Chapter 1: Crossing Over and Devouring the Starry Sky
Lanting Universe, Eternal Star Region, Bibo Star.
"Master Hugo, come and take a look. This batch of goods is extremely rare—never seen before in the universe."
"They're from the Thunder Source Clan, a newly discovered life planet. They've never had contact with cosmic civilization. With just a scrap of inheritance from outer space, many have reached planetary-level strength. One even broke through to the star level on his own. Their bloodline and talent are exceptional. With a bit of training, they could become your most capable subordinates."
"And their race is naturally resistant to lightning. Since your territory is rich in thunder crystal mines, aren't they the perfect tools to help you mine?"
A horned slave trader enthusiastically pitched his goods to a youthful boy with a chubby face and dressed in purple-red armor.
The boy nodded repeatedly. He seemed pleased.
"Name your price. If it's reasonable, I'll take them all."
"Haha, Master Hugo, don't worry. I'll give you the best deal."
Soon after, a silver-gray spaceship filled with Thunder Source Clan slaves departed from Bibo Star, heading deep into space. With just a few words from the powerful, the fate of hundreds was sealed. In the vast universe, survival follows a cruel law: the strong rule, and the weak become property.
In the dim alloy cabin, Qi Yuan's consciousness began to stir. A flood of unfamiliar memories surged into his mind, leaving him dazed. Gradually, he regained his clarity.
"Thunder Source Star Warrior... Star level... Damn, I've transmigrated! And to a dangerous world like Devouring the Starry Sky!"
He felt overwhelmed. He had read many time-travel novels, but never imagined it would happen to him.
But he forced himself to calm down. His current situation wasn't good. Around him, hundreds of figures in tattered armor sat in silence. Their expressions were hopeless and hollow, creating a suffocating atmosphere.
Qi Yuan, too, was among them. But his presence stood out—his aura was stronger.
"Cosmic slave... This is the beginning of rock bottom. Just my luck."
After fusing with the original Qi Yuan's memories, he understood the situation. These people were from Leiyuan Star, a primitive planet unconnected to cosmic civilization. Similar to Earth before Luo Feng's rise, their people had better cultivation potential. Many reached the apprentice level in adulthood, with some achieving planetary level thanks to mysterious ruins.
Qi Yuan, the most talented in Leiyuan Star's history, had reached the stellar level—a feat no one had ever achieved there. The people had hoped to explore the stars under his leadership.
But before their expedition could begin, a slave ship carrying star-level warriors arrived. Leiyuan Star fell quickly. Qi Yuan and the strongest warriors were implanted with biochips and sold as slaves. Tens of billions of others were enslaved.
Qi Yuan, gravely wounded during the invasion, died full of anger and sorrow. That was when the new Qi Yuan took over.
Feeling the remnants of the original's hatred, Qi Yuan's eyes turned cold.
"Since I've taken over your body, your people are my people. Your home is my home. One day, I will reclaim Leiyuan Star and make the slave traders pay."
But his cold expression faded.
"That's a noble goal, but first—I have to survive in this world. Especially as a slave."
In the Devouring the Stars universe, slaves are implanted with biochips that suppress thought and behavior. Any attempt at rebellion leads to instant death. Only by reaching the Domain Lord level could one override the chip.
Even then, those with potential were typically enslaved by soul control or sold to those capable of handling such power. Escape was nearly impossible.
Other transmigrators might have lost their parents or struggled with talent, but they were still free. With luck and effort, they had hope.
Qi Yuan? Sold as a slave. Life and death under someone else's control. He couldn't even find a thigh to cling to.
"In my past life, I worked myself to the bone for capitalists. Now I'm a literal slave. Is this my fate?"
Just then, a mysterious energy surged through his mind.
[Host binding successful. Apprentice Return System activated.]
[System Use: Imparting cultivation experience or gifting items to disciples yields multiple returns. Base multiplier ranges from 1 to 100, depending on disciple's aptitude.]
[Critical returns can occur if the gift deeply impacts the disciple.]
[Items returned by the system cannot trigger the system again.]
[System can be triggered once per month.]
[Warning: Host's consciousness was detected under external interference. Suppression has been neutralized.]
Qi Yuan was stunned. Then elated.
"Zongzi goes with sweet, brains go with spice, time-travelers go with plug-ins! Hahaha! I'm saved!"
He kept a calm expression, careful not to alert others. In a universe of advanced martial and tech surveillance, subtlety was key.
He closed his eyes, feigning meditation while exploring the system.
There was no physical interface—only a mental panel. It was currently empty, as he had no disciples.
He recalled the system's mention of shielding him from external interference. Could it mean... the biochip?
He probed his mind—and found that the oppressive presence of the chip was gone. His master could no longer control him.
He could remove the chip now, but doing so would alert the ship. He wasn't strong enough to escape.
"The system's protection is enough for now. I'll bide my time."
New author here—greetings to all readers!
Please consider bookmarking and sharing. I welcome corrections and suggestions in the comments. I'll try not to poison you—though if you get poisoned, maybe your tolerance is just too low!