"In the vast ocean of destiny, every wave that rises must also crash, and in every rise lies the potential for both triumph and turmoil. As one seeks the heights of cultivation, the tides of fate will not be gentle."
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1205 CE
On a dark night in the Wu family manor, Wu Hua was in the throes of childbirth, laboring to bring her third child into the world. Outside the door, her husband, Wu Cheng, paced anxiously.
After about twenty minutes, the sound of a baby's cries pierced the air, filling Wu Cheng with relief and joy. Wu Hua had given birth to a beautiful boy.
Wu Cheng, a man who had seen many faces over his years, found none as captivating as this newborn. He smiled and announced to Wu Hua, "It's a boy!"
Fourteen Years Later
Wu Zheng sat on a small hill overlooking Wu Mountain, dressed in white robes that fluttered in the wind. His long black hair danced with the breeze, and his jade-black eyes held a mesmerizing depth, giving him an ethereal appearance.
"Wu Zheng!"
"Wu Zheng!"
A voice broke through his reverie, pulling him back to the present.
"What are you doing here?" It was his older sister, Wu Hei. "Today, you turn fourteen. You must go to the main hall. Don't you remember, or are you too anxious to collect your cultivation technique?"
With a soft smile, Wu Hei approached. "You don't have to be nervous. This is just a small ceremony to mark the start of your cultivation journey."
Wu Zheng sighed. "I know, but I can't help but worry. What if I have mediocre potential?"
He looked away, his heart heavy. His siblings all possessed above-average abilities, and the thought of not being able to help his family weighed on him.
Wu Hei placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "So what if you have mediocre potential? I won't let anyone bully my younger brother. You're stronger than you think!"
Taking a deep breath, Wu Zheng stood up. "Okay, let's go to the main hall."
In the main hall, Wu Cheng sat on a throne elevated above the gathered crowd. On either side, twenty clan elders occupied their seats, their expressions serious and expectant.
Wu Zheng stepped forward, bowing respectfully to his father and the elders. He caught a glimpse of his mother, Wu Hua, seated among the clan elders, her warm smile bolstering his courage.
"First Elder Wu Fu, you may begin," Wu Cheng commanded.
Wu Fu rose, his presence commanding attention. "Today, we celebrate the fourteenth birthday of Wu Zheng, the eleventh son of our clan leader. This ceremony marks the beginning of his journey into cultivation."
He gestured to a guard, who swiftly brought forth the potential detection stone.
Wu Fu continued, "This stone measures potential from 0% to 100%. A reading of 0% indicates no potential to cultivate, while anything above 15% signifies good potential, and above 20% signifies very good potential. The highest recorded potential on Earth is 38%. Today, we will assess Wu Zheng's potential. If he demonstrates good potential, he will be awarded the Wu family's body realm cultivation technique."
He paused, letting the significance of the moment sink in. "As you all know, there are five cultivation realms: Body Realm, Qi Condensation, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, and Nascent Soul. Higher realms may exist, but they remain a mystery. Over 1,200 years ago, the five original gods returned to Earth and bestowed upon us the path to cultivation. However, no one has achieved a rank above Nascent Soul. Our family's technique is an Earth-rank cultivation method."
"Now, Wu Zheng, please come forward."
Despite his nerves, Wu Zheng stepped toward Wu Fu, heart racing.
"Place your hand on the stone," Wu Fu instructed.
With a steadying breath, Wu Zheng did as told. After thirty agonizing seconds, the results were revealed.
Wu Fu's voice rang out with a mix of pride and astonishment. "The young master has exceptional talent! His potential stands at 24%!"
Gasps filled the hall.
"Is the Elder speaking the truth?" someone questioned incredulously.
"Doesn't that mean Young Master Zheng has the highest potential among his siblings?" another exclaimed.
"But he's the eleventh child! How can he catch up to the third young master?" someone else lamented.
A buzz of excitement filled the air until Wu Fu raised a hand, commanding silence.
"It is indeed true that the young master has 24% potential," he declared. "But we must proceed with the next part of the ceremony. Young master, come with me."
Wu Fu led Wu Zheng to an underground spring.
"Young master, this is a spirit pool," Wu Fu explained. "The water here doesn't contain a high concentration of spirit qi, but due to some unknown factors, it can aid a mortal in taking their first step toward cultivation. It has the potential to elevate you directly into the Body Realm."
"Please remain here for two days. If you can comprehend the Wu Body Realm cultivation technique within this time, you will successfully break through."
"Thank you, First Elder," Wu Zheng replied softly, feeling a swell of gratitude.
As Wu Fu departed, Wu Zheng turned his focus inward. "I should begin comprehending this technique and become a Body Realm cultivator."
He sat in the pool, immersed in the technique. Fortunately, the Wu Body Realm cultivation technique was straightforward, and he managed to comprehend it in just ten hours.
With newfound determination, Wu Zheng began cultivating. In only an hour, he felt himself nearing a breakthrough into the early stage of the Body Realm.
As he initiated the breakthrough, he experienced a transformation. His eyesight sharpened, and his hearing intensified, as if his very essence was being upgraded.
After ten minutes, he finally broke through to the early stage of the Body Realm, joy bubbling within him. But just as he prepared to rise, an excruciating pain pierced his head.
It felt as if a wild beast were gnawing at his brain. He screamed as memories flooded his mind, tears and blood streaming from his eyes and nose. He teetered on the edge of unconsciousness.
Just as he felt himself slipping away, the pain began to wane, gradually fading into nothing.
When Wu Zheng opened his eyes again, they shone brighter than ever, and a smirk graced his lips.
At that moment, a voice echoed in his mind:
Ding!
The system has started.
Last life of host has begun.