Shen Yue drew a slow, steady breath, his chest rising as he eased himself upright on the creaking wooden bed. The coarse grain of the wood pressed into his palms, grounding him in the moment. His body ached—a dull, persistent throb that pulsed through his limbs, a stark improvement from the searing agony of yesterday. Each movement felt like dragging a heavy stone, yet it was manageable now. His recovery was slow, but undeniable.
Let's try again, he thought, his voice barely a whisper in his mind. He closed his eyes, shutting out the dim, dusty room and the faint scent of stale herbs that clung to the air. His heart thudded with cautious anticipation.
System, open.
A golden interface shimmered into existence before his eyes, vivid and instantaneous, unlike the sluggish response from his earlier attempts. The glowing panel hovered silently, its edges pulsing with a faint, otherworldly light. Shen Yue blinked, his breath catching in his throat. The sight still startled him, no matter how many times he summoned it.
So it wasn't a dream, he murmured, his voice trembling with a mix of awe and disbelief. It's all real.
His gaze swept over the interface, drinking in the details with the hunger of a man starved for answers. The words glowed with clarity, each line a revelation about the body and soul he now inhabited.
Name: Shen Yue
Age: 14
Physique: High-level Iron-Copper Molting Physique
Bloodline: Mid-level Flame Scorpion Bloodline
Cultivation: Uninitiated
Skills: None
Spiritual Root: Low-level Fire Spiritual Root (Mixed) (0%)
Talent: Extraction
Mid-level Sword Talent (0%)
Low-level Archery Talent (0%)
Low-level Spear Talent (0%)
Mid-level Comprehension (0%)
Unique Traits: Clones: 0 (Locked)
Stats:
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 8
Wisdom: 2
Spirit: 0.9
Shen Yue's eyes lingered on each entry, his mind racing to process the implications. These are the talents I extracted on the battlefield, he thought, his fingers tightening into a fist. The memories of that chaotic, blood-soaked plain flickered in his mind—screams, clashing steel, and the strange warmth that had flooded his body when the system awakened. A high-level physique, a rare beast bloodline, elemental affinity, and multiple combat talents… He had started with nothing, a dying boy on the edge of oblivion. Now, he was already strides ahead of ordinary men.
But it's all at zero percent, he noted, his brow furrowing. The numbers were promising, but they were just that—numbers. Potential locked behind his current frailty. His gaze drifted to the "Clones" trait, still marked as locked. A flicker of curiosity stirred in his chest. Why is it locked? he wondered. Is it tied to cultivation? Until I start truly cultivating, I can't access it.
He leaned back against the wall, the wood creaking under his slight weight. System, can you hear me? he asked mentally, his voice sharp in his own mind.
The interface remained silent, its golden glow unwavering. No voice, no response. Shen Yue's lips twitched in a faint, wry smile. So it only speaks during emergencies or system events, he concluded. Fine. I'll figure it out myself.
His eyes returned to the stats, scanning for changes. Wait… His gaze narrowed. My Spirit stat… it was 0.8 before. Now it's 0.9. A small shift, but unmistakable. He focused on the stat, willing the system to explain.
A new message materialized: Due to the host's soul being replaced, there is a minor change in the spirit attribute.
Shen Yue nodded slowly, the pieces clicking into place. My soul… it's not the original Shen Yue's. I came from another world. Maybe my soul is stronger. The thought sent a shiver through him—not of fear, but of possibility. He was no longer just a boy from a backwater village. He was something more, something new.
Curiosity tugged at him, urging him to dig deeper. He focused on the Iron-Copper Molting Physique, and the system responded instantly.
Iron-Copper Molting Physique: A high-grade physique, three times more durable and absorbent than a normal mortal body. Greatly enhances body cultivation speed and toughness.
His heart quickened. Three times more durable, he thought, a spark of excitement igniting in his chest. If I pursue body cultivation, I'll progress faster than most. In a world where strength meant survival, this was a foundation he could build upon—a shield against the cruelties of this unforgiving realm.
Next, he turned to the Flame Scorpion Bloodline.
Flame Scorpion Bloodline: A mid-tier beast bloodline. Provides slight affinity to fire and poison elements. Inherited from the Flame Scorpion clan.
He tilted his head, considering. Not overwhelming, but versatile. Fire and poison… that could open doors to unique techniques. Maybe even resistances. His mind drifted to cultivation manuals. Would this bloodline help me master certain arts faster? He filed the question away for later.
His spiritual root came next.
Low-Level Fire Spiritual Root (Mixed): Slight affinity to fire-based cultivation techniques. Mixed grade reduces maximum potential.
A faint sigh escaped his lips. A mixed root… It's a start, but it'll limit me eventually. Still, it was better than no root at all. In a world where spiritual roots determined one's potential to harness the energies of the heavens, even a low-grade root was a gift.
His gaze shifted to his talents. Mid-level Sword Talent. Low-level Spear and Archery Talents. Mid-level Comprehension. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. These are more than enough to survive… if I play my cards right.
The Mid-level Comprehension intrigued him most. If I start training, I'll pick up skills quickly. With the right manuals, I could outpace others. The thought sent a thrill through him, a quiet promise of power waiting to be claimed.
But for now, these were just possibilities. Numbers on a glowing screen. The real test would come when he put them to use, when he forged this fragile body into something formidable.
A soft knock at the door snapped him out of his thoughts. The sound was light, almost hesitant, yet familiar. His senses sharpened, and he turned his head slowly.
Come in, he said, his voice low but steady, carrying a newfound confidence.
The door creaked open, revealing the same servant girl from the morning. She stepped inside, her movements careful, as if afraid to disturb the stillness of the room. Her plain gray robe swished softly against the floor, and her eyes avoided his, fixed on the tray she carried. It held a meager meal: two hard buns, dry and unyielding, and a thin strip of meat no larger than a finger. The faint scent of stale bread reached him, mingling with the musty air.
She set the tray on the small wooden table beside the bed, her hands steady but her posture tense. Without a word, she turned to leave.
Excuse me, Shen Yue called, his voice calm but firm.
She paused, glancing over her shoulder. Her eyes were wide, cautious, as if unused to being addressed directly. Yes?
This meal… it's not enough. Can I get more food? He kept his tone even, but his eyes locked onto hers, searching for a reaction.
The girl blinked, her gaze flickering over his frail form. He was pale, his frame gaunt from days of recovery, yet there was a sharpness in his eyes—a clarity that didn't match his weakened state. She hesitated, her fingers tightening around the edge of her robe. It's not forbidden… but food is scarce. Extra meals cost contribution points.
As I thought, Shen Yue murmured, his mind already calculating. How many points per extra meal?
One contribution point per portion. That tray is one portion, she replied, her voice soft but clear.
He nodded, his expression unreadable. Two extra meals a day… two points daily. Sixty a month. Manageable, especially with the hundred points the original Shen Yue had saved. I'll take two extra meals per day. Morning and night. Please inform your supervisor.
The girl's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. Contribution points were hard-earned, hoarded for promotions, favors, or coin. Few spent them on something as mundane as food. She studied him for a moment, as if trying to understand the boy before her. Then she gave a respectful nod. I'll pass your request along. For now, please eat. I'll bring your extra portion soon.
As she slipped out, Shen Yue reached for a bun. It was dry, crumbling in his hand, but he ate slowly, methodically. His body needed fuel, no matter how tasteless. His mind, however, was elsewhere—spinning with plans, possibilities, and the weight of a promise.
The memories of the original Shen Yue surfaced unbidden. A boy who had saved every point, refusing to spend a single one, all to exchange them for coin after his military service. All for his mother and sister, waiting in a distant village. That responsibility now rested on Shen Yue's shoulders.
He stared at the ceiling, his fist clenching beneath the table. I'll take care of them, he vowed silently. I promise.
That night, he slept deeply, the weight of his new reality settling into his bones. For the first time since waking in this world, he felt a flicker of peace.
Morning light filtered through the narrow window, casting faint shadows across the room. Another knock stirred him, softer this time. The servant girl entered, her expression neutral but her movements brisk. The supervisor agreed, she said, placing a second tray beside the first. You'll get an extra meal morning and night. You can pay the points later.
Thank you, Shen Yue said, his voice calm but laced with gratitude.
She nodded and left, leaving him alone with his thoughts and the two trays of meager food. He opened the system panel again, a habit forming already. The data hadn't changed, but he didn't expect it to—not yet.
Still, he could feel it. A shift, subtle but undeniable, stirring deep within him. He had entered this world at its lowest point—weak, dying, forgotten. But now, he had a chance. A spark of potential that could ignite into something greater.
I'll rise, he thought, his jaw tightening with resolve. Whatever this world throws at me, I'll rise.