A gentle breeze brushed my face as I stood at the edge of a small clearing, the scent of damp earth and leaves filling my nostrils. The Azure Dragon World felt more alive than anything I'd ever experienced. Every shadow seemed to hold secrets, every rustle of leaves hinting at hidden dangers.
A sudden growl made me tense. My gaze snapped to the underbrush, where a pair of crimson eyes glared at me from the darkness. A low, menacing snarl sent a chill down my spine.
A demonic beast.
I swallowed hard, adrenaline coursing through my veins. The beast—a wolf-like creature with scales running down its spine—lunged from the shadows, fangs bared and claws extended.
"System!" I shouted, my voice trembling. "Show me its information!"
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ BEAST ANALYSIS ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Species: Crimson Scale Wolf ║
║ Rank: Early Body Refining Realm (Tier 1)║
║ Strength: Moderate ║
║ Weakness: Exposed underbelly ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
My eyes widened. It was at the same cultivation level as me—but its experience in combat made it dangerous.
I had no combat skills yet, but hesitation would mean death. Gritting my teeth, I clenched my fists and braced for impact. The wolf lunged again.
"Devouring Ability—activate!" I roared.
A faint black mist rose from my chest, swirling around my hands. I swung my arm, the mist coiling like a serpent.
The wolf's eyes widened as it felt its essence being drawn from its body. Its howl was cut short as its life force was devoured.
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ DEVOURING ACTIVATED ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Crimson Scale Wolf essence absorbed. ║
║ Cultivation Progress: +20% ║
║ Talent Improved: Slightly Above Normal ║
║ Combat Experience: Basic ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
I stumbled, gasping for breath. The energy was overwhelming—a rush of raw power and instinct flooding my senses. I could feel the beast's memories, its reflexes, the way it hunted.
"I… I did it," I whispered, staring at my trembling hands. "I actually did it…"
The system chimed again:
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ MISSION UPDATE ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Beginner Mission: Defeat your first ║
║ demonic beast. ║
║ Reward: Starter Combat Technique ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
A new panel appeared before me:
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ REWARD RECEIVED ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Starter Combat Technique acquired. ║
║ Technique: Flowing Shadow Fist ║
║ Rank: Mortal Grade ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
Flowing Shadow Fist. A basic combat skill—but it was a start.
"System," I said, still catching my breath, "learn Flowing Shadow Fist."
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ LEARNING TECHNIQUE: FLOWING ║
║ SHADOW FIST ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Learning Progress: 100% ║
║ Skill Acquired. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
I felt the technique imprint itself into my mind, every movement, every step, as if I'd practiced it a thousand times.
A sense of exhilaration washed over me. I had taken my first real step in this world—a world where only the strong survived.
My heart steeled with determination. If I could defeat one beast, I could defeat many. And one day… I would reach Level 7. I would control space, time, and dimensions—and I would find my way back to my sister.
This was my destiny. I would not falter.