Chapter 7: The Path of Qi and Blood
Lucen woke with a start, breath catching as the chill mountain air filled his lungs. Above, an endless sea of silver clouds swirled like a living entity. A biting wind nipped at his skin, carrying sharp scents of pine and frost.
He pushed himself up slowly, blinking through the haze of confusion. His body was no longer the small, fragile frame of a five-year-old prince. Instead, he saw long limbs, lean muscles—a young man, perhaps sixteen or eighteen years old—though his crimson eyes and inky black hair remained unchanged.
His clothing was different too—black robes adorned with golden dragon patterns that shimmered faintly in the pale light. These were garments of a martial world, where swords ruled and blood spoke louder than words.
Lucen exhaled slowly, testing his balance, feeling the unfamiliar strength in his limbs. "So… can you explain a bit…" he murmured.
A flicker of light shimmered within his mind's eye, and the familiar mechanical voice sounded:
System: This is World $00106, Murim World. Here, you can absorb qi into your lower dantian and practice martial arts. When you kill an individual in this world, they vanish completely—and you gain experience points (EXP).
Lucen fell silent, crimson eyes narrowing thoughtfully. What a ruthless world… keep moving forward, or be left behind.
System: Congratulations, Player, on traveling to a new dimension for the first time. Reward: Level up to Level 2, opening the Ability Store, and granting the Ring of Gluttony.
A small smirk curved Lucen's lips. "Hmph. I know about the Ability Store… but this ring…?"
His gaze shifted to his hand—and there it was: a ring of dark metal inlaid with crimson runes pulsing softly. He summoned the item details.
Ring of Gluttony: Created by the Gluttony King himself. This ring can store anything within it; time does not flow in that space.Use Condition: User must possess demonic blood or have made a pact with a demonic being.
Lucen's expression twitched. "A ring that can store anything… useful. But a pact with a demon? Where in this world am I supposed to find a demon?"
As he pondered, the system chimed again, as if anticipating his thoughts.
System: You have discovered an item with an inherent ability. Would you like to use your unique ability 'Extract' on this item?
Lucen paused, then chuckled softly. "Yes."
System: Congratulations, Player. You have successfully extracted and obtained the ability—Gluttony King Space. Would you like to register it as a unique ability or a normal ability?
Without hesitation, Lucen replied, "Register it as a unique ability."
System: Congratulations. Gluttony King Space has been registered as a unique skill.Skill Details: Can create a separate space and store any object within it.
Lucen's crimson eyes gleamed with excitement. "Yep… this is broken," he whispered. "I can store everything I need… earn EXP, learn martial arts… and become stronger."
He inhaled deeply, mentally cataloging the powers he now held:
Summon (Dimensional Travel)
Extract — Can extract anything (with conditions)
Origin — Can see the true origin of all things
Gluttony King Space
A small grin played at his lips. "Four unique skills… and a whole new world to conquer."
He looked out over the endless mountain ranges as cold wind whipped through his robes. The air tasted of freedom—and lurking danger.
He clenched his fists, the thrill of possibility coursing through his veins. "Alright… let's begin this journey."
With that, Lucen took his first step down the mountain path—into a world of qi and blood, martial arts and ancient secrets. A world waiting for him to carve his place… or be consumed by its shadows.
End of Chapter 7