Wu Ji Tian stood before the full-immersion capsule, arms crossed as he took in its sleek, futuristic design. It was nothing like the crude wooden decor of the cultivation world—this thing looked straight out of a sci-fi game. Smooth metallic pting with faint, glowing lines traced its surface, and a transparent visor covered the entrance like a high-tech coffin.

  “…Fancy.” He ran his fingers over the surface, feeling the cool material. It had a refined, almost premium touch to it, something that wouldn’t feel out of pce in a high-end gaming lounge.

  He pushed the visor upward. Inside, the seat looked absurdly comfortable—ergonomically designed, cushioned just right, and somehow inviting despite being a metal capsule. He stepped in, lowering himself onto the seat.

  The moment his body settled, he felt it.

  Comfort.

  It wasn’t just soft—it adjusted to him, contouring around his back, legs, and arms like it was tailor-made. It felt better than any chair he had ever sat in, better than any bed. The weightlessness that came with it was almost addictive, as if the capsule refused to let discomfort exist inside it.

  “…I could fall asleep in this.”

  A soft hum filled the capsule, and suddenly, a bright blue grid-like pattern spread across the interior. The air shifted, charged with an almost electric sensation as the capsule came to life.

  [Scan Complete.]

  [Owner Detected.]

  [Welcome to Virtual Haven.]

  Before he could process those words, his vision blurred. A strange pulling sensation overtook him, like his mind was being yanked forward while his body stayed put.

  And then—

  Nothing.

  Or rather, a vast, endless void.

  Wu Ji Tian found himself standing in what looked like pure, infinite darkness. No ground, no sky, no walls—just empty space stretching forever in every direction. Yet, he was standing. His feet made contact with something solid, but there was nothing there. Almost like the void itself was holding him up.

  He took a cautious step. The sensation didn’t change. Another step. Still nothing visible beneath him, yet he remained supported, as if walking on an invisible path.

  “…This is unsettling.”

  The system’s voice cut through the silence.

  “Good. That means it’s working.”

  Wu Ji Tian exhaled slowly. The immersion was ridiculous. He could feel the temperature here—or ck of it. There was no wind, no sound beyond his own breathing.

  “So, what is this pce?”

  “The foundation,” the system replied. “This is where it all begins.”

  Wu Ji Tian frowned. “Begins what?”

  “The construction of a fully interactive cultivation world. One that will, in time, rival reality itself.”

  His brows furrowed. He looked around again, but there was still nothing. Just an empty void.

  “…I don’t see anything resembling a cultivation world.”

  “Because you haven’t built it yet,” the system deadpanned.

  Wu Ji Tian blinked. “Wait, what?”

  “Did you think I was going to hand you a fully furnished realm on a silver ptter?” the system snorted. “No. The world starts empty, and it’s your job to fill it.”

  His lips twitched. “That sounds suspiciously like work.”

  “It is work,” the system confirmed. “You need to scan real-world materials—ores, herbs, stones, architecture, ndscapes. Anything that makes a cultivation world. Once scanned, the system will reconstruct those elements here, creating a living, breathing environment.”

  Wu Ji Tian exhaled. “…So, I have to go around collecting data?”

  “Exactly.”

  He rubbed his temples. “That’s going to take forever.”

  “Perhaps. Unless, of course, you use your brain.”

  He rolled his eyes but focused back on the void. “Alright, say I do all that. Then what? Will it just be an empty world with mountains and trees?”

  “Of course not,” the system said. “The environment alone isn’t enough to make it a cultivation haven. That’s why I’ve preloaded an initial batch of NPCs to popute the world.”

  Wu Ji Tian raised a brow. “NPCs?”

  A ripple spread through the void. Suddenly, figures emerged—stiff, unmoving silhouettes standing like statues. They had humanoid shapes but cked defining features. No expressions, no natural movements. Just lifeless dolls waiting to be activated.

  “They look… robotic.”

  “They are,” the system admitted. “Right now, they’re nothing more than basic models. But over time, they will evolve. With more data, their intelligence will improve, their personalities will develop, and eventually, they will behave almost indistinguishably from real cultivators.”

  Wu Ji Tian narrowed his eyes. “And what exactly are they for?”

  “They will assist your customers,” the system expined. “Some will act as sparring partners, instructors, or guides. Others can serve as attendants for customers who wish to build their own sects, cns, or even empires within the virtual world.”

  “…Empire-building, huh?”

  “A popur demand among cultivators,” the system said. “You’d be surprised how many dream of ruling their own faction.”

  Wu Ji Tian crossed his arms. The concept was promising. If these NPCs truly developed, they could add an entirely new yer to Virtual Haven’s appeal.

  But that was a concern for ter. Right now, he had another issue to deal with.

  “If I need to scan real-world locations and materials, that means I’ll be traveling a lot,” Wu Ji Tian said. “How am I supposed to manage the shop if I’m running around outside?”

  “Simple,” the system replied. “You won’t be running around.”

  He frowned. “Huh?”

  “You will be automatically transported to designated regions when required.”

  Wu Ji Tian blinked. “Wait—what?”

  “Think of it as scheduled field trips,” the system said. “You’ll be sent to areas rich in data for collection, and then returned once the job is done.”

  “…So, I don’t even get a choice?”

  “Oh, you get a choice,” the system said. “You can either go willingly… or get thrown there without warning.”

  His lips twitched. “That doesn’t sound like much of a choice.”

  “Exactly.”

  Wu Ji Tian sighed. “Alright, fine. But what about the shop? If I’m gone, what happens to it?”

  “The shop will only operate during set hours,” the system continued. “For now, I have designated the opening hours from 9 AM to 9 PM.”

  Wu Ji Tian tilted his head. “A twelve-hour window?”

  “For now,” the system repeated. “As Virtual Haven expands, so will the business hours.”

  That seemed reasonable. It gave him enough time to handle customers while still allowing for exploration and data collection.

  “But what if someone tries to break in while I’m gone?”

  “They will die,” the system stated ftly.

  Wu Ji Tian froze. “...Sorry, what?”

  “The shop is under my protection,” the system expined. “No one can enter without your permission. If they attempt to, well…” There was an almost sadistic amusement in its voice. “Let’s just say they won’t be leaving in one piece.”

  Wu Ji Tian swallowed. “…Noted.”

  The idea of a self-defending shop was reassuring… in a terrifying way. But at least he didn’t have to worry about coming back to find everything ransacked.

  As Wu Ji Tian mulled over his upcoming travels, another concern hit him.

  “…Wait. System, you said you’ll be throwing me into random regions for data collection.”

  “Yes.”

  “And you also said I’d have no choice.”

  “Correct.”

  Wu Ji Tian exhaled through his nose. “So… if I suddenly find myself in the middle of a volcano or a den full of spirit beasts, what happens then? Will you protect me?”

  The system’s voice practically dripped with amusement.

  “Oh, absolutely.”

  Wu Ji Tian sighed in relief.

  “—By observing your demise with great interest.”

  His expression stiffened. “…You’re joking.”

  “You’ll find out when it happens.”

  Wu Ji Tian felt an incoming headache. “No, seriously. What if I get dropped somewhere completely out of my league? How am I supposed to survive?”

  A new system notification popped up before him.

  [Basic Mission: Get Stronger]

  Objective: Go to the city center and remain there for one hour to scan and analyze the environment.

  Rewards:

  Cultivation Art: Glitched Reality Absorption

  Physique: Reality Shift Physique

  Wu Ji Tian’s eyes widened in excitement before his lips curled into an eager grin. "That… sounds insane."

  Without hesitation, he spun on his heel and strode toward the door.

  Wu Ji Tian locked the door behind him, his excitement barely contained.

  Without hesitation, he turned toward the city center, his steps quick and eager.