Chapter 23: The System's Revelation
The meadow's tranquility didn't last long. The moment the ethereal woman vanished, a ripple coursed through the air, and Li Yan felt the familiar weight of his system stirring within him. The golden interface appeared before his eyes, its glowing text seemingly sharper than ever.
[System Update Initiated: Leveling Parameters Expanded]
Li Yan blinked in confusion. "System update? Now? What's this about?"
The text shifted, displaying new information.
[Host is now eligible for a Primary System Revelation.]
[Do you wish to proceed? Y/N]
Li Yan frowned. This was the first time the system had offered him a choice about such a monumental update. Usually, it just did whatever it wanted. He hesitated, recalling the woman's words about uncovering the truth. "I guess this is part of that veil-lifting thing," he muttered. "Well, I've come this far. Let's see what this revelation is about."
He selected Y, and the interface immediately vanished. The ground beneath him trembled, and the sky shifted into a swirling vortex of gold and black. Energy surged around him, pulling him into a blinding light.
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The Realm of Revelation
Li Yan found himself standing in an enormous chamber, its walls lined with intricate carvings that pulsed faintly with golden light. The carvings depicted countless worlds, each one unique yet connected by a web of glowing threads. In the center of the chamber stood a towering obelisk, inscribed with symbols that seemed to shift and dance when he looked at them.
"Where am I now?" Li Yan muttered, stepping closer to the obelisk.
A deep, mechanical voice echoed through the chamber, resonating with power. "Welcome, Host, to the Realm of Revelation. Here, you will learn the truth of your system and your purpose within the infinite heavens."
Li Yan crossed his arms, his wariness flaring. "I've heard a lot about truth lately. Why don't you skip the cryptic talk and get to the point?"
The system's voice didn't waver. "Very well. Your system is not merely a tool for your growth, nor is it a random occurrence. It is a fragment of the Origin System, the governing force of the infinite heavens. The Origin System exists to maintain balance, oversee the three thousand avenues, and enforce the infinite rules. You, Host, were chosen as a bearer of this fragment because your existence defies the natural order."
Li Yan's heart skipped a beat. "Chosen? Why me?"
"Your parallel Earth is a unique anomaly within the infinite heavens. It was never meant to exist, and yet it thrived. Your soul carries remnants of this anomaly, making you incompatible with the rules of the heavens. The Origin System selected you not to enforce balance, but to challenge it, to act as a counterweight to forces that have grown too rigid in their control."
Li Yan took a step back, his mind racing. "Wait, you're saying I'm supposed to… what? Fight the heavens themselves? That's insane!"
The system's tone remained calm. "Not fight. Liberate. The infinite heavens have stagnated, their rulers corrupted by power and fear. The Origin System has deemed them unworthy to guide the realms. You are its chosen instrument of change."
Li Yan laughed, though there was no humor in it. "Change? That's a nice way of saying chaos. No wonder the heavens want me gone."
The carvings on the walls began to glow brighter, and the obelisk emitted a low hum. "The choice remains yours, Host. You can continue to grow, unlocking the full potential of your system, or abandon this path and return to obscurity. However, know that the forces aligned against you will not relent, regardless of your decision."
Li Yan's carefree demeanor wavered for a moment as he processed the weight of the system's words. He thought of the trials, the shadow, and the mysterious woman's warning. Everything pointed to one inescapable conclusion: he was in the middle of a cosmic conflict far larger than himself.
A grin slowly returned to his face. "You know what? I've never been one to back down from a challenge. If the heavens want to play games, I'll give them a fight they'll never forget."
The system's voice echoed with approval. "Acknowledged. Host's resolve has been recorded. Initiating next phase of integration."
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System Upgrade: Divine Authority Unlocked
Golden light erupted from the obelisk, engulfing Li Yan in its radiance. He felt a surge of power course through him, far beyond anything he had experienced before. His body seemed to vibrate with energy, and the interface appeared again, displaying new abilities and functions.
[Divine Energy Absorption]: Harness energy from the heavens and convert it into personal power.
[Rule Manipulation]: Temporarily override the rules of existence within a limited domain.
[Heaven's Bane Manifestation]: Summon an unstoppable force to combat divine entities.
The chamber quaked as the energy settled, and Li Yan let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Well, that's… a lot to take in."
The system spoke one last time. "Return to your journey, Host. The path ahead is fraught with peril, but also great reward. Trust in your abilities, and the truth will reveal itself in time."
The chamber faded away, and Li Yan found himself back in the meadow. The peace of the surroundings now felt like a stark contrast to the storm raging within him.
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End of Chapter 23