The rain had ceased, leaving only the faint sound of water trickling through the alleys. Cai Ren stood still, his breath was slowing as the crimson glow around him faded. The bodies of the assassins lay sprawled across the cobbled ground, their skin marred by black veins-proof of the venom that coursed through them in their final moments.
His hand trembled as he gazed down at it. The sensation of raw strength still lingered, a stark contrast to the frailty he had known for the past year. He flexed his fingers, watching faint traces of venom dance along his skin.
[Combat Complete. Auto-Defense Mode Disengaged.]
"What... was that? Cai Ren muttered, staring at his trembling hands.
The system's interface materialized before him, glowing faintly in the air.
[System Update: Status Window Available]
Would you like to view your current status?
Cai Ren hesitated, heart pounding in his chest. The events of the last few minutes felt unreal, as though he had been possessed by something far greater than himself.
This interface was similar to the gaming panel and from the previous battle, this mysterious totem was advance to the point; it felt like a dream.
"Show me," he whispered.
A translucent blue screen materialized before him, flickering briefly before stabilizing. His eyes widened as he read through the information displayed.
[Apex Venom System]
Host: Cai Ren
Title: Venomheart Prodigy
Level: 1
Venom Points (VP): 150
Apex Coins: 0
Body Path: Bronze Carapace (Initial Stage)
Soul Path: Inactive
Traits:
* Venom Resilience (Low) - Increases resistance to poison and venom-based attacks by 10%.
* Enhanced Reflexes (Minor) - Boosts reaction time by 15% in combat situations.
Skills:
* Venom Fang Strike (Level 1): Unleash a venom-infused punch capable of paralyzing opponents temporarily. Cost: 20 VP.
* Scorpion Tail Lash (Level 1): Summon a spectral tail to attack enemies at mid-range. Cost: 35 VP.
* Crimson Carapace (Level 1): Temporarily hardens the skin, increasing defense by 30%. Cost: 50 VP.
* Venom Absorption (Level 1): Ability to absorb any poison and grant venom points by absorbing poison. Enhances natural poison resistance over time.
Cai Ren's eyes narrowed as he read through the list. Venom Points... Skills.... Traits... This wasn't a simple relic-it was something far more powerful.
[Explanation Available. Would you like to proceed?]
"Yes," Cai Ren said aloud.
[The Apex Venom System is a relic of the Scorpion King, designed to cultivate venom arts and evolve the host's body along the Venom Path.]
"Venom Points... How do I obtain more?" he muttered aloud.
[VP is earned through combat, defeating enemies, absorbing venomous entities, or completing system-designated objectives, which can be used to unlock and strengthen skills. Apex Coins are rare and can only be acquired by defeating high-level opponents.]
He absorbed the information, piecing together the significance of the totem. It wasn't just a tool for survival- it was a path toward vengeance. This new path would lead him beyond his revenge anything that Cai Clan could imagine.
A new notification flickered across the screen:
[Host Analysis: The Scorpion King's Legacy resides dormant within you. Reaching The Apex Venom Stage will awaken the avatar fully.]
Cai Ren knelt beside the assassin leader's body, inspecting the blackened veins that crept along the man's neck. He pressed his hand to the corpse, and the system reacted instantly.
[Absorbing latent venom...]
Venom Points +25
A dark mist rose briefly from the body before vanishing into his palm. A faint sensation coursed through him, as if tiny barbs were embedding beneath his skin.
He exhaled deeply, rising to his feet.
Before he could dwell on the aftermath, his mind shifted to the next priority- the upcoming entrance exam for the Starlight Academy. Entry into the academy wasn't just a path to prestige; it was a matter of survival. Only those with backing, talent, or overwhelming strength could rise in the new world order.
[System Quest: Academy Trial Preparation]
Objective: Unlock the Iron Blood (Martial Expert) stage before the exam.
Reward: 300 Venom Points, 1 Apex Coin.
Cai Ren narrowed his eyes.
"Martial Expert Stage... in one month?" he muttered.
It was a nearly impossible task, but reaching the Martial Expert Stage in such a short time would normally be unthinkable without resources or guidance. However, normal didn't apply to him anymore.
Because he had a cheat called a system.
I can do this, Cai Ren thought to himself.
Cai Ren's lips curled into a faint smile. "Fine. I'II passed your trial. And I'II surpasses them all."
It wasn't just a school; but the pinnacle of cultivation academies, standing at the continent's heart. Those who entered left as warriors, masters of combat arts, or influential figures. Starlight wasn't just a place to learn; it was a forge that tempered the strongest.
Only the most talented, wealthy, or those with powerful backgrounds could dream of stepping through its gates. Clans, sects, and noble families all fight for limited spots among themselves, offering everything they can to guarantee their children or disciples a place. to take the entrance exam through family connections.
Cai Ren's former clan, the Cai family, was no exception.
But not for me, Cai Ren thought bitterly. His expulsion meant he had lost his chance. However, with the Apex Venom System coursing through his veins, the prospect of failure no longer seemed possible.
There was a different method of enrolling in the Starlight Academy. The different method was independent enrollment. This method was created to counter-plan for clans. Clans entice people with their word and power and the most important thing clan's exclusive martial arts obtain through strength.
If common people or graduated martial artists choose clan rather than protecting the border from beasts. It would weaken the power of the military during chaotic moments. During, that time these sects would be like hungry wolves waiting for their to become weak.
As a result, the government used this tactic to make sure independent students wouldn't be bound by clan politics or obligations. Those who succeeded as independents earned unparalleled respect and freedom. In some ways, it was an even greater path.
But for independent enrollment minimum stage required was Martial Expert and the entrance exam was held in next month; which meant not much time for preparations.
After making a plan to reach with fastest way, Cai Ren started to reach a certain place to execute his plan.
He moved swiftly through the narrow alleys, leaving the assassin's corpse behind. The world had shifted that night and so had Cai Ren.
"Cai Lin..." His voice was cold, his eyes burning with the same venom coursing through his veins. "You regret leaving me alive."
As he stepped onto the main road leading to the academy, the faint crimson mark on his path pulsed once more signaling that the venomous path to ascension had truly begun. Then leaving for a certain place.