1: Chapter 1 System, You're Too Late

[Ding! Welcome to the "Big Koi Brain Storage"! Deposit your brain, and enjoy happy cultivation ~]

"Pop ~!"

As the early dawn mist spread like a golden veil across the horizon, soft and hopeful light gently spilled into the Immortal Cave where Chu Changsheng was in seclusion.

The light was so gentle, like a mother's hand, softly stroking every inch of the stone walls and every speck of dust.

Just at the moment the dawn mist rose—

A deep and distant sound suddenly erupted from Chu Changsheng's Dantian!

This sound, like an ancient bell, shook the entire Immortal Cave, shook every inch of air, and also shook his heart that had been silent for a hundred years.

He slowly opened his eyes.

A flash of light passed through his eyes—it was too fast, so fast that one might think it was an illusion.

But this flash was also too bright, as bright as a star suddenly igniting in the darkness.

Immediately after, the corners of his mouth curled up unconsciously.

In this smile, there was the relief of having gone through hardships, the pride of not having given up for a hundred years, and also—a sense of release that he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

"Phew ~!"

He gently exhaled a breath of turbid air.

The turbid air was the suppression of a hundred years, the forbearance of a hundred years, and the heaviness that could finally be released after being accompanied by loneliness and hardship day and night for a hundred years.

"Finally, I have broken through to the Soul Transformation Stage."

He muttered to himself, his voice carrying a trace of hoarseness, a trace of exhaustion, and a trace of irrepressible joy:

"After a century of Transmigration, I finally have the ability to protect myself."

That's right.

Chu Changsheng was not a person of this world.

A hundred years ago—a bizarre spatial disorder caused him to transmigrate into this bizarre, Xuanhuan world where the strong are respected.

By chance, he became a small Peak Revered Master of the Xuantian Sect within the Great Xia Dynasty.

And, he also obtained a System.

He still remembered the beginning of his Transmigration—Chu Changsheng was full of joy.

He thought he would embark on a glorious path, imagining future Emperors running errands for him, and Empresses massaging his feet—how majestic and carefree that would be.

The result—this System seemed to be teasing him on purpose.

The loading speed was extremely slow.

This wait lasted for a hundred years.

Until now, it still hadn't loaded successfully.

With no other choice, Chu Changsheng could only rely on himself.

For a hundred years—he was like an ascetic, never leaving his home.

He had no interest in Alchemy, no passion for Formation, and avoided Sect affairs as much as possible.

His whole mind was set on improving his Cultivation.

He immersed himself in the world of Cultivation, accompanied by loneliness and hardship day and night, enduring all kinds of pain and suffering during the process—that pain was the excruciating agony of his Meridians tearing and being recast; those tribulations were the persistence of gritting his teeth after countless failures.

All for the sake of finding a foothold in this world where the strong are as numerous as clouds.

Finally—today. At this moment when the dawn mist shone.

His Cultivation successfully broke through to the Soul Transformation Stage.

In one fell swoop, he became the number one powerhouse in the Xuantian Sect.

Although there were more powerful existences outside the Xuantian Sect, those big shots were all better at lying low than each other; any one of them would go into seclusion for hundreds or thousands of years and would basically not come out unless there was a huge matter.

Therefore—in this small territory of the Xuantian Sect, Chu Changsheng felt he could live in peace.

"Ding —"

Just as he was immersed in this hard-won peace, a long-lost prompt sound suddenly rang in his mind:

"System loading progress is 100%, do you want to activate?"

"System?"

Chu Changsheng was stunned, then came back to his senses.

This moment of daze was the bewilderment of hearing an echo after a long wait; this return to his senses was the realization that this Golden Finger, which had arrived a hundred years late, had finally arrived.

He spoke, his tone carrying a trace of teasing and a trace of complaint:

"System, you are late. I have already cultivated to the Soul Transformation Stage and become a top expert."

"Soul Transformation Stage is a top expert?"

The System's emotionless electronic voice seemed to carry a hint of subtle mockery:

"Then what do Emperors count as?"

Chu Changsheng: "..."

Speechless. Didn't know how to answer.

"Have you experienced Undergoing Tribulation and Immortal Ascension?"

The System continued.

Chu Changsheng: "..."

A look of embarrassment appeared on his face.

This embarrassment was the awkwardness of discovering there were mountains beyond mountains after thinking he had reached the top.

"Want to learn about the Supreme God Realm?"

The System threw out another line.

Chu Changsheng: "..."

A ripple rose in his heart.

This ripple was the shock of realizing that his so-called "top expert" status might just be the tip of the iceberg in this Xuanhuan world.

"Have you heard of the Dao Ancestor?"

The System pressed on step by step.

Chu Changsheng finally couldn't help it:

"Stop talking, activate it quickly."

"Activation successful —"

The System's voice sounded in his mind:

"Congratulations to the Host for binding the Invincible Strongest Revered Master System."

Chu Changsheng cupped his chin, pondering.

This posture was just like when he was in his rental house reading novels before he transmigrated.

"Invincible Strongest Revered Master System?"

He muttered,

"System, do you want me to take on Disciples?"

Before transmigrating, Chu Changsheng was a veteran bookworm, and he knew a thing or two about the tropes of various Golden Fingers.

"Yes, Host."

The System's cold electronic voice sounded clearly in Chu Changsheng's mind:

"The core function of this System is to assist you in taking on Disciples. As the Disciples grow under your guidance, you will also receive generous rewards, helping you reach higher Cultivation Realms."

"And —"

The System paused:

"The higher the Aptitude of your Disciples and the greater their achievements, the more generous the rewards you will receive."

Chu Changsheng's eyes lit up!

This light was like a lamp suddenly lit in the darkness, illuminating the path forward!

The heart that had been slightly calm because he thought he had reached the Peak was suddenly ignited with new fighting spirit!

This fighting spirit was the Battle Intent that became even higher after knowing the road ahead was long!

Although he was now the strongest in the Xuantian Sect, according to the System, in this vast Xuanhuan world—the Soul Transformation Stage was just a drop in the ocean. There were more powerful Realms like Emperor, Supreme, Undergoing Tribulation to Immortal Ascension, and even the God Realm waiting for him to explore, to climb, and to conquer.

"System —"

Chu Changsheng asked impatiently, his eyes full of anticipation, this anticipation so hot it almost spilled out of his eyes:

"Are there any restrictions on taking on Disciples? Like the number of Disciples, or Aptitude requirements?"

"Ding, Host —"

The System explained methodically, its voice without any fluctuation, but with an unquestionable certainty:

"This System only recognizes Disciples with Emperor-level Aptitude."

"System —"

Chu Changsheng laughed dryly and joked:

"You are really humorous. Where am I supposed to find you a Disciple with Emperor-level Aptitude?"

He smiled, his smile carrying a trace of helplessness and difficulty:

"Do you think people with Emperor-level Aptitude are Chinese cabbages on the street? You say you have them, and they appear."

But he was secretly worried.

These conditions were too harsh.

"Ding, Host —"

The System emphasized again, its voice sounding unquestionable:

"This System is very serious. This System only recognizes Disciples with Emperor-level Aptitude."

"Uh..."

Chu Changsheng asked tentatively, a trace of wanting to retreat from this seemingly harsh System arising in his heart:

"Is it too late to unbind now?"

"What do you think? Host."

The System's response made Chu Changsheng's heart go cold.

This coldness was the helplessness of knowing he had boarded a pirate ship.

"Hehe —"

Chu Changsheng couldn't help but complain:

"So you are just a useless baboon."

"Ding, Host, please watch your words."

The System's electronic voice remained cold, but carried a hint of unquestionable discipline:

"The meaning of this System's existence is to assist the Host in cultivating Emperor-level powerhouses capable of shaking the world, thereby stimulating the Host's potential and moving towards higher Realms together."

"If the Host doesn't even have the confidence to find Disciples with Emperor-level Aptitude —"

The System paused, this pause seeming to carry a hint of mockery and a hint of encouragement:

"Then you can only be trapped in the current Realm and find it difficult to enter the Dao for the rest of your life."

Chu Changsheng curled his lips.

Although he was still muttering, he understood that what the System said was true.

The path of Cultivation is Heaven-Defying; if one fears even this small challenge, how can one talk about pursuing higher Realms?

He composed his mind.

His gaze became firm again.

This firmness was the determination to go towards the tiger mountain even knowing there are tigers in the mountain; it was the persistence of walking to the end since he had chosen this path.

"Fine —"

He said every word heavily and steadily:

"Isn't it just finding a Disciple with Emperor-level Aptitude? The Taichu Continent is full of geniuses, I don't believe I won't be able to meet one or two Disciples with Emperor-level Aptitude."

After saying this, he got up and walked to the window.

Looking at the rolling mountains of the Xuantian Sect.

Amidst the clouds and mist, countless Disciples were cultivating in the mountains, sword light and Spell light intertwined, a scene full of vitality.

These figures, in his eyes, seemed to have turned into possibilities.

Each one was a hope.

"By the way, baboon... no, it should be System —"

Chu Changsheng muttered, the System did not give a specific standard, which undoubtedly increased the difficulty of finding:

"This Emperor-level Aptitude... how exactly should it be judged?"

"Ding, Host, no need to worry."

The System seemed to have seen through his thoughts and explained in a timely manner:

"When a target meeting the conditions appears, this System will automatically issue a prompt."

"Oh —"

Chu Changsheng heard this and teased:

"So, you are just a 'pendant'!"

Just as he finished speaking—a commotion suddenly came from outside the mountain gate where Chu Changsheng was.

This noise broke the silence of the morning and also broke the peace in his heart.

He saw a few Outer Sect Disciples escorting a boy covered in blood towards the Punishment Hall.

The boy—tattered clothes, covered in blood, walking unsteadily, as if he would fall at any moment.

But his spine was held straight.

Straight as a gun.

"Move faster! You thief who stole the Cultivation Technique!"

An Outer Sect Disciple said viciously, the rope in his hand tightening until the boy's arm hurt, leaving trails of blood.

"I didn't!"

The boy retorted stubbornly, despite being covered in injuries, his voice remained firm:

"I found this Cultivation Technique!"

Despite being covered in injuries, despite being escorted, despite being in such a difficult situation—there was still a sense of unyielding in his eyes.

This unyielding was the pride carved into his bones, the stubbornness of refusing to bow his head after falling to the bottom.

Chu Changsheng originally wanted to ignore it.

After all, more trouble is worse than less trouble.

In this Xuanhuan world, there are unfair things every day, and there are pitiful people every day. He couldn't manage them all, and didn't want to.

But just at this moment—the System suddenly popped up a prompt!

This prompt came too suddenly, too timely, too just right—as if destined!

"Ding! Discovered target meeting the criteria for taking on a Disciple —

Name: Xuanyuan Zhanxian

Age: Eighteen

Cultivation: Qi Refinement Stage Middle Stage

Identity: Xuantian Sect Utility Disciple

Aptitude: Taiji Yin-Yang Divine Body (Divine Grade Aptitude)

Background: First Prince of the Great Wu Imperial Dynasty

Special Status: Spiritual Vein destroyed"

"Holy crap!"

Chu Changsheng exclaimed upon hearing this!

In this exclamation, there was surprise, shock, and a kind of wild joy of finding something after a long search!

Picking up an Emperor just by going out!

This is pure luck!

A flash of surprise passed through his eyes—this surprise was too bright, bright enough to almost burn!

His figure flashed!

Like a black lightning bolt!

He instantly blocked in front of everyone!

"Greetings, Peak Revered Master Chu!"

A few Disciples hurriedly saluted, their faces showing awe—they didn't expect this reclusive Peak Revered Master to appear suddenly.

In the awe, there was respect for the Peak Revered Master's identity, and also anxiety about the unknown.

Chu Changsheng pretended to be profound and sized up Xuanyuan Zhanxian.

This gaze looked calm, but was actually turbulent—he was looking, looking at the boy's bones, looking at the boy's eyes, looking at the boy's... destiny.

"This child is fated with me —"

He said every word very slowly and heavily:

"I want him."

"But... he stole..."

A Disciple said, emboldened.

This courage was due to duty, and also because he didn't want to let him go easily.

"Hmm?"

Chu Changsheng released a little bit of his Soul Transformation Divine Might.

This pressure was just a trace, and a trace was enough.

An invisible pressure instantly enveloped everyone—this pressure was too heavy, so heavy it felt like a mountain pressing on their shoulders; too heavy that it made people unable to breathe.

Several Disciples were instantly sweating like rain, their legs went soft, and they could barely stand still.

This sweat was the sweat of fear; this softness was the softness of awe.

After the crowd retreated—Xuanyuan Zhanxian looked at Chu Changsheng vigilantly.

Vigilance was an instinct developed after being bullied for a long time, a habit of keeping guard against everyone who approached him.

"Many thanks to Peak Revered Master Chu for saving me!"

He cupped his hands, his tone distant and polite:

"This Disciple will take his leave."

In his heart, he was full of doubts and vigilance about Chu Changsheng's sudden appearance—why would this stranger Peak Revered Master save him?

What was his purpose?

How could Chu Changsheng let this Emperor seedling run away?

He hurriedly reached out to stop Xuanyuan Zhanxian, his face full of smiles—this smile was too enthusiastic, overly enthusiastic, enthusiastic as if he had seen a rare treasure:

"Little friend, don't be in such a hurry to leave —"

He said every word very lightly and heavily:

"My saving you was not for nothing."

Xuanyuan Zhanxian's heart tightened!

This tightness was an instinctive reaction to anticipating trouble, and fear and vigilance towards the unknown.

His eyes revealed a trace of tension and helplessness—tension, the tension of not knowing what the other party wanted; helplessness, the helplessness of being unable to resist.

"What else does Peak Revered Master Chu want?"

He said in a deep voice, his tone carrying a trace of vigilance:

"As long as it is something this Disciple can do, this Disciple will definitely not refuse."

Chu Changsheng heard this—pretended to be profound.

Coughed lightly.

The cough was a setup, an opening, making the following words seem more weighty.

Then—he looked into Xuanyuan Zhanxian's eyes.

Every word.

Said very slowly.

Very heavily.

Very seriously:

"It's not a difficult task —"

"I see that your bones are unique and your Aptitude is extraordinary —"

He paused.

Then he said words that made Xuanyuan Zhanxian tremble all over:

"I want to take you as my Disciple, what do you think?"

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