The sky above the Wuling Clan burned with a dull crimson glow.
It was a sign.
A sign of failure.
A sign of shame.
And most importantly—
A sign of exile.
"From today onward… you are no longer a son of the Wuling Clan."
The voice was cold. Final. Absolute.
Wuling stood in the center of the ancestral courtyard, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his flesh. Yet, he didn't dare to raise his head.
Before him stood his father—Wuling Zhen, one of the strongest elders in the clan.
A man who could split mountains with a single strike.
And yet…
This same man now looked at his own son as if he were nothing more than dirt.
"I… I can still try," Wuling said, his voice trembling but stubborn. "Father, give me one more year. I will awaken my power."
Silence.
Then—
A sharp laugh echoed from the side.
"Awaken?" one of the clan youths sneered. "You're already sixteen and still nothing! Not even a trace of spiritual energy!"
"Even servants awaken before that age."
"You're a disgrace."
Each word was like a blade stabbing into Wuling's chest.
But none hurt more than what came next.
"Enough."
His father raised a hand.
"I have given you sixteen years. Sixteen years of resources, training, and opportunities."
"And what have you given me in return?"
"Nothing."
The word hit harder than thunder.
"You have no spiritual roots. No affinity. No destiny."
"You are not fit for this clan."
A pause.
Then the final sentence—
"Leave."
The wind blew softly through the courtyard.
But to Wuling, it felt like a storm tearing him apart.
"Father…"
But Wuling Zhen had already turned his back.
He didn't even look at him again.
Minutes later—
Wuling stood outside the massive gates of the clan.
The same gates he once proudly walked through as a young master.
Now…
They were closed to him forever.
He carried nothing but a torn bag and a broken heart.
No money.
No weapons.
No cultivation.
Nothing.
Night fell quickly.
And with it, came the cold.
Wuling walked aimlessly until the familiar lands faded away and the world became darker, wilder… more dangerous.
Before him stood a forest.
Massive ancient trees stretched into the heavens, their twisted branches blocking out the moonlight.
A low growl echoed from within.
This was no ordinary forest.
This was—
The Ancient Magic Beast Forest.
A place where even experienced cultivators feared to enter.
A place filled with monstrous creatures, ancient spirits… and death.
Wuling swallowed hard.
"If I stay outside… I'll starve."
"If I go in… I might die."
He laughed bitterly.
"So either way… I die."
But then—
His eyes hardened.
"No."
"I won't die."
With trembling legs but unyielding will, Wuling stepped into the forest.
The moment he crossed the boundary—
The air changed.
Heavy.
Oppressive.
Alive.
Rustle.
Rustle.
Something moved.
Wuling froze.
His breathing stopped.
Then—
A pair of glowing green eyes appeared in the darkness.
Low.
Silent.
Deadly.
"Grrrrrr…"
A massive shadow emerged.
A beast.
A terrifying beast.
Its body was as large as a bull, covered in dark scales. Its claws dug into the earth, and its fangs gleamed under the faint moonlight.
Iron Fang Beast.
A creature known for ripping its prey apart before they could even scream.
Wuling stumbled backward.
"N-no…"
His heart pounded violently.
"I… I can't fight this…"
But the beast didn't care.
To it—
Wuling was just food.
WHOOSH!
It lunged.
Fast.
Too fast.
Wuling turned and ran.
Branches scratched his skin.
Roots tripped his feet.
His lungs burned.
But behind him—
The beast was getting closer.
Closer.
Closer.
"Damn it!"
He tripped—
And fell hard to the ground.
Pain exploded through his body.
He tried to stand—
But his legs wouldn't listen.
Slowly…
He turned his head.
The beast stood before him now.
Towering.
Dominating.
Its jaws opened wide—
Ready to crush his skull.
"So… this is how I die…"
Tears gathered in Wuling's eyes.
"I didn't even get a chance…"
"I didn't even prove myself…"
The beast raised its claw.
Time slowed.
Everything became silent.
And then—
DING!
A strange sound echoed in his mind.
[Ancient God System detected a dying host…]
[Compatibility check…]
[100% compatible.]
Wuling's eyes widened.
"What…?"
A glowing screen suddenly appeared before him.
Floating.
Mysterious.
Unreal.
[Do you wish to bind with the Ancient God System?]
[YES] [NO]
The beast's claw began to descend.
Death was less than a second away.
Wuling stared at the screen.
His heart roared.
His blood burned.
"Yes…"
His voice was barely a whisper—
But filled with everything he had left.
"YES!!"
[Binding confirmed.]
[Ancient God System Activated.]
BOOM!!!
A terrifying surge of energy exploded from Wuling's body.
Golden light erupted into the sky, shaking the entire forest.
The Iron Fang Beast froze mid-attack.
Its eyes filled with fear.
Something had changed.
Something ancient…
Something divine…
Had awakened.
Wuling's body lifted slightly from the ground.
His wounds began to heal.
His eyes glowed with a faint golden light.
[Welcome, Host.]
[You have been chosen by the Ancient Gods.]
The forest trembled.
The beast stepped back.
For the first time—
It felt fear.
And Wuling…
The boy who had nothing…
Slowly opened his eyes.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Now…"
His voice was calm.
Cold.
Different.
"Let's see who dies."