-Tian Cai Continent-
Stretched across the expansive continent, a forest covered a quarter of its vast landscape. Within its enormous borders, all manner of resources could be found, from the most common flora to the rarest of spiritual plants. The forest's diverse ecosystems supported a multitude of species, each flourishing in its unique environment.
This forest had existed even before the dawn of recorded history, having witnessed countless changes and upheavals throughout the ages.
Amidst the gentle hum of insects and the calls of forest animals, a small clearing lay nestled on the outer edge of the forest. For years, this tiny patch of land had remained peaceful and undisturbed, a haven of serenity in a world of constant change. Compared to the rest of the forest, this unassuming spot was a rare haven of tranquility, its peace preserved by a delicate balance of nature.
But today, the long-lasting peace was shattered in the middle of the night. A space silently fractured, creating a small rift in the void. At first, nothing happened until a large orb of light suddenly appeared in front of the hole of emptiness.
Cr-Crack!
The ball of light was crushed into pieces and produce countless specks of star. The glittering dots then flowed in unison, silently drawing a mysterious circle on the ground. Not long after, a whoom echoed as the circle of light finally took form.
Right away, the circle rotated at incredible speed, radiating blazing light that burst with rising intensity in every direction. Within just a few moments, the surrounding trees, bugs, and animals were instantly illuminated by the flashing shine.
A few seconds passed by before gradually dimming down. When the circle finally reverted to its former state, a man dressed in a black robe emerged from the center. With eyes still shut close, his expression was cool and relaxed.
Suddenly, the circle shattered with a clash and scattered its residue into the vicinity like fireworks. When the embers glided through the air, the man finally opened his eyes, revealing dark orbs as black as obsidian. This was Xie Yan, a young man equipped with an attractive face and eyes that could easily draw anyone's attention.
He turned to examine the fractured space that had just begun to recover itself. After a few moments of silence, his mouth spoke quietly, breaking the stillness of the forest.
"So this is the spatial barrier that isolate worlds from each other. Its ability to self-recover is much intriguing," he murmured to himself.
With a sense of purpose, Xie Yan walked towards the crack in the void. As he approached, the fractured space continued to repair itself, sealing up the hole until there was no trace of it left.
He paused, studying the newly restored space before stopping and calling out something in his mind.
'System'
All of a sudden, a ding echoed from within his mind and a mechanical voice followed right after.
[Yes, Host?]
'You said it yourself. That once I become your Host, returning to Earth is possible'
[That is correct!]
'And if I remember correctly, I needed to gather points?'
[Yes! Although it still depends on your capabilities. It is estimated that 15.000 Achievement Points is needed to return back to Earth!]
Xie Yan nodded in return.
Achievement Points served as a versatile currency within the System, granting access to a range of useful abilities. These abilities included healing injuries, analyzing formations, restoring Qi, and accessing exclusive information. In essence, the points were used to rent a part of the System's abilities and use them at your disposal.
Naturally, there were limitations to its range of uses. But that will be discussed at a later time.
Xie Yan surveyed his surroundings, perhaps a little overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment.
The trees and plants around him were unlike anything he had ever seen on Earth. Their leaves were a vibrant shade of green, but their branches and trunks twisted and contorted in ways that seemed almost otherworldly. Above him, creatures with feathers of brilliant hues flitted through the air, their calls filling the night forest with a symphony of eerie ambience.
Xie Yan's attention snapped back to the entity in his mind. "So, where exactly am I?" he asked, this time voicing it out from his mouth.
DING!
[Currently downloading the information on the world of Tian Cai 80%... 90%... completed!]
[The Map Function has been updated!]
With the Map Function now available to him, Xie Yan scanned the screen before him. It displayed a basic geography of the world, highlighting key landmarks and regions. As he examined it, the System's voice rang out in his mind.
[Host, it is recommended to find shelter as quickly as possible. According to the map, there is a cave close to a small lake nearby.]
Grateful for the System's guidance, he set off in the direction indicated by the map, his eyes darting around him as he navigated the unfamiliar terrain.
Along the way, the System provided Xie Yan with a brief introduction to the world of Tian Cai. He learned that the continent was mostly divided into two empires: the demon empire in the west and the human empire in the east.
'And in which side am I currently on?'
[Right now, Host is at the south of Tian Fu forest, the line dividing the territories!]
Xie Yan furrowed his brows. A glimpse of unease could be seen within his eyes.
'...What's their relationship?' he asked the System, hoping for some clarification.
The thought of being stuck at the border between two warring empires was certainly not a pleasant thing. With constant battles raging on either side, his safety would always be at risk. Moreover, explaining his origins would be a challenge, and he might even be accused of being a spy.
[Don't worry Host! They have a friendly relationship!]
Xie Yan let out a sigh of relief.
[For now!]
"….."
Soon enough, he spotted the entrance to the cave. It was obscured by the plants, but for his first shelter, it was excellent.
Stepping inside, he felt the cool air brush against his face. The cave was pitch black, but he could hear the sound of dripping water echoing in the quiet space. Following the sound, he made his way over to it, his footsteps splashing in the small puddle that had formed beneath the droplet.
As he reached the source of the sound, Xie Yan peered at the water's still surface, wondering if it was safe to drink. He didn't dare to take any chances without boiling the water first, but he also didn't have a container to do so.
'I remember there's a small lake a few minutes from here, so I'm not in a hu–…'
Xie Yan stopped in his thought. He had just remembered something. If he wasn't wrong, the System had a Function that was similar to a skill called Inspection or Third Eye in gaming terms.
But what was the name again?
"…..Privilege?"
A few seconds passed by, but the expected screen of information did not show up. Xie Yan almost thought that he had called the name wrong, but before he started to spew out a bunch of gaming terms, the System responded first.
[Host, Privilege Function is a passive Function. You do no need to call the name to activate it. Simply ask a question and you will get the information]
'Aah… alright. Then is this water safe to drink?'
[No!]
Xie Yan blinked his eyes in disbelief.
T-that's it? Where's the very-complete-documented analysis of the cave water? Why did he only get a one-word respond?
Xie Yan thought for a moment.
'…Give me the content information of the cave water.'
DING!
[Cave Water
Description: It contain high level of minerals, particularly sulfur, iron and manganese. Additionally, it has long been contaminated by rodent feces.]
Once again, he pondered even longer this time, trying to understand the description for the Privilege Function that he had read previously.
'Hmm… System, what is your origin story?'
[You do not have enough Privilege!]
'What's the history of this forest?'
[You do not have enough Privilege!]
'Do you know who is the first cultivator?'
[Please be more specific. Are you talking about the 'very' first cultivator?]
'No, just in this world'
[You do not have enough Privilege!]
'Is there any rodents in my vicinity'
[There are 4 rodents within 30 meters radius!]
'How about within 100 km?'
[You do not have enough Privilege!]
Xie Yan nodded to himself. He seems to get the gist of this Function. Unlike the ones in the game, Privilege was something akin to his right of accessing information.
Before this, the System had downloaded the information of the world. And naturally, there were informations more valuable than others. And the Privilege Function determines his right to access those informations. If he had a low Privilege, then either the information will be outright omitted, or be denied access to it.
And since this was a passive Function, you could say that even his normal conversation with the System falls under it.
Xie Yan stood up and continued surveying the cave. He quickly realized that it wasn't very large, at most about the size of a single-room apartment. Meaning, that he won't have to worry of any creatures aiming at his back.
Shelter, water, and food. The three most basic necessities for any survival scenario. and all of them were more or less taken care of.
For water, there's a lake nearby, and even if it wasn't safe to drink he could use the fruits in the forest as a temporary replacement. And in the worse-case scenario, he could head towards the nearest city, but it would take him 2-3 days to get there.
However, there are 2 glaring problem with the city.
'System, is there a need for identification to enter the city? And how about the language of this world?'
[It depends on the city, but for the closest city, you will need about 2 low-spirit stone to enter if you do not have any identification! As for the language, don't worry, Host. The System has already taken care of it. Please check your inventory!]
As Xie Yan focused on his thoughts, a small window materialized before him, displaying the System's inventory. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the sight of it. It was empty, except for two books.
He reached out and clicked on both of the books, revealing its contents.
[Book of Language Comprehension
Description: Mastery over all the known language used in the current world
Would you like to memorize it?
Note: There will be a side effect!]
[The Book of Basic Cultivation
Description: Basic explanation of cultivation and anything that is related! It also contains a set of practices for body training, Qi training, and soul training!
Would you like to memorize it?
Note: It is recommended to do the set of practices even on the Mastery Stage!]
As Xie Yan finished reading both descriptions, he fell into deep thought. It was as if he had just realized something important. Yes, focusing on his survival was crucial, but he couldn't forget that his main goal was to find a way back to Earth.
'System, does cultivating helped me gather Achievement Points?'
[There are many ways to gather it, and higher cultivation will indeed increase your opportunities for it!]
Xie Yan slapped his cheeks using both hands, shaking himself out of his thoughts and reminding himself of his ultimate goal. He had become the System's Host for one reason and one reason only: to return to Earth.
As Xie Yan refocused, a sudden memory appeared before his vision. It was a glimpse of his life before he had arrived in this world.
He found himself transported back to his childhood. He saw himself as a young boy, locked away in his room, isolating himself from the world following the tragic loss of his parents. That was until a persistent boy of his age appeared in his life, trying to break through the cage he had built around himself. Despite Xie Yan's hostility, the boy refused to give up and continued to push his way in. Soon after, a girl joined in, and the two of them worked together to chip away at Xie Yan's self-imposed isolation.
As he watched the memory play out before him, he couldn't help but smiled bitterly, oh just how much of a problem child he was.
The memory shifted again, and he saw himself and his two friends growing up together, going through the ups and downs of adolescence. They were inseparable, always there for each other no matter what. But then, tragedy struck. He died an untimely death, leaving his friends behind.
Just like how his parent left him alone. Truly ironic.
Xie Yan felt a lump form in his throat as he watched the memory play out.
With the second chance given to him by the System, Xie Yan's only purpose was to return to Earth. It was his sole reason for becoming the Host - to have the opportunity to see his friends once again, even if only for a fleeting moment. He was determined to make the most of this chance and do whatever it takes to accomplish his goal. The memory of his past had ignited a spark within him, a burning desire to see his friends again and make things right. With renewed determination, Xie Yan set his sights on his ultimate objective.