"Shut... the... heck... up, you lot!" Bellowing out at the top of his lung, Xiao Han felt his soul sucked out of his body and everything turned dark.
Awakening, he was met with a searing pain in his abdomen. "Argh..." Escaping as a muted groan, his hand instinctively sought the source, encountering a dampness that, upon inspection, revealed the horror: blood.
Surveying his surroundings, he found himself encased within a dense forest, surrounded by the lifeless bodies of three youths clad in exquisite silk robes reminiscent of a bygone era from period dramas on television.
"Where am I? What's happening?" He exclaimed, his movements agitated, as if on the brink of losing his sanity.
With a resounding "ding," a red interface materialized before his eyes, catching his immediate attention.
[By the Accumulation Law of Curses from your former world, you are deemed worthy to inherit mastery of this system. Here, you are summoned to partake in a wager between the Profanity God and the Crystal Maiden!]
[And My First Free Gift is to help you with the memory of this body you occupied and helped you devour his soul!]
[Are you prepared to absorb the soul? Your choices are limited to 'Yes' or 'No'!]
"I'm ready for it all! Haha, this feels straight out of manga and transmigration novels. I, Xiao Han, am here to dominate and seize control of this realm. Just wait, I'll ascend to godhood, no, I'll become an invincible immortal with this advantage!"
With unwavering determination, he declared, "Who wouldn't? Yes!"
With a resounding "ding," a wave of dizziness assaulted his mind once more, causing his body to collapse onto the lush grass, now stained with a crimson hue akin to merlot wine.
In the blink of an eye, he found himself standing in a meadow adorned with fully bloomed tulips stretching to the horizon. A small pond, brimming with crystal-clear blue water, added to the serene scene, beside which lay a youthful figure.
Rising to his feet, he bellowed, "Who dares intrude upon the sea of my soul?"
Xiao Han leaped in astonishment as a potent wave of killing intent surged toward him. Yet, to his surprise, an azure-green aura enveloped him, deflecting the aggressive assault. Amidst this protective barrier, the red interface reappeared before his eyes.
[Try Convincing The Remnant Soul To merge willingly with yours]
[Deny Then Devour Him Forcefully!]
"Hah! I thought this was going to be a formidable cheat, but it seems it's just a bossy one instead," he sneered inwardly, his tone laced with cynicism. Despite his bravado, a hint of worry crept into his thoughts as he contemplated his uncertain future in this strange new world.
Gathering his composure, he proposed, "Hold on a moment! Let's engage in a proper conversation first."
The remnant soul ceased his hostile spell and retorted, "Hmpf! Be quick and clarify your intentions, or face the consequences."
"I'm Xiao Han! And what should I address you as?"
"Han Xiao!"
"A fitting name," they exchanged a glance, both wearing puzzled expressions as they realized their names were reversed, prompting a silent contemplation on whether it was fate or mere coincidence.
"Let me be straightforward with you. I have no intention of usurping your body. It seems a senior figure cast a reincarnation spell on me, and the next thing I knew, I was inhabiting your dead body."
"Dead body? So, you're saying I'm dead!" Han Xiao exclaimed in shock, memories of the ambush in the Willow Forest flooding back as he recalled being stabbed in the stomach. "That's right, I'm dead. But what do you want? That doesn't give you the right to intrude here."
"Yes, I'm sorry for that. But everything is out of my hands." Xiao Han continued, his voice tinged with regret, his gaze shifting to the details flashing on the interface. "Brother Han, your soul will disperse within 155 breaths of time. So, I have a suggestion. Why don't you merge with my soul? I promise to do everything in my power to live as you and fulfill all your dreams."
"Hmpf! Enough of your nonsense, foul spirit! Since you've intruded here, I'll make you pay by dragging you down with me. And for someone like you, I have plenty of time to deal with you." With hateful determination, he lunged forward and delivered a powerful punch.
Struck on the head, Xiao Han tumbled backward, rolling over the bed of flowers.
"Hmpf!" Han Xiao snorted derisively. "Being easily struck by someone like me only proves that you're no better. And you dare speak of fulfilling my dreams? What a laughable notion!"
His opponent's words ignited something within him, stripping away his cold demeanor. With a sudden burst of energy, he leaped forward, delivering a powerful sidekick that landed hard on his opponent's stomach. Fueled by determination, he unleashed a flurry of modern-day Wushu kicks and punches, drawing from the skills he had learned on the streets of Beijing.
For the next ten breaths of time, he relentlessly pummeled the remnant soul without granting a single opportunity to retreat or retaliate. Finally, he halted when the soul conceded defeat, uttering, "Alright, alright! You've passed my test."
Xiao Han ceased his assault only after delivering a solid punch to the remnant's nose. "Now we're even," he declared coldly. "I just need your memories and identity. You're going to die anyway, so why bother? I'll simply assume a new identity."
"Brother Xiao, there's no need for that. I'm aware of my limited time left. I agree to our previous deal. However, I ask that you not only live as me but also as Han Xiao himself, and please look after my sister and kingdom."
"Absolutely, I'll do my best, if fortune favors me," Xiao Han replied with determination.
"Ah, you underestimate yourself. Brother Xiao, I recognize your true potential, especially since a powerful immortal used a reincarnation spell on you and brought you here. I've also seen your righteous character during our conversation. But what I truly want to ascertain is whether you have the courage to take any necessary action," he continued with a smile. "Brother Xiao, consider this my advice from someone who died unjustly: never trust anyone completely and do whatever it takes to survive and grow stronger. Only when you're strong enough will schemes and betrayals hold no power over you. Strength is what matters most; everything else is just a means to that end."
After conveying his message, the remnant soul convulsed as its form condensed, eventually coming to rest, and transforming into a black apple.
"Convincing Successful!" "You have received ten keys to roll the roulette!"
"Consumed the soul, and I'll assist in integrating the memories!"
"Brother Hao, may you rest in peace. I will honor our deal," Xiao Hao murmured softly as he picked up the black apple and began to consume it. The fruit was surprisingly juicy, refreshing, and flavorful, almost like nectar. As he took the last bite, a surge of electricity coursed through him, and a multitude of images flooded his mind. These were memories, starting from Han Xiao's early stages as an embryo all the way to his final moments, succumbing to an ambush in the Willow Tree Forest.