The morning sun rose sluggishly over the towering trees of the Desolate Abyss, its light struggling to penetrate the thick canopy of leaves. Jin Wei sat cross-legged on a flat stone, his body still aching from the wounds inflicted the day before. His robes, torn and bloodied, hung loosely over his shoulders, a stark reminder of his betrayal. Yet, his eyes burned with a fierce determination—something within him had changed.
The Primordial Reforge System had awakened, and for the first time in his life, Jin Wei could feel the faint stirrings of energy flowing through his body. It wasn't the weak, sputtering essence he'd struggled with all his life. No, this was something purer, denser, and more vibrant.
"System," Jin Wei called out tentatively, his voice hoarse but steady. "What… are you exactly? Why have you chosen me?"
A calm, commanding voice echoed in his mind, its tone neither harsh nor gentle, but imbued with an authority that demanded attention.
"I am the Primordial Reforge System, an ancient construct designed to select those who have been broken by the world and guide them to greatness. You were chosen because your spirit remains unyielding, even when your body falters. You have the potential to ascend beyond the heavens themselves."
Jin Wei frowned slightly, trying to process the system's cryptic words. "But I'm… crippled. My meridians are shattered. How can I cultivate when my very foundation is flawed?"
The system responded almost immediately. "Your meridians have been reforged. What was once broken has been rebuilt as Ethereal Veins—channels capable of absorbing and refining essence at a level far beyond that of ordinary cultivators. You are no longer bound by the limitations of your past."
Jin Wei's breath caught in his throat. Ethereal Veins? He'd read about such things in ancient texts—legendary cultivators who could harness essence with unparalleled efficiency. But they were myths, stories told to inspire the young. And now… he was one of them?
"Then, what do I do next?" he asked, clenching his fists. He had been given a second chance, and he wouldn't squander it. "How do I begin this path?"
"The foundation of cultivation is built upon the absorption and refinement of essence," the system explained. "Your first task is to refine your body and stabilize your Ethereal Veins. This will prepare you for the first stage of the Mortal Realm: Body Tempering."
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The Basics of Cultivation
Jin Wei recalled what he'd learned about cultivation as a child, back when his family still had hope for him. Cultivators advanced through realms, each one marked by significant milestones in their connection to the world's essence. The Mortal Realm, the lowest and most basic stage, was divided into three levels: Body Tempering, Muscle Strengthening, and Meridian Cleansing.
Body Tempering involved fortifying the physical body, allowing it to withstand the strain of channeling essence. It was the first, crucial step on the path to power. Most cultivators began this process at a young age, their meridians naturally absorbing essence over time. For Jin Wei, this step had always been impossible—until now.
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System-Guided Cultivation
"Close your eyes," the system instructed, its voice pulling Jin Wei from his thoughts. "Focus on your breathing. Draw the essence of the world into your Ethereal Veins and let it flow through you."
Jin Wei obeyed, shutting his eyes and steadying his breath. The world around him seemed to come alive as he concentrated. He could feel the faint hum of energy in the air, the subtle pulse of life that he'd never been able to sense before.
It was… overwhelming. The sheer abundance of essence was unlike anything he'd imagined. It wasn't just a resource—it was a living force, vibrant and untamed.
Slowly, he reached out with his mind, drawing the essence toward him. At first, it resisted, like a wild animal wary of a stranger. But as he persisted, the essence began to flow, slipping into his body through the newly-formed Ethereal Veins.
A sudden surge of heat coursed through him, and Jin Wei gasped, his body trembling. The energy was raw and unrefined, burning as it traveled through his veins.
"Do not resist the pain," the system urged. "Let the essence temper your body. It is through pain that strength is forged."
Gritting his teeth, Jin Wei endured the discomfort, allowing the essence to flow freely. He could feel it seeping into his muscles, his bones, his very being, breaking down the weakness that had plagued him all his life.
Time seemed to blur as he cultivated. Hours passed in silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant cries of beasts. By the time Jin Wei opened his eyes, the sun had risen high in the sky, its golden light casting long shadows across the forest floor.
His body felt… different. Stronger. The aches and pains that had plagued him since his fall into the Abyss were gone, replaced by a sense of vitality he'd never known.
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The World's Danger
Before Jin Wei could fully process the changes, a low growl echoed from the shadows. His head snapped toward the sound, his senses sharpening instinctively. Emerging from the underbrush was a Crimson Fang Wolf, its eyes glowing with a predatory light.
Jin Wei froze. The Crimson Fang Wolf was a common beast found in the Desolate Abyss, but even the weakest of its kind was stronger than a mortal. With his newfound strength, he might stand a chance, but he wasn't sure.
The wolf circled him slowly, its movements cautious but deliberate. Jin Wei clenched his fists, feeling the faint pulse of essence in his veins.
"System, what do I do?" he whispered, his voice tight with fear.
"Fight," the system replied. "You must test your strength. Only through battle will you grow."
Jin Wei's heart pounded as the wolf lunged, its fangs glinting in the sunlight. He dodged clumsily, the beast's claws grazing his shoulder as he rolled to the side. Adrenaline surged through him, sharpening his focus.
Rising to his feet, Jin Wei clenched his fists, channeling essence into his arms. The wolf lunged again, and this time, he met it head-on. His fist connected with the beast's jaw, sending it skidding across the ground.
It wasn't enough. The wolf recovered quickly, snarling as it charged once more. Jin Wei dodged and countered, his movements growing more fluid with each exchange. He could feel the essence coursing through him, empowering his strikes and sharpening his reflexes.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the wolf faltered. Jin Wei seized the opportunity, delivering a final, decisive blow that sent the beast crashing to the ground. It let out a low whimper before falling silent, its body limp.
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The First Step
Jin Wei stood over the wolf's body, his chest heaving. Blood dripped from his knuckles, but he didn't care. He had won. For the first time in his life, he had faced a challenge and overcome it—not with the help of others, but through his own strength.
"Well done," the system said, its tone approving. "You have taken your first step on the path to power. Remember this feeling, for it will drive you forward in the trials to come."
Jin Wei nodded silently, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The path ahead was long and fraught with danger, but he was no longer the helpless outcast he once was. With the system's guidance and his own determination, he would rise.
This was only the beginning.
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