When Chen Xu first arrived in this world, he had no control over his ape-like body. Though these creatures were human in form, their physiques were far removed from true humans.
At first, he was like a newborn—unable to stand, let alone move with purpose.
Out of instinct, he began circulating the Muscle-Tendon Change Classic. And then, astonishingly, a surge of qi erupted within him, giving him near-instant control over his body. Limbs moved with surprising precision, agility surged, and he preserved the fire without faltering.
But that was only the beginning. He noticed a strange transformation: the cool energy that had once sapped his strength now invigorated him. With each circulation of qi, his ape body grew stronger, more resilient, more alive.
Every cycle of energy tightened his command over his form. Every movement amplified his strength.
Recalling the ancient texts—the stages of refining essence into qi, qi into spirit, and spirit into void—Chen Xu sensed something extraordinary. Perhaps the power of spacetime had inadvertently propelled him beyond the sequential stages. Perhaps he had already achieved the legendary "Return to Void," condensing spirit into substance, bypassing the earlier steps entirely.
Could it be he had reached the Prenatal Dao Fetus, surpassing even the Ten Heavens of Inner Qi? He could not be certain, for inward inspection revealed no anomaly in his mind.
Even so, one truth remained clear: in this perilous Stone Age, cultivating qi meant one thing—strength. The more he practiced, the stronger he became.
So, whenever he had a spare moment, Chen Xu avoided the trivial flirtations of the hunting party. He devoted himself to cultivation, expanding his inner energy with relentless focus.
Ten days of unbroken effort—perhaps aided by the blessings of transmigration—saw his qi surge to a peak. He could feel it: a breakthrough to the First Heaven was imminent. True, usable qi awaited him.
For now, his only goal was to survive and grow stronger. Before he could dominate, he would rely on the tribal chief—familiar with the land—as an unwitting shield.
In the quiet cave, qi flowed steadily, and Chen Xu reveled in the rare luxury of this primitive world: the act of cultivation.
Warmth surged from his core into his bones, a subtle tingling coursing through his muscles. The raw, untamed power of his body made a smile tug at his lips. This was his strength—his own. Not wealth, not status, not knowledge, but pure, personal power.
Suddenly, the steady flow of qi surged violently. Reflexively, his hair stood on end. His eyes snapped open, gleaming with an almost blinding light.
Any martial artist would recognize the mark of a peak cultivator—the eyes revealing inner energy refined to its utmost, the body harmonized to perfection.
But in this cave, there were no humans to admire him. Only a terrified shriek pierced the air.
It was pitiful, sharp, almost comical—a female ape, long-haired and trembling, crouched low, holding an unknown object aloft, offering it with desperate reverence.
The scent told Chen Xu immediately: she had brought food. In this brutal world, only the strongest earned the finest portions. Perhaps she sought favor or survival, as the best meat was reserved for his hunting team.
Survival dictated such exchanges. The primitive law of the wild: the strong thrive.
Chen Xu accepted the venison with a faint smile. He understood the offer, but such a "trade" was out of the question. Shaking his head, he gestured to the fire and began eating, ignoring the trembling ape entirely.
The female ape hesitated, reading his impatience. Reluctantly, she returned to the fire, earning the chieftain's favor with her persistence.
The other apes in the hunting party—muscular and brutish—watched with mixed emotions. Astonishment, confusion, respect. Even with their limited intellect, they grasped that Chen Xu, one who commanded fire, strength, and precision, was no ordinary member of the tribe.
In acknowledgment, the tribal chief tossed a moose leg toward him—a gesture of respect and tribute.
Chen Xu consumed the meat, circulating his qi to absorb its essence, refining it into his own energy. Essence became qi; qi strengthened his body.
Soon, a massive leg vanished into his belly. Even now, he had consumed nearly a fifth of a deer—a feast that would sustain ordinary apes for days. Without his combat prowess, someone would surely have challenged him.
After the meal, the cave settled into quiet murmurs of activity. Chen Xu, satiated and contemplative, expelled the noise from his mind and entered lotus posture. The refreshing qi flowed through him as he sank into meditation.
Sunlight spilled into the cave, scattering golden flecks across stone and shadow. Chen Xu felt life surge within him, as though the world itself fueled his qi.
A sudden spark ignited in his mind, and dormant energy exploded. Qi swelled, doubling, triple-fold. Instinctively, Chen Xu lifted his head and unleashed a roar that split the dawn.
The forest trembled. Birds and beasts scattered in panic. Predators emerged, sensing his dominion. The entire wilderness trembled before him.
When the roar subsided, the ape tribe looked upon him with awe. Chen Xu was no longer just a member; he was apex, a force of nature.
Feeling the power thrumming through him and the harmony of circulating qi, Chen Xu smiled. He had reached the First Heaven.
The blessings of transmigration had been fully realized. Further advancement would require effort, patience, and time.
With qi aiding him, he quickly mastered his new strength. His gaze swept over the astonished apes. He pointed at the tribal chief. Strength now surpassed leadership. It was time to claim his place.
The tribal leader, recognizing the challenge and adhering to the law of strength, rose without hesitation. In the wild, like in a lion's pride, only the victor could rule.