As the echoes of the Heaven Suppressing System's final words faded into the darkness, a heavy silence blanketed the vast pavilion. Sheng Meiyue stood still, her crimson eyes locked on the flickering runes that now floated lazily in the air.
Her lips curled slightly, a glint of cold amusement in her eyes.
"System," she said softly, her voice cutting through the silence. "Show me my status panel."
There was a moment of stillness, and then—
"Request acknowledged. Displaying Host Data."
Before her, the air shimmered and a translucent, blood-red screen materialized. Jagged in shape, etched with arcane symbols, it pulsed faintly as lines of information appeared one by one.
[Heaven Suppressing System Panel]
Host Name: Sheng Meiyue
Age: Unknown (Reincarnated)
Race: Human (???)
Bloodline: Unknown (Dormant)
Cultivation Realm: None
Spiritual Veins: Not Awakened
Meridians: Severely Damaged (Cause: Unknown Poison)
Physical Condition: Weak, Injured (Residual Demonic Energy Present)
Mental State: Stable... (?)
Cultivation Techniques: None
Battle Techniques: None
Soul Techniques: None
Physique: Unknown (Dormant)
Divine Sense: Inactive
System Functions Unlocked:
Chance Theft: Active
Feedback Loop: Active
Soul Fusion Space: Active (Linked to Xue Yiran)
Meiyue's eyes scanned the screen with interest, her fingers twitching slightly at the mention of damaged meridians and poison.
"Tch... My body's a wreck," she muttered. "No cultivation. No techniques. And poisoned on top of that..."
Her gaze narrowed.
"System, explain the poison."
"Analysis in progress..."
A moment passed, and then:
"Result: High-level soul poison. Cause: Reincarnation trauma. Time until onset of irreversible damage: 14 days."
Her eyes gleamed coldly.
"So I have two weeks to cure it ... or die."
Xue Yiran stepped forward from the mist, her presence calm but unmistakably authoritative.
"Now you see why I told you—you have no time to waste. This world is ruthless, and you... are at the bottom."
Meiyue chuckled softly.
"I've been at the bottom before... It's the best place to start climbing."
She raised her hand, the panel still flickering before her eyes.
"System, what's next? How do I awaken my spiritual veins?"
"Task Generated: Awaken Spiritual Veins. Objective: Absorb sufficient natural energy or external aid. Recommended Method: Steal a chance of vein awakening from another cultivator."
A slow, wicked smile curled Meiyue's lips.
"So I find someone on the verge of awakening... and take it for myself."
Yiran's voice was soft.
"Exactly. Your first prey will appear soon... Be ready, Meiyue. This is your true beginning."
And somewhere, deep within the Azure Mist Forest, a young man sat cross-legged, unaware that his destiny was about to be stolen.
Meiyue's eyes gleamed.
"Let the hunt begin."
At the edge of the Azure Mist Forest, nestled between misty mountains and ancient pines, lay a small, isolated village known as Stonefang Hollow. Hidden from the cultivation world, its people lived not by spiritual arts but by the strength of their bodies and their connection to the untamed wilderness.
Though none were cultivators, the villagers were hardened hunters, men and women who braved the forest's dangers to protect their kin. Life was harsh, but it had carved strength into their bones.
This morning, a group of hunters gathered at the village gate, their weapons crude but durable—spears tipped with beast fangs, bows strung with sinew.
"Be careful out there," an elder warned, his beard streaked with gray. "The mist's thicker than usual. The spirits are restless."
Among the hunters stood a tall young man, broad-shouldered and sharp-eyed. His name was Lei Yushan, son of the village chief, known for his bravery and strength despite having no cultivation.
He adjusted the beast hide strap around his chest and grinned at the elder.
"Relax, Elder Tao. No spirit beast can stop us from bringing back prey."
The villagers chuckled, though tension lingered in their eyes. The Azure Mist Forest was no ordinary forest—and many who entered its depths never returned.
The hunters disappeared into the trees, their forms swallowed by the swirling mist.
Hours passed. Deep in the forest, the group moved cautiously through dense undergrowth. The silence was unnerving; even birds and insects seemed absent.
Suddenly, a guttural growl echoed ahead.
"A beast," Lei Yushan whispered, gripping his spear.
They crept forward—and found a massive Silverhide Boar, its hide shimmering faintly with spiritual energy. Though not a true spirit beast, it was far stronger than any common animal.
"That beast... it's unusual," one hunter muttered. "It shouldn't be here."
Yushan's eyes gleamed.
"It's perfect. I'll take it down."
Before anyone could protest, he lunged forward, swift and fearless.But he didnt know that there was already crimson eyes staring at the group from top of trees.