Chapter 1: A New Beginning
The steady hum of machinery filled the small hospital room. Li Yang's body lay motionless on the bed, his chest rising and falling rhythmically with the assistance of a ventilator. The once vibrant 27-year-old programmer, struck down by a freak accident, now clung to life. Consciousness flickered, fading into darkness.
"Is this… the end?" Li Yang's thoughts floated in the void. He had always lived a mundane life—no family, no great achievements, just endless hours of code and lonely nights. As regret began to seep into his soul, a sudden, booming voice shattered the silence.
"Fear not, mortal. Your journey has just begun."
"What the—" Li Yang's fragmented thoughts were interrupted as a dazzling light engulfed him. He felt himself being pulled, weightless, through an endless expanse. The voice spoke again, this time clearer and filled with authority.
"You have been chosen to be reincarnated into a new world. As compensation for your untimely death, you will receive the **Ultimate Choice System** to guide your path."
Li Yang's confusion turned to curiosity. "Ultimate Choice System? Is this some kind of game?"
A chuckle echoed in the void. "Perhaps. But remember, every choice comes with a price. Are you ready to begin your new life?"
He didn't get a chance to answer. The next moment, his consciousness was thrust into blinding light.
---
Li Yang opened his eyes to find himself in a dense forest. Towering trees loomed over him, their leaves shimmering with an ethereal glow. The air was crisp, and the chirping of unfamiliar birds filled his ears. He looked down and saw his hands—small, pale, and delicate.
"What…? I'm a kid?" His voice was soft, childlike. He glanced around and caught sight of a clear stream nearby. Kneeling by the water, he saw his reflection: a boy of about ten, with striking black hair and sharp, azure eyes.
Before he could process the change, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
[**Welcome to the Ultimate Choice System!**]
Li Yang flinched, nearly falling into the stream. "Okay, now this is definitely weird."
[**You have been granted the Ultimate Choice System. Your destiny will be shaped by the choices you make. To begin, select your starting boon:**]
A translucent panel appeared before him, listing three options:
**1. Heaven-Defying Physique:** Start with an unparalleled body, capable of absorbing spiritual energy at an incredible rate.
**2. Boundless Knowledge:** Gain access to the memories and techniques of ancient cultivators.
**3. Divine Artifact:** Receive a mysterious treasure of unimaginable power.
Li Yang's eyes widened. "This is just like a video game!" He examined each option carefully.
"If I choose the physique, I'll have a strong foundation from the start. Knowledge sounds tempting, but it might not help me survive right away. And a divine artifact? What if I can't even use it properly?"
[**Please make your choice. Time remaining: 10 seconds.**]
"What?! There's a time limit?" Li Yang panicked. He took a deep breath. "Okay, think. A strong body will keep me alive longer."
"Choice one! Heaven-Defying Physique!"
[**Choice confirmed. You have obtained the Heaven-Defying Physique!**]
A surge of power coursed through Li Yang's body. His veins glowed briefly, and he felt an overwhelming warmth spreading through him. His senses sharpened, and he could feel the spiritual energy in the air flowing into his body.
"Whoa… this is insane!" He flexed his fingers, marveling at the newfound strength.
[**First mission unlocked:** Survive your first encounter with a magical beast. Reward: Beginner Cultivation Manual.]
Li Yang's excitement was cut short by a low growl behind him. Slowly turning, he saw a creature emerge from the shadows. It was a wolf-like beast, its fur bristling and eyes glowing crimson.
"Oh, great. My first day here, and I'm already on the menu."
The wolf lunged at him without warning. Li Yang dodged, his enhanced reflexes kicking in. Adrenaline surged through him as he realized he was much faster than before.
"Okay, think, Li Yang! I don't know any martial arts, but I'm stronger now, right?"
The wolf charged again, its claws aiming for his throat. Li Yang ducked and instinctively punched its side. To his shock, the beast yelped and skidded across the ground, crashing into a tree.
"Did I just do that?" Li Yang stared at his fist in disbelief. The wolf, though injured, wasn't done. It snarled and prepared for another attack.
Before it could pounce, a blue light enveloped Li Yang.
[**Emergency assistance activated. Initiating combat guidance.**]
A flood of information poured into Li Yang's mind—a basic martial technique, the **Iron Fist Strike**. Without hesitation, he moved, his body acting on instinct. As the wolf lunged, Li Yang's fist collided with its head, enhanced by the technique's power. The beast collapsed, motionless.
Breathing heavily, Li Yang stared at the lifeless creature. "That was way too close."
[**Congratulations! You have completed your first mission. Reward unlocked: Beginner Cultivation Manual.**]
Another panel appeared, showing a book icon. Li Yang reached out, and a small, leather-bound manual materialized in his hand. He flipped it open, scanning the first few pages.
"'The Path of Qi Condensation'? So this is how cultivation works here…"
As he sat by the stream, reading the manual, Li Yang couldn't help but grin. "Alright, this might be dangerous, but it's also kind of awesome. If I've got this system, maybe I really can thrive here."
The Ultimate Choice System chimed again.
[**New choice available:**]
**1. Head to the nearest village to seek guidance.**
**2. Explore the forest for hidden treasures.**
**3. Meditate here to consolidate your cultivation foundation.**
Li Yang chuckled. "Well, system, let's see what other crazy adventures you've got in store for me."
With his fate now intertwined with the Ultimate Choice System, Li Yang's journey in the cultivation world had only just begun.