Chapter 1: Reincarnation + Universal Eyes [Rewritten]
Chen Yu was having a typical Friday night. He lay sprawled on his bed like a king in his lair, surrounded by a graveyard of empty snack bags and soda cans. His phone screen glowed in the dim room as he furiously scrolled through the latest chapters of his favorite cultivation web novel. The cliffhanger was brutal—would the protagonist finally break through the next stage of his cultivation? And more importantly, would the antagonist get the face-smacking he deserved?
"Come on, just one more breakthrough..." Chen Yu muttered, his thumb hovering over the screen.
As he turned the digital page, a sudden, sharp pain stabbed through his chest, causing him to drop his phone. His vision blurred, and panic shot through him like a lightning bolt. "What the hell—!?"
Clutching at his heart, his breath came in ragged gasps. It wasn't like the chest pain from eating too much junk food; this was a thousand times worse, like someone had ripped open his insides and poured lava into his veins. His world spun, and the room—the sanctuary of snacks and novels—began to fade.
"Am I... dying?"
His mind flashed through a whirlwind of images: his messy room, the unopened chips by his side, and the long to-do list at work he had ignored in favor of binge-reading novels. Typical.
Just as quickly as the pain started, everything went dark.
When Chen Yu opened his eyes again, his body felt... cold. Not just regular cold, but bone-chilling cold, like he had been dumped into a freezer overnight. His fingers brushed against rough, damp stone, and the smell of earth and moss filled his nostrils.
"What in the world…" Chen Yu blinked rapidly, trying to adjust his vision to the dim surroundings. The air was heavy, and something dripped faintly in the distance. "This... doesn't look like my room."
He groaned and pushed himself into a sitting position, his muscles protesting. His head throbbed like someone had played a drum solo inside his skull. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he noticed the faint glow of crystals embedded in the walls, casting eerie light across the cave. He was definitely in a cave, not his cozy bed.
"Did I… die? Or am I dreaming?" he muttered, his voice shaky. He patted himself down. Everything felt solid, and the slight chill biting into his skin didn't feel dreamlike at all.
Chen Yu stood up, wobbling like a newborn deer, his body unsteady. His clothes—wait, what the hell was he wearing? The soft, comfy hoodie and pajama pants he'd been lounging in were gone, replaced by a coarse robe. He looked down, frowning at the ancient, martial-arts-style robe that made him feel like an extra in a low-budget kung fu movie.
"Alright," he said to himself, running a hand through his hair. "Either this is the weirdest lucid dream ever, or… I've been reincarnated. Or isekai'd. Great. Just great."
He took a shaky step forward, his feet slipping on the damp ground. The sound of dripping water echoed through the cavern, sending shivers down his spine. It was too quiet—no cars, no faint hum of electricity. Only the sounds of the cave and his own breathing.
Before he could process further, a strange robotic voice rang in his mind, loud and clear.
[System Initialization Complete.]
Chen Yu froze mid-step, his heart skipping a beat. "Wait... what? Who said that?"
He spun around, but there was no one else in the cave.
[Welcome to the Cultivation World of Qi Xuan. You have been chosen as the host for the Heavenly Dice System]
Chen Yu's eyes widened in disbelief. "Heavenly Dice... System?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "Am I... Am I in one of those system novels?"
He blinked a few times, waiting for something to make sense, but nothing did. His mind raced, and despite everything, one thought echoed louder than the rest: This is just like those web novels.
"Hold on a second," Chen Yu started pacing, trying to wrap his head around what was happening. "This can't be real, right? People don't just... get thrown into cultivation worlds. This isn't some kind of twisted VR game, is it?"
But no matter how hard he tried to convince himself otherwise, everything felt real. The cold air, the damp stone, the faint soreness in his limbs—it wasn't the kind of sensation you could just dream up.
Suddenly, the voice spoke again, cutting through his thoughts.
[The Heavenly Dice System allows you to roll a divine dice once every month for a year. The outcome of each roll grants you abilities, skills, or items from different worlds, both fictional and real.]
Chen Yu's jaw dropped. "You've got to be kidding me… A system that lets me roll for powers?" He paused, considering the implications. "This is straight out of a power fantasy! Am I... Am I actually the protagonist now?"
Then it hit him. His heart raced as excitement bubbled up. "Wait... Wait, wait, wait. Are you saying I can get any power from any world? Like, I could roll and get something ridiculous, like Goku's Ultra Instinct or... or the Sharingan?"
[Affirmative. Abilities are ranked from F to EX, with EX being the highest and most rare. Your fate is determined by the roll of the dice.]
Chen Yu felt like he was on the verge of hyperventilating. "So… I could roll something godly, or I could end up with a lame, F-tier skill?" His excitement was immediately tempered by anxiety. "That's like gambling with my life!"
[Correct. The first roll is available now. Would you like to proceed?]
Chen Yu's palms were sweaty, his heart pounding as he weighed his options. He was no stranger to gacha mechanics in games, and this sounded just as nerve-wracking. But what choice did he have? He was in some kind of cultivation world, and if all the novels he'd read were any indication, being weak wasn't an option.
"Alright," he muttered, steeling himself. "Let's do it. Roll the dice!"
A translucent panel appeared in front of him, hovering mid-air like something out of a sci-fi movie. At its center was a glowing six-sided dice, radiating a soft golden light.
Taking a deep breath, Chen Yu focused on the dice. "Here goes nothing."
The dice spun rapidly, faster than Chen Yu's eyes could follow, glowing brighter with each turn. His heart raced as he watched, holding his breath. After what felt like an eternity, the dice began to slow. Chen Yu's pulse pounded in his ears as the dice finally stopped, the number 4 shining brightly on its surface.
[Congratulations! You have obtained the A-rank ability: Universal Eyes from a parallel world.]
Chen Yu blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Universal Eyes? Never heard of that... What exactly is this ability?" His mind flashed back to his knowledge of various eye abilities from fictional worlds, but none of them sounded like Universal Eyes.
Chen Yu scratched his head, piecing it together. "Wait... you mean the Byak-"
[It is recommended for the host to stop speaking.]
". . .Okay," Chen Yu shook his head. "Why is it A-rank here?" Chen Yu asked, confused. "In that world, it was a pretty powerful technique."
The system's voice rang out in its usual neutral tone.
[Explanation: In other world, this ocular ability is revered for its wide-ranging perception and chakra sensitivity. However, in the world of Qi Xuan, where combat often centers around direct elemental manipulation and Qi reinforcement, such perception abilities, while useful, do not provide as much raw combat power. The Universal Eyes is considered A-rank for the following reasons:
Limited Direct Offense: While Universal Eyes offers exceptional vision and spiritual awareness, it does not directly increase offensive capabilities.
Defensive Advantage: The 360-degree awareness and Qi perception provide significant tactical advantages but are more reliant on the user's strategic skills rather than raw power.
Specialized Utility: Universal Eyes excels in recon and evasion, but is less effective in high-tier direct confrontations where physical or elemental prowess is key.]
Chen Yu nodded as the explanation clicked into place. "Ah, I get it. So, it's useful for sensing and dodging, but it won't directly help me throw punches or blow things up with Qi." He grinned wryly. "Guess I can't complain—being able to see everything around me sounds pretty overpowered."
He focused on his new ability, trying to activate the Universal Eyes. Unlike his previous rolls, which granted more physical powers, this felt... different. Instead of brute strength or flashy energy, it was subtle. He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the sensation behind them. Slowly, a strange warmth blossomed within his head, particularly behind his eyes, as if something was awakening within him.
"Alright, focus," he muttered. "Let's see what these Universal Eyes can do."
He opened his eyes, and the world around him suddenly shifted. His vision extended far beyond the immediate clearing, piercing through the trees like they were made of glass. He could see the flow of Qi in the environment, faint trails of energy weaving through the air. He could even feel the presence of distant creatures, their spiritual energy flickering like small flames in the distance.
Chen Yu blinked in awe, his heart racing with excitement. "Whoa… I can actually see through stuff! And I can see Qi too?" He marveled at the level of detail—he could make out the subtle movements of the wind, the energy flowing beneath the earth, and even faint spiritual signatures from the far side of the forest.
But just as he was getting used to this new sense of power, a sudden, sharp pain surged through his head. He cried out, clutching his temples as a blinding ache shot through his skull. His vision swam, and it felt like his eyes were on fire, as if they were being overloaded with information.
[Warning: Your body is undergoing a transformation to adapt to the newly acquired ability. This process is necessary to align your spiritual pathways with Universal Eyes' requirements.]
Chen Yu groaned, the pain intensifying. It wasn't just his eyes—it felt like his entire head was being reshaped, his mind straining to process the new flood of sensory data. He fell to his knees, gasping for breath as his vision flickered in and out of clarity.
The system's voice rang out once more, its tone calm despite Chen Yu's agony.
[Your spiritual pathways are being realigned to accommodate enhanced sensory input. Please allow the process to complete naturally. Attempts to resist will increase the duration of discomfort.]
"Well, that's... great," Chen Yu managed to grunt through gritted teeth. His hands clutched the sides of his head as the transformation continued, each second feeling like his brain was being torn apart and rebuilt. He could feel his spiritual pathways shifting, opening up to handle the influx of Qi perception that the Universal Eyes required.
Sweat poured down his face in torrents, soaking his robe as his skin flushed, burning hot one moment and freezing the next. The sensation was maddening. His bones stretched unnaturally, like they were being pulled apart, and then just as suddenly, they snapped back together with a sickening crack. He could feel his muscles tighten, fibers straining and tearing before knitting themselves back together stronger than before. Every joint popped with an audible snap, and for a fleeting moment, he thought his body might shatter under the pressure.
"Why. . .am. . .I getting a. . .body tempering too?" Chen Yu gasped, his voice hoarse. "This is what those xianxia novels always said... but damn, they didn't say it felt like getting crushed by a truck and then set on fire!"
He clenched his fists, fingernails digging into his palms as he fought to stay conscious. A searing heat burned in his veins, like molten lava replacing his blood. It coursed through his body, igniting every nerve, every cell, until he could feel the very flow of energy within him shifting. His heart pounded in his chest, erratic and desperate, as if it were trying to keep up with the sudden changes.
His mind screamed for relief, for the pain to stop, but there was no reprieve. Instead, there was an odd undercurrent to the agony—an unfamiliar sense of growth, of expansion. His muscles didn't just hurt; they felt like they were being filled with something new, something powerful. His bones ached as they stretched, thickened, and hardened, their structure shifting to accommodate... what exactly? His connection to Qi? He had no idea, but the feeling of being reshaped was undeniable.
His skin tingled, heating up one second as though he were standing under a scorching sun, then cooling just as quickly, like stepping into the shadow of a glacier. His senses were in overdrive, every shift in temperature, every ripple of Qi around him, amplifying the discomfort. Yet, amidst the pain, Chen Yu could feel something deeper—an awakening. It was as if the Qi within the cave, within the world itself, was recognizing him now, swirling around his body and fusing with him on a fundamental level.
Finally, after what felt like hours, the unbearable heat ebbed, and the icy chill that had gripped his bones melted away. The tightness in his muscles relaxed, and the bones that had shifted with such brutality settled into their new positions. He was left panting on the cold cave floor, his chest heaving with exhaustion, but the pain had dulled to a mere throb.
Chen Yu lay there, gasping, feeling the weight of his body pressing into the ground. His limbs were heavy, but in a strange way, they felt... sturdier. There was a new strength in his muscles, a latent power that hadn't been there before. His bones no longer ached, but instead, they felt denser, more resilient.
"Ugh… what... just happened?" he groaned, pressing a hand against his forehead. His skin was slick with sweat, but beneath the exhaustion, he could feel the hum of energy pulsing within him. It wasn't just his eyes —it was like his entire body had undergone a metamorphosis.
He slowly sat up, his head spinning. His fingers trembled as he looked at his hands. They looked the same, but there was something different about them. It wasn't just physical. It was as if his connection to the world around him had changed. He could sense the Qi in the cave, feel the dampness of the earth beneath his fingers, and even the subtle life force emanating from the nearby glowing crystals.
After what felt like an eternity, the pain finally began to subside. His body relaxed, and his breathing slowed as the overwhelming pressure in his head eased. He cautiously opened his eyes again, half-expecting another wave of pain—but instead, his vision sharpened, clearer and more precise than before. The world around him seemed almost... slower, as if his perception had sped up.
Chen Yu took a deep breath, his heart still racing. "Okay... that sucked," he muttered, rubbing his temples.
[Congratulations. The Universal Eyes have successfully integrated with your body. You may now use enhanced perception, Qi detection, and near-360-degree vision at will. Use of this ability will require mental focus and Qi expenditure proportional to the duration of use.]
Chen Yu grinned, his mind already racing with possibilities. "Alright, I've got eyes that can see everything and then some. Let's see how much trouble I can avoid... or cause."
He stood up, his senses now heightened, and took a deep breath, feeling the energy around him. The Universal Eyes weren't just a fancy power—they gave him a whole new way to interact with the world. And in this cultivation realm, that might be just what he needed to survive.
"Let's see how this works," Chen Yu said, taking a deep breath. His eyes tingled slightly, the sensation like a soft current of energy swirling behind them. He could feel the Universal Eyes waiting to be activated, a power now nestled within his consciousness, ready to be unleashed.
The air tasted cleaner, sharper even, and his senses seemed more attuned to the environment. His perception was different now—heightened in ways he hadn't fully grasped yet. Slowly, he focused, willing the power to awaken. As if responding to his intention, the energy behind his eyes flared to life.
His vision expanded instantly.
Chen Yu blinked in surprise. What had once been a dimly lit cave was now laid bare in front of him in crystal-clear detail. The individual cracks and textures of the stone walls came into sharp focus, and faint streams of Qi in the air became visible, twisting and winding like ethereal threads.
"There's so much I couldn't see before," he muttered, marveling at the clarity. It wasn't just vision—it was as if his mind was processing everything faster, seeing the world in a more comprehensive way. He could see through the walls now, the faint silhouettes of creatures deeper within the cave system, some radiating faint energy signatures.
Chen Yu raised his hand and waved it in front of his face, amazed at how smoothly the movement tracked in his enhanced field of vision. "It's almost like time's slowed down..." he whispered, feeling like he had all the time in the world to react.
He took a cautious step forward, eyes darting around, testing how far his sight could extend. It was almost overwhelming. He could see further down the cave, through the rocks, detecting Qi flows in the stone, and even the pulse of underground water sources.
"Let's push this a bit further," he said to himself, trying to focus on a more specific aspect of the ability. With a thought, he honed in on one of the Qi threads flowing through the air. His vision zoomed in automatically, allowing him to see the energy in incredible detail. He could see the ebb and flow of the Qi, almost like watching a river run through the air. He focused on it and traced it back, his eyes following its path deeper into the cave.
Chen Yu laughed in awe, running a hand through his hair. "This is insane! I can see everything around me—and it feels so natural." The Universal Eyes were more than just an upgrade to his vision; they connected him to the world's Qi, showing him the pulse of life and energy that flowed around him.
Curious, he turned his attention to his own body. He focused on his internal flow, and just like that, his Universal Eyes allowed him to see the Qi moving through his own meridians. The energy was vibrant, more vibrant than he expected. He could see the places where the Qi moved smoothly and the spots where it occasionally slowed, giving him a clear view of his internal state.
"I can even see my own energy pathways... This is unreal," he muttered. It wasn't just about perception—it was about understanding the energy around him and within him in a way that no normal eyesight could allow.
Still grinning, Chen Yu stepped back from the cave wall, deactivating the Universal Eyes for a moment. His vision returned to normal, the world duller and less defined than it had been just seconds ago.
"Alright, System," he said, stretching his arms as if preparing for a workout. "What's the best way to start mastering these eyes?"
Chapter 2: Meditation's A Lot Harder Than I Thought
The system chimed in almost immediately, its familiar mechanical voice filling his mind.
[Recommended Course of Action: Begin with meditation to stabilize your spiritual energy flow and practice Qi perception with Universal Eyes. Focusing on detecting Qi flows and subtle shifts in your environment will improve control. It is also advisable to find a cultivation manual or mentor skilled in sensory techniques to guide your progress.]
Chen Yu nodded, already formulating a plan in his mind. "Alright. Step one—master seeing everything without passing out from information overload. Sounds easy enough."
He chuckled to himself as he sat back down, closing his eyes to begin his meditation. The Universal Eyes had opened up an entirely new world to him, but he knew it was only the beginning.
Now that he had power, his mind shifted back to his current situation. "Okay, System, where exactly am I? What is this world of Qi Xuan?"
[The world of Qi Xuan is a vast realm filled with cultivators, mystical beasts, ancient secrets, and powerful clans. You are currently in the Eastern Territories, known for its dense forests, spiritual beasts, and several mid-tier cultivation sects. The goal of many in this world is to reach immortality through cultivation, mastering spiritual energy known as Qi. You have been placed here as part of your reincarnation into this world.]
Chen Yu nodded, taking it all in. "Alright, so it's a typical cultivation world. Immortality, Qi, sects… I can handle this."
He looked down at his new clothes and his surroundings again. "But where exactly am I? Like, am I near a town or a sect or something?"
[You are currently in the Hidden Jade Forest, a place known for its dense vegetation and low-level spiritual beasts. The nearest human settlement is approximately 30 li (around 10 miles) to the east.]
Chen Yu let out a sigh. "Alright, at least I'm not in immediate danger. But I need to find a way to survive and figure out how this world works." He looked at his hands and flexed them, feeling a strange new energy coursing through his veins. "And I guess I should learn how to use my eyes too."
He looked around, noticing the forest seemed to grow darker as the sun began to set. "Alright, time to move. I need to figure out my next steps. And maybe find some food while I'm at it."
As he started walking, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. He was in a completely new world with a system that could give him random powers, and who knew what else awaited him out there.
"Alright, Chen Yu," he muttered to himself. "This is your new life. No more being a lazy bum. Time to roll with the punches and see where this crazy journey takes you."
With that, he set off into the forest, ready to face whatever challenges came his way, confident that he could adapt and survive. After all, he was a modern man with a modern mindset in an ancient world—what could possibly go wrong?
As he walked, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself. "I wonder if they have the internet in this world. Probably not, huh? Guess I'll have to find other ways to entertain myself."
*
"Alright, Chen Yu," he muttered to himself, dragging a hand through his messy hair. "New world, new rules. Time to figure things out... like a sane, rational adult who definitely didn't spend half his life reading web novels and watching anime."
He stood in place for a moment, feeling the cool forest air fill his lungs, a stark contrast to the air-conditioned comfort of his room back on Earth. The sounds of rustling leaves and distant wildlife echoed in his ears, amplifying the unsettling realization that he wasn't dreaming, hallucinating, or trapped in some high-tech VR game.
Nope, this was real.
Chen Yu gave his surroundings a skeptical look. A forest? Seriously? It was like every cultivation novel cliché rolled into one: mysterious system, weird new world, dense forest... The only thing missing was some ancient beast popping out to chase him. He shuddered at the thought.
"Okay, Chen Yu," he said aloud, trying to ground himself. "This is real. Like, really real. And you're not gonna die in some random forest. Not today."
Taking a deep breath, he did his best to clear his mind and channel some inner Zen, but his mind had other plans. "No phone, no snacks, no Wi-Fi... I'm doomed." He shook his head, brushing off the thought. "Get it together, man. This isn't some cozy isekai where everything falls into place. Time to think smart and act smarter."
"First things first," he thought aloud, trying to keep his nerves in check. "Can't just wander around like an NPC waiting to get smacked by a low-level monster. I need to figure out where the hell I am." He glanced up at the sky, hoping the sun would miraculously give him a clue like he'd read about in survival guides.
"So... which way is east? The System mentioned a settlement that way. 30 li... I don't even know how far that is, but hey, walking in one direction is better than standing here waiting to get eaten."
Looking around for a moment, he finally squinted at the sun. "Alright, Sun Tzu, you better be right about this east-west navigation stuff."
He turned what he hoped was east and set off through the forest, his footsteps crunching softly on the damp forest floor. The trees around him seemed ancient, their gnarled roots twisting beneath the earth as if the forest itself had stood since the dawn of time. Birds chirped somewhere high above, but aside from that, the woods were unnervingly quiet. Too quiet.
"Man, I'd kill for some earbuds right now," Chen Yu muttered, trudging through the underbrush. "Or even one of those survival shows where the guy drinks his own pee—at least I'd have some guidance."
After a few more minutes of wandering, Chen Yu paused, wiping the sweat from his brow. "This is hopeless. I can't just keep walking around aimlessly. I've got new powers—why not use them?"
He looked around, his gaze settling on a small clearing up ahead. The sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled patches of light on the ground. It seemed like a good spot to sit down and think things through.
With a groan, Chen Yu plopped down in the middle of the clearing, crossing his legs awkwardly. "Why do all these protagonists always make sitting cross-legged look so easy? It's not."
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to center himself. It was harder than it looked—his mind kept wandering back to the absurdity of his situation. He'd gone from reading cultivation novels in his room to literally living in one. If anyone back on Earth could see him now, they'd probably laugh—or ask him for spoilers about this new world.
"Alright, focus, Chen Yu. You've got the Universal Eyes now," he muttered. "Time to figure out how to use them for something more useful than staring at tree bark."
Chapter 3: So, I Can't Spam My Byaku-I Mean, Universal Eyes?
Chen Yu took another deep breath and activated his Universal Eyes. Immediately, the world around him sharpened into focus—his field of vision expanded, the colors more vivid, and he could see everything in startling clarity. The trees, the leaves, even the faint movement of small animals in the distance. He could feel the flow of Qi in the environment, like invisible rivers of energy streaming through the air.
"Okay," he said, thinking aloud. "I need to find some kind of direction… maybe I can follow the Qi flow. But first… let's see how deep this goes."
Chen Yu focused on his surroundings, turning his enhanced vision toward the forest floor. His eyes traced the flow of Qi, the energy moving through the soil and roots beneath him. He could see the Qi from the earth, rich and dense, like the lifeblood of the forest itself. The trees drank it in, thriving on the elemental power around them.
He stood up, glancing at the trees around him. "Let's see if I can figure out where this energy is strongest," he mused. "If I can follow it, maybe it'll lead me somewhere important—like a village or even a Qi-rich zone."
Chen Yu focused his gaze further into the forest, following the tendrils of Qi that snaked through the trees. His vision zoomed in automatically, and he could see faint traces of Qi growing stronger in the distance, as if the energy was pooling in one particular direction. His eyes caught the slight flicker of what looked like concentrated Qi a few kilometers ahead.
"There!" he exclaimed, excitement bubbling up inside him. "Looks like I've got a destination after all."
He took a step forward but hesitated. "Wait a sec… what if it's dangerous? There could be beasts or traps along the way." His eyes narrowed, focusing deeper into the forest. He scanned the path ahead, looking not only for Qi but for any sign of danger. His Universal Eyesallowed him to peer through the underbrush, revealing the movements of small creatures scurrying through the leaves and the faint shimmer of spiritual energy in the air.
But something caught his eye—off to the side, not far from his intended path, a faint ripple in the Qi flow. It was subtle, but with his enhanced sight, he could tell something wasn't right. It looked like a distortion, almost like the Qi was bending around something hidden.
"A trap?" he muttered, squinting. He zoomed in with his Universal Eyes, and sure enough, there was a thin wire hidden under the leaves, likely a trigger for some kind of snare. "Nice try," he muttered. "But you can't hide from me."
Chen Yu smiled to himself, stepping around the trap with ease. "Okay, these eyes are turning out to be pretty useful after all."
He pressed forward, keeping his senses alert as he followed the stronger Qi flow. Every so often, he would pause to scan the area, his Universal Eyes revealing more traps—some rudimentary, others more intricate, likely set by experienced hunters or cultivators. He avoided each one with a grin, feeling like he was getting the hang of using his new ability to stay one step ahead of whatever lay in wait.
Chen Yu continued moving forward, his Universal Eyes picking up every little detail—the soft rustling of leaves, the faintest traces of Qi bending around obstacles, and the slight movements of creatures lurking in the shadows. His confidence was growing as he dodged yet another snare, this one cleverly hidden beneath a pile of fallen branches.
"Man, these guys went all out," he muttered, stepping around the trap. "But they didn't count on someone with these eyes."
But as Chen Yu ventured deeper into the forest, a sudden sharp sting erupted behind his eyes. He winced, his vision blurring slightly as a wave of dizziness hit him.
"Ugh, what the—" he gasped, clutching his forehead. The once crystal-clear clarity of his surroundings started to distort, the edges of his vision flickering like a faulty TV screen.
[Warning: Prolonged use of Universal Eyes has exceeded user's current Qi reserves.]
The system's voice echoed in his mind, cold and unfeeling, as always.
"Great," Chen Yu muttered through clenched teeth. His hands shot up to rub his temples, hoping to alleviate the throbbing pain. The burning sensation in his eyes was growing worse by the second, and he could feel the meager amount of Qi he had rapidly draining from his body.
He hadn't realized it at first—too caught up in how cool it was to see everything so clearly—but his body wasn't ready for this level of strain. Without a proper cultivation base to fuel the technique, his Qi reserves were quickly running dry.
"Damn it," he groaned, forcing his eyes shut. The stinging didn't stop, but it lessened slightly now that his vision was cut off from the world. "Guess I'm not as ready for this as I thought."
He sat down heavily on the forest floor, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "I thought this would be easy," he muttered, frustrated. "Of course, I have to do things the hard way."
The pain finally began to fade after a few minutes of keeping his eyes closed. His heart still pounded in his chest, and he felt drained, like he'd just run a marathon. "Gotta pace myself next time," he muttered, leaning back against a tree.
He opened his eyes slowly, grateful to find that his vision had returned to normal. The world looked so much duller now without the enhanced sight, but at least the burning was gone.
With a sigh, Chen Yu turned his attention back to the path ahead. He'd gotten a good glimpse of where the Qi flow was leading before his vision cut out, and it seemed like there was something important up ahead. If he could just get there without overextending himself again, maybe he could find the answers he needed.
"One step at a time," he muttered. "Let's hope I don't run into anything too crazy while I'm half-blind."
Chen Yu took a couple of minutes to recover himself, and his meager qi reserves.
Pushing himself back to his feet, Chen Yu dusted off his robe. "Alright, then. I've got a village to find, hopefully one that doesn't mind a clueless outworlder crashing their cultivation party."
With a deep breath and one last glance at his sad little sapling, Chen Yu set off again. As he walked, he couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief. "Only I could get thrown into a magical world with superpowers and still somehow get the short end of the stick."
He remembered reading about cultivation worlds in novels—how they were filled with powerful clans, sects, dangerous beasts, and complex hierarchies. He needed to learn the basics: what kind of cultivators existed, what kind of dangers there were, and, more importantly, how he could avoid getting himself killed.
"And I definitely need to find some food," he muttered, his stomach growling in agreement. "Can't cultivate on an empty stomach."
He continued walking east, his mind racing with questions. As he moved through the forest, he kept his senses alert, trying to stay aware of any potential threats. Every rustling leaf and snapping twig made him jump, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Okay, calm down," he whispered to himself. "This is just a forest. Nothing's going to—"
Suddenly, a low, guttural growl echoed through the forest, freezing Chen Yu in his tracks. His heart skipped a beat, and he slowly turned his head, hoping against hope that it was just his imagination.
Nope. No such luck.
Chapter 4: Shitty First Contact With A Spiritual Beast
A pair of glowing yellow eyes peered at him from the shadows, piercing through the thick foliage like twin daggers. The creature stepped into the light, revealing its hulking form—an enormous wolf-like beast with dark, matted fur and fangs sharp enough to tear through steel. Its snarl deepened, and its eyes locked onto Chen Yu with predatory intent.
"Oh, crap," Chen Yu muttered under his breath, taking a shaky step back. "Definitely not good. Not good at all."
The beast lowered itself, muscles coiling like a loaded spring, ready to pounce at any second. Chen Yu's mind raced, his heart pounding in his chest. He had no idea how strong the creature was, but the fact that it was eyeing him like a snack was enough to set off every survival instinct he had.
"Alright, think, Chen Yu, think!" His internal monologue was spiraling out of control. "What would a smart person do? Run? No... too slow. Hide? There's nowhere to hide!"
[System Notification: Danger detected. Incoming threat: Spirit Wolf. Recommended Action: Evade or subdue.]
"Oh great, thanks, System," Chen Yu muttered sarcastically. "Like I wasn't aware of the giant wolfabout to turn me into dog food."
His pulse quickened as the wolf growled again, inching closer. Chen Yu could almost feel its breath, hot and rancid, even from a distance. He took another step back, his eyes darting around, searching desperately for an escape route. "Evade or subdue," the System had said. Right. He could barely control his eyes, and now it expected him to "subdue" a spirit beast?
The wolf crouched lower, ready to strike.
Chen Yu gulped. "Okay, subdue's off the table. Running it is."
*
Chen Yu's heart pounded in his chest as he scanned the forest for anything that could give him a chance against the relentless beast. His eyes fell on a tree with low-hanging branches, thick enough to support his weight.
"Alright, let's see if I've still got some lower body strength," he muttered, sprinting toward the tree as fast as his legs would carry him.
The wolf beast growled behind him, its snarls growing louder as it prepared to lunge again. Chen Yu's feet pounded against the dirt, each step feeling like it might be his last. He reached the tree just as the wolf's hot breath brushed the back of his neck.
"Too close!" he gasped, leaping for the nearest branch. His hands caught the rough bark, and with adrenaline surging through his veins, he hauled himself up just as the beast's jaws snapped shut inches from his foot. The wolf's fangs clacked together with a sickening crunch as it missed its prey by a hair's breadth.
Chen Yu scrambled higher into the tree, his limbs trembling as he climbed, branches swaying under his weight.
He wanted to cry when he felt the wolf nearly bit his ass to bits. "Shit, this wolf is on my fuckingass!" That day, for no reason at all, Chen Yu decided to kill every wolf in this world when he become stronger. For now though, he didn't stop until he was well out of reach, perched on a thick branch, panting heavily. His muscles screamed in protest, but he wasn't about to stop now, lest he wanted his sweet ass be chomped on.
"Alright, that was too close," he muttered, trying to calm his racing heart. He glanced down at the wolf, which was circling the base of the tree like a predator waiting for its prey to fall. Its glowing yellow eyes stayed locked onto him, unblinking, as if daring him to make a mistake.
Chen Yu sucked in a deep breath, trying to get a grip on his nerves. "Okay, think logically, man. You're not dead yet. It can't climb trees, right? At least... I hope not." He winced at the thought, then shook his head, banishing the mental image of a tree-climbing wolf.
"Alright, next step: don't just sit here like an idiot waiting to die. What would the MC in a web-novel do right now?"
He scanned his surroundings, looking for anything that might help.
The branches around him were thick, sturdy, and littered with loose twigs scattered across the forest floor. Chen Yu's mind raced, trying to come up with a plan. He knew he wasn't strong enough to take on the wolf in direct combat, and his Qi reserves were nearly depleted after his earlier attempts to use his abilities. But he couldn't just sit there, waiting to become a meal.
"Alright, crazy idea number one: get out of here in one piece," he muttered under his breath. "I need an escape route."
He glanced down at the wolf still prowling below, its sharp yellow eyes locked onto him. A growl rumbled through its chest, the sound vibrating in the air, sending shivers down his spine. "Okay, wolfy… just stay right there."
Chen Yu closed his eyes for a moment, forcing himself to focus despite the fear twisting his insides. He could feel the faint pulse of Qi within his dantian, barely enough to fuel his abilities. But he didn't need to fight—he needed to outmaneuver the wolf. That's where the Universal Eyes came in.
"Let's see what I'm working with here," he muttered, activating the Universal Eyes and opening his gaze to the world around him. Immediately, the forest sharpened into focus. Every leaf, branch, and root seemed to glow with vivid clarity. He could see the faint streams of Qi flowing through the earth and trees, but more importantly, he could see the wolf's every movement, even the subtle shifts in its muscles as it prowled, waiting for an opening.
"Alright, think fast, Chen Yu," he whispered. He scanned the area around him, looking for anything he could use to escape. His enhanced vision revealed the layout of the forest in startling detail, showing him paths through the trees that were hidden to the naked eye. He traced the wolf's movements, its path weaving between thick trunks and low-hanging branches.
Then, his eyes caught something—an opening in the dense forest, just a few meters to his left, hidden behind a thick curtain of leaves and branches. It wasn't much, but it could work as an escape route if he timed it right.
Chen Yu glanced back at the wolf, its pacing becoming more aggressive. It wouldn't wait much longer.
"I've got one shot at this," he muttered. His muscles tensed as he prepared to move, watching the wolf carefully. His Universal Eyes allowed him to see every shift in the creature's body language—the slight twitch of its ears, the narrowing of its eyes, the way its paws dug into the ground. It was getting ready to pounce.
"Now or never."
Chapter 5: It's Over 9000?!
As the wolf leaped forward, Chen Yu moved. He twisted his body, using the branches around him as leverage, and dove to the side just as the wolf's jaws snapped where he had been perched. The Universal Eyes guided his movements, allowing him to see the best routes for dodging and slipping between the trees. The world slowed as he maneuvered with a speed he didn't think he had.
Branches whipped past his face, and his feet barely touched the ground as he darted through the opening he had spotted earlier. Behind him, the wolf snarled, crashing into the tree he had just been on, but Chen Yu didn't stop. He pushed forward, weaving through the forest like a shadow, his Universal Eyes helping him avoid every obstacle in his path.
He could see every root, every rock, and every low-hanging branch in his way, sidestepping them with precision as the wolf chased after him. The beast was fast, but with the help of his heightened senses, Chen Yu was faster.
His heart pounded in his chest, each breath coming in short, sharp bursts. He could feel the wolf closing in behind him, its breath hot on his heels. But the Universal Eyes gave him just enough of an edge, allowing him to predict the wolf's movements a split second before they happened.
Just ahead, Chen Yu spotted a small rise in the terrain—a natural ledge that he could use to his advantage. He pushed himself harder, his legs burning with the effort, and leaped onto the ledge, grabbing a sturdy branch to pull himself up. The wolf lunged at him, but missed by inches, its claws scraping the rock as it snarled in frustration below.
Chen Yu didn't waste time. He scrambled to his feet, using the ledge as cover, and kept running, putting as much distance between himself and the wolf as possible.
After several minutes of sprinting through the forest, his lungs burning and his legs screaming in protest, he finally slowed down, coming to a stop behind a thick tree. His heart pounded in his ears, and he leaned against the tree, gasping for breath.
"I… I did it," he whispered, hardly believing it. His Universal Eyes flickered for a moment, the strain of using them without much Qi starting to take its toll. He deactivated the ability, his vision returning to normal as the world around him dulled once more.
Chen Yu slumped to the ground, wiping the sweat from his brow, his entire body trembling with exhaustion. "Holy crap… I'm alive. I actually pulled it off."
But most importantly, "My ass is still there."
The adrenaline that had been driving him began to wear off, and a wave of fatigue hit him like a truck. He rested his head back against the tree, closing his eyes. Every muscle in his body ached, and his breath came in shallow gasps, but he'd managed to escape without getting torn apart by the wolf.
"I just dodged a giant fucking wolf," Chen Yu muttered to himself, still trying to catch his breath. "Feels like I'm living in a video game."
He let out a shaky laugh, his body still trembling from the adrenaline. He had barely any Qi left, and the Universal Eyes had taken a toll, but he'd managed to use his wits and meager abilities to survive.
"Okay, note to self," he sighed, letting his head rest back against the tree. "Next time, maybe don't piss off a wolf when you've got the Qi reserves of a dead battery."
He closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths to steady himself. His mind raced, replaying the scene over and over. He had survived—barely—but he knew that was just the beginning. This world was dangerous, and he was woefully underprepared. If a single lower ranked spirit wolf had nearly killed him, what chance did he stand against anything stronger?
"I need to get stronger," he thought, climbing down from the tree as carefully as his shaking legs would allow. His body ached, and his hands throbbed from gripping the spear so tightly, but he was alive. "I can't just sit around waiting for things to happen. I've got to train. Learn how to use my eyes properly."
As his feet touched the ground, he glanced around the forest, wary of any other predators lurking in the shadows. He still had no idea where he was or what dangers lay ahead, but one thing was clear: if he didn't get stronger fast, he wouldn't last long in this world.
"One step at a time, though," he muttered, shaking his head. "First, I need to find a safe place to rest... and maybe figure out what other surprises this system has in store for me."
With a weary sigh, Chen Yu set off through the forest once again, this time with a new resolve. The path ahead wasn't going to be easy, but if there was one thing he knew for sure, it was that he wasn't going to give up.
*
Chen Yu continued eastward through the Hidden Jade Forest, his stomach rumbling louder with each step. He hadn't eaten since waking up in this world, and his hunger was starting to gnaw at him like an angry spirit beast. The cool breeze rustled the leaves above, and the sounds of chirping birds and distant howls filled the air.
"This world is no joke," Chen Yu muttered, pushing aside a low-hanging branch. "I'm so sick of these big ass monsters, man."
He stopped to catch his breath and looked around, trying to get a sense of his surroundings. The forest was dense and alive with the sounds of unseen creatures. If he wanted to make it to the nearest settlement without getting eaten or lost, he'd have to be smart about his approach.
"I gotta start thinking," he said to himself, thinking back to all the novels he'd read. "What would a cultivation protagonist do in this situation?"
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, recalling the various stories he'd devoured back on Earth. Most cultivation protagonists would start by finding a safe place to meditate, harnessing their Qi to build up strength before facing any real danger. But Chen Yu wasn't sure if he had the luxury of time. He was hungry, tired, and well, angry.
As he continued walking, his mind wandered back to a particular webnovel he'd read, "Immortal Sovereign's Path." It was a classic cultivation story with a protagonist who was always ahead of the game.
One thing that stood out was the protagonist's unique cultivation method, the Primal Heavenly Body Technique. According to the novel, this method allowed the cultivator to absorb pure, raw spiritual energy from the surroundings and turn it into five primal elements for the user to effortlessly use as they wish, and also it had a small boon of slowly but constantly absorbing spiritual energy from the surroundings even when he wasn't cultivating, and of course it was also extremely overpowered later on in the novel when the protagonist starts obtaining laws, but out of all the novels he'd read, this technique was the best in boosting your cultivation early-game.
A grin spread across Chen Yu's face. "If I could use that technique here, I'd have a head start in cultivating. Maybe I could even bypass some of the early stages and get stronger faster."
But then, reality hit him. The "Heavenly Body Technique" was a fictional method, created by an author with a vivid imagination. There was no guarantee it would work here, even if this world had similar rules. Plus, if it was a powerful technique, it probably required specific conditions, knowledge, or resources that he didn't have.
"Still," he thought, "it's worth a shot. If I can even partially mimic the method, I might be able to jumpstart my cultivation."
Chen Yu found a secluded spot beneath a large tree, its thick branches providing ample cover. He sat down cross-legged, taking a few deep breaths to calm his mind. He had to approach this logically and methodically, just like he would with a complicated problem back on Earth.
"Alright, let's see if I can remember the steps," he muttered, closing his eyes. In the novel, the protagonist had started by grounding himself, connecting his body and spirit with the earth beneath him. Chen Yu focused on this idea, trying to feel the cool, firm ground beneath him, imagining roots growing from his body into the earth, anchoring him in place.
"I hope this works."
My Heavenly Body (1)
Chen Yu sat cross-legged beneath the towering tree, trying to focus on what the system had told him. He needed to draw in the spiritual energy from his surroundings, but it wasn't just ordinary Qi he was after—it was the raw essence of the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Lightning.
He took a deep breath, trying to imagine his body as a sponge, soaking in the ambient elemental energy in the air. He visualized the dense earth beneath him, the flowing rivers he had passed earlier, the faint crackle of energy in the atmosphere, and the gentle caress of the wind on his skin.
At first, nothing happened. He felt like just another guy sitting under a tree, pretending to meditate. "Maybe I'm overthinking this," he muttered under his breath, but he forced himself to focus. He deepened his breathing, imagining the elements around him slowly being pulled into his body—earth strengthening his bones, waternourishing his blood, fire igniting his spirit, windlightening his body, and lightning sparking life into his meridians.
It took a moment, but slowly, he began to feel it: a faint tingling sensation on his skin. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, like a soft breeze brushing against him from all directions at once. The earth beneath him felt solid and warm, the wind stirred gently around him, and there was a faint crackle in the air as tiny sparks of lightningdanced at his fingertips.
"Am I actually doing it?" he wondered, excitement bubbling up inside him. He focused harder, imagining the five elements flowing into him, circulating through his body, strengthening his bones, muscles, and Qi channels. The sensation grew, a delicate balance of the elemental forces merging inside him.
But then, without warning, something went wrong. A sharp, searing pain shot through his chest, causing him to gasp and lose all concentration. His eyes snapped open as his body tensed up, and he doubled over, clutching his chest, his breathing ragged.
[Warning: Improper elemental absorption detected. Attempting to balance all five elements without proper cultivation foundation may lead to elemental backlash.]
"Backlash?" Chen Yu wheezed, the words barely leaving his lips as the pain intensified. His muscles seized up, locking in place as waves of heat, cold, and electricity surged through his veins, each element out of sync with the others. Fire blazed in his core, but it was too wild, burning uncontrollably. Earth pressed down on him, making him feel as if his bones were being crushed. Water swirled chaotically, leaving him disoriented, while wind whipped around his limbs, pulling at him erratically. And lightning—it shot through his body like jagged shards of glass, leaving him paralyzed with pain.
"This is… worse than Qi deviation," he thought, panic rising in his chest. He had read about Qi deviation in novels, but this—this was elemental chaos. His body felt like it was being torn apart from the inside, each element fighting for control.
[Recommendation: Cease forced absorption immediately and focus on stabilizing elemental flow.]
Chen Yu nodded weakly, barely able to form coherent thoughts through the pain. He tried to follow the system's advice, closing his eyes once again and forcing himself to take slow, steady breaths. "Calm down... you're not dying yet. You've just... messed up a little." He exhaled, focusing not on absorbing more of the elements but on balancing them inside his body. He imagined them settling, like five unruly forces being calmed into harmony.
He visualized earth grounding him, making his body stable and strong. He imagined waterflowing gently, soothing the fiery burn in his veins. Wind wrapped around him like a breeze, cooling and calming his mind, while lightningbecame a steady pulse of energy, crackling in time with his heartbeat. Fire, once out of control, now smoldered, providing warmth and power without overwhelming him.
Gradually, the pain began to subside. His muscles relaxed, and the chaotic energy within him smoothed out like a storm passing over calm waters. The elements inside him slowly came into balance, each one contributing to his strength without overwhelming the others.
Chen Yu let out a long breath, his body sagging with relief as the pain finally faded. He opened his eyes, still panting from the ordeal, sweat dripping down his face. His body ached like he'd just been in a battle, and his muscles twitched involuntarily from the residual energy.
"Damn… that was close," he muttered, rubbing his chest where the sharpest pain had been. "I nearly fried myself from the inside out. Stupid, stupid." He leaned back against the tree, trying to collect his thoughts. "I can't just force this stuff... I've gotta ease into it or I'll tear myself apart."
He let the cool forest air wash over him, calming his nerves. Despite the close call, he couldn't shake the feeling of progress. He had felt the elements. He had absorbed them, even if just for a moment, and it was unlike anything he'd ever experienced.
As he lay there, catching his breath, a warmth spread through his limbs, different from the scorching heat from before. It was soothing, comforting, like the gentle flow of a river mixed with the strength of stone. The five elements within him seemed to stabilize, and he could feel his body subtly adjusting to their presence.
Suddenly, the system's mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
[Congratulations! You have triggered the first stage of the Primal Heavenly Body. Your body is now adapting to the elemental forces within you. Further cultivation will enhance your connection to the five elements.]
Chen Yu's eyes snapped open, disbelief washing over him. "Wait… I did it? Seriously? How?"
The system continued.
[Through accidental balance of the five elements, your body has begun to align with the natural forces of the world. You may now continue absorbing and utilizing the elements at a basic level. Caution: Overexertion or forced absorption may still lead to elemental backlash.]
Chen Yu couldn't help but laugh, the sound shaky from exhaustion. "I actually did it... by accident. I guess that's progress?" He grinned, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Looks like I'm getting the hang of this, even if I almost blew myself up in the process."
As he leaned back against the tree, feeling the subtle hum of energy inside him, Chen Yu realized that this was only the beginning. He had barely scratched the surface of what the Primal Heavenly Body could do, and if he could learn to control the elements better, who knew what kind of power he could tap into?
Chen Yu sat up straighter, feeling the subtle hum of elemental energy still pulsing through his body. He couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. "So, how would you rank this technique in this world, oh great system of mine?" he muttered sarcastically, still catching his breath. "And, are you sure it works the same in this universe?"
There was a moment of silence before the system's mechanical voice echoed in his mind once again, calm and clinical as always.
[The Primal Heavenly Body is a cultivation technique that defies conventional ranking systems in this world.]
Chen Yu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Defies rankings? What, is it off the charts or something?"
[Correct. The Primal Heavenly Body operates outside the established framework of cultivation techniques in this universe. Most techniques focus on a singular element, energy type, or spiritual pathway. This technique, however, is different. It draws upon the essence of all five primal elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Lightning—simultaneously, allowing the cultivator to harmonize and command them as one. The true potential of the Primal Heavenly Body depends entirely on the user's ability to balance these forces within themselves.]
Chapter 7: My Heavenly Body (2)
Chen Yu let that sink in. "So, I've basically got access to everything from the start, but I have to learn to control it all at once. No pressure."
[The difficulty in mastering this technique is what makes it so unique. Most cultivators spend their entire lives mastering a single element or Qi pathway, focusing their efforts to advance within that narrow field. The Primal Heavenly Body requires a different approach. The user must simultaneously draw upon multiple forces of nature and integrate them into a single, cohesive cultivation method. Without balance, the user risks elemental backlash or Qi deviation. However, with balance, the cultivator gains unparalleled power.]
Chen Yu leaned back against the tree, thinking. "Alright, that sounds pretty intense. So it's not just about brute strength, it's about keeping all the elements in harmony. Got it. But what about how it works here? Is it... the same?"
[The Primal Heavenly Body is highly adaptable. In any universe or dimension, the five elements are fundamental forces of creation. Whether in this world or another, Earth will always represent stability and strength, Water will always embody flexibility and nourishment, Fire will always symbolize power and transformation, Wind will bring speed and freedom, and Lightning will spark energy and destruction. These forces exist in harmony with the laws of every universe.]
The system paused, and Chen Yu could almost feel it assessing him.
[However, how these elements interact with your cultivation base and the Qi of this world may vary. The Primal Heavenly Body will adapt to the unique properties of this realm. In this world, Qi is influenced by the environment, the heavens, and the spiritual flow of natural forces. You must learn to synchronize your internal elemental balance with the world around you. In doing so, you will not only increase your control over the elements, but you will also unlock new layers of potential.]
Chen Yu frowned, feeling the weight of the task ahead. "So it's not just about sucking in elemental energy from the world. I have to adapt to this world's version of Qi, too.
[Your initial attempts to absorb the five elements were instinctual. While you triggered the first stage of the Primal Heavenly Body, this technique is more than simply gathering elemental energy. It is about refining your body, your spirit, and your mind to become a perfect conduit for the elements. As you continue to practice and understand the technique, the power of each element will grow, and your body will adapt to handle greater amounts of energy.]
Chen Yu nodded, piecing it together. "So, the more I practice and understand how the elements work together, the stronger I'll get. But if I mess up, I could, what, explode?"
[Elemental backlash may cause severe injury or death if balance is lost for an extended period of time. The five elements are forces of nature, and tampering with them carelessly can result in catastrophic consequences. However, with proper cultivation and understanding, the Primal Heavenly Body will enable you to harness the full power of nature itself, elevating you beyond the limitations of other cultivators.]
He let out a long breath, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips despite the seriousness of the explanation. "So... it's like juggling five grenades. Cool. I guess that's my life now."
The system remained silent, as if acknowledging his humor without comment. Chen Yu stared up at the sky, watching the leaves rustle in the breeze. The enormity of what he'd stumbled into began to sink in. He had the potential to control not just one, but all five elements. If he could master this, he wouldn't just be another cultivator—he could become something far greater.
But that power came with a price. If he lost control, if he got too cocky, he could easily end up dead. It was a high-risk, high-reward path, but what other choice did he have?
"Alright, alright," Chen Yu muttered, stretching out his limbs, feeling the faint hum of the five elements lingering in his body. His muscles still ached from the earlier near-deviation, but he was starting to feel the balance return. "So, do the stages and powers work the same as they did for me in the novels?"
There was a brief pause before the system's voice echoed in his mind once more.
[The Primal Heavenly Body functions similarly to the cultivation stages found in the novels you are familiar with, but it's true potential goes far beyond those fictional interpretations. The stages you will experience are unique to this technique and will evolve as your understanding of the elements grows.]
Chen Yu frowned. "So, the basics are the same, but there's more to it?"
[Correct. The stages of the Primal Heavenly Body are based on how well you can balance and control the five primal elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Lightning. As your cultivation deepens, so too will your mastery over these elements. Let me explain the stages.]
Chen Yu leaned back against the tree, listening intently as the system continued.
[Stage 1: Elemental Awakening – The first stage is about awakening your body's ability to interact with the five elements. At this level, you will begin to sense and absorb the elemental forces from your surroundings. However, your control will be limited. You can summon small quantities of each element and use them in basic ways, such as creating defensive barriers of earth, generating small flames, or summoning gusts of wind for mobility. Your focus here is learning to balance the elements within your body.]
[At this stage, your physical body will also start to strengthen in ways associated with each element. Earth grants you resilience, Water gives you flexibility and healing, Fire enhances your internal energy and drive, Wind lightens your body, and Lightning sharpens your reflexes. However, without proper balance, you will experience elemental backlash, which can cause severe damage or disruption to your cultivation. This is the stage you are currently approaching.]
Chen Yu nodded slowly, still processing. "So I'm basically a walking, talking sponge for the elements. Got it. But what about the next stages? How do things get more... serious?"
The system responded without hesitation, its tone precise and measured.
[Stage 2: Elemental Resonance – Once you progress to the second stage, your ability to resonate with the elements improves dramatically. At this stage, you will be able to combine elements in creative ways, unlocking more powerful attacks and defensive techniques. For example, you could merge Fire and Wind to create a flaming cyclone or combine Earth and Lightning to generate explosive shockwaves through the ground.]
Chen Yu raised an eyebrow. "Resonance, huh? So I'll be able to mix and match elements... That could come in handy if I ever need to get creative."
[Indeed. But with greater power comes a higher demand for balance. This stage is where you will most likely struggle, as the temptation to rely too heavily on one element can cause disruption in the flow of energy.]
Chen Yu nodded, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I can already see how that might be a problem. Alright, what's next?"
[Stage 3: Elemental Synergy – In this stage, the five elements become fully integrated into your body and spirit, working in complete synergy. You will no longer be merely manipulating the elements—you will be one with them. Your body will be able to channel larger amounts of energy, and the elemental forces will flow through you with ease.]
[At this stage, you gain the ability to manifest large-scale elemental phenomena. You could summon a river from nothing, raise mountains from the ground, create storms of fire and wind, or even call down lightning at will. Your body will begin to adopt minor elemental traits as well, such as heat resistance, enhanced agility, and the ability to survive extreme environments.]
[More importantly, your connection to the elements will allow you to create Elemental Constructs, powerful avatars or manifestations of pure elemental energy. For example, you could create a dragon made from fire and lightning, capable of fighting alongside you in battle.]
Chen Yu's eyes widened in amazement. "Elemental dragons? Seriously? Now we're talking." His excitement was palpable, though he quickly sobered up, realizing the responsibility that came with that kind of power.
[Stage 4: Elemental Sovereignty – The final stage is where you become a true Sovereign of the Elements. By now, your mastery over the elements will be so complete that you can reshape the battlefield at will. You will no longer just command the elements—you will become an embodiment of their primal power.]
[Your Elemental Sovereign Domain will also come into play. This ability allows you to create a domain around you where you are the absolute ruler of the elements. Within this space, your power is magnified, and your enemies will find it nearly impossible to counter your elemental techniques.]
Chen Yu whistled, his mind racing with possibilities. "So, at the final stage, I'll basically be a walking natural disaster. That's... insane."
Chapter 8: Cultivation Realms 101
Chen Yu whistled, his mind racing with possibilities. "So, at the final stage, I'll basically be a walking natural disaster. That's... insane."
[Correct. However, reaching this level requires not only intense training but a deep understanding of how the elements interact with the world around you. Only by achieving perfect balance can you unlock the full potential of the Primal Heavenly Body. Those who fail to grasp this balance will never reach Sovereignty.]
Chen Yu leaned back, his head spinning with the sheer scope of what lay ahead. "So, if I play my cards right, I'll end up as some kind of elemental god by the end of this. But if I mess up... well, let's just say I don't want to know how bad things could get."
The system gave no response, leaving Chen Yu to sit in silence for a moment. He rubbed his temples, trying to absorb the information. This technique was more powerful—and dangerous—than anything he had imagined. But one thing was clear: it was his path now, and he wasn't about to back down.
With a smirk, he pushed himself to his feet. "Well, nothing worth having ever came easy, right? Let's see what kind of mess I can make next."
*
"Alright, System," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "What's next? How do I keep progressing in this world?"
[To advance further, you must understand the cultivation realms of the Qi Xuan world. Would you like an explanation of these realms?]
"Yes, please," Chen Yu replied. "Lay it on me."
[Cultivation Realms of Qi Xuan:
Qi Condensation Stage: The foundational stage where a cultivator learns to absorb and refine Qi into their dantian, solidifying their spiritual base. This stage is divided into nine levels, with each level representing a deeper understanding and mastery of Qi manipulation.
Foundation Establishment Stage: At this stage, cultivators begin to solidify their spiritual foundation, allowing them to store more Qi and perform more complex techniques. The body undergoes significant strengthening, and spiritual energy becomes more potent.
Core Formation Stage: Cultivators form a core within their dantian, greatly enhancing their spiritual energy reserves and power. This stage is marked by the ability to perform powerful techniques and a deeper connection to the natural elements.
Nascent Soul Stage: The cultivator's spirit begins to develop a consciousness of its own, often referred to as the Nascent Soul. This stage allows for immense spiritual power and the ability to manipulate Qi and elements with great precision and force.
Soul Formation Stage: The cultivator's soul fully integrates with their physical body, granting abilities that transcend ordinary cultivation methods. At this stage, the cultivator can begin to comprehend laws of nature and control their surroundings.
Immortal Ascension Or Ascended Stage: The final known stage where a cultivator transcends mortal limitations, gaining near-immortality. Few reach this stage, and those who do are often regarded as living legends.]
Chen Yu listened intently, nodding along. "Okay, so I'm at the very beginning. Qi Condensation Stage, huh? I've got a long way to go."
[Affirmative. As you progress through these stages, your control over the Heavenly Body Technique will increase, allowing you to unlock its full potential.]
Chen Yu grinned, feeling a surge of determination. "Well, I guess it's time to get to work, then. I've got a lot of catching up to do."
He stood up, stretching his newly energized limbs. Even though he was still tired from his earlier near-deviation, he felt a new sense of purpose. He had lucked into a powerful cultivation method, and now he had a clear path forward. But he knew better than to get complacent.
"Alright, first things first," he muttered to himself, looking around the forest. "I need to find food, water, and a safe place to practice. Then, I can start figuring out how to progress in this Heavenly Body Technique without blowing myself up."
He set off again, this time with a renewed sense of confidence. He had a plan, he had a goal, and he had the determination to see it through. As he walked, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
"Maybe this world isn't so bad after all," he thought. "Sure, it's dangerous and full of unknowns, but I've got a system, a powerful cultivation method, and a fresh start. What more could I ask for?"
Chapter 9: Rankings Of Spirit Beasts
Chen Yu moved cautiously through the dense foliage of the Hidden Jade Forest, his senses on high alert. The excitement of unlocking the first stage of the Heavenly Body Technique was still fresh in his mind, but he knew better than to let his guard down. This world was beautiful, but it was also deadly.
He had been walking for hours, his stomach growling louder with each passing moment. The forest was teeming with life, but finding something edible without running into danger was proving to be a challenge. His previous encounter with the wolf beast had taught him to be careful, but he knew he couldn't avoid the forest's dangers forever.
"Alright, Chen Yu," he muttered to himself, scanning his surroundings. "You need to find food, and you need to find it fast. Just keep your eyes open and don't do anything stupid."
As he walked, he noticed strange markings on the trees—deep claw marks that ran vertically down the trunks. The bark was shredded and torn, and some of the marks were nearly as tall as he was. His heart skipped a beat.
"What could have done this?" he wondered, stepping closer to inspect the marks. They were fresh, and he could see sap still oozing from the gashes in the bark.
Suddenly, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Warning: You are entering the territory of a spiritual beast. Exercise caution.]
Chen Yu's eyes widened. "A spiritual beast? Like the wolf from before?" he whispered, instinctively taking a step back.
[Negative. The beast in question is of a higher rank than the wolf. This area is classified as a low-tier spiritual beast habitat, but there are occasional mid-tier threats. You are advised to proceed with caution or avoid the area entirely.]
Chen Yu's mind raced. He knew from countless webnovels that spiritual beasts were dangerous, often possessing strength and abilities far beyond ordinary creatures. And if the system was warning him, this beast was probably no joke.
"Okay, System," he whispered, "can you tell me more about the spiritual beasts in this world? What ranks are they classified into?"
[Affirmative. Spiritual beasts in the Qi Xuan world are classified into ranks based on their power, intelligence, and danger to cultivators. The ranks are as follows:
Low-Tier Spiritual Beasts: Generally weak but still more dangerous than ordinary animals. They have minimal spiritual energy and are often used as training targets for beginner cultivators. Examples include the Shadow Fox and the Ironclaw Wolf.
Mid-Tier Spiritual Beasts: More powerful and intelligent, often capable of using basic spiritual techniques. They pose a serious threat to cultivators in the Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment stages. Examples include the Thunder Hawk and the Jade Serpent.
High-Tier Spiritual Beasts: Extremely powerful and often possess unique abilities or elemental affinities. They are highly intelligent and can be as strong as a Core Formation or Nascent Soul cultivator. Examples include the Flame Tiger and the Frost Wyrm.
Peak-Tier Spiritual Beasts: Rare and immensely powerful beings that can challenge even the strongest cultivators. They are often ancient creatures with deep connections to the world's spiritual energy. Examples include the Abyssal Wyrm.
Mythic-Tier Spiritual Beasts: Legendary creatures said to possess powers beyond the comprehension of most cultivators. They are considered living legends, often tied to myths and tales of the Qi Xuan world. Examples are scarce, as sightings are extremely rare, but they are said to rival the power of Immortal Ascension cultivators.]
Chen Yu gulped. "Great. Just what I needed—more things that can kill me."
[Current location indicates the presence of a mid-tier spiritual beast. The specific creature is identified as the Shadow Panther, known for its stealth and speed. It is advised to avoid conflict.]
"Shadow Panther?" Chen Yu whispered, his eyes scanning the dense underbrush. "That doesn't sound good. Not good at all."
Chen Yu crouched low, his heart pounding in his chest as the weight of the situation pressed down on him. The Shadow Panther was deadly, fast, and far more dangerous than anything he'd encountered before. If the system was right, there was no way he could face it head-on. He needed a plan. Fast. And, as always, his mind raced to the endless well of strategies from anime, manga, and fiction that he'd grown up with.
He scanned the forest around him using his Universal Eyes, enhancing his vision to catch the faintest flickers of movement. The enhanced sight allowed him to spot even the smallest Qi disturbances, but that wasn't enough. He had to disappear—vanish from the panther's senses entirely. Stealth mode, just like any good ninja would do. But how?
As a soft rustling sound emerged from behind, his instincts screamed at him. Slowly, Chen Yu turned his head, catching a blur of sleek, black fur weaving through the shadows. His breath caught. "That's the panther," he thought, adrenaline spiking. His mind raced. He couldn't outrun it, not in a straight chase. That's when an idea flickered. Wind—the element that could make him as silent as the air itself. He remembered scenes from Naruto, where the ninjas would use wind-based abilities to enhance their stealth, moving like phantoms through the battlefield.
"Right," Chen Yu whispered. "The Heavenly Body Technique... I'm in Stage One, which means I can use the five elements." He closed his eyes, feeling the faint stirrings of Qi in his dantian. He inhaled deeply, this time focusing on the wind around him—the subtle currents in the air, the way it whispered through the leaves and branches. Slowly, he called upon the element of wind, urging it to swirl around his body. He willed it to soften his steps, to mask his presence, to move with the natural rhythm of the forest. The air began to bend around him, his body lightening as the wind helped him blend seamlessly into the surroundings.
He crouched lower, moving as silently as the breeze. His feet barely brushed the ground, each step muffled by the wind cushioning his movements. In his mind, he was like a ninja from N**uto—using the wind to disappear from sight, becoming a whisper in the woods. The rustling behind him grew louder, and his Universal Eyes caught a faint gleam of the panther's eyes in the shadows. Chen Yu's pulse quickened, but he kept his breathing steady, synchronizing it with the natural flow of the wind. "Come on," he thought. "Disappear…"
The panther prowled closer, but Chen Yu's steps were so light, so perfectly in tune with the wind, that even the predator's heightened senses couldn't catch him. It was working. But then, just as he began to feel relief, he sensed it—a shift in the air. The wind around him carried a chill, a warning. The Shadow Panther had caught his scent.
"Damn it," he thought. He saw the panther's muscles tense through his Universal Eyes, its body coiling to strike. There was no more time to hide. With a flicker of movement, the panther lunged, a blur of deadly intent. Instinctively, Chen Yu pushed the wind around him, using it to propel himself sideways, a technique inspired by the wind-powered bursts he remembered from Bleach. He rolled through the underbrush as the panther's claws slashed through the air where he'd been standing moments before.
He scrambled to his feet, his legs moving before his brain could fully process the situation. "No time to think—just run!" he told himself, the wind still guiding his every movement, making him faster, quieter, and more agile than he had any right to be. The Shadow Panther was right behind him, its sleek form slipping through the trees effortlessly, but Chen Yu was already slipping between shadows, his body lighter than ever thanks to the element of wind swirling through him.
With every step, he used the wind to stay just ahead of the panther, his Universal Eyes catching every root, every branch, every obstacle in his path before it could trip him up. His breath came in ragged bursts, but he kept moving, the wind at his back.
Chapter 10: This Shadow Panther Is On My Ass!
"Come on, come on!" Chen Yu urged himself, pushing his legs harder as he felt the surge of energy from the Heavenly Body Techniqueflowing through his limbs, boosting his speed and endurance. But the Shadow Panther was relentless, closing in fast. Its growls were closer now, like the rumble of thunder behind him. Chen Yu's heart pounded in his chest, each breath burning in his lungs, and he knew he couldn't outrun it forever. He needed a plan. Now.
Up ahead, he spotted a narrow gap between two large trees. "That's it!" he thought, focusing on the space just wide enough for him to slip through. "If I can get through there, maybe I can slow it down!" He sprinted toward the gap, using the last bit of wind Qi to propel himself forward. He dove through just as the panther lunged, its massive body crashing into the trees behind him. A snarl of frustration echoed through the forest as the beast struggled to squeeze through. Chen Yu didn't stop to look back—he kept running, knowing he'd only bought himself a few moments of safety.
But he couldn't keep running like this. The panther was too fast, too strong, and Chen Yu's Qi reserves were running low. His mind raced, thinking back to the Heavenly Body Technique. The element of earth could buy him time. Dig down, like he had seen earth users do in countless anime. He skidded to a stop, the wind carrying him gently into a crouch. "Alright," he muttered, hands on the ground, summoning the Qi of earth into his hands. He imagined the soil loosening beneath him, creating a tunnel, anything to hide or slow the beast down.
But just as the dirt began to shift beneath his palms, the system chimed in with a cold, robotic warning.
[Warning: Sudden shift between elements without sufficient cultivation base will destabilize Qi flow. Extreme pain and internal damage may occur.]
Chen Yu winced. "Of course there's a catch," he muttered, but there wasn't time to dwell on it. The panther was coming, and the growls were getting louder. He felt the pressure build inside him—his Qi already shaky from switching between wind and earth. But there was no other choice.
With a burst of determination, Chen Yu switched his focus, calling on the Qi of lightning. His limbs tingled as the element surged through his body, his muscles twitching as the electrifying energy made his movements faster, sharper. Lightning crackled around his feet, and his whole body jolted with a sudden burst of speed. His eyes widened at the intensity of the power coursing through him—he could feel every muscle spasm as if they were being overcharged. Pain shot through his veins, but the system's warning barely registered over the adrenaline. He launched himself forward, the lightning enhancing his speed, giving him a temporary but crucial advantage.
[Warning: Overuse of lightning Qi in current state will cause Qi deviation.]
Chen Yu grimaced, gritting his teeth against the pain tearing through his muscles. He could feel the instability in his Qi as the elemental energy clashed inside him, but he had to keep going. Behind him, the panther skidded to a stop where he had been moments ago, snarling in frustration at its elusive prey.
Chen Yu's feet barely touched the ground as he bolted through the underbrush, the lightning propelling him faster than he'd ever moved before. His body was burning, but his focus was singular—he had to find shelter before his body gave out. Suddenly, a faint trail appeared off to his right, partially hidden by thick bushes. He didn't hesitate. Veering off the main path, he followed it, hoping it would lead him away from the relentless predator.
"A cave!" Chen Yu gasped, feeling a surge of hope. "That's perfect—I can hide in there!"
He sprinted toward the cave, diving inside just as he heard the panther's growls growing louder behind him. He scrambled deeper into the cave, pressing himself against the cold stone wall, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
The panther stopped at the entrance, sniffing the air and growling low in its throat. It seemed hesitant to enter, and Chen Yu could only hope it would decide to leave him alone.
"Please, please go away," he whispered, closing his eyes and holding his breath.
For a moment, the panther continued to sniff and growl, but then, to Chen Yu's immense relief, it turned and slinked back into the forest, its dark form disappearing into the shadows.
Chen Yu let out a long breath, slumping against the cave wall. "That was way too close," he muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. His stomach growled loudly, reminding him of his most immediate need.
"Right," he sighed, "as if running from a panther wasn't bad enough, I'm starving, too."
[Congratulations! You have successfully evaded a mid-tier spiritual beast. Your quick thinking and use of abilities have been noted.]
Chen Yu chuckled weakly. "Thanks, System. But surviving on an empty stomach isn't sustainable. I need to find food, and fast."
He forced himself to stand, despite the fatigue weighing down his limbs. His body felt sore from the exertion, but hunger drove him forward. He carefully made his way back to the cave entrance, peeking out to ensure the panther was truly gone.
Satisfied that the coast was clear, he ventured back into the forest, determined to find something edible. He moved slowly, keeping his senses alert for any sign of danger. The dense foliage around him was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls.
"Come on, there's gotta be something I can eat around here," he muttered, his eyes scanning the ground for berries or nuts.
After a few minutes of searching, he spotted a bush with small, bright red berries. His stomach rumbled loudly at the sight, but he hesitated. In every survival show he'd ever watched, red berries were often a bad sign—poisonous or inedible.
"Better safe than sorry," he thought, remembering the system's ability to provide information. "System, can you analyze these berries? Are they safe to eat?"
[Analyzing…]
[The berries in question are identified as Spirit Berries. They are safe for consumption and provide a mild boost to spiritual energy recovery. However, it is advised to consume them in moderation to avoid potential side effects, such as dizziness or mild hallucinations.]
Chen Yu breathed a sigh of relief. "Finally, some good news. Alright, let's eat!"
He plucked a handful of the Spirit Berries and cautiously tasted one. It was surprisingly sweet, with a tangy aftertaste that made his mouth tingle. He quickly devoured the rest, feeling a faint warmth spread through his body as the berries took effect.
"Not bad," he said, smiling despite himself. "Feels like drinking a mild energy drink."
Encouraged by the discovery, Chen Yu gathered more berries, carefully storing them in the folds of his robe. As he continued searching, he also found a few edible roots and mushrooms that the system confirmed as safe.
With his immediate hunger addressed, Chen Yu returned to the cave, his arms full of foraged food. He set the berries and other finds down on a flat rock and sat back, feeling more at ease now that he had something to sustain him.
"Alright, this is a start," he said, munching on a root. "I've got food, shelter, and a bit of time to figure things out. Now, I just need to find a way to keep progressing with my cultivation without getting myself killed."
As he ate, he thought about his next steps. He needed to find a safer environment to continue his cultivation training and, ideally, some allies or a mentor who could guide him. He couldn't afford to be reckless, but he also couldn't stay in one place for too long.
Chen Yu leaned back against the cave wall, feeling a bit more relaxed now that he had a full stomach.