The sky here never stays the same.
Morning feels like dusk, and dusk bleeds into an endless twilight.
Days have passed—or maybe just hours. It's hard to tell when even the moon refuses to leave.
I've been trying to control this so-called "Qi Seed." The system keeps showing me the same line every time I meditate:
---
[System Update]
> Qi Synchronization: 47%
Body Compatibility: Incomplete
---
Incomplete. Just like everything else about me.
The air around this forest hums with life. Every leaf has its own pulse, and every rock carries traces of energy. I tried absorbing it, but the system warned me once:
> "Excessive absorption may lead to deviation."
I don't even know what that means, but the last time I ignored a system warning, my heart nearly exploded.
I sit under a bamboo tree, breathing slowly. Each breath draws in threads of glowing mist, weaving into my core. It feels like fire mixed with ice, crawling through my veins.
Then—
A voice.
> "Outsider."
I open my eyes instantly. The forest that had been silent for days suddenly feels crowded.
From between the bamboo stalks, a figure steps forward. Long silver hair, robe tattered, eyes glowing faintly blue. He looks… ancient.
But not human.
> "Your scent doesn't belong here," he says quietly. "Who sent you? The Heavenly Pavilion? The Demon Sect?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," I reply, standing up. "The system brought me here. That's all."
The man frowns.
> "System?"
He mutters something under his breath, then waves his hand. The air ripples—symbols form, glowing red.
A formation.
> "Then you are not supposed to exist."
The ground splits open. Energy swirls, and I can feel my Qi reacting violently. My shadow flickers again, almost acting on its own, forming tendrils of darkness around me.
[System Alert]
> Host Threat Detected.
Temporary Combat Protocol Unlocked.
"About damn time."
The old man moves first. His palm shoots forward, a gust of blue flame tearing through the air. I counter by channeling Qi instinctively into my arm—the bamboo trees around us shatter as two forces collide.
The impact throws me back several meters. My shoulder burns, but the shadow behind me shifts—splitting into multiple figures for a brief second.
For that moment, I saw them—
My past selves.
All moving in perfect unison.
> "Interesting," the old man says, narrowing his eyes. "Shadow Dao… but corrupted."
Dao?
Before I can respond, the system interrupts again—its voice sharper than before.
---
[System Directive]
> Defeat the Unknown Entity.
Objective: Survive the Trial.
Reward: Realm Link — Unlocked.
---
I don't think.
I move.
The shadow tendrils lash out, coiling around his arm. He tries to burn them away with Qi, but my body moves faster this time, like instinct itself had taken control.
I appear behind him—slam my palm against his back—and release everything I've gathered inside my core.
BOOM!
The explosion tears through the forest, scattering bamboo leaves like knives. The old man hits the ground, coughing blood, his spiritual aura flickering.
> "You… are not from this era…" he mutters, before fading into mist.
Silence.
The forest feels heavier now, like the world itself is watching.
[Quest Complete]
> Reward Acquired: Realm Link (Partial).
New Ability Unlocked: Shadow Flow.
---
I look at my hand. The shadow energy feels alive. Like it's breathing with me.
"Realm Link…" I whisper. "So this really isn't a test, huh?"
The system doesn't answer immediately this time. Its glow fades to a dull grey before displaying one last message:
> "Welcome to the Murim of Forgotten Eras."
"Your existence has been noted by higher entities."
"Survive, Selgor Nightreign… if you can."
The wind howls through the forest. The two moons turn blood-red.
And far above the clouds—
Something opens its eyes.