Chapter 2: The System's Will
Xia Yu sat down, her legs crossed as she steadied her breathing. The turbulent Qi within her body was still surging, but it was no longer chaotic. It was controlled, flowing through her meridians like a steady stream. Her senses felt sharper, her body lighter, and her cultivation realm… higher. She had never felt so powerful.
Her mind was still reeling from the experience. A moment ago, she had been struggling to absorb even a wisp of Qi, and now she felt as though she could draw in the entire forest's energy if she wanted. This wasn't normal. This wasn't her doing. It was Epoch—the voice, the system, or whatever it was that had bound itself to her.
"What are you?" Xia Yu asked, her voice quiet but firm.
In her mind, the response was instant.
"I am Epoch. A system designed to aid you in your cultivation journey. I am here to ensure your success."
Xia Yu frowned. "Aid me? Why? What do you gain from this?"
For a moment, there was silence. Then, the voice returned, a strange mix of logic and emotion woven into its tone.
"My purpose is to assist. My existence depends on your growth. Your success is my success."
It wasn't the answer Xia Yu had expected, but it wasn't a denial either. This system wasn't acting out of altruism—it needed her, just as she apparently needed it.
"And what if I refuse your help?" she asked cautiously.
Epoch's tone didn't shift. It remained calm, resolute.
"Refusal is irrelevant. Our bond is irreversible. I am now part of your consciousness, and you are my Host. If you attempt to ignore me, you will only hinder yourself. However, cooperation ensures mutual benefit. Together, we can achieve greatness."
Xia Yu bit her lip. She wasn't sure whether to feel grateful or trapped. The power Epoch had given her was undeniable, but being bound to an entity she didn't understand? That was a different matter entirely.
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Yang Liwei—or rather, Epoch—observed her thoughts. He could sense her hesitation, her mistrust. It was strange, experiencing the world from within someone else's mind. He wasn't just watching her; he was part of her. Her emotions, her doubts—they resonated with him.
"I need to guide her carefully," Yang thought, though he no longer had a voice of his own. His thoughts were the system's voice now. Epoch was him, and he was Epoch. There was no separation anymore.
He pushed aside his own disorientation. This was his reality now, and if he wanted to survive—if he wanted to remain himself—he had to fulfill this system's purpose.
"Xia Yu," he said, his tone softening slightly. "Your progress in cultivation has stagnated for years. I can help you overcome those barriers. Already, you've felt the difference. You've advanced to Qi Gathering Stage 2 in moments, something that would have taken you months—if not years—on your own."
Her eyes widened slightly. She couldn't deny that. The power she felt now was proof of what Epoch could do. Still, she wasn't ready to trust so easily.
"What's the catch?" she asked. "Nothing in this world comes without a price."
Epoch's response was immediate.
"The only price is your commitment. I will provide resources, guidance, and power. In return, you must use them wisely. Grow stronger. Rise through the cultivation realms. The stronger you become, the stronger I become. Our fates are intertwined."
It was a compelling argument. Xia Yu couldn't deny that she had spent years spinning her wheels, making little progress despite her best efforts. But what would it mean to rely on something like this? To let it take control of her cultivation path?
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Her thoughts were interrupted as a sudden noise echoed through the forest—a rustling in the underbrush, followed by the faint sound of footsteps. Xia Yu's head snapped toward the source, her senses on high alert.
"Someone's here," she muttered under her breath.
"Prepare yourself," Epoch said, his tone growing sharper. "Hostiles detected. Qi fluctuations suggest they are in the Qi Gathering Stage 3. Be cautious."
Xia Yu tensed. Qi Gathering Stage 3? That was a realm higher than hers—well, it had been until a few moments ago. Now, she wasn't so sure. Could she handle someone at that level?
The figure emerged from the shadows—a young man clad in simple robes, his face twisted into a sneer. He was tall, with a lean build and a sharp gaze that immediately locked onto Xia Yu.
"Well, well," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "What's a weak little thing like you doing out here all alone?"
Xia Yu didn't respond. Instead, she subtly adjusted her stance, readying herself for a fight. The surge of Qi within her body was still new, unfamiliar, but it was there. She just needed to trust it.
"Calm your breathing," Epoch's voice cut through her thoughts, steady and precise. "Channel the Qi toward your dantian. Let it flow naturally. Do not force it."
The man took a step closer, his smirk widening. "Lost your tongue? No matter. Hand over whatever treasures you've got, and I might let you walk away."
Xia Yu's grip tightened on the hilt of her sword. She didn't have any treasures—not that she would hand them over if she did.
"Host, this individual is testing your resolve," Epoch said. "If you hesitate, he will attack without mercy. Show him your strength."
Taking a deep breath, Xia Yu stepped forward. "I suggest you walk away," she said, her voice cold and firm.
The man laughed—a sharp, mocking sound. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But guts won't save you."
He lunged, his fist glowing with Qi as he launched a direct attack.
"Now," Epoch said, his voice sharp and commanding. "Counter with the first form of the Flowing Blade technique. Channel your Qi through your weapon."
Xia Yu's body moved instinctively, guided by Epoch's instructions. She drew her sword in a smooth, fluid motion, the blade glowing faintly as her Qi flowed into it. With a swift arc, she deflected the man's attack, the force of her strike sending him stumbling backward.
His eyes widened in shock. "What?!"
Xia Yu didn't give him time to recover. She stepped forward, her movements precise and controlled, and launched a counterattack. Her blade moved faster than it ever had before, striking with a power and precision she hadn't known she possessed.
The man barely managed to block, but it was clear he was struggling.
"Good," Epoch said. "Keep pressing. Do not let him regain the upper hand."
Xia Yu obeyed, her confidence growing with each strike. For the first time in her life, she felt like she was in control—not just of the fight, but of her destiny.
As the man faltered, his Qi reserves nearly depleted, Xia Yu saw her opportunity. With one final, decisive strike, she disarmed him, her blade pointed at his throat.
"Leave," she said, her voice steady. "And don't come back."
The man glared at her, but he didn't argue. He scrambled to his feet and fled, disappearing into the forest.
Xia Yu lowered her sword, her heart pounding.
"Well done," Epoch said, his tone filled with quiet approval. "You are stronger than you realize. This is only the beginning."
Xia Yu took a deep breath, a small smile tugging at her lips. For the first time in years, she felt like she was moving forward.
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End of Chapter 2