Twenty years had passed since the Great Awakening, when mana began to permeate the world. The sudden influx of magical energy transformed the planet, giving rise to Interdimensional Spaces known as Gates.
These Gates housed vast resources, attracting treasure hunters, adventurers, and corporations seeking to exploit their wealth. The most profitable occupation became Gate Clearing, where skilled individuals eliminated the Gates' formidable guardians and claimed the treasures within.
Mana-based occupations flourished:
- Healers, skilled in restorative magic
- Enchanters, crafting magical artifacts
- Elemental Mages, wielding the forces of nature
- Hunters, clearing Gates and battling monsters
Among these professionals, Tier rankings measured skill and strength:
Tier 1: Novice
Tier 2: Apprentice
Tier 3: Expert
Tier 4: Master
Tier 5: Legendary
Fēn Yǐng's Avatar ability, a Tier 3 skill, allowed him to create a duplicate body. However, he chose a different path – assassination.
As a member of the Shadowhand Clan, Fēn Yǐng honed his skills in stealth, deception, and manipulation. His reputation grew, earning him the nickname "Twin-Headed Dragon."
One fateful evening, Fēn Yǐng received a message from his employer:
"Target: Jiàn Shèng, the Sword Saint. Cleared the Gate of the Ancient Dragon eliminate Jiàn Shèng upon his return."
The reward was substantial, but the risk was greater. Jiàn Shèng, an S-rank hunter, had cleared the Gate of the Ancient Dragon, a feat few dared attempt.
Fēn Yǐng accepted the challenge.
*Fēn Yǐng*, the notorious assassin known as the "Twin-Headed Dragon" , stood atop a skyscraper, gazing out at the bustling metropolis below. His eyes locked onto the press conference at the city center, where the legendary S-rank hunter, *Jiàn Shèng* (Sword Saint), was basking in the glory of his recent gate clearance.
Fēn Yǐng's phone buzzed, displaying a message from his employer:
"Target confirmed. Eliminate Jiàn Shèng at all costs."
With a cold smile, Fēn Yǐng activated his unique ability, *Avatar* . A duplicate body materialized beside him, identical in every way.
"Time to put on a show," Fēn Yǐng whispered, his voice carried away by the wind.
The Avatar sprinted toward the press conference, weaving through the crowded streets with ease. Fēn Yǐng's main body remained still, monitoring the situation through their shared consciousness.
As the Avatar approached Jiàn Shèng, it detonated a hidden explosive device. The blast sent shockwaves through the air, but Jiàn Shèng's lightning-fast reflexes allowed him to dodge the attack. With a swift swing of his sword, he decapitated the Avatar.
Fēn Yǐng's main body jolted back to life, his eyes snapping open. He let out a frustrated sigh, acknowledging the failure.
"One misstep... Unacceptable, didn't think he would one shot me so easily"
As he took his first step backwards to retreat, a crimson droplet fell from his neck. His eyes widened in horror as his main body's head detached, mirroring the Avatar's fate. The connection between their bodies had allowed the damage to transfer.
"Impossible..."
Fēn Yǐng's vision faded to black.
---
*Soul Number: 4,219,817*
A mechanical voice pierced the darkness.
"
[Recognized] :Beginning reincarnation procedure into World 8,741,212.
[Error]: Soul seems to have sustained damage. Success of reincarnation less than 20%..."
Fēn Yǐng's consciousness trembled, his memories fragmenting.
"Beginning restoration procedures... Granting soul an ability...
[Error]: Soul already has ability bound to it... Beginning alternate procedures..."
A surge of energy coursed through his soul.
"Skill fusion...
[Skill recognized]: Avatar. Searching database for abilities compatible with Avatar...
[Skills found]: Cloning, Parallel Thought... Beginning fusion... Fusion successful! New skill: Hive created."
The mechanical voice continued, "Survivability of soul for reincarnation: 50%. Reincarnating soul into World 8,741,212... Success."
The mechanical voice faded into silence.
Fēn Yǐng's consciousness dissolved, his memories fragmenting.
The continent of (Dà Yuè Zhōu), or "Great Moon Continent," stretched across the horizon, a vast expanse of mountains, forests, and rivers. This realm was governed by a singular principle: strength reigns supreme. Might made right, and the strong devoured the weak.
In this cultivation world, martial artists sought to harness the essence of the universe, known as qi. Those who cultivated qi could wield unimaginable power, bend the elements to their will, and defy mortality.
The Great Moon Continent was treacherous, plagued by roaming beasts, ruthless bandits, and ancient ruins hiding forgotten dangers. Only the strongest survived.
Fēn Yǐng new story began , being reborn as Duō Yī into the Duō family, a second-rate martial clan. His arrival was met with mixed emotions. His frail physique and weak constitution raised concerns among the family elders.
"Such a fragile body... How will he ever cultivate?" Elder Duō Lǐng whispered.
Duō Yī's parents exchanged worried glances. Their family's reputation relied on producing talented martial artists.
As Duō Yī grew, his inability to gather even the smallest amount of qi became apparent. Whenever he attempted to cultivate, he would pass out, spending weeks recovering from the exhaustion.
The clan's children mocked Duō Yī, calling him "Weakling" and "Sickly." Their taunts, however, fell flat.
Duō Yī remembered his past life as Fēn Yǐng, the Twin-Headed Dragon. The memories of his assassinations, his Avatar ability, and his untimely demise lingered.
He recalled the mechanical voice, the reincarnation process, and the damaged soul that now resided within his fragile body.
Duō Yī's gaze remained calm, his blue eyes piercing through the mockery. He knew his true strength lay dormant, waiting to be unleashed.
One afternoon, while wandering the clan's grounds, Duō Yī stumbled upon a hidden courtyard, tucked away from prying eyes. A weathered stone statue of a majestic dragon stood tall, its eyes seeming to pierce the heavens.
Duō Yī felt an inexplicable connection to the statue. He approached, sensing a resonance within his chest.
With a deep breath, Duō Yī focused on gathering qi. His body trembled as he attempted to tap into the universe's energy.
Agony exploded within him, like a thousand knives piercing his veins. His vision blurred, and his legs buckled.
But Duō Yī refused to yield. Grinding his teeth, he persevered, pouring all his willpower into the task.
Finally, after an eternity of suffering, Duō Yī managed to gather a minute amount of qi. It was a fragile thread, but it was a start.
A small blue status panel materialized in his mind:
[Required amount of energy confirmed. HIVE ability initiated.]
Duō Yī's eyes snapped open, and he leapt to his feet, screaming:
"Fuck finally!"
His body trembled, and his vision darkened. The exhaustion proved too much, and Duō Yī collapsed, losing consciousness.
As he fell, a faint smile crept onto his lips. The journey to reclaim his strength had begun.