Morning sunlight pierced through the forest canopy, painting golden streaks across the forest floor. I sat cross-legged on a flat rock, focusing on the slow, steady rhythm of my breathing. The Flowing Shadow Fist technique resonated within me, a part of my very being now.
A flicker of the pendant at my chest drew my attention. The faint glow reminded me of my father's final gift—and my sister waiting for me in a world so far away.
"System," I called, "show me my current status."
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ STATUS PANEL ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Host: Xiao Feng ║
║ Cultivation Level: Body Refining Tier 2 ║
║ Talent: Slightly Above Normal ║
║ Skills: ║
║ • Flowing Shadow Fist (Mastered) ║
║ System Abilities: Devouring Ability ║
║ Inventory: ║
║ • Starter Qi Pills x9 ║
║ • System Guidebook ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
Tier 2. My progress was slow but steady, and the devouring ability gave me a path forward even when my own talent was limited. I clenched my fists, determined to grow stronger—no matter the cost.
"System," I said, curiosity piqued, "tell me more about this world. What is Azure Dragon World?"
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM RESPONSE ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Azure Dragon World is a vast realm ║
║ filled with countless continents, seas, ║
║ and hidden realms. ║
║ ║
║ Notable Regions: ║
║ • Central Continent: Prosperous, home ║
║ to the Azure Dragon Sect and major ║
║ clans. ║
║ • Southern Wilderness: Dense forests ║
║ and jungles teeming with demonic ║
║ beasts. ║
║ • Eastern Seas: Archipelagos ruled by ║
║ pirate sects and sea clans. ║
║ • Western Barrens: Deserts, ruins, and ║
║ ancient treasures. ║
║ ║
║ Cultivation System: ║
║ • Seven Major Realms, each with nine ║
║ small tiers. ║
║ • Higher Realms grant power to tear ║
║ space, travel worlds, and control ║
║ time. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
My mind spun with possibilities. Azure Dragon Sect. Pirate sects. Ancient ruins. My heart raced at the thought of exploring such a world.
"System," I continued, "is there any known sect or clan that might take me in?"
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM RESPONSE ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Nearby sects: ║
║ • Cloud Mist Sect: A small sect on the ║
║ outskirts of Shadow Moon Ravine. ║
║ Known for their agility techniques ║
║ and moderate strength. ║
║ • Jade Lotus Temple: A neutral sect ║
║ that welcomes cultivators seeking ║
║ healing and alchemy arts. ║
║ ║
║ Recommendation: Seek Cloud Mist Sect ║
║ to learn foundational cultivation arts. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
Cloud Mist Sect… Even a small sect would give me a chance to learn and grow. A place to build strength—one step at a time.
A sudden roar echoed from deeper in the forest. Leaves trembled, and birds scattered in panic. I turned, eyes narrowing, as a massive shape emerged from the shadows—a demonic beast with crimson eyes and scales as black as night.
"Another one," I whispered. My hands trembled, but I clenched them into fists. I wouldn't falter.
"System, analyze it!" I commanded.
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ BEAST ANALYSIS ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Species: Black-Scaled Lizard ║
║ Rank: Body Refining Tier 3 ║
║ Abilities: Corrosive Bite, Tail Sweep ║
║ Weakness: Exposed underbelly ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
A Tier 3 beast—stronger than the last one I faced. Fear prickled at my spine, but I pressed forward. Strength determined fate in this world. I had to fight.
"Devouring Ability—activate!" I roared.
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ DEVOURING ACTIVATED ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Black-Scaled Lizard essence absorbed. ║
║ Cultivation Progress: +25% ║
║ Talent Enhanced: Above Average → Good ║
║ Combat Experience: Improved ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
A rush of energy filled my body. My veins burned with power. I staggered, gasping for breath, but a triumphant smile crossed my face.
"System," I whispered, voice steady now. "Guide me. Show me the path forward in this world."
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM PANEL ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ New Mission: ║
║ • Join a Sect or Clan ║
║ • Learn a Cultivation Technique ║
║ • Reach Body Refining Tier 3 ║
║ ║
║ Rewards: ║
║ • Spirit Stones ║
║ • Basic Movement Technique ║
║ • System Upgrade ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
A sect. A place to grow. A place to stand tall. My journey had just begun in Azure Dragon World—a world where only the strong survive.
I would become one of them. For my sister. For my father's legacy. For myself.
And one day, I would soar beyond the Azure Dragon World itself.
---
🌌 End of Chapter 4