªslowly. But he wasn¡¯t a fool. The Woe Detecting Talisman had only given a medium-level warning, but even that was enough for him to trust his instincts. Something powerful lurked in these lands. He could feel it. "The hell was that old man hiding in his village?" he muttered, recalling the rabbit he had killed earlier. "Tsk, probably some reclusive cultivator living nearby¡­" Zha Dong¡¯s face twisted in displeasure. He had spent too much time toying with the villagers, wasting his energy needlessly. And that had nearly cost him his life. He clicked his tongue. "I should really keep my emotions in check." But even as he said it, he knew it was a lost cause. Demonic arts encouraged cruelty. That was the path he had chosen. With a sigh, he shook his head and adjusted his grip on his sword. He needed to find a place to recover, then return to the sect. Once he was stronger, he would come back and¡ª He stopped. A cold chill washed over him. The hair on his neck stood on end. His breath hitched. Someone was watching him. Slowly, Zha Dong turned his gaze forward, and his blood ran cold. An old man stood ahead of him. His piercing eyes burned with a thick, murderous intent. Zha Dong¡¯s fingers instinctively tightened around his sword. His body stiffened, every nerve in his being screaming at him to run. But he couldn¡¯t move. The hunter had found him. *** ** * I saw it¡­ Not all. But I saw it. Through my Mind¡¯s Eye, I witnessed an old man wielding a sword resembling a katana, fighting with every last ounce of his strength. His strikes carried the weight of a lifetime of experience, yet they were slow, labored. He struggled. It was inspiring¡­ yet futile. When he fell, a cold sensation settled in my chest. So that¡¯s how it is¡­ I thought the rest of the survivors would follow soon after. Yet, even in the face of certain death, a young man picked up the old man''s sword. Defiance. It was inspiring¡­ yet futile. Those same words, again. And yet¡ª The impossible happened. The boy made the demonic cultivator bleed. I almost laughed at the sight. The bastard actually bled. That reckless strike, so crude, so desperate¡ªit worked. And then¡­ the coward ran. So much for an expert of the Bones Devouring Sect.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "I am coming." I quickened my pace, locking onto his direction. He knows. The bastard must have felt something, a hunch that someone was chasing him. But I wouldn¡¯t let him off that easily. A screen flickered in my vision. [Name: Fu Shi Quintessence: 32 Players: 1/1] Quintessence. Random beasts kept throwing themselves at me, slowing me down. Not that I was looking for them. But I had learned a few things from this system¡ªkilling a first-stage beast was worth one quintessence, while a second-stage beast was worth ten. That meant this particular demonic cultivator¡­ I licked my lips. More than a target of vengeance, he had become a scrumptious piece of meat. Ping! -20 Quintessence. Ping! Acquired: Teleportation. Oh? Now that was convenient. Righteousness? Wickedness? They were certainly important in the grand scheme of things. But for me, it was irrelevant when things became personal. I cared more about what I liked and didn¡¯t like. And right now? I didn¡¯t like that bastard still breathing. After all, I was a selfish and arrogant bastard. ´°Ì嶥¶Ë ´°Ìåµ×¶Ë Through Teleportation, I traversed a long distance in an instant. Damn, that felt weird. My feet barely had time to register the shift before I was somewhere else entirely. But I didn''t waste time marveling at it. Judging from the trajectory of the demonic cultivator¡¯s escape, I quickly discerned where I should intercept him. There. A narrow valley just ahead. He has to pass through here. So I waited. And lo and behold, the bastard arrived. Surfing on his sword like some smug, untouchable deity, he sped past me. I didn''t let him. "YOU! GET DOWN!" My voice boomed with thick Killing Intent, shaking the air itself. I hadn''t expected it, but I had unconsciously mixed my voice with Telekinesis. Maybe it was the raw manifestation of my mental power, saturating my every action. Old Fu Shi¡¯s memories weren¡¯t truly mine, but I could still replicate some of his skills¡ªespecially the ones that didn¡¯t rely on qi. And Killing Intent? That wasn''t something bound to qi alone. It was willpower, presence, authority. And at my peak, old Fu Shi had been an 11th-stage cultivator. Projecting a suffocating aura of death was simply second nature. The moment my voice reached him, the demonic cultivator stiffened midflight. His instincts screamed at him before his mind could catch up. A heartbeat later, his eyes locked onto me, confusion written all over his face. Good. I let my glare bore into him, sharp enough to carve through his bones. "Get down here. Stop floating on your damn sword." The sheer contempt in my voice was palpable. The bastard deserved a fate worse than death. A hundred deaths wouldn''t be enough. But even for a decently skilled demonic cultivator like him, he still only had one life. And I was about to take it. He hesitated for a moment but then did as I ordered. As his feet touched the ground, he straightened his back, trying to look composed. "Forgive me, Senior," he spoke smoothly, without a hint of fear. "I was in a hurry. If you needed anything, I am Zha Dong of the Bones Devouring Sect." I nearly rolled my eyes. Oh, how kind of you to introduce yourself, asshole. The way he so smugly declared himself a demonic cultivator was beyond stupid. His confidence in his Sect''s power was painfully obvious. He actually thought that flashing his name would make me back off. "Zha Dong, my ass." He didn¡¯t even look me in the eye after introducing himself. Instead, the bastard turned his back on me. No gesture of respect. No acknowledgment. No ¡®face.¡¯ That? That was disrespect. Of course, something as petty as that wouldn¡¯t normally offend me. But this? This was perfect. Because now, I had a justifiable reason to rip him apart. And I was about to teach him exactly who he had just messed with. *** ** * Zha Dong didn¡¯t even bat an eye. The old man stood there, radiating an imposing presence, but Zha Dong found it amusing more than anything. The bastard lacked cultivation entirely. How ridiculous. How laughable. He thought, perhaps with a touch of amusement, just how lucky this presumptuous old man was. If his circumstances allowed it, he would have already gotten down and beaten the old fool to a pulp. Maybe even killed him just for wasting his time. How dare a crippled old man¡ªone with a shattered Dantian, no less¡ªstand before him so boldly? Who did he think he was? "Get down here, or else¡­" the old man said, his voice laced with a finality that suggested this was his last warning. Zha Dong raised an eyebrow. Was this fool really threatening him? For a moment, the thought crossed his mind that maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªthis was some eccentric expert playing tricks. That might have been a concern. But the moment he reached out with his Spiritual Sense, any worry he had instantly disappeared. He could feel it. The old man¡¯s Dantian was utterly destroyed. There wasn¡¯t even a hint of qi circulation. Zha Dong couldn''t even be bothered. A sneer tugged at the corner of his lips. "Or else what, old man?" he mocked, still standing atop his sword, completely dismissive of the threat before him. This wasn¡¯t even worth his time. *** ** * My patience was running thin. I knew that stink-eye the demonic bastard was giving me. The sheer disrespect was enough to make my blood boil. "You will regret it," I spat. "¡­big time." And so, I ascended. Slowly, steadily, I levitated into the air with my telekinesis. My rise was deliberate¡ªan act as pretentious as it was effective. It was a play, a bluff¡­ but one that worked. Zha Dong finally gave me the attention I deserved. His eyes widened slightly before narrowing in suspicion. Then, reverently, he lowered himself, carefully adjusting his flight so that he was beneath me. The arrogance in his gaze had been replaced by a forced humility. "Forgive me. I must be blind. I haven¡¯t recognized senior¡¯s profound cultivation." Ah, there it was. The fear. He was making assumptions. Good. Let him believe I was something beyond his comprehension. Flying with a sword was something cultivators could only achieve at the 4th stage. But flying with qi alone? That was an entirely different level¡ªsomething only 8th-stage cultivators and above could do. So, to him, I must have seemed like a monster. Hilarious. I wasn¡¯t even in any stage. But I wasn¡¯t about to correct him. "Do you remember the white little bunny you just killed?" I asked, my voice carrying the weight of something far greater than a mere question. Zha Dong remained silent. I could feel it¡ªthe unease creeping into his mind. His instincts were screaming at him. "It was mine," I said simply. And just like that, his ominous premonition became reality. The change in his expression was quick¡ªfear, understanding, then pure, unfiltered panic. With a sudden burst of qi, Zha Dong shot forward, his sword carrying him at incredible speeds. He flew with all he had, fleeing like a desperate rat. But. "Like... I... said, GET DOWN HERE!" Ping! -3 quintessence. Through my experiments with quintessence, I had learned something useful¡ªit was flexible. As long as I had it, I could substitute it for qi. And it was powerful. I channeled it into my telekinesis, amplifying its strength momentarily. The invisible force surged forward, seizing Zha Dong mid-flight. His body locked up. His qi faltered. With a single wave of my hand, I pulled him from the sky like a ragdoll. He came crashing down, eating dirt and dust. I teleported next to him in an instant. "DON''T LOOK UP," I said, my voice calm but edged with absolute malice. "STAY RIGHT THERE." His body trembled. "IF I SEE YOU TWITCH EVEN A LITTLE, I SWEAR, I WILL PLUCK YOUR TEETH, YOUR HAIR, YOUR EYES, YOUR LIMBS, YOUR NIPPLES, YOUR GENITALIA." He let out a strangled breath. His body was frozen¡ªnot just from fear, but because he knew I wasn¡¯t bluffing. "AFTER THAT, I WILL MAKE SURE YOU ARE STILL ALIVE WITH MY SECRET ART. DO YOU KNOW WHY?" I crouched beside him, my breath hot against his ear. "IT''S BECAUSE I STILL HAVE MORE TO PLUCK OFF YOU... YOUR BONES FROM YOUR RIBS, YOUR LIVER, YOUR INSIDES..." Zha Dong whimpered. Ah¡­ Now this was fun. 016 Let’s Play a Game 016 Let¡¯s Play a Game "K-uhuk~" Zha Dong barely suppressed his yelp, his entire body shuddering from the pain. I could feel it¡ªthe struggle, the sheer desperation. His internal injuries were severe, the kind that would leave a lesser man paralyzed, and yet he dared not make a sound. Not even a groan. "SO¡­ WILL YOU STAY DOWN?" I asked, my voice carrying the weight of his impending doom. "Y-yes¡­" he croaked out weakly. Good. I didn''t even need to draw my Light Saber. With nothing but Telekinesis, I crushed his insides, my control so precise that I could feel his organs twist and contort under my will. This level of technique wasn¡¯t something I pulled from thin air. It came from Old Fu Shi¡ªa Perfect Immortal, the legendary 11th stage cultivator. His memories might not be truly mine, but they were close enough. And that made me a discounted Perfect Immortal. I lacked qi, but I had quintessence. A worthy substitute. Zha Dong¡¯s body convulsed slightly as I adjusted my grip, carefully tightening the force around his shattered ribs. I could feel him resisting¡ªhis own demonic qi struggling to repair the damage I inflicted. Pathetic. "You thought you were untouchable, didn''t you?" I said, watching as his fingers twitched against the dirt. "You thought you could do whatever you pleased, kill whoever you wanted, and no one would come for you." He didn''t answer. He didn''t dare. "You got cocky," I continued, my tone almost conversational. "And because of that, a mere farmer nearly sent you to the afterlife. You should be grateful. At least he let you run." I crouched beside him, lowering my voice to a whisper. "But me?" I grabbed his wrist and snapped it with a flick of my telekinesis. "I don''t let rats run." Zha Dong screamed. "Let''s play a game." I smiled down at the battered demonic cultivator, my voice light, almost playful. Zha Dong trembled, his body convulsing from the internal injuries I had inflicted. He couldn¡¯t even let out a scream properly, his throat choking on pain and fear. Tears of blood streamed from his eyes, the weight of my telekinetic grip pressing down on his very soul. "This¡­ FUUUUCK!" he finally roared, his body writhing in agony. His bones creaked under the pressure, his tendons strained, his very being teetering on the edge of collapse. The psychological torment must have been unbearable. Cultivators like him lived in a world of bloodshed and betrayal. A dog-eat-dog world, sure, but more than that¡ªa realm where fate played cruel, twisted pranks on those who thought they had the upper hand. And right now, he was the punchline. "I¡¯d rather die!" The moment the words left his mouth, a powerful surge of qi erupted from within him. Dark energy coiled around Zha Dong¡¯s body like a living entity, pushing against the invisible force of my telekinesis. The oppressive grip I had on him wavered, the sheer strength of his qi forcing me to adjust my hold. As expected of a 4th-stage cultivator of the Spirit Mystery Realm. His qi was no longer a simple extension of his physical body¡ªit carried attributes, unique qualities refined through his cultivation. The dark energy burned and corroded everything it touched, repelling my telekinetic force with raw, unrelenting power. I clicked my tongue. This was why demonic cultivators were so damn annoying. There were two incredible powers a cultivator obtained upon reaching the Spirit Mystery Realm. First was Spiritual Sense or Qi Sense¡ªan extension of one''s perception that allowed cultivators to detect and interact with qi at a supernatural level. It was the key to anticipating attacks, sensing threats, and expanding one''s awareness beyond the limits of ordinary sight. The second was called Qi Mystery, the manifestation of elemental or unique attributive powers. Each cultivator developed a personal affinity, an extension of their own cultivation path. For Zha Dong, it was darkness, decay, bones, and endurance. A fitting set of powers for a dog like him. Still floating in the air, I gazed down at the struggling fool. "GRAAAAAH! BONE ARMOR! SKULL-PIERCING STAB!" His body erupted with dark qi as bone plates formed over his skin, covering him in a grotesque, jagged exoskeleton. His right arm elongated unnaturally, a hardened bone spike emerging from his wrist like a spear.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. A martial spell, then a martial skill¡ªused in quick succession. He was desperate. He screamed at the top of his lungs, a futile attempt to boost his courage as he lunged toward me. I barely paid him any mind. With a simple thought, I glided out of his path, moving effortlessly in the air. His strike missed completely, his bone spike stabbing nothing but empty sky. Pathetic. With a flick of my fingers, my telekinesis surged. Invisible strikes rained down upon him, each one carrying the weight of a war hammer. I didn¡¯t need martial arts, not when I could replicate their power with pure mental force. BAM! BAM! BAM! Telekinetic fists slammed into his blind spots¡ªhis ribs, his spine, the back of his head. He stumbled, his armor of bone cracking under the relentless assault. And yet¡­ He was still standing. Tch. I clicked my tongue in mild disappointment. His bone armor was only moderately damaged. Even with quintessence-empowered telekinesis, my raw strength was about the same level as a 4th-stage cultivator. Maybe slightly better. A bummer. That meant, without additional power-ups, my telekinesis alone was just equal to a cultivator at Zha Dong¡¯s level. The demonic cultivator looked pitiful now. His skin had gone pale from blood loss, his breath was ragged, and his eyes¡ªthose bloodshot, panicked eyes¡ªdarted around in desperate calculation. Ah. I could see it now. The source of his fear. It wasn¡¯t just my power. It was what he thought I was. He believed he was fighting an 8th-stage cultivator. And that terror was eating him alive. "I see that you were someone strong to the weak, but weak to the strong. Pathetic." Zha Dong flinched. Truthfully, what he was suffering right now was purely psychological. I wasn¡¯t even trying. I wasn¡¯t at the 8th stage. I wasn¡¯t at any stage. This was all telekinesis at work. But the bastard¡¯s mind was eating itself alive. I could see it in his eyes¡ªthe terror, the disbelief, the regret. He thought he had kicked a sleeping dragon. Good. Then, right on cue, he dropped to his knees. "I was blind! Please, forgive me, Senior!" His forehead hit the dirt as he prostrated. "For even thinking of escape! It was not my intention to kill one of your own!" Hmmm¡­ Yeah. Go on. Beg. As if that would do anything. Come to think of it, I had quite an excellent punching bag right in front of me. It would be a downer if I didn¡¯t take advantage of this situation. Experimentation was the key to discovery, after all. "Let¡¯s play a game," I said. "..." His silence was all the confirmation I needed. "Noon," I continued. Zha Dong raised his head, his expression twisted in confusion. "E-excuse me?" "Survive until high noon," I said simply. "Do so, and I will let you live." That was a promise. A flimsy one. But to someone drowning in fear, even a strand of false hope was something to cling to. And oh, how quickly that hope took root. His desperate eyes brightened, his will to live momentarily overshadowing his fear. That was right. You should do your best to survive. Do your job as my punching bag, just as I intended. I had so much inspiration to work with. My past life, old Fu Shi¡¯s memories, countless battle techniques swirling in my mind. This was the perfect opportunity to hone myself. But first¡ª "You won¡¯t be needing your sword." With a flick of my wrist, I wrenched his weapon from his grip. "N-no!" Zha Dong reached out in vain as his lifeline was torn away. The weapon was wretched. Twisted with an evil aura. A demonic cultivator¡¯s blade through and through. I looked at it with disgust. Snap. I split the blade in two with a mere thought, breaking it like a twig with my telekinesis. Huh. Looks like snapping swords is easier than snapping bones¡­ Heh. The joke was on me. ´°Ì嶥¶Ë ´°Ìåµ×¶Ë "Now, let''s begin." Zha Dong¡¯s breath hitched. With his sword broken, his means of escape was gone. No more flying. No more fleeing. No more getting away. Meanwhile, I? I could fly. I hovered in the air, looking down at him like a scientist observing a test subject. Which, well¡­ wasn¡¯t inaccurate. Time to experiment. I spun my telekinesis, shaping it in my mind. A bulldozer. A bullet fired from a gun. The force of a wrecking ball condensed into a single point. Then¡ª BOOM! A spiraling force drilled through Zha Dong¡¯s bone armor, shattering it into pieces. Or more accurately, a powerful impact. He coughed up blood. His eyes bulged in horror. I watched with detached interest as his qi flared, frantically repairing the damage. ''Good. That means I can keep going.'' I named that move Force Impact. Now, onto the next. I attacked again. Different angles, different speeds. Force Bullet¡ªa telekinetic strike mimicking a gunshot, piercing through his defenses. Force Drill¡ªa rotating, destructive motion meant to tear through armor. Every time he got too fast, Force Bullet clipped him. Every time he hardened his defenses, Force Drill burrowed through. It was fascinating. Every time I shattered his bone armor, he fixed it. Every time he fixed it, I shattered it again. He was an excellent punching bag. Durable, slow, and just fast enough to make hitting him fun. At some point, it was getting boring, but I worked through it. I refined my control over telekinesis, developing mundane skills. Force Punch, Force Wave, Force Whip, Force Slash¡ªeach variation testing the limits of my power. Then, for fun¡ª I stretched out my hand. Zha Dong froze. A crushing force wrapped around his throat, lifting him off the ground. He clawed at his neck, his legs kicking uselessly in the air. Ah. The classic. Force Choke. Darth Vader would be proud. I tilted my head, watching him struggle. Intimidating, huh? Probably a good crowd-control skill. At this point, I was just bullying him. "Hang in there," I said flatly. "You can do it." Zha Dong¡¯s bloodshot eyes stared at me in sheer despair. I smiled. The game had only just begun. And no, I had no excuse of my psychopathic behavior. I¡¯m a game designer, we weren¡¯t made to be sane. I lost track of time. Between the countless Force Bullets, Force Drills, Force Slashes, and Force Waves, I kept pushing my telekinesis further. Experimenting. Refining. Perfecting. Zha Dong was the perfect test subject. He had just enough durability to take a beating but not enough power to fight back. The ideal balance. By the time I realized it, the sun had reached its peak. "W-wait... wait¡­ WAIT!" I paused mid-air, glancing down at him. He was barely standing. His limbs shook violently, his body a mess of bruises, cuts, and fractured bones. His once-pristine robes were drenched in sweat and blood. One of his eyes was swollen shut, and his breathing came in ragged, uneven gasps. "What?" I asked. "I-I¡­ i-it''s alr...eady high noo...n¡­" He swallowed hard, barely able to speak. "T-the pro¡­mise? You. promised. The... game..." Ah. Right. That little deal. A grin tugged at my lips. "Sorry, I forgot." Ping! -5 quintessence. In a blink, I teleported behind him. His battered body stiffened, sensing my presence¡ªtoo late. A radiant blade of light pierced through his chest, emerging from the front of his ribcage. His breath hitched. A shudder ran through his body. "Guh¡­" Ping! +100 quintessence. I twisted the blade slightly, watching as he shuddered. "Game over," I whispered, voice dripping with mockery. With a flick of my wrist, I yanked the Light Saber out. Zha Dong collapsed forward, his body hitting the ground with a dull thud. His qi flickered, sputtered, then vanished entirely. Dead. I looked at my hands. Even after all that, I still had plenty of energy left. I smirked. What a shame. I was just getting started. 017 My Cult [Part 1] 017 My Cult [Part 1] "NEEEEE CHEEEN! STOP SWINGING YOUR DAMN SWORD AND EAT!" "Y-yes¡­ YES, MA''AM!" Nee Chen flinched, hastily lowering his sword. Sweat dripped from his brow as he turned toward the small campfire where Xiang Ya was glaring at him, arms crossed, foot tapping impatiently against the dirt. Lu Gao sat nearby, gnawing on a roasted fish, completely unbothered by the exchange. It had been a week since the tragic annihilation of One Well Village. Now, the three of them¡ªNee Chen, Xiang Ya, and Lu Gao¡ªwere making camp beside a river, their destination uncertain. They had no home to return to, and staying in the ruins of One Well Village was not an option. The lingering death qi from the massacre poisoned the air, making it dangerous to remain there for too long. Even if it hadn''t, the memories alone were too painful to bear. They had no choice but to move forward. But for now, they rested. Nee Chen wiped his forehead, his arms sore from hours of sword practice. Ever since the tragedy, he had taken his first steps into cultivation. The mysterious old man who had saved him had given him a glimpse into a new path¡ªa path where he wouldn''t have to feel so powerless ever again. He was still weak. He knew that. That was why he needed to keep training. However, Xiang Ya was not about to let him skip meals for it. With a reluctant sigh, he sheathed his sword and walked toward the fire. Xiang Ya handed him a roasted fish, still giving him a disapproving look. "You won¡¯t get stronger if you collapse from exhaustion, you idiot," she scolded. "I know, I know," Nee Chen muttered, taking a bite of the fish. The warmth of the food filled his stomach, and despite his exhaustion, he felt a little better. Lu Gao swallowed a mouthful of fish and grinned. "So, when are we heading out? We can¡¯t just sit here forever." Xiang Ya¡¯s expression turned serious. "We should decide soon. We need a real plan." Nee Chen nodded. They had survived the massacre, but survival alone wasn¡¯t enough. They needed a purpose. They needed a destination. And above all¡­ they needed strength. *** ** * A week ago, an old man arrived at One Well Village, carrying the severed head of Zha Dong. The head was nearly unrecognizable, battered and bloodied beyond repair, yet Nee Chen knew exactly who it belonged to. The old man said little, only offering a few simple words: "I have taken vengeance in your stead." Then, without another word, he placed Zha Dong¡¯s head on a pike at the village entrance, a grim display meant for Nee Chen and the people who had suffered at the demonic cultivator¡¯s hands. Nee Chen stared at the gruesome sight, feeling a strange mix of emotions. Relief. That monster was dead. He would never hurt anyone again. Disappointment. That monster was dead¡­ and Nee Chen wasn¡¯t the one who had killed him. His fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms. He should have been the one to do it. He should have been the one to avenge the village. And yet, before he could even begin his journey toward strength, the deed had already been done. Still, the fact remained: Zha Dong was gone. That meant no one would come after him, Xiang Ya, or Lu Gao anymore. They were safe. Nee Chen let out a breath, forcing himself to bow low. "Thank you, Immortal¡­" He kowtowed, pressing his forehead to the dirt in gratitude. But instead of dignified acceptance, he was met with an amused scoff. "Immortal? I am far from it." The old man looked almost embarrassed by the title. "I am just an old man." Nee Chen lifted his head, watching in quiet curiosity as the old man turned his attention to Xiang Ya. With a simple wave of his hand, a warm, unseen force surrounded her, and her wounds began to mend. Nee Chen held his breath, awe filling his chest at the effortless display of power. Then, the old man looked back at him. "You have stepped onto the 1st stage of the Four Earthly Attributes. As of now, you are a cultivator at the Martial Tempering realm," the old man said. "I trust that you will not abuse your power or be blinded by revenge." Nee Chen froze. He had become¡­ a cultivator? His mind struggled to grasp the reality of it. Ever since that night, he had felt something different inside him¡ªa strange energy, a strength he had never known before. But he hadn''t dared to think it was cultivation. He hadn''t even considered the possibility. The old man continued, his voice calm yet firm. "If you desire power, come to Desolate Cave Mountain to see me." Nee Chen looked up, feeling the weight of those words settle on his heart. "If you can find it in your heart to defy fate," the old man added, his figure already beginning to fade, "join my Sect. No. Join my Cult."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. And just like that, he vanished. The wind carried his final words, leaving only an eerie silence in his wake. Shortly after, Xiang Ya stirred awake. Nee Chen immediately pushed aside the storm of thoughts in his mind. Right now, there was something more important than pondering the old man¡¯s invitation. Survival. He had to make sure Xiang Ya and Lu Gao were safe. That was his first priority. The village was no longer a place they could stay. The death qi from the massacre still lingered, thick and suffocating, and something deep inside him told him that remaining here would only lead to more disaster. He knew it in his gut. Nee Chen had considered staying long enough to bury the dead, but ultimately, he made the painful decision to leave. The kingdom''s officials would arrive sooner or later. They would handle the dead. The best thing he could do now was to ensure the living could move forward. Still, he couldn''t just leave without saying anything. He took a piece of parchment, quickly scribbled a message, and placed it inside a pigeon carrier. He whispered a silent prayer before releasing the pigeon into the sky, watching as it disappeared into the horizon. That was the last duty he would fulfill for One Well Village. With that, Nee Chen turned away from the ruins of his home and carried Xiang Ya and Lu Gao away, leading them to the riverside where they could rest. Their journey had just begun. Nee Chen recalled the memories as if they had happened just yesterday. The arrival of the old man, the severed head of Zha Dong, the promise of power at Desolate Cave Mountain¡ªit all felt so vivid. But time had moved forward, and so had they. *** ** * The sun had long set, and the night had claimed the sky. The gentle crackling of a bonfire greeted him as he stepped back into their small campsite by the river. Xiang Ya was carefully roasting fish skewered on sticks over the flames, her face calm yet distant. "Hmmm¡­ That smells nice," Nee Chen hummed as he sat beside Lu Gao. His stomach growled in response to the scent. "Miss Xiang Ya, thank you for the food!" Xiang Ya only gave a small nod, her expression unreadable. Nee Chen took a fish and began eating. He never let go of his sword, keeping it within reach at all times. The fish lacked salt, but it was warm, fresh, and filling¡ªmore than enough for a meal. He couldn¡¯t afford to be picky. After all, they had survived a tragedy. "Umuu¡­ Just eat your fill," Xiang Ya encouraged softly. She nibbled at her own food absentmindedly, her eyelids drooping. Whether it was from exhaustion, sleeping on the cold, damp ground, or the emotional weight of their ordeal, she couldn¡¯t tell. There was a heaviness in her chest¡ªanger, sadness, and fear tangled together into something suffocating. Lu Gao, however, barely touched his food. He stared down at it, silent and still. He had taken only a few bites, yet he showed no sign of continuing. Nee Chen frowned. The kid needed to eat. They all did. "Little Gao, eat¡­ I caught those fish with my bare hands. Do you know how difficult that was?" Nee Chen tried to lighten the mood, nudging the boy. "Come on. Eat." Lu Gao remained quiet, his gaze locked on the charred fish in his hands. Nee Chen sighed and tried again, this time with a firmer tone. "Lu Gao, eat. You will need the strength." But the boy didn¡¯t move. His hands clenched into trembling fists. "Big bro¡­" Lu Gao¡¯s voice cracked. "I¡­ I couldn''t." Guilt, remorse, and despair swirled in his eyes. His small body trembled as his emotions finally broke free. "I''d rather die!" The words barely left his lips before¡ª SLAP! A sharp sound echoed through the campsite. Xiang Ya¡¯s hand trembled as she lowered it. Tears welled in her eyes, but her voice was firm. "Die? Why? Do you think living is that easy, you brat!?" Lu Gao clutched his cheek, wide-eyed, but didn¡¯t protest. He knew she wasn¡¯t just angry¡ªshe was hurting too. Xiang Ya wiped at her face, swallowing the lump in her throat. "No matter how painful it is, we have to live. You have to live." She exhaled shakily before pressing on. "For the sake of those who died." Lu Gao¡¯s lip trembled, but he remained silent. Xiang Ya knelt beside him, her voice softer now. "Listen, Lu Gao. What do you think your mother would want you to do after all that?" The boy didn¡¯t answer. "She would want you to live," Xiang Ya whispered. "I want you to live." She turned suddenly toward Nee Chen, her eyes burning with an intensity he hadn¡¯t seen before. "And you, Nee Chen!?" "H-huh?" He blinked in surprise. "Umm¡­ What was it?" Xiang Ya took a deep breath. "When are we going to Desolate Cave Mountain?" Nee Chen tensed. "It¡¯s been a week already," she pressed on. "Instead of sitting here being sad and miserable, I¡¯d rather find a way to get the vengeance we deserve." Her words hit him harder than expected. She knew. Nee Chen had thought she had been unconscious the entire time, but it seemed she had been semi-aware of the events that unfolded. She had heard the old man¡¯s words. His hands clenched. The truth was, he had planned to bring them along to Desolate Cave Mountain. He believed they could find safety¡ªand maybe even strength¡ªunder the old man¡¯s guidance. But now, doubt crept into his mind. Was it right for Xiang Ya to pursue cultivation for the sake of revenge? Nee Chen recalled the old man¡¯s warning: Do not abuse your power, and do not be blinded by revenge. He glanced at Xiang Ya, at the fierce determination in her eyes, and then at Lu Gao, who was still struggling to find a reason to move forward. Was he leading them down the right path? Or into another tragedy? "You don¡¯t have to come with me. I am enough." Nee Chen¡¯s grip tightened around his sword. His voice was resolute, but his heart wavered. Even though Zha Dong was already dead, it wasn¡¯t over. That man had boasted about his Sect, the Bones Devouring Sect¡ªa den of wickedness that had been responsible, by extension, for the annihilation of One Well Village. He couldn''t let it go. "I would request the old immortal to shelter us," Nee Chen continued, his eyes cast toward the river¡¯s rippling surface, "but we shouldn¡¯t ask more from him." Nee Chen had stepped onto the path of cultivation. He was now at the 1st stage of the Four Earthly Attributes¡ªMartial Tempering. That alone qualified him to join a Sect, and unlike most wandering cultivators, he had been invited to join the mysterious old man¡¯s Sect. But Xiang Ya and Lu Gao were different. They were mortals. If the old man refused them, what then? Nee Chen had already decided. He would do this alone. Xiang Ya didn¡¯t like what she was hearing. "You shouldn¡¯t stop me," she said, her voice firm. "I¡¯d come whether you like it or not. This isn¡¯t just your revenge." Her eyes blazed with conviction¡ªno, hatred. Nee Chen hesitated. Xiang Ya had always been the most beautiful flower of the village, delicate yet kind. But now, there was a tenacity in her he had never seen before, a will as sharp as a honed blade. "He said¡­" Xiang Ya swallowed, her voice growing softer, "he could give us power¡­ So, Chen¡­ Please¡­" Her misty eyes pleaded with him, but Nee Chen could only grit his teeth in response. "The old man said not to be blinded by revenge," Nee Chen countered. "He has already avenged us! What more do you want?" "It¡¯s not enough!" Xiang Ya snapped, stepping closer, her fists clenched. "I have to do it! There¡¯s still that demonic cultivator¡¯s Sect he boasted about! I can¡¯t rest knowing such wicked people still exist!" Her voice carried raw emotion¡ªanger, grief, and an unwavering resolve. Nee Chen shook his head. "Xiang Ya, listen to yourself! You¡¯re letting revenge consume you!" "Aren¡¯t you!?" she shot back. The argument escalated. "I am enough!" Nee Chen shouted. "Even so, I need this!" Xiang Ya yelled back. "Don''t be blinded by revenge!" "Why!?" Her voice cracked with frustration. "Wouldn¡¯t you want their blood to spill!? If you were me, would you relent?" Their voices clashed like swords, echoing into the night. But neither backed down. Nee Chen clung to the old man¡¯s words¡ªnot to be blinded by revenge¡ªdesperately trying to hold on to reason. But Xiang Ya saw through him. She knew he was trying to dissuade her, to keep her from walking the same bloody path. Even as mere mortals, they had heard the tales¡ªthe path of Good and Evil, of Righteousness and Wickedness, of Karma and Fate. Stories told in inns, whispered by minstrels, shared by travelers around crackling fires. Now, they stood at a crossroads. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear¡ªXiang Ya would not be swayed. And deep down, neither could Nee Chen turn back.