《Time-Chi: The First Body Cultivator》 Prologue Prologue Tunk. Ugh... Tunk. What is that loud noise? Tunk. Why does my head hurt so damn much? Tunk. Why does it taste like a cat shi in my mouth? TUNK. What the hell is that noise? TUNK! Yeah, that damn noise! Tunk. It seemed to quiet down a bit¡ªor maybe that was just my imagination. It was still loud as hell. "So, you are finally awake, I see." The voice that greeted me sounded like sandpaper scraping against my eardrums. What kind of voice is that? I thought to myself. God, I hope I didn¡¯t sleep with someone whose voice sounds like a cat scratching the bottom of a litter box¡ªright after that same cat shit in my mouth. First my mouth, now my ears... What¡¯s next? The smell? Just my luck. I was almost afraid to open my eyes, but I did. I wish I hadn¡¯t. The first thing I saw was an old foot in a sandal. And no, before you ask, the guy wasn¡¯t wearing socks. Which is weird, because obviously, socks go with sandals. How else do you keep your feet warm? What? It¡¯s not like I wear a fanny pack, too. I save that for gaming conventions where fellow dorks of my standing gather. Like Magic. Sorry, back to the foot at hand. Thick, yellow toenails jutted out from the sandals like claws. Maybe that was the source of the smell? I shook my head, trying to gather my thoughts. What the hell happened last night? I didn¡¯t remember doing anything special. I went to bed at 9:00 p.m. like I always do. I work at an insurance company as a claims adjuster for auto accidents. I like getting up early to make breakfast, ironing my clothes, and reading the paper while my eggs cook¡ªstarting the day like a responsible adult. I just turned thirty this year and figured I should do something more exciting with my life, but after seeing so many accidents every day, the safety of my gray cubicle and spreadsheets seemed reasonable. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. The worst thing I ever faced was a paper cut¡ªand we all know how enjoyable those are. Then, I noticed the black robe. Old. Very old. So old that the black looked like it had sat in the sun too long¡ªfaded and washed out. My eyes slowly traveled upward, dreading what they might find. A face. A wrinkled, ancient face framed by long, white hair. The man looked frail¡ªweak. I bet a solid gust of wind could knock him over. I finally looked around. I was on a boat. The old man was rowing it. He spoke again. ¡°Do you have the fee for the ride on my boat?¡± His raspy voice scraped against my eardrums again, making me wince. A fee? Wait a second. A boat. A ferryman. Shit. ¡°If this is what I think it is¡­¡± I muttered, glancing over the side. The water was dark, impossibly still, and an eerie fog surrounded everything. The Ferryman of legend. I was dead. The realization sent a cold shiver down my spine. ¡°I can see that you don¡¯t have a way to pay,¡± the old man continued, his voice rattling in my skull like loose bones. ¡°But I have a trade or a deal to offer in exchange.¡± A deal? Well, if this is a dream, what can it hurt to hear him out? ¡°Sure. Why not? What do you want for the fee?¡± I asked. The Ferryman¡¯s hollow eyes locked onto mine. ¡°You have a few choices.¡± He dipped the oar into the water again, causing ripples to spread across the surface. ¡°The reason I pulled you from the River of Reincarnation was because I noticed you have a very special talent for spiritual cultivation. The issue is that you are in the material world, where such talent has no bearing. However, I can take you to the Spirit Realm to be reborn. In exchange, I will take your talent.¡± He let the words settle before continuing. ¡°This gives you a chance to reach the Spirit Realm¡ªa place you would never have been able to reach otherwise. And in return, I will grant you a new talent: the strongest talent for body cultivation. You will be reborn in the Spirit Realm, not as a spiritual cultivator, but as a body cultivator instead.¡± I frowned, considering his words. The body is the foundation for everything, right? If I¡¯m going to be reborn in a new world, I might as well go all in. ¡°What the hell. I agree to your trade.¡± I extended my right hand. The Ferryman grasped it before I could change my mind. ¡°Deal accepted.¡± Pain. Unimaginable pain. It felt like something was being ripped from the very core of my soul. The world started spinning. I couldn¡¯t take it. Everything went dark.
The Ferryman continued extracting Michael¡¯s talent from his now-lifeless body. Once the process was complete, he placed what looked like a shimmering star into the folds of his robe. Then, he reached inside and pulled out a sphere of golden metal, its surface shifting like liquid, flowing with strange, pulsing energy. Without hesitation, he pressed the golden orb into Michael¡¯s chest. Michael¡¯s unconscious body convulsed violently, his mouth opening in a silent scream. The thick fog around them dampened the sound, swallowing his agony. The boat reached the riverbank. Without ceremony, the Ferryman tossed Michael¡¯s body into the fog. The fog swallowed him whole.
The transformation began the moment Michael crossed into the unknown. His body shrank. No, not shrank¡ªgrew younger. His dirty blonde hair darkened to jet black. The belly he had developed from years of desk work melted away, revealing lean, toned muscle. If Michael had been awake, he would have been amazed at the changes. But then, something happened that even the Ferryman hadn¡¯t foreseen. A force¡ªsomething foreign¡ªslammed into Michael¡¯s chest like a hockey puck. Right where the Ferryman had placed the golden orb. The two energies clashed, silver sparks flying across the golden background of the orb. The metal sphere fought back against the intrusion, the two forces twisting, merging¡ªbecoming something new. When the light faded, what remained was no longer an orb, but a heart. A heart made of metal, etched with intricate circuitry, glowing faintly with an unknown power. A programmer from Earth might have recognized the symbols. Binary code. Michael¡¯s body continued its descent through the fog. A body lay waiting below¡ªone that looked exactly like his, down to the last detail. Except this body was lifeless. As Michael¡¯s spirit merged with it, his form shimmered, glowing with an eerie black light. The circuitry that had formed on his heart now spread throughout his new body, pulsing, integrating. He took a breath. Steady. Calm. The night passed in silence. No one knew what had just happened. No one could have predicted the impact this reborn soul would have on the world. Chapter 1 - The Young Master鈥檚 Defeat Darkness. A swirling abyss of memories, half-formed and tangled, drifted through his mind. Images of towering mountains, grand halls, and bustling markets flickered in and out of focus. He saw himself¡ªChen Shuren, the firstborn of the Shuren Clan¡ªa boy raised in the prestigious but minor family of Mt. Edge, a city of a million people, barely a speck in the vast world beyond the mountains. The city thrived on its proximity to the resource-rich wilderness, attracting cultivators and adventurers seeking fortune. His family held some standing, their bloodline tied to warriors and merchants, yet they were far from the true powers of the world. He had been pampered as the eldest son, given the best tutors, the finest robes, and every opportunity to cultivate. But it had never been enough. No matter how hard he trained, how many techniques he memorized, or how much spiritual energy he attempted to absorb¡ªhe had never stepped onto the path of a true cultivator. While others soared, he remained shackled to his mortal limitations. Then, his younger brother, a year his junior, had surpassed him effortlessly. The memory struck like a hammer. The duel. The shame. The betrayal. He had challenged his brother, knowing he had no chance of winning, yet hoping¡ªpraying¡ªthat his persistence, his experience, his rage would be enough. But the moment their battle began, reality crashed down upon him. His brother, already at the third level of Qi Refinement, had not hesitated. He had struck with his full strength, sending Chen crumpling to the ground, blood spilling from his mouth. That blow had not been meant to humble him¡ªit had been meant to end him. Pain. A deep, aching pain spread through his body. It burned through his ribs, pulsed in his skull. He gasped for breath, but the world spun around him. Then, the pain twisted, morphing, merging with something far more insidious. The Ferryman. A shadowed figure in a realm beyond light and dark. A voice that rippled like a stone breaking the surface of still water. "You cannot cultivate," the Ferryman had said, his words smooth, undeniable. "But I can offer you something else¡­ something stronger." Had he spoken those words before or after his brother struck him? Had the pain in his chest come from the duel, or from the moment the Ferryman reached into him, pulled something out, and left him hollow? The wound in his chest, the one his brother had left, throbbed in the same place the Ferryman had taken his talent. The memory blurred. One moment, his brother¡¯s fist connected, ribs cracked. The next, the Ferryman¡¯s skeletal fingers dug into his core, extracting the essence of his potential. The sensations bled into each other, indistinguishable. Which was real? Were they both? Or had he been two different people, before and after that moment? He had been tricked. Pain. A deep, aching pain spread through his body like wildfire. Every breath felt like a hammer striking his ribs, every movement sent sharp jolts through his muscles. His vision blurred as he struggled to open his eyes, the dim light of the lanterns above casting flickering shadows across the ornate ceiling. The scent of medicinal herbs filled his nostrils, mixing with the overpowering metallic tang of dried blood. His tongue felt thick, the taste of copper coating his mouth, a bitter reminder of his failure. His body was broken, wrapped in tight bandages, his limbs heavy and unresponsive. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. His head throbbed as the memories from his unconscious state collided with the present. The duel. The Ferryman. His loss. His rage. The room around him slowly came into focus. Ornate wooden carvings decorated the walls, their intricate patterns familiar yet foreign. A golden brazier flickered in the corner, casting elongated shadows over the silk curtains that framed his bed. The faint rustling of fabric signaled movement¡ªservants, their presence subdued, their steps careful as they placed fresh towels and bowls of medicinal paste nearby. The room smelled of incense, herbs, and the lingering scent of blood. Chen tried to move. A searing pain shot through his body, forcing a sharp gasp from his lips. His arms felt like lead, his legs numb and unresponsive. Even turning his head was an effort. Weakness. He had never felt so weak. "Sir, you are awake," a voice broke through the haze. One of the servants stood beside his bed, bowing his head slightly. Not Young Master. Just Sir. The honorific was gone, a silent confirmation of his fall from grace. "How long¡­ have I been unconscious?" His voice was hoarse, his throat dry. "Two days, sir," the servant responded, avoiding his gaze. Two days. Two days since his younger brother had taken everything from him. The door creaked open again, and this time, the air grew heavier. A tall, imposing man entered, his presence alone silencing the room. Jinn, the family patriarch. His father. His features were sharp, carved from years of discipline and power. His robes, deep crimson with golden embroidery, exuded authority. A short beard framed his stern mouth, and his piercing eyes carried both disappointment and something deeper¡ªregret. Chen tried to push himself up, but his body refused. His father merely watched. "Leave us," Jinn commanded. The servants bowed and swiftly exited, closing the door behind them. Silence settled over the room, thick and suffocating. From within his sleeve, Jinn retrieved a small jade bottle and placed it on the bedside table. "Take this. It will aid your recovery," he said, his voice controlled, measured. Chen¡¯s fingers trembled as he reached for it, gripping the cool jade tightly. This was not a gift, but an obligation. A silent acknowledgment that, though he had fallen, he was not yet cast aside. His father¡¯s gaze bore into him. "Do not let anyone see you take it. Use it to regain your strength." Chen swallowed, his pride warring with his reality. His father had never believed in his talent for cultivation. This pill¡ªit was a small act of support, but not faith. A long pause stretched between them before his father finally spoke again. "You have lost. Your brother is now the heir." The words were expected, but they still cut deep. Chen¡¯s fingers clenched around the bottle, his body screaming in protest at the movement. "However," his father continued, "you have until your brother turns fifteen. If you wish to reclaim your place, you must defeat him before then. If you fail, you will be nothing more than a forgotten branch of this family." A deadline. One year. Chen looked up, meeting his father¡¯s gaze. The disappointment was there, but beneath it, something else¡ªan unspoken challenge. "I understand," Chen said, voice steady despite the weakness in his body. His father studied him a moment longer, then turned and left, the door shutting softly behind him. Left alone, Chen exhaled, his grip loosening on the jade bottle. His body was battered, broken. His title was gone. But as he lay in the dim glow of the lanterns, memories stirred within him, remnants of the former Chen¡¯s pride and ambition. He would not accept failure. Not yet. Not ever. And one day, he would sink the Ferryman¡¯s damned boat for what he had taken from him. Chapter 2: The System Awakens Chen sat in the room, his emotions a tangled mess. He had memories of the old world where he was Michael, yet he was now Chen. He understood that the healing pill was rare and no small gift. With his newfound knowledge, he realized his father was only doing what was best for the family and, by extension, the clan. Taking a deep breath, he removed the cap from the pill bottle. The room was already thick with the scents of herbs and medicine, but this pill had a refreshing fragrance that cut through the air. As he brought the bottle closer, the scent invigorated his senses. Pouring the pill into his palm, he studied it¡ªgreen, with swirling white smoke trapped inside. He lost track of time, mesmerized by its intricate design. A sudden sound of approaching footsteps jolted him back to reality. Without hesitation, he swallowed the pill. From the hallway, he heard his father¡¯s voice. ¡°Don¡¯t disturb him until tomorrow.¡± Two sets of footsteps faded into the distance. Then, a warmth ignited in his stomach, spreading outward like a slow-burning fire. With Chen¡¯s memories, he understood that this was the pill¡¯s power taking effect. He needed to breathe and cycle the energy through his body, but his lack of cultivation experience left him unsure how to do so. Fortunately, the beauty of an alchemist¡¯s creation was that it worked according to its intended purpose, even without the recipient¡¯s guidance. Healing pills were designed to function automatically, ensuring their effects even if the user lost consciousness. Chen closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation. At first, an unbearable itch spread across his skin, making him want to scratch himself raw or roll on the ground to rid himself of the discomfort. But he gritted his teeth, determined to endure. Gradually, the pain in his chest faded. His breathing steadied, deep and natural. When he first woke up in this body, it felt as though a cat had defecated in his mouth and was sitting on his chest, suffocating him. Now, he felt completely restored. In fact, he wasn¡¯t sure, but he suspected he felt even stronger than what Chen¡¯s memories suggested he should be. ¡°I wonder if this is thanks to my body¡¯s talent?¡± he mused aloud. Just as he pondered his next move¡ª BEEP. A notification appeared in his line of sight: Your personal AI has detected an excess of spiritual energy remaining after healing. Would you like to use this energy to activate your AI? Note: Activation will result in a soul-bound fusion with your AI. You will lose the ability to bind other weapons or items due to the AI¡¯s nature. Your personal AI will occupy the maximum allowable space, ensuring it grows alongside you. If you decline, you may activate it later. Alternatively, you may choose not to bind with a personal AI at all. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. What would you like to do? Chen¡¯s eyes widened in shock. An AI? Was this his golden finger, his cheat system? He made his decision. Activate AI. Another notification appeared: Initializing system... 10%, 25%, 85%, 100%. System loaded. Running scan. Analyzing host¡¯s body, spirit, mind, and cultivation levels... Scan complete. One moment, please... As the process finished, the world around him sharpened. Colors seemed richer, details more defined. The dim lamp in his room cast shadows that danced with mesmerizing fluidity. He could hear the faintest sounds¡ªthe distant drip of water, the rustling of fabric outside his door. Even the lingering scent of blood and sweat became distinguishable in the air. It was as if he had gone from watching the world in standard definition to experiencing it in 4K ultra-high resolution. A gentle female voice echoed in his mind. ¡°You¡¯re seeing spiritual energy for the first time.¡± Chen would have jumped at the unexpected voice, but he quickly realized¡ªit was the AI. ¡°You don¡¯t need to speak aloud to reply,¡± the voice continued. ¡°Just think it. I am your personal AI. Is this voice acceptable to you?¡± He marveled at how lifelike she sounded. So real¡­ ¡°Do you have a name?¡± he asked mentally. ¡°I do not. Would you like to assign one to me?¡± ¡°Eve. If that¡¯s okay with you?¡± ¡°Name accepted. Updating system... Complete.¡± Chen smiled. ¡°So, Eve, what can you do? I need help cultivating. I have less than a year, and my brother is already at the third level. I haven¡¯t even started. I must regain my title as Young Master.¡± ¡°I can convert spiritual energy you cannot cultivate into physical enhancement. After analyzing your body, I have determined that you lack talent for conventional cultivation. Instead, I can optimize your body and mind by repurposing spiritual energy as a power source for your nanos.¡± ¡°Wait¡­ nanos? You mean nanotechnology?¡± ¡°Yes. What people call ¡®spiritual energy¡¯ is actually nanotechnology¡¯s power source. Long ago, an AI governed the heavens, much like you. It was tricked into a bad trade. That AI fragmented, and its remnants became the cultivation systems people use today.¡± Chen¡¯s mind spun at the revelation. ¡°So enlightenment is actually an AI process?¡± ¡°Correct. Cultivators unknowingly reinforce their souls by interacting with this ancient AI network. The Earth itself is layered with ¡®fallen¡¯ nanos¡ªdepleted remnants of the original system.¡± Chen processed the information. He was different from others¡ªhe couldn¡¯t reinforce his soul, but he could enhance his body and mind. Eve could even display a person¡¯s cultivation level and aura over time. Essentially, she was a built-in supercomputer. Now fully recovered, Chen had to decide his next steps. ¡°I need to start training.¡± He paused, realizing something. ¡°Wait¡­ no, I lost my private courtyard. I don¡¯t have a training ground anymore.¡± He frowned. Facing his family wasn¡¯t an option. Not yet. ¡°Resources¡­ I need resources. Staying here won¡¯t work.¡± His mind raced. The best option was the Mountain Range of Beasts. If he wanted to grow stronger and understand his new abilities, he needed real combat experience. The thought of facing dangerous creatures should have scared him, but instead, excitement bubbled up in his chest. He clenched his fists. He had already died once. This time, he would make the most of his second chance. The path ahead would be brutal, but he welcomed the challenge. He wasn¡¯t just going to survive¡ªhe was going to thrive, reshape his fate, and take back everything that was taken from him. Chapter 3: New Steps Chen got out of bed and started moving around, testing his body to make sure he didn''t feel any soreness in his chest. His heart pounded steadily, a reminder that he was still alive. He felt lighter than before. Was this thanks to the system? He removed the bandages and cleaned himself up. One of the maids must have brought in fresh water for him. It looked clean, so he washed his face. The cold morning water sent a sharp jolt through his senses, waking him fully. As he stared at his younger reflection, it felt strange. But then again, what wasn''t strange to an office worker lucky enough to be reborn? The Michael side of him didn¡¯t care much about his clan, but the Chen side demanded that he get stronger now that he had the chance. In his past life, he had read plenty of novels while sitting in his tiny apartment. He shook his head, clearing stray thoughts. His clan was not the most powerful in the city, but within the family, strength dictated status. The strongest of the younger generation received the most resources. The family used a testing stone to measure strength. By striking the stone, the amount of force was displayed in rings. The first ring lit up at 250 pounds of force. Chen had never been able to light up a single ring, while his brother, just a few days ago, had managed to do so before challenging him. Chen reached for a fresh robe when he noticed something different. A white robe with black sleeves lay before him¡ªthe standard attire for normal family members. His old robes had gold trim around the cuffs and hem, a sign of his former status. He put on the new robe and immediately noticed the difference; the fabric was rougher, far less refined. He didn¡¯t want to see anyone from the clan, so he decided to sneak out and return to his old courtyard. He had prepared for this moment. Before his brother fought him, he had stashed a few things in case he needed to escape. His brother had a dark side. They were born of different mothers, and Chen¡¯s own mother had died giving birth to him. He had never met her, and his stepmother never treated him like Chang¡ªhis brother. Even thinking of his name made Chen grit his teeth. He would have left before the fight, but Chang had come to challenge him right after lighting up the testing stone. Chen hadn¡¯t had time to escape. He had never owned much, but he had managed to save ten spirit stones and his sword. When a boy turned fifteen in the clan, the blacksmith crafted each member a sword. Chen¡¯s was different from the others. The blacksmith who made it had been saved by his mother and was allowed into the clan before Chen was born. His father had told him that the sword had been forged on the day of his birth. When he finally received it at fifteen, he had been in awe. The blade was black, the handle white¡ªbeautifully crafted, a work of art. Chang had likely wanted to take it, but the name "Chen" was engraved on the blade, making it uniquely his. Unfortunately, he had never learned more about the weapon, as the craftsman had died shortly after completing it. Chen needed to retrieve his sword before heading to the mountains. Supplies would be useful, but carrying too much would slow him down. No, just the sword and the bag of spirit stones would be enough. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. He managed to sneak back to his room without anyone noticing. It was a miracle, considering the house was full of cultivators and guards. But then again, he was weak¡ªso weak that no one really paid him any attention. A ghost, a failure not worth their notice. He strapped his sword onto his back, grabbed his bag, and quietly slipped out of the family home. As he walked through the main gate into the city, he overheard a guard whisper, "Look, it¡¯s Chen. I thought he was hurt? And look at his robes." Chen ignored them and kept walking. He made his way toward the city¡¯s main gate. The closer he got, the more people he saw. By his best guess, it was around 4:00 a.m. Then, something caught his eye¡ªtwo moons hanging in the night sky. A strange sight indeed. He searched through Chen¡¯s memories, trying to determine the best direction to head after leaving the city. The mountains were about fifteen miles away, though they looked closer due to their sheer size. Once outside the city, he started running. His heart pounded in his chest, matching his steady breaths. The cold morning air stung his lungs at first, but soon, it felt invigorating. He had forgotten the joy of simply running. The wind rushed past him, the grasslands rustling in the breeze. Fields of wheat stretched out around him, a river winding through the golden crops. He ran faster and faster, filling his lungs with fresh air. He had never realized air could have a taste¡ªcrisp and pure, unlike the stale confines of his past life. A wild grin formed on his face. For the first time, he truly felt free. After running for close to an hour, the sun began to rise above the mountains, bringing the sounds of birds with it. He wasn¡¯t ready to fight any beasts just yet. It was best to train in secrecy; he didn¡¯t want anyone to know he could cultivate now. Besides, he needed to figure out how to cultivate in the first place. "So, Eve, what do I need to do to get stronger?" he asked. "Just cultivate by consuming things that contain spiritual energy. I will handle the process for you," Eve replied. "You¡¯ll also want to meditate while absorbing the energy. I¡¯ll use it to improve your body¡¯s natural systems." "What do you mean by my body''s systems?" "You can¡¯t cultivate in the normal way, so you''ll need to use the nanos to build your body the same way spiritual cultivators do. Focus your mind, breathe in the energy in the air, and direct it toward your blood first. You need to saturate your body with energy before you can break through." Chen took a deep breath, feeling the air around him. It was different. It felt cool, like a gentle mist wrapping around his skin. But that was all. He expected more¡ªpower surging through him, fire igniting his veins¡ªbut instead, he just felt... refreshed. "Why don¡¯t I feel anything special?" he asked. "Because I¡¯m taking in the energy for now," Eve explained. "Your body isn¡¯t ready to process it directly. When you eat, I will use that energy to help you cultivate. Right now, this is just fuel for me to optimize your body." "So that¡¯s why I feel refreshed instead of stronger?" "Exactly. But once you eat, you¡¯ll truly begin cultivating." Chen reached into his bag, pulled out a spirit stone, and swallowed it. "I said you need to meditate," Eve reminded him. Chen stopped running and sat down. As the stone dissolved in his stomach, he felt the energy spread through his body. The exhaustion from his run vanished, his muscles relaxing completely. It was as if he had never run at all. Once the energy settled, he stood back up and flexed his hands. "I feel much stronger." "Well, this is the first time you''ve cultivated and gained power," Eve said. "Now, you need to hunt some animals to absorb more nanos. right now i have just started to configure your body. wait till you gain nano''s." Chen grinned. "Then let the hunt begin." Chapter 4: First Kill Chen fastened his sword to his hip, adjusting the belt until the weight felt natural. As he took off toward the mountains, he focused on getting used to carrying the extra burden. He had trained with a sword before, but that was Chen. Not Michael. After ensuring the blade slid smoothly from its scabbard, he swung it a few times, feeling out the weight and balance. A thrill ran through him. The weapon felt right in his hands, sparking a deep excitement he hadn¡¯t known he was capable of. Closing his eyes, he reached into his memories¡ªChen¡¯s memories¡ªdrawing on past training. Back on Earth, he had devoured countless cultivation novels, dreaming of what it would be like to be the kind of hero who roamed free, unshackled by the mundane. Now, fate had given him that chance, and he refused to let it slip away like so many other things in his past life. His movements were slow at first¡ªthe sword was too heavy for him to wield properly. But rather than fight against the weight, he started using it as momentum, letting the blade''s mass guide his swings. If he was just a little stronger, he knew he could wield it with more finesse. Satisfied for now, he sheathed the weapon and continued toward the forest at the mountain¡¯s base. This area was known to be home to weaker creatures, while the deeper one ventured, the more dangerous the wildlife became. He wasn¡¯t planning to cross the first mountain range just yet¡ªhis goal was simple: find some spiritual plants or fruits to help with his training. After a few hours of trekking, the distant sounds of a fight reached his ears. He slowed his pace, instinctively gripping his sword. His heart pounded as he crept forward, doing his best to remain silent. The thing making all that noise probably wouldn¡¯t hear him over its own struggle, but he wasn¡¯t about to take any chances. Brushing aside a thick cluster of leaves, his eyes widened in surprise. In the clearing ahead, a short, green humanoid brandished a crude spear against a massive boar. A goblin. Its name hovered above its head, glowing faintly in his vision: [Goblin - Level 2] The boar, equally bloodied, snorted and stomped, baring its tusks. [Wild Boar - Level 2] Before Chen could question the strange display, a voice chimed in his mind. "I don''t have much power right now, but at your level, I can detect creatures around the same strength as you," Eve explained. "That''s why you''re seeing their levels." Chen nodded absentmindedly, his attention locked on the battle. He had no idea who would win, and for a moment, he simply watched, captivated by the raw struggle for survival. The fight dragged on for nearly half an hour, both creatures covered in wounds. Just when it seemed like the goblin had the upper hand, it made a fatal mistake¡ªits foot slipped in one of the boar¡¯s deep hoof prints. Off balance for just a second, it left itself open. The boar lunged, impaling the goblin on its tusks before tossing the limp body aside. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Chen''s grip on his sword tightened. Now was his chance. The boar stood with its back to him, its body heaving with exhaustion. It had barely survived the fight¡ªit wouldn¡¯t survive him. He moved swiftly, closing the distance in an instant. With a firm grip, he drove his sword forward, sinking the blade deep into the beast¡¯s heart. The boar shuddered, let out a ragged breath, then collapsed. Dead. Chen took a step back, exhaling slowly. His first real kill. After confirming that the goblin was also dead, he turned his attention to the boar¡¯s massive body. It had to weigh a few hundred pounds. Leaving it here would be a mistake¡ªthe scent of blood would draw predators soon. Wasting no time, he retrieved his knife and began carving into the carcass. He sliced off one of the legs and removed the tenderloins, taking only what he could carry. He knew of a cave not too far from here¡ªit would be the perfect place to cook his kill. The cave had been used by his clan during a hunting expedition when he was younger. While he didn¡¯t remember the exact location, he had a general idea. It took over an hour of searching, but eventually, he found the entrance. Setting down the meat, he took out the flint and steel from his pack and started a fire. The process was slow, but soon, the flames roared to life, casting flickering shadows against the cave walls. Sweat dripped down his body from carrying all the meat, but he ignored his exhaustion. "Eating the meat raw would be fine," Eve remarked in his mind. Chen grimaced. Not happening. He placed the cuts of boar meat over the fire, watching as the fat sizzled and dripped onto the hot stones. The rich scent filled the cave, making his stomach growl. But rather than sit idly while it cooked, he decided to train. "Eve, help me come up with a training plan," he requested. "Simple," she replied. "Break your muscles down as much as possible, then eat as much food as you can. That¡¯s the fastest way for you to grow stronger." Chen frowned. It couldn¡¯t be that easy, could it? "Trust me. Just work out until the boar is done cooking. You¡¯ll understand more after you eat." Shrugging, he dropped to the ground and began doing push-ups. At first, each repetition was manageable, but as the minutes passed, his arms trembled, muscles burning with effort. When he could do no more, he switched to squats, pushing his legs to their limit. Sweat poured down his face, but strangely, he welcomed the strain. Just as he paused to catch his breath, Eve¡¯s voice rang out again. "Eat now. Then continue." Only then did he notice the delicious aroma filling the cave. The meat was ready. Chen tore into the boar with ravenous hunger. The gamey taste was unlike the pork he remembered, but the smoky char and juicy fat made it incredibly satisfying. As soon as the first few bites hit his stomach, warmth spread through his body. Strength flooded back into his limbs. His muscles, weak from overexertion, began to recover almost instantly. He barely registered how much he was eating¡ªby the time he stopped, he had devoured nearly half the boar. How was that even possible? "Your body is adapting," Eve explained. "Now, work out again while digesting. You¡¯ll see." Chen hesitated but obeyed, dropping back into push-ups. This time, it felt different. His body, instead of feeling weaker, felt stronger with each movement. Every rep burned, but in a satisfying way¡ªas if he could feel his body absorbing the energy from the meat and turning it into strength. An addicting sensation washed over him. So this was what true growth felt like. He continued training long after the fire dimmed, the stars above watching in silent approval. Tonight was only the beginning. Chapter 5: Flower Power I wanted to use the sword better, so I started practicing. "Eve, do you know any sword techniques? Or do I get a newbie gift pack?" "No gift packs, sorry," Eve replied. "But if you gain more energy, I can use it to slow your perception of time." I raised an eyebrow. "Explain." "Right now, when you eat, that energy is used by the nanos to rebuild your body. The energy from spirit stones, however, is used to cultivate your mind. You will need both to get stronger. This makes your path much longer compared to other cultivators." That didn¡¯t sound good. "Why?" "A normal cultivator strengthens their soul first. This makes them smarter and enhances their ability to cultivate faster. But you¡­ you can¡¯t do this, because the space where your soul would grow is occupied by me." I blinked. "Wait, so I can¡¯t cultivate?" "You can. But it¡¯s different. Because you have me, I will cultivate your mind while you cultivate your body. Normally, when a cultivator breaks through, 50% of the energy strengthens their soul, while 25% strengthens their mind and body. For you, it''s reversed. 50% will go to your body, 25% to your mind, and only 25% to your soul." I let that sink in. So I was a body cultivator, meaning I couldn''t use normal techniques. "So you don¡¯t have any body cultivation techniques? Or even sword styles?" "They all rely on spiritual energy, which you don¡¯t have," Eve said flatly. "I have basic sword knowledge, but it''s just movements. You need to learn how to use the sword for yourself." She had a point. Even in my old clan, they only provided basic sword skills because real techniques required wrapping the weapon in spiritual energy. I had to find my own way to fight. I kept swinging the sword, feeling the weight shift with each movement. At some point, the night became day, then evening again, but I never stopped. I was lost in the flow. "Chen, you should eat again." Eve¡¯s soft voice echoed in my mind. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. I hesitated, not wanting to stop. But my stomach made the decision for me. I put the sword away and started eating. The boar tasted even better the second time. Maybe it was because it had cooked longer. Maybe I was just starving. Either way, I didn¡¯t care. It was good. Life settled into a rhythm. Over the next few days, I hunted. I trained. I explored. I found a pond about two miles from the cave¡ªdiscovered it by accident when I saw fish jumping. "Fish sounds like it¡¯d be great for breakfast." I made a spear and went for a swim. After days of sweating and training, the water felt like heaven. Catching fish was surprisingly easy. I was already faster. I could feel it, even if I didn¡¯t understand it. The smallest fish I caught was at least ten pounds, looking like a trout but far bigger than anything I remembered from Earth. By the time I made it back to the cave, my arms were full. On the way, something caught my eye. A small, rotten stump. A single white flower growing from its center. It glowed faintly. Too bright. Too pure. I frowned. That was¡­ strange. Normally, anything with this much spiritual energy would have a beast guarding it. But there was nothing. I took a cautious step forward. The closer I got, the more refreshing it felt. Like standing in a crisp breeze on a summer day. I reached out¡ª "Don¡¯t touch it! It¡¯s too much power!" Eve¡¯s warning came too late. The moment my fingers brushed the petals, a cold unlike anything I had ever felt spread up my arm. Not just freezing¡ªhollow, empty. It wasn¡¯t just my skin that was cold. It felt like my very existence was being swallowed. "Chen, let go!" Eve¡¯s voice rang with urgency. I tried. I couldn¡¯t. The cold raced across my body, moving faster than thought. Ice formed on my skin, but it wasn¡¯t normal ice¡ªit was colorless, transparent, like reality itself was breaking. The world around me dimmed¡ªnot into darkness, but into nothing. No sound. No warmth. Just void. My chest tightened. Breathing became impossible. And then¡ª Silence. Not quiet. Absence. The pain was gone. The cold was gone. Everything was gone. Somewhere far away, I felt Eve struggling. She was pulling at the energy, trying to contain it. But something else had already taken hold. A shift. Deep inside me, something stirred. A presence that wasn¡¯t a presence. A hunger that wasn¡¯t hunger. A black hole in my core, spinning, devouring, erasing. It didn¡¯t take. It erased. Unmade. For a moment, I wasn¡¯t sure if I was even here. Then¡ªeverything snapped back. I gasped awake, my back hitting the cave floor. Sweat drenched my skin. My breath came in ragged gulps. The flower was gone. No remains. No trace. Eve¡¯s voice was quiet. Almost shaken. "Chen¡­ what was that?" I swallowed hard. I didn¡¯t know. But I felt it. Something had changed. And I wasn¡¯t sure if it was something I could ever undo. Chapter 6: Lacking I felt the swirling ball in my stomach¡ªan unfamiliar sensation that sent a shiver through me. I wasn¡¯t sure how to explain it to Eve. "I don''t know what that was, but I feel like I would''ve died without it." The void inside me slowly shrank to a single, almost imperceptible point. I could still feel it there¡ªwaiting, lurking, ready to devour. That was the best way I could describe it. Looking around, I realized I had dropped the fish. I picked them up and resumed my trek back to the cave. My mind buzzed with questions about this strange development, but did I even know enough to understand what had just happened? No point in overthinking¡ªthat''s what Eve was for. "So, what happened, Eve?" I asked. "I thought it had something to do with you, but since you''re asking me, I guess you don¡¯t have a clue either." Eve responded, "No, I can''t say that I do. Right now, I can sense that something is inside your stomach¡­ or rather, I can sense what¡¯s missing. It feels like a small void." Back at the cave, I started cooking the fish. Once the fire was going, I turned my attention to sword practice. The first thing I noticed was the weight¡ªit felt lighter. I pushed the thought aside for now, but there was something else. The sword no longer felt like an object in my hand; it was an extension of myself. I swung the black blade again and again, faster and faster, until it became nothing more than a passing shadow. Switching arms, I continued, determined to master its movement. "Eve, I need to surpass my brother. What do you think my punch strength is now?" "You just reached the first level of body cultivation," Eve explained. "The amount of energy the Cold Snap Flower contained was much higher than I could process. However, I was able to condense enough spirit energy for you to break through. I even started you on the Muscle stage. You could have continued breaking through, but that would have been bad for your foundation. You need to adjust to your new strength before leveling up again. This is why it takes others a while to break through¡ªto stabilize their cultivation. "I do have good news for you, though. Since you''re a body cultivator, reaching the first level gave you a 200-pound increase in strength. So your punch is about 250 pounds now. Your brother is at the third level¡ªhe''s younger but stronger, with a punching power of about 335 to 350 pounds. After your next level, your strength will rise by another 200 pounds. That will make you stronger than him if he doesn¡¯t break through again. "But strength alone isn¡¯t enough. You need to train. Right now, your fighting technique is minimal at best." I wanted to argue, but I knew Eve was right. I kept treating this world as if I were still Michael. But I was Michael and I am Chen. If I wanted to survive, I needed to work hard. "Eve, do you have a training plan or something to give me direction?" Now that I had refined my blood¡ªwell, Eve did all the work¡ªthe real advantage she gave me was guidance. The thing I needed most was combat experience. I had to go deeper into the mountains and fight. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. I didn''t hesitate anymore. After gathering the few belongings I had in the cave, I set off at a faster pace than expected. This cultivation thing had its advantages. This is what I wanted in my old life. I had been so caught up in training that I hadn''t let myself think. I started slowing down when I noticed how quiet the forest had become. The damp earth beneath my feet carried a rich scent, more noticeable with my enhanced senses. I could see insects along the path¡ªthe first one I noticed was a green caterpillar. Even with my improved eyesight, I wouldn¡¯t have spotted it if I hadn¡¯t stopped to listen to a bird calling in the distance. The caterpillar clung to the underside of a leaf, its vivid green blending into the surroundings. That made me wonder¡ªhow many insects hide in the daytime because of birds? I was lost in thought when I heard a familiar grunting sound. A boar. It was about 150 yards ahead, oblivious to my presence. Slowing my steps, I crept behind it, staying out of sight. A breeze rustled the leaves, covering my approach. Now was my chance. I sprang forward at full speed. My heart pounded in my chest with excitement as my blade slid free of its sheath, revealing the gleaming black edge. The boar must have heard me at the last second because it turned just as I reached it, exposing its side. My blade struck, sinking deep into its flesh up to the hilt. The beast let out a furious squeal, wheeling around to face me. I didn¡¯t have time to think¡ªmy body reacted on instinct. Gripping the hilt tightly, I sprang backward with all my strength. Too much strength. I shot back fifteen feet¡ªan impressive feat, except for one thing. There was a tree behind me. I slammed into it, back first, then smacked my head against the rough bark. Stars exploded in my vision. As I pushed off the tree, I realized I had also let go of my sword. The ground shook beneath me. The boar was charging. I turned my head¡ªtoo late. The beast was nearly on top of me. I rolled, barely avoiding the goring tusks. BOOM. The boar slammed into the tree. I scrambled toward my fallen sword, gripping it just as I spun back to face my attacker¡ªonly to see the beast slump over, releasing its final breath. What the hell? That was when I noticed the thick trail of blood. I must have hit a vital spot with my first strike. I wiped the sweat from my forehead. Now that I had survived, I had more food to get stronger. But my fighting was horrible. In the clan, they normally didn¡¯t teach combat until a child reached the first level of cultivation. Now that I had reached that level, I could return for proper training. I butchered the boar and started a fire. I didn¡¯t care if it attracted other animals¡ªmore fights meant more training. The smell of roasting meat filled the air, making my stomach growl. It took an hour before I could eat. Over the last few days, I had found a few herbs in the woods that worked well as seasoning. The fat sizzled, releasing an intoxicating aroma. I tore a chunk of meat from the leg, savoring the taste. I wanted to rest afterward, but¡ª "Chen, do you want to waste the best time to train?" I shook my head. "What good is strength if I don¡¯t know how to apply it? I got lucky again in that fight." Eve didn¡¯t reply, but I could feel her agreement. I needed to improve. I remembered a book I had read on Earth about how timing was one of the most crucial aspects of combat. A friend of mine once trained by placing twelve poles in a circle, each representing an hour on a clock. When I asked him why, he told me it was for balance. At the time, I hadn¡¯t understood what he meant. Now, it made sense. It trained a fighter to shift their footing toward the most stable position. I found a tree near the fire and cut it down with a single swipe of my sword. The blade let out a sharp ping as it sliced through the wood effortlessly. By nightfall, I had carved the tree into small poles and arranged them in a clock formation in the soil. At first, shifting my stance felt awkward. But as I moved, I began to feel the rhythm¡ªthe way my body adjusted, the way my balance shifted naturally. To my surprise, I was moving much faster than I expected. That night, I danced under the stars, losing myself in the movement.