A handsome middle-aged man is driving his car while listening to music. He is humming to the tone of the song being played while also paying careful attention to the road and to his driving. He is Zhao Chen, and he is currently travelling to the next city for a business trip. It should've been another normal day for him if not for the next series of events that will happen to him. Suddenly, rain started falling heavily. A series of thunder and lightning flashed across the sky, signaling the start of a bad weather. Zhao Chen frowned in displeasure, but nevertheless continued driving. A ten-wheeler truck is driving on the other side of the lane, running at above average speed. Looking at it, Zhao Chen decided to pay careful attention to his driving, just making sure that no accident happens. Unfortunately, Zhao Chen never would've expected that the driver of that ten-wheeler truck is driving under influence of alcohol. The next moment, the ten-wheeler truck swayed and looked as if it is out of control. The next second, the ten-wheeler truck smashed the car that Zhao Chen was driving. A loud crash followed by an explosion sealed the fate of both Zhao Chen and the truck driver, both died in the accident.
*******
Azure World, Sur Continent, Tian Kingdom, Xian City, Zhao Family Manor.
Inside a bedroom of the Zhao Family Manor, a teenager, handsome young man is sitting in the bed, looking in the mirror with a confused expression on his face.
"It seems like I crossed-over."
He muttered under his breath. The last thing he remembered before waking up was that he was driving his car when a ten-wheeler truck smashed through his car. He was pretty much sure he was dead. Now, he is alive in the body of someone also named Zhao Chen, but the world he woke up to is no longer Earth but a fantasy world.
He has the memory of both Zhao Chen, and he is in the process of trying to accept the ridiculousness of the situation.
*knock* *knock*
A knock on the door woke Zhao Chen from his deep thoughts.
"Young Master, its your servant, Xixi. May I enter?" A young female voice sounded from outside the door.
"Yes, you may enter."
The door opened and an average looking girl entered. She was carrying a tray with a few bowls of water. These are for Zhao Chen to wash his face and clean up. It is his usual morning routine. The servant girl, Xixi, placed the tray on the table then spoke to Zhao Chen.
"Young Master, your father asked you to meet him in the study room after you finish your breakfast."
"Okay."
Zhao Chen cleaned up and after doing so, he went out of his bedroom, heading towards the dining hall. Xixi bowed to the direction where Zhao Feng left and then arranged the bed, picked up the tray and went outside as well.
Zhao Chen reached the dining hall and sat down in the dining table. The servants brought his breakfast to the table and so he started eating. Although he is still a bit confused of his situation, he doesn't want anyone else to notice something unusual about him, so he proceeded to act according to his memories of his daily routine. He is also mentally preparing himself for he was about to meet his father right after finishing his breakfast.
According to his memories, he is the only son of his father, Zhao Feng. His mother is said to have left to another country because she originally lived there. Her mother left Zhao Feng and Zhao Chen behind after giving birth to Zhao Chen. Zhao Chen is not fully aware of the details because his father does not want to talk about this topic to him. Also, his father always keeps himself busy with work and rarely talks to Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen finished his breakfast and left the dining hall. The servants will be the ones to take care of the aftermath in the dining table.
Zhao Chen walked steadily towards the study hall until he reached its door. He knocked and then opened the door and entered. He saw his father busy in paperwork. His father is a merchant and owns a few stores in the city. He must be looking at papers related to his business, Zhao Chen guessed. He slowly approached his father and sat on the sofa in front of his father's table.
Zhao Feng noticed that his son has arrived.
"You're here. I have something to ask." Zhao Feng spoke as he looked at his son.
"What is it, Father?" Zhao Chen replied.
"I noticed spiritual energy fluctuations last night around your courtyard. Did something happen to your cultivation?" Zhao Feng inquired.
"Yes, Father. I broke through the tenth level of Mortal Soul Stage." Zhao Chen answered. According to his memories, he indeed broke through to the tenth level of Mortal Soul Stage last night. It's just that after breaking through, something went wrong and the predecessor Zhao Chen passed out. Or rather, passed away. The next morning, Zhao Chen from Earth took over and thus resulting to the current situation.
"It's a good thing that you broke through. Congratulations, son. When would you like to get your first soul ring? I'd arrange for experts to help you look for your soul ring in the Dark Forest." Zhao Feng was genuinely delighted. This is a magical world where people can cultivate themselves to attain magical powers, achieve longevity, or even fight for the opportunity to become immortals or gods. Getting the first soul ring for his son means Zhao Chen will now successfully step into the path of cultivation. Zhao Feng himself is Soul Grandmaster Stage cultivator. This is his foundation and the reason he could become a successful merchant in the Xian City. He has the power to protect himself and his business and therefore thrived.
"Father, I'd like to get my first soul ring as soon as possible." Zhao Chen himself, is eager. In this world, strength means everything. Only by being a powerful being himself can he protect his interests, or even his life. He is willing to do everything to become stronger in this world.
"Okay, time is gold. Why don't you set off this afternoon? I'll contact a Soul Grandmaster to accompany you to Dark Forest. Prepare yourself this morning." Zhao Feng decisively spoke. He is willing to pay so much for a Soul Grandmaster just so his son would have a better shot of getting a Soul ring. He believes it would be a good investment.
"Thank you, Father. I will do my best so that I can help you ease your burdens sooner." Zhao Chen respectfully said.
"Okay, go ahead and do your preparations." Zhao Feng waved his hand, signaling for his son to leave.
"Yes, Father." Zhao Chen tactfully left.
Zhao Feng who was left in the study hall sighed heavily after Zhao Chen left. As much as Zhao Feng wants to personally help his son hunt for a Soul ring, he is tied to his responsibilities as a merchant. He has many things to do that requires for him to personally deal with. He can only resort to hiring someone else to help his son get his soul ring.
The Cultivation System in this continent is a well established power system that has been propagating since pre-historic times by humanity. Using a universal method of cultivating the soul, a human can awaken his martial spirit if he/she has the talent for cultivation. Those who cannot manifest a martial spirit can never set foot in this long established cultivation system. By awakening the martial spirit, a person can then start cultivating. The first level is Mortal Soul Stage, wherein the Martial Spirit absorbs the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to empower the cultivator in ways unique to each Martial Spirit. Zhao Feng's Martial Spirit is a Saber-Toothed Tiger. It improves his strength, speed, physique and combat capability to a considerable extent. Each stage of cultivation has ten levels, and to proceed to the next stage requires a Soul ring. A Soul ring is simply the soul of a Spirit Beast which has just died. To acquire the soul ring, the death of the target Spirit Beast must be personally delivered by the one who wants to absorb the soul ring. Basically, the one who delivered the final hit to a dying Spirit Beast will be the only person qualified to absorb the soul ring.
This is the current target of Zhao Chen, to kill a Spirit Beast with the help of a hired Soul Grandmaster Stage and obtain its soul ring. The stages of cultivation is as follows: Mortal Soul Stage, Soul Apprentice Stage, Soul Master Stage, Soul Grandmaster Stage, and so on, and so forth.
Zhao Chen's Martial Spirit is a Thorny Crawling Vine. Zhao Chen has undergone basic education and has basic understanding of which soul rings would be beneficial for his Martial Spirit.
Zhao Chen is currently back on his bedroom and meditating to adjust his body to its optimal state. He has already ordered his maid to gather the basic supplies and materials he will need for going to the Dark Forest. Suddenly, he heard a voice he wasn't expecting to hear.
[System activating... System Binding...]
[Activation successful!]
[Greetings, Transmigrator! This is the Apex Assistance System. The system objective is to assist the host to reach the apex of existence. Would you like to receive the newbie gift pack?]
"OMG. A system goldfinger! I'm finally ready to take off!" Zhao Chen couldn't help but celebrate joyously. But of course, he didn't forget to reply to the system.
"System, I would like to receive the newbie gift pack." Zhao Chen spoke out loud. Fortunately, there's no one around who heard him speak alone.
[Bestowing gift pack...Would you like to open it right now?]
"Yes."
[Opening gift pack... Congratulations! You receive a new Martial Spirit. You are now a Twin Martial Spirit holder.]
"This..." Zhao Chen was speechless for a moment. The system can actually grant a Martial Spirit for a newbie gift pack. Words cannot describe the excitement and expectations overflowing Zhao Chen's being. He hurriedly checked if he really received a new Martial Spirit. At first, he summoned his Thorny Crawling Vine Martial Spirit. After that, he sensed the existence of another Martial Spirit within him. He decided to summon it and see for himself. The image of a majestic Nine-Headed Hydra appeared above him. It shocked him. What a wonderful newbie gift pack! With this system in hand, Zhao Feng felt like he could finally take off. He tried to calm down his heavy breathing. He recalled back his Martial Spirits to his body. A glint of newfound confidence flashed through his eyes. With just the newbie gift pack, he felt like he is already getting ahead of a lot of people. Not mentioning that his system seems to be more than just that.
"System, what are your functions?" Zhao Feng asked expectantly.
[System scanning host for potential assistance functions...]
[At hosts current level, there are three main functions.]
[Martial Spirit Analysis: The system can analyze the host's Martial Spirit, providing insights to its potential, weaknesses, and possible evolutions.]
[Soul Ring Simulation: The system can simulate the effects of different Soul Rings on the host's abilities, allowing to optimize Soul Ring Combinations.]
[Spirit Beast Database: The system provides detailed information on Spirit Beasts, including their strengths, weaknesses, and other relevant information.]
[The system will develop functions accordingly depending on the situation, or when the host's level increases.]
As Zhao Feng analyzes the system functions, his eyes glow brighter with excitement.
"Splendid! With these functions, I can improve my strength a lot!" Zhao Feng can infer that these system functions would be a big help to him.
"Let's try the first function, Martial Spirit Analysis. I still have several hours before afternoon, I'll take this time to study the system's functions." Zhao Feng said to himself.
"System, use Martial Spirit Analysis to my Thorny Crawling Vine Martial Spirit."
[Ding! Analyzing Martial Spirit: Thorny Crawling Vine...]
A blue light only visible to Zhao Chen's eyes swept over his body. He felt a cooling sensation as the Apex Assistance System processed the data of his original martial spirit. After a few seconds, a virtual screen appeared in his mind.
[Analysis Complete!]
[Martial Spirit: Thorny Crawling Vine]
[Type: Tool Spirit / Plant System]
[Quality: Low-Tier]
[Current Potential: 15/100]
[System Evaluation: A common martial spirit typically used for basic binding. However, it possesses a hidden 'Life-Seizing' trait. With the correct Soul Ring, it can evolve into a 'Blood-Sucking Demon Vine', 'Imperial Thorn King', etc.]
Zhao Chen's eyes widened as he read the evaluation. On the Azure World, most people would consider a Thorny Crawling Vine to be a trash spirit with very limited growth. But the system had actually found an evolutionary path for it!
"So even a common vine has the chance to become a king," Zhao Chen muttered to himself with a smirk.
He then looked at the second martial spirit he had just received from the newbie gift pack—the Nine-Headed Hydra. Even without the system's analysis, he could feel the terrifying oppressive aura it emitted.
"System, use Martial Spirit Analysis on my Nine-Headed Hydra Martial Spirit!"
[Ding! Analyzing Martial Spirit: Nine-Headed Hydra...]
[Quality: God-Tier (Primordial)]
[Current Potential: 99/100]
[System Evaluation: An ancient sovereign of the seas and swamps. Each head represents a different elemental attribute. Currently, only the 'Poison' head is active. Other heads will unlock as the host's cultivation level increases.]
Zhao Chen took a deep breath to stabilize his racing heart. A God-Tier Martial Spirit! In the history of the Tian Kingdom, such a thing was unheard of.
"With this, I am no longer just a merchant's son. I have the foundation to reach the apex."
He decided to test the second function before heading out to the Dark Forest.
"System, use Soul Ring Simulation. If I were to absorb a 400-year-old Poison Ivy Spirit Beast for my Thorny Crawling Vine, what would be the result?"
[Ding! Starting Simulation...] [Simulation Result: Success Rate 95%. Skill Gained: 'Paralytic Thorns.' Effects: Increases vine toughness by 30% and adds a numbing toxin to every prick.]
Zhao Chen nodded in satisfaction. This system was truly a cheat. Most cultivators had to gamble with their lives and future by choosing soul rings based on hearsay or expensive books. He, however, could see the results before even lifting a finger.
Just then, a knock came from the door again.
"Young Master, the preparations are complete. The Soul Grandmaster hired by Master Feng has arrived at the main gate." Xixi's voice came from outside.
Zhao Chen stood up, his eyes flashing with determination. He put on a clean robe and checked his supplies.
"Tell them I'm coming," Zhao Chen replied calmly.
He walked out of his room with a steady pace. His journey to become a legend in this Azure World was about to truly begin.
***
Zhao Chen walked through the courtyard, his mind already calculating the best path for his future cultivation. When he reached the main gate of the Zhao Family Manor, he saw two figures standing beside a carriage.
One was his father, Zhao Feng, who looked at his son with a mixture of pride and concern. Standing beside him was a tall, rugged man wearing light leather armor with a long broadsword strapped to his back. This man exuded a sharp, oppressive aura that identified him as a Soul Grandmaster Stage cultivator.
"Chen'er, this is Captain Yan," Zhao Feng introduced. "He is a veteran Soul Grandmaster whom I have specifically hired to ensure your safety in the Dark Forest."
Zhao Chen stepped forward and performed a polite bow. "Greetings, Captain Yan. I will be in your care."
Captain Yan looked Zhao Chen up and down, his eyes scanning the teenager's physique. "So this is the Young Master of the Zhao family. At the tenth level of Mortal Soul Stage at such an age, your talent is decent."
He let out a gruff laugh, but his eyes remained professional. "Don't worry, Young Master. As long as we stay in the outer perimeter of the Dark Forest, my Saber-Toothed Tiger spirit will keep the pests away."
[Ding! Analyzing target...]
[Name: Yan Kang]
[Cultivation: Soul Grandmaster (Level 24)]
[Martial Spirit: Iron-Claw Bear]
[System Note: The target's martial spirit is physical-strength oriented. High compatibility for frontline tanking.]
Zhao Chen blinked in surprise. The system had automatically provided a database entry for the captain without him even asking. Interestingly, while his father thought the man had a Saber-Toothed Tiger spirit like himself, the system revealed it was actually an Iron-Claw Bear.
"Thank you for the encouragement, Captain," Zhao Chen said, keeping his discovery to himself. "I have my supplies ready. We should set off while the sun is still high."
"Good. I like a kid who understands that time is gold," Captain Yan nodded, echoing Zhao Feng's earlier words.
Zhao Feng patted his son's shoulder one last time. "Remember, Chen'er, the death blow must be yours. Captain Yan will weaken the beast, but you must deliver the final strike to claim the soul ring."
"I understand, Father," Zhao Chen replied firmly.
With a final wave of his hand, Zhao Chen boarded the carriage followed by Captain Yan. As the wheels began to churn against the stone path of Xian City, Zhao Chen closed his eyes and entered a meditative state.
Inside his mind, he looked at the silhouette of the Nine-Headed Hydra. He was eager to see what kind of soul ring this God-Tier spirit would require, and how it would change his life forever.