The world around him was dark. Not the emptiness of night, but a void full of latent energy, cold yet powerful, pressing down like the weight of a thousand mountains. Ling Tian's eyes snapped open, and he felt… strange.
Not my body.
He flinched at the sight of hands stronger than any he had in his previous life, veins glowing faintly with silver light, fingers tipped with claws that could tear stone effortlessly. Ling Tian staggered to his feet, instinctively sensing the immense energy radiating from his body.
A voice echoed inside his mind mechanical, emotionless, yet commanding:
[System Online]
Host Identity: Ling Tian.
Current Realm: Immortal King Base.
Target Realm: Celestial Base.
Status: Incomplete.
Rewards: Techniques, Artifacts, Realm Conquest, Ascension."
Ling Tian blinked. "A… system?"
Of course. His life as an ordinary boy had been ordinary, boring. But now, reborn in a world of cultivation, gifted with the body of an Immortal King and a system to guide him… his heart raced.
The voice continued:
"Host detected. Current cultivation base: Immortal King Rising King. Potential unlocked: 5%. Recommended action: Survey surroundings, activate latent techniques, eliminate weaker threats to consolidate power."
Ling Tian flexed his fingers. The system's words resonated with him like a guide, but the raw power inside him was palpable, screaming to be released.
First Steps in the Immortal World
Outside the chamber, the palace was ancient yet majestic, carved from white stone that seemed to glow with its own energy. The sky above shimmered with celestial colors, streaks of energy flowing like rivers through the clouds. Ling Tian could feel the presence of countless cultivators, each far weaker than him, yet all emanating desperate fear and curiosity.
"Immortal King Ling Tian?" a timid voice called out from the shadows. A disciple of a nearby sect bowed nervously. "The throne… it awaits your command."
Ling Tian tilted his head. The throne? He felt its power even from here ancient, resonant, almost alive.
[System Alert: Throne Battle Event Pending. Rival Immortal King Detected in Territory. Recommendation: Prepare for Battle. Reward: Throne Mastery, Territory Conquest, Experience Points.]
A faint smile appeared on Ling Tian's lips. Perfect timing.
Testing His New Body
Before meeting anyone else, Ling Tian needed to understand his body's limits. Concentrating, he drew in the ambient immortal energy around him. Silver veins along his arms pulsed, and his body seemed to absorb the world itself.
[System Activated: Ling Tian gains first ability – Soul Severing Fist. Technique mastered at 10%.]
He extended his fist and crushed a nearby stone pillar effortlessly. The air itself shattered around him with a faint echo.
This body… is beyond anything I imagined. Ling Tian's mind raced with possibilities. With this body, this system, and his own intelligence… he would rise to the top of the Immortal World faster than anyone could imagine.
First Encounter
Suddenly, the sky darkened, and a ripple of energy approached. A cultivator, clad in black robes, descended gracefully, his aura radiating absolute dominance. Ling Tian felt the subtle hum of an equal-level Immortal King approaching.
"Ling Tian," the man's voice boomed, "I am Vorath. I've come for the throne. Step aside, or be crushed."
[System Update: Throne Battle Event Triggered. Target: Vorath – Immortal King. Recommendation: Assess, strategize, eliminate.]
Ling Tian's eyes glinted. So the first real test begins.
He stepped forward, calm and calculating, letting the rival approach. Around them, the Immortal World trembled as the two Immortal Kings faced off. Stones shattered, wind screamed, and the very aura of power pressed on the surrounding mountains.
The Battle Begins
Ling Tian's first attack was subtle a Soul Severing Fist, infused with his newly awakened energy. Vorath countered effortlessly, but it gave Ling Tian a glimpse of his rival's strength.
He's strong… but predictable.
The system whispered inside his mind:
[Recommended Action: Exploit gap in Vorath's defense. Use terrain and techniques to gain upper hand.]
With a small motion, Ling Tian manipulated the battlefield, sending fragments of stone swirling like blades, confusing Vorath. While the rival Immortal King tried to stabilize, Ling Tian unleashed his full strength.
Boom.
The earth shattered. Wind became a hurricane. Vorath stumbled, barely keeping his footing. Ling Tian felt the throne beneath him resonate, as if acknowledging its true master.
Aftermath and Foreshadowing
Vorath staggered back, his expression grim. "So… you are more than just a boy in the Emperor's body."
Ling Tian's calm smile chilled even the strongest Immortal King. "I am Ling Tian. And this throne, this world… it will be mine."
[System Update: Throne Mastery Achieved – 15% Unlock. Immortal World Territory Consolidated – Level 1. Next Target: Celestial Base.]
As Vorath retreated, Ling Tian's eyes lifted to the sky, sensing realms beyond the Immortal World: Celestial World, Heavenly Dao Realm, Saint Realm… all waiting.
One world at a time. One realm at a time. And I… will be absolute.