A familiar tone woke Lu Feng from his daze, shattering the tranquility of the dense forest. He understood the reason for the beep, but his mind was elsewhere, lost in the endless expanse of trees and the soft gurgle of the stream that wound its way through the landscape. The forest stretched far, a tapestry of green and brown, with occasional bursts of colorful wildflowers adding vibrancy to the scene. Shafts of sunlight pierced through the canopy, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor that shifted with every gentle breeze.
It had been three days since he set off from the cabin, leaving behind the familiarity of the small dwelling and embarking on a journey into the unknown. Three days of uncertainty and constant vigilance against hidden dangers lurking within the shadows. He had been resting on tree branches at night, the rough bark digging into his skin, leaving imprints that told the tale of his restless slumber. During the day, he covered as much distance as his mortal form would allow, his feet aching and his body screaming for respite. The soles of his feet had hardened, developing calluses that spoke of the countless miles he had traversed. Yet, despite his efforts, there was no sign that the forest would ever come to an end—it simply continued, an expanse of verdant life that seemed indifferent to his mortal limitations.
In no mood for looking at the system, Lu Feng continued to move through the dense forest, his feet carrying him forward on autopilot. As he walked, the trees seemed to close in around him, their branches tangling above his head. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, intermingled with the sweet fragrance of wild berries and the occasional whiff of some unknown creature's musk. The only sounds were the soft crunch of gravel beneath his feet, the distant call of a bird echoing through the forest, and the occasional rustle of undergrowth as small creatures scurried away from his approach.
Lu Feng's pace improved significantly as he gradually got used to the terrain, his body adapting to the demands of the forest with surprising resilience. His muscles, initially protesting with every step, now moved with a fluid grace that spoke of growing mastery over his physical form. By the time the last rays of sunlight disappeared from the forest, casting the world in a deep, burnished gold that transformed the trees into pillars of flame, Lu Feng had covered 40 miles during the day—a distance that would have seemed impossible mere days ago.
For someone unable to circulate energy, covering 40 miles was simply inhuman in such difficult conditions. The terrain was treacherous, with hidden roots threatening to trip him at every step, and the dense undergrowth sometimes forcing him to create detours that added miles to his journey. Even though Lu Feng's host couldn't maintain his cultivation, his physical body was in top condition, honed from years of hard work and dedication. His muscles were strong and lean, his lungs capable of extracting oxygen with remarkable efficiency, and his heart pounded out a steady rhythm—a primal cadence that spoke of life and perseverance.
Climbing a large tree with the agility of a forest creature, Lu Feng perched on a high branch, his eyes scanning the nearby branches with a practiced air, ensuring no snakes slithered between them. The tree creaked and swayed gently in the breeze, its leaves rustling softly like whispered secrets, as Lu Feng settled down and caught his breath. The bark beneath his fingers was rough yet oddly comforting. He broke off a piece of the energy bar and munched on it, the intense sweetness and fatty roasted meat immediately triggering a flood of saliva in his mouth. The flavors danced on his tongue, a symphony of savory delight that left him feeling momentarily satisfied, though he knew the sensation would not last. Each bite was a momentary escape from the reality of his situation—a brief respite from the uncertainty that clouded his future.
'System'
Please choose any 3 of the following skills:
- Perception (Extended)
- Vitality (Fundamental)
- Strengthen (Extended)
- Breathing Technique (Fundamental)
- Sharpness (Extended)
- Agility (Extended)
'Breathing... thank god I got this in the beginning...'
Being intimately familiar with the attributes, Lu Feng didn't need much time to choose the initial ones, knowing they could be unlocked later. Through countless cycles of death and rebirth, he had gained a deep understanding of these skills, their limitations, and their potential. His choices were guided by a combination of instinct and experience, the wisdom of a soul that had walked this path before, even if the details remained shrouded in the mists of memory.
Fundamental Skills:
- Breathing Technique (+)
Extended Skills:
- Agility (+)
- Perception (+)
You can upgrade the initial skills once for free. Would you like to Upgrade?
'Upgrade'
Fundamental Skills:
- Breathing Technique (Core, Level 1)
Extended Skills:
- Agility (Core, Level 1)
- Perception (Core, Level 1)
Skill Points - 0
Visit the Store for more details.
As Lu Feng inhaled the cool forest breeze, each breath brought a surge of energy into his body, warming his core like a small sun igniting within his chest. It spread through his meridians, a gentle river of power that soothed and invigorated in equal measure. He sensed that his body could now heal itself, albeit very slowly, the natural processes of regeneration enhanced by the subtle energies he now commanded. Most importantly, it was a passive skill that would enhance cultivation with each breath, absorbing the energy of Heaven and Earth—Qi.
'Perception...' When Lu Feng focused on his surroundings, a detailed mental image formed in his mind. Every leaf, every branch, every subtle movement of the forest creatures was captured in perfect clarity. Even with closed eyes, the picture remained vivid, a testament to the power of his newfound skill. All his senses worked together in perfect harmony to provide a full picture, ready to warn him of any danger that might approach from any direction. The trees loomed above him, their branches creaking softly in the breeze. The stream babbled and churned its way through the forest, a soothing melody that seemed to lull the world into a peaceful slumber; he could see it all, sense it all, becoming one with the forest in a way that transcended mere physical presence.
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Before long, Lu Feng felt a surge in his muscles, indicating improvement beyond what mere mortal training could achieve. His limbs felt lighter, more responsive, as if the very air had become less resistant to his movements. His body seemed to hum with energy, as if the very cells themselves were being rewritten to accommodate his newfound abilities, transforming him into something more than human, yet still bound by the limitations of flesh and blood.
The surge of energy and the twitching muscles made Lu Feng feel invigorated, as if he had been reborn into a new world of possibility. His senses were heightened and his reflexes quickened, giving Lu Feng an increased sense of security.
'Store'
Store:
Skill points - 0
Skill points will be awarded for your actions, along with other options and bonuses.
'No Summons' bonus for life 7 and 8:
- Restore - 5 Uses.
- Skill Upgrade Card - 5 Uses.
Looking at the bonus he received, Lu Feng started giggling like a mischievous child, a wide grin spreading across his face that transformed his features from those of a weary traveler to someone who had discovered a hidden treasure. The laughter echoed through the forest, startling a nearby bird that took flight with an indignant squawk. He was thankful for receiving something in return for enduring the hardships of his two past lives, the struggles and the pain now seeming like a distant memory, faded photographs of experiences that had shaped him yet no longer held power over him.
'Restore'
Restore used. All injuries and conditions healed. Health Restored. Spiritual Power/Energy Restored.
Restore now has 4 uses left.
The aches and pains in his body vanished in an instant. Every strained muscle, every blister, every bruise—gone, replaced by a powerful sense of rejuvenation surging through his body like liquid lightning. It was as if time itself had been reversed, his body returning to a pristine state. With his exhaustion lifted and enhanced ability to observe his surroundings even in complete darkness—the world around him now appearing in shades of silver and blue rather than impenetrable black—Lu Feng set off once again, now moving with incomparable speed and efficiency.
The forest seemed to blur around him as he ran. His feet barely touched the ground, each step carrying him forward with a grace and power that would have made even the most accomplished cultivators pause in admiration. Branches that would have impeded his progress before now seemed to part before him, as if offering a clearer path through the wilderness.
Pressing on until the rays of the morning sun streamed through the forest canopy, casting the world in a warm, golden light that transformed the dewdrops on leaves into countless tiny crystals, Lu Feng found himself mentally exhausted despite being physically fine. The constant vigilance, the unending journey through seemingly identical terrain, had taken its toll on his mind, leaving him yearning for a destination, any destination, that would signal the end of this endless forest.
Perching on a tree branch that offered a panoramic view of the surrounding area, he sipped water from the gourd, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat. As he glanced back at the endless path he had traversed in the dark, a path now illuminated by the morning sun but no less daunting for its visibility, he felt a mix of elation and anxiety. The forest seemed to stretch on forever, a seemingly endless expanse of trees and underbrush with no visible boundary.
"I must have covered 100 miles last night alone... How much further do I need to go..." Lu Feng's face darkened, his brow furrowed in concern, lines of worry etching themselves into his youthful features. The dense trees and uneven terrain impeded his speed, forcing him to navigate a labyrinthine path that added miles to his journey, not to mention his inability to see his ultimate destination—a frustration that gnawed at his resolve.
'Host Info'
Name: Baihu ??? (Speculated family name)
Age: 19 (Derived from bone age)
Cultivation: Innate level, Unknown stage.
Physique: Unknown Innate Physique.
Reflecting on it, Lu Feng concluded that it was commendable for his host body to possess not only an impressive cultivation level for his age but also an innate physique, even if said cultivation had vastly degraded due to the host's injuries.
After devouring all the remaining 'energy bars,' savoring each bite as if it might be his last, Lu Feng decided to upgrade his breathing technique. Initially, he had wanted to save the upgrade cards, preserving them for some future challenge that might prove insurmountable without their aid, but considering he would be exhausted traversing the seemingly endless forest, he abandoned the idea of saving them. Pragmatism won out over caution—a lesson he had learned through bitter experience across multiple lifetimes.
'Upgrade Breathing Technique to Origin.'
Breathing Technique Upgraded from Core to Innate. Skill Upgrade Card has 4 more uses left.
Breathing Technique Upgraded from Innate to Origin. Skill Upgrade Card has 3 more uses left.
Two brief messages popped up in a corner of Lu Feng's eyes, a flash of light that seemed to illuminate the world around him. As he filled his lungs with air, drawing in a breath that contained the essence of the world itself, a vast amount of Heaven and Earth energy—Qi—seeped into Lu Feng's body, warming his core and sending waves of pleasure throughout his body. It was an almost ecstatic sensation, like being immersed in a warm bath after years of cold showers. With his toes curling and his eyes closed in rapture, Lu Feng let out a faint moan, a soft sound that seemed to echo through the forest.
For a moment, forgetting where he was, lost in the sensations that coursed through his body, Lu Feng vigilantly looked at his surroundings, as if to make sure no one witnessed this embarrassing sight. The trees stood silent, witnessing his moment of vulnerability. A squirrel paused in its foraging to stare at him with beady eyes, its tiny head tilted in what could only be described as judgment.
After confirming he was alone, save for the seemingly judgemental squirrel, he facepalmed, a wry smile spreading across his face despite his embarrassment. The memories of this Breathing Technique causing countless embarrassing moments in his previous lives resurfaced, a flood of recollections that seemed to wash over him. Moments of inopportune pleasure, of lost composure, of dignity sacrificed on the altar of cultivation—all of these memories brought a crimson flush to his cheeks, even as he couldn't help but chuckle at his past self's predicaments.
"Even after so many lives, some things never change," he muttered to himself, glancing accusingly at the squirrel who continued to watch him with what seemed like mocking interest. "What are you looking at? Never seen a cultivator before?"
The squirrel chittered something that sounded suspiciously like laughter before darting away into the foliage. Lu Feng shook his head, unable to suppress a smile. Even in this vast wilderness, it seemed the universe found ways to humble him.
As the memories faded, Lu Feng decided to wait until he broke through to Origin before continuing. With his breathing technique upgraded, he should soon reclaim the Origin level cultivation of his host now that his body was at peak condition, thanks to the 'Restore' card.
He settled himself more comfortably on the branch, closing his eyes and focusing on his breathing. Each inhalation drew in more Qi, filling his meridians with a gentle warmth that spread throughout his entire body. It was like drinking from a wellspring of life itself, each breath bringing him closer to reclaiming his host's former power.
Deciding to take a nap, Lu Feng closed his eyes. Soon, the forest seemed to grow quieter, as if respecting his need for rest—the trees standing sentinel as Lu Feng drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep, his body rejuvenating itself for the challenges that lay ahead. His breathing slowed, matching the ancient rhythm of the forest, as he surrendered himself to the embrace of slumber, trusting in his newfound abilities to warn him should danger approach. In this moment of peace, suspended between the branches of an ancient tree, Lu Feng found a tranquility that had eluded him since the moment of his transmigration—a brief respite in a journey that promised only further trials and tribulations.