Lin Feng sat cross-legged on the floor of his small hut, staring at the glowing interface hovering in front of him. It had been two days since the system's activation, and the surreal nature of his situation was finally sinking in. He was no longer Alex Warren, the computer engineering student. He was Lin Feng, a young man in a world ruled by cultivation and strength.
The Ascendant Codex System had already proved to be invaluable. Thanks to the Basic Cultivation Manual and the Spirit Recovery Pills, he had managed to stabilize his newly awakened spiritual energy. He wasn't powerful yet—far from it—but for the first time in Lin Feng's memory, there was potential for something more.
Today, he decided, would be the day he tested the system's capabilities.
Lin Feng opened the Status tab to review his progress.
[Status]
Name: Lin Feng (Alex Warren)
Cultivation Level: Qi Gathering Stage – Initial
Physical Strength: Weak
Spiritual Energy: Stable
System Points: 55
Skills: Spirit Sense
"Qi Gathering Stage… Initial," Lin Feng muttered, rubbing his chin. "I'm officially at the starting line now."
It wasn't much, but it was leagues ahead of the powerless existence he'd inherited. The system points were another curiosity. So far, he'd earned 55 points—50 from the survival task and 5 from chopping firewood yesterday as part of a daily mission.
Curious, he tapped on the Shop tab.
A new menu appeared, listing a variety of items:
[Shop]
Tier 1 Spirit Pill (Restores spiritual energy): 10 SP
Iron Sword (Basic weapon): 30 SP
Low-Grade Cultivation Manual (Improves energy circulation): 50 SP
Mystic Herb Locator (Helps find rare herbs): 70 SP
His eyes lingered on the Low-Grade Cultivation Manual. The Basic Cultivation Manual he'd been using was simple but limiting. A more advanced manual would allow him to refine his energy more efficiently.
"I'll hold off for now," Lin Feng decided. The points were precious, and he didn't want to spend them impulsively.
Next, Lin Feng turned his attention to his one and only skill: Spirit Sense.
The description stated it allowed him to detect spiritual energy in his surroundings, but he hadn't fully explored its potential. He closed his eyes and focused, following the method outlined in the skill's explanation.
At first, there was nothing. The world was quiet, still. Then, like a faint ripple in a pond, he began to sense the energy around him. It was faint and fragmented—tiny motes of light that floated in the air and pulsed from the earth.
"Spiritual energy," Lin Feng murmured.
The energy was everywhere, but most of it was faint, almost imperceptible. He extended his focus further, and suddenly, a sharp pulse drew his attention. It came from the nearby forest—the same place where he'd found the Spirit Awakening Fruit.
Lin Feng opened his eyes, excitement bubbling in his chest. The forest was dangerous, filled with wild beasts and unknown threats, but it was also a treasure trove of resources for anyone brave enough to explore.
"If the system wants me to grow stronger, I'll have to take risks," he said, standing up and grabbing the Beginner's Dagger from his inventory.
The forest loomed before him like a wall of shadows and light, its dense canopy blocking out much of the sun. Lin Feng tightened his grip on the dagger, his senses heightened by a mix of fear and determination.
As he ventured deeper, Spirit Sense activated automatically, guiding him toward the source of the energy he'd detected earlier. The further he went, the more he noticed subtle changes in the environment. The air grew colder, and the spiritual energy around him became denser.
After an hour of cautious exploration, he reached a small clearing. At its center was a cluster of glowing blue flowers, their petals shimmering like gemstones.
[Item Detected: Frost Petals]
Description: A rare herb used in alchemy to create spirit-enhancing elixirs. Contains concentrated spiritual energy.
Lin Feng's heart leaped. This was exactly the kind of resource he needed. But as he stepped closer, a low growl stopped him in his tracks.
From the shadows emerged a creature—a wolf-like beast with dark fur and glowing red eyes. Its body was lean and muscular, and its claws dug into the ground as it crouched, ready to pounce.
[Beast Detected: Shadowfang Wolf – Low Tier 1]
Description: A carnivorous beast with basic spiritual energy. Dangerous for inexperienced cultivators.
Lin Feng's grip on the dagger tightened. His mind raced as he calculated his options. Running wasn't an option; the wolf was faster. Fighting it head-on would be suicidal given his current strength.
But then he remembered the Spirit Sense skill. If he could predict its movements by sensing its energy, he might stand a chance.
The wolf lunged, its claws slashing through the air. Lin Feng activated Spirit Sense, focusing on the beast's energy. Time seemed to slow as he saw the faint glow of its spiritual core pulsing in its chest, guiding its movements.
He sidestepped the attack, narrowly avoiding the claws, and slashed with the dagger. The blade grazed the wolf's flank, drawing a thin line of blood.
The wolf howled in pain, its movements growing more aggressive. Lin Feng stayed focused, using Spirit Sense to anticipate each lunge and dodge at the last moment. He struck whenever he saw an opening, each cut weakening the beast further.
Finally, with one last desperate lunge, Lin Feng drove the dagger into the wolf's chest, piercing its spiritual core. The beast collapsed, its body going limp.
Panting and covered in sweat, Lin Feng stood over the fallen creature. His hands trembled, both from exertion and the adrenaline coursing through his veins.
[Mission Complete: Defeat a Tier 1 Beast.]
Reward Claimed: 20 System Points, Item: Beast Core (Low Tier 1).
The interface appeared, showing the glowing image of a small, translucent orb—the beast core—floating in his inventory.
Lin Feng allowed himself a small smile. It had been a risky endeavor, but he'd survived. More importantly, he'd taken his first step toward growing stronger in this unforgiving world.
As he turned back to collect the Frost Petals, his mind was already racing with plans for the future.
"This is just the beginning," he said, determination burning in his eyes.