Liang Feng's last breath tasted of copper and gunpowder. As bullets tore through his penthouse's imported silk curtains, he allowed himself a final, bitter smile. Thirty-five years of clawing his way from the gutters to the pinnacle of power, only to die surrounded by the very luxury he'd killed for.

The irony wasn't lost on him.

His mind flashed to the day his parents sold him to the triads—he was seven, still naive enough to believe they'd come back. They never did. That betrayal had forged him into something else: a blade, sharp and merciless, cutting through anyone who stood in his path to power.

By twenty-five, that blade had carved out an empire. Tech startups, real estate, underground networks—all built on foundations of calculated ruthlessness. Each betrayal he orchestrated, each rival he eliminated, added another zero to his bank account and another crack to whatever remained of his soul.

Now, at thirty-five, that empire was crumbling. He'd recognized the men in tactical gear—Zhang's people. The old fool's daughter had been a loose end he should have tied up more permanently.

The blade that cuts too deep eventually draws its own blood, he thought as darkness claimed him.

Then—light.

System Initializing... Host Detection: Complete World Integration: Complete Memory Transfer: In Progress...

The sudden flood of information almost made him retch. His eyes snapped open to wooden beams and incense smoke, his body feeling foreign and weak. Gone was the burning in his chest where the bullets had torn through him. Instead, he felt... small.

[Welcome, Host. You have been chosen by the Ultimate Sect-Building System.] [Current Identity: Qin Yu] [Age: 10 years old] [Cultivation: None] [Status: Heir to the Qin Family's Third Branch]

"A system?" Qin Yu—the name settled into his mind like it had always belonged there—whispered. His voice was higher, softer, lacking the steel edge he'd cultivated over decades. "And cultivation?"

[Correct. You have been selected to build the strongest cultivation sect in this world. Your past life's experiences have qualified you for this task.]

A translucent blue window materialized before him, filled with stats and notifications. Before he could process it all, another message appeared:

[Beginner's Package Unlocked]

Basic Cultivation Pill (Foundation Grade) x1 'Azure Dragon's Breath' Body Refinement Technique (Mortal Grade) x1 Minor Healing Salve x1

[Bonus Reward: Beginner's Wheel Spin Available]

Qin Yu's lips curved into a familiar smirk. He'd built an empire from nothing once before. Now he had actual powers to work with? This could be interesting.

"Spin the wheel," he commanded, watching as a gleaming circle materialized in the air, segments filled with mysterious symbols and ancient characters.

The wheel spun, reality seeming to blur around its edges. When it stopped, golden light erupted:

[Congratulations! You have obtained: Phantom Assassin Squad]

5 Earthly Ascension Realm Assassins Summoned Squad Leader: Shadow Squad Members: Blade, Ghost, Fang, Thorn Loyalty: Absolute Special Ability: Shadow Merger (Can hide within host's shadow when needed)

[Warning: Current power level far exceeds host's cultivation base. Extended manifestation may strain host's body.]

Five dark figures materialized in the room, kneeling before him. Their presence alone made the air heavy, like the pressure before a storm. Even without understanding this world's power structure, Qin Yu could feel their strength.

"Master," the central figure—Shadow—spoke, voice like silk over steel. "We await your command."

Qin Yu considered his options. He had powerful pieces but was himself vulnerable. First, he needed information. Understanding. Then he could begin building his foundation.

"Shadow, remain with me. The rest of you, scatter. I want everything: power structures, major sects, the Qin family's position, potential threats. Be invisible. Report anything significant."

Four shadows melted into nothing, leaving only Shadow, who merged seamlessly with Qin Yu's own shadow. A servant girl entered moments later, carrying tea, completely unaware of what had transpired.

"Young Master, your morning tea."

Qin Yu accepted the cup, mind already racing with possibilities. He had ten years of memories from this body—a pampered but largely ignored third branch heir. Perfect. No one would expect anything from him.

Not yet.

[System Tutorial Available] [Would you like to view the cultivation realm hierarchy?]

"Show me," he whispered, taking a sip of tea. The familiar taste of power was beginning to return, and this time, he had much more than mere mortal weapons at his disposal.

A translucent scroll materialized before his eyes:

[Cultivation Realm Hierarchy]

Qi Foundation Realm - Beginning stage for all cultivators

Qi Condensation Realm - Where mortals truly break away from ordinary limits

Core Formation Realm - The foundation of true power

Nascent Soul Realm - Where cultivators begin to understand deeper laws

Soul Transformation Realm - Breaking the bonds of mortality

Void Severing Realm - Mastery over natural laws begins

Heavenly Ascension Realm - Beyond mortal comprehension

Earthly Ascension Realm - Where his Phantom Assassins currently stood

Celestial Realm - Those who could reshape mountains with a thought

Divine Realm - The realm of legends

[Note: An 11th realm is rumored to exist, but none have achieved it in recorded history]

Qin Yu's eyes narrowed as he processed the information. His Phantom Assassins were at the Earthly Ascension Realm—eight levels above where he would start. No wonder their presence alone felt so oppressive. The gap between him and true power was vast, but that had never stopped him before.

"Begin cultivation tutorial," he commanded. After all, every emperor had to start somewhere.

And this time, he intended to rule more than just a mundane empire.

[Tutorial Initiating...]