The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange hue over the barren land around Jade Falls. Liu Chen's hands clenched into fists as he stood on the edge of a small cliff, overlooking the valley. His body felt alive in a way it never had before, each breath he took infused with the spiritual energy he had gathered from the surrounding environment. The Flesh Forging Realm was the first stage of cultivation, but already, Liu Chen could feel the immense potential within him.
A faint, golden glow pulsed from the mark on his palm, resonating with the natural energy around him. The Supreme Venerable System's voice echoed in his mind, urging him forward.
System:
"Host, your body is still fragile. You must temper your flesh before you can move on to the next realm. Each breakthrough will strengthen your body, allowing you to cultivate more energy. Begin by refining your bones and muscles with the most basic of techniques: Flesh Cleansing."
Liu Chen closed his eyes, his mind focused on the task ahead. Flesh Cleansing was a foundational technique that allowed a cultivator to purify their body of impurities and strengthen their core. Although the technique was basic, it was also essential. With each successful application, the body became more attuned to spiritual energy, allowing for more profound advancements in cultivation.
As he took a deep breath, a wave of spiritual energy surged into his body, infusing his muscles, bones, and veins. He could feel every cell come alive as the cleansing began. It was painful, but the agony felt almost... satisfying. The pain was temporary; the strength that came with it was eternal.
A new layer of energy enveloped his muscles, strengthening the sinews and ligaments with each passing second. His bones, once brittle and weak, became like reinforced steel. His skin tightened, taking on a healthier, more vibrant hue. The process was slow, but each minor improvement gave Liu Chen a sense of power that drove him forward.
Minutes passed, or perhaps hours—time lost its meaning. What mattered was the steady progress, the undeniable feeling of power expanding within him. Soon, the world around him seemed to fade away as his body reached a new threshold. When the last of the impurities had been purged, Liu Chen opened his eyes. The golden mark on his hand had deepened in color, radiating an even brighter glow.
System:
"Host, you have successfully completed the Flesh Cleansing technique. Your body is now refined. Your cultivation base has strengthened, and you have reached the peak of the 1st Minor Realm in the Flesh Forging Realm."
Liu Chen could feel the transformation within him. His physical strength had grown, and his senses had sharpened. The world around him seemed more vivid, more real. He felt like he could sense every blade of grass in the field, every shift in the wind, and every living creature within a hundred-meter radius. His perception had expanded to the point where even the smallest movements felt amplified.
It was then that Liu Chen realized something crucial: his journey was not going to be easy. The higher one advanced in cultivation, the more difficult each breakthrough became. Yet, he was no longer the naive boy from Jade Falls. With the Supreme Venerable System at his side, he was destined to break through the limits of cultivation, one step at a time.
System:
"You have unlocked a new task, Host. Cultivate and refine your body through the Flesh Forging Realm's 9 Minor Realms. Each minor realm brings a new increase to your physical strength, and with every 3 realms you complete, you will unlock a new ability. The first ability will be available after you break through the 3rd Minor Realm."
Liu Chen stood tall, his mind now set on the path ahead. He had already reached the peak of the 1st Minor Realm, but he knew there were eight more Minor Realms to traverse. The road to mastery would not be swift, but with each breakthrough, he would grow stronger. And along the way, his lifespan would extend by 100 years.
A sudden gust of wind broke his concentration, snapping him out of his reverie. His ears perked up as he heard a rustling in the nearby bushes. His heart began to race, and his body tensed instinctively. His senses had been sharpened to an extraordinary level, and every sound, every motion, was now amplified in his mind.
From the shadows of the trees, a figure emerged. It was a tall, cloaked individual, his face hidden beneath the folds of a dark robe. The figure's aura was unfamiliar, yet Liu Chen could sense a dangerous presence emanating from him.
The cloaked figure raised his hand, as if sensing Liu Chen's wariness. "Don't be alarmed, young one. I'm not here to harm you."
Liu Chen's grip on his weapon tightened. "Who are you?"
The figure chuckled lightly, his voice smooth like silk. "I am merely a traveler. But you… I've been watching you, Liu Chen."
Liu Chen's heart skipped a beat. How did this stranger know his name?
The cloaked figure stepped forward, his movements precise and deliberate. "You have awakened the Supreme Venerable mark, haven't you?"
Liu Chen's eyes narrowed. "What do you know of it?"
The figure smiled knowingly. "I know much. The mark you bear is a symbol of greatness, but it is also a burden. Many will seek to control you or destroy you because of it. You are marked for something greater, something far beyond your current understanding. The power you possess is unique, and that makes you dangerous."
Liu Chen's mind raced. This man knew far too much, but something about him didn't seem entirely hostile. There was no malice in his tone, only a strange sense of knowing.
"I don't want trouble," Liu Chen said, though his voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty. "But if you mean to harm me, I won't go down without a fight."
The cloaked figure gave a soft laugh. "You misunderstand, young one. I am not here to harm you. I am here to offer you guidance."
Liu Chen's heart skipped a beat. "Guidance? What do you mean?"
The figure lowered his hood, revealing a weathered yet wise face. His eyes gleamed with ancient knowledge, and there was a powerful aura surrounding him. "You are on a path that few have walked. The Supreme Venerable System is rare, and those who awaken it are chosen by the heavens. You must learn to control your power and navigate the trials ahead, for many dangers will soon rise to challenge you."
Liu Chen stood still, his thoughts swirling. He had barely begun to comprehend the power within him, and now this mysterious figure claimed to have answers. Could he trust him? Or was this just another test on his journey?
Before Liu Chen could respond, the figure spoke again.
"Your first trial begins soon. Cultivate, refine your flesh, and when the time comes, we will meet again. But remember, power comes with a price. Do not let arrogance cloud your judgment."
With that, the figure vanished into the wind, leaving behind only the echo of his words.
Liu Chen stood alone, the golden mark on his palm flickering softly. His journey had only just begun, and already, the weight of destiny was pressing upon him. The Flesh Forging Realm was just the first step, but he had a feeling the trials ahead would shape him into something far greater than he could ever imagine.
System:
"Host, new tasks have been unlocked. Cultivate through the realms and prepare for the coming challenges. Your journey to become the Supreme Venerable begins now."
Liu Chen took a deep breath, his eyes burning with determination. The road ahead would not be easy, but he was ready. He had no choice but to ascend. For only by becoming the Supreme Venerable could he unlock the secrets of the universe and carve his own destiny.
The wind howled through the trees, and Liu Chen set his gaze toward the distant horizon.