[DING! Random Mission Triggered!
The host must run 100 laps around Sacred Soul Village within one week. Reward: Random!]
Suifeng froze at the voice echoing in his mind.
Already a mission? That was fast!
But 100 laps around the entire village in a week? That's borderline torture!
He glanced at the countdown timer now ticking away in his head.
Seriously? I had to run back to school, and now I'm in a fantasy world and I STILL have to run?!
In school I only had to do three laps around the field—now it's 100 laps around a whole village?!
What is this, "more pain, same price"?!
No way out—when the system gives a mission, you do the mission.
Run it is. But… that random reward though…
If only it told him what the reward was, at least he could prepare for it. But no—random!
That itch of curiosity was killing him.
It's like watching a beautiful actress in a risqué performance—not out of lewd intent, but to admire the artistry of her... craft.
Those subtle, tantalizing performances, the kind that hints without showing—that's what truly drives people crazy.
Kids only like the shows where the performer strips down instantly.
But how do you even know what kind of culture she represents if she's not even wearing clothes?!
Suifeng clenched his teeth.
"Fine! For the reward—I'll run!"
Starting from the east entrance of the village, he began jogging at a slow, steady pace. No sprinting—form had to be correct, and breathing had to be controlled. Otherwise, he'd burn out too fast.
After who knew how long, Suifeng's delicate little face had turned a deep red.
Sweat as big as soybeans rolled from his temples, down his well-defined brows, and onto his long, fluttering lashes—like a fried fish jumping into his bright, watery eyes.
"Stings… it burns…"
That was his first reaction. He squinted to stop more sweat from getting in.
Sigh… even big eyes are a problem, Suifeng lamented.
He gritted his teeth and kept going for another half minute.
His speed began to drop. He could feel himself reaching his limit.
Heavy gasps escaped his lips—anyone watching would worry he might pass out at any moment.
His heart pounded like a drum, threatening to burst from his chest.
Though small and slim, his frame was already showing signs of becoming tall and refined. But now it was slightly hunched as if he couldn't stand straight.
His legs had gone numb.
Each step was a mechanical shuffle forward like he might collapse at any moment.
One step… two steps… one step, two steps… like the claws of a demon, slow and haunting…
Why was he even doing this?
He had a system! Shouldn't he be soaring to greatness already?
The first day with the system and they had him running?!
What kind of sick joke is this?!
He was embarrassing transmigrators everywhere.
Others were punching ten-thousand-year soul beasts by age six, and here he was, collapsing after half an hour of jogging?
Hold on just a bit longer. Just one more minute…
And then another minute… maybe the next one brings a miracle?
After all, don't novels often say that pushing past your limits—powered by sheer will—can unlock breakthroughs?
He had already encountered the impossible by transmigrating.
He had a scientifically impossible system. So why couldn't he be extraordinary too?
Minute after minute passed.
And just as if the heavens heard his silent determination—something changed.
The wind in front of him no longer resisted his body.
Running against it felt natural, like a fish returning to water.
The breeze seemed to lift him, giving his steps wings.
His legs slowly regained feeling, and the Ethereal Steps etched in his mind began to move with fluidity.
Unconsciously, his feet began to mirror the movements of the figure in his mind.
Again. And again. Mimicking. Repeating.
Soon, the phantom in his mind and his real body began to synchronize—until the two became one.
At that moment, Suifeng felt euphoric—even happier than getting laid in his past life.
So this is cultivation? I love this feeling!
Yes—Suifeng had fallen in love with the joy of getting stronger.
Because it meant he had hope.
He forgot everything—no more thoughts of breathing techniques or pacing strategies from his past life.
He raised his arms to embrace the wind, flowing freely.
He ran not just for the mission—he ran for freedom.
And just like the wind, he would go wherever he pleased.
Truly, Wind Affinity and Ethereal Steps were a perfect match!
To an outsider, this seemingly delicate and fragile child now ran faster than many grown men at full sprint.
What's more—his steps were elegant, almost supernatural. With barely a tap of the toes, he moved like a feather in the wind.
One lap… two laps… three laps…
By the time he hit lap ten, the sky had already begun to darken.
Suifeng finally emerged from the trance-like state.
A bit dazed, he looked up.
"Huh? Why is it dark? Did I transmigrate again?"
He looked at the setting sun, then down at his still-youthful hands, touching his handsome little face.
"Phew, still me. Good. Just sunset, not another transmigration."
Setting aside his curiosity, he opened the system and checked his status:
Name: Suifeng
Race: Human (Currently Extremely Exhausted)
Martial Soul: Unknown
Soul Power: Unknown
Skills:
Ethereal Steps (Beginner)
Wind Affinity (Beginner)
Weapons: None
Armor: None
Accessories: None
Items: Speed Charm (x3)
Mission: Run 100 laps around Sacred Soul Village in 1 week.
Progress: 10/100
He'd discovered this status screen while playing around earlier.
To his surprise, both skills had now officially reached beginner level—from "unlearned" to mastered!
And the mission was already 10% complete!
Did I master both skills just now in that trance? Maybe I am a genius!
He couldn't help laughing to himself.
Then he noticed—he was soaked in sweat and smelled awful.
"Ugh. Why does my sweat stink when I usually smell so nice?"
But then he thought—
"Even goddesses go to the bathroom. They even pinch off their poop. So what's a little body odor?"
Suddenly, he felt better.
"Time to go home and shower~"
With light, graceful steps, he drifted toward his home.
The joy of becoming stronger… it's amazing. Even if it's just a small step. Even if I'm still far from the true geniuses, as long as I'm moving forward, there's hope. I can catch up—maybe even overtake them—and become the number one on Douluo Continent!
As Suifeng's confident figure faded into the distance, a figure slowly stepped out from behind a large tree.
It was a boy about the same age, with darker skin—sun-kissed and healthy, unlike Suifeng's fair, porcelain-like complexion.
Short black hair. Simple clothes faded from many washes.
Tang San. The fated protagonist.
"Hmm? So he's not ordinary after all. That footwork… it's not inferior to my Ghost Shadow Steps. In terms of agility, he might even be a bit ahead…"
Tang San shook his head and smiled faintly.
"No time to think about this. Gotta get home and cook for Dad."
Everyone has their secrets.
And Tang San… has plenty of his own.