Shing~
A book suddenly materialized in the air, accompanied by a small bottle of pills. Lao Xie's eyes flickered between the two items as they hovered before him.
"Congratulations, Host," the system's voice chimed, almost too cheerfully.
But before Lao Xie could do anything, a sudden, burning pain shot through his whole body. His legs gave out, and he dropped to the floor as wave after wave of fire-like agony tore through him.
"AGHHH!"
His scream broke the silence, loud and full of pain. His vision turned hazy, and his muscles twisted under his skin like something inside him was trying to break free. It felt like every bone in his body was being crushed and rebuilt at the same time.
"W-what... is... happening?" Lao Xie gasped, struggling to speak between heavy, shaking breaths.
His body shook hard. It felt like something was ripping him apart from the inside. Another cry of pain escaped him, and blood dripped from his lips as the pain reached a level he couldn't even describe.
Then, right in the middle of his torment, a glowing panel appeared before him, its text glowing calmly, almost mockingly.
[Due to the reward you received, Essence Restoration Pill. Your body is undergoing the process of reconstruction. The process is noted to be extremely painful, but you can do it, Host! ^^]_
"What... the... fuck..." Lao Xie rasped, barely able to form the words. His entire body trembled as if it would crumble at any second.
"You never... mentioned... it would hurt like this," he growled, gritting his teeth while his body writhed in pain.
The system responded with its usual detached tone, "Well... you didn't ask, host.."
A bitter laugh escaped Lao Xie's lips, but it was immediately followed by another choked cry of pain. His muscles felt like they were tearing apart. His veins burned like molten fire. Another mouthful of blood spilled onto the floor.
"This... this is fucking insane..." he growled between gasps, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
"You're not going to die, Host," the system replied with a note of indifference. "This process is necessary to fully awaken your potential. Rest assured, once it's over, you'll obtain an unimaginable strength."
Strength?
What strength?
All he felt was pain.
Lao Xie couldn't think straight anymore. His miwas falling apart. His breathing was quick and shallow, and it felt like every nerve in his body was on fire.
"Shit... I really... am going to die..." he muttered, collapsing fully onto the ground, his body jerking violently.
"You're not," the system repeated, this time with a cheery ding. "Almost there, Host. You're halfway through. Just a little longer."
"Halfway?"
Lao Xie's bloodshot eyes widened. He spat out more blood, his vision turning red at the edges. His limbs flailed uselessly as the pain refused to let up.
The system went quiet, as if leaving him to suffer in silence. Lao Xie's world became nothing but pain. His mind drifted on the edge of blacking out, caught between agony and losing consciousness.
Then, just when he thought his body couldn't take anymore, the pain started to fade slowly, almost too slow to notice. He gasped for air, his breathing heavy, and the tightness in his muscles slowly eased, leaving behind a deep, aching soreness.
Using the last of his strength, Lao Xie turned his head and looked at the glowing panel still floating silently above him.
"You... better be worth it..." he muttered weakly, before the world around him faded to black.
"Ugh... this damn pain," Lao Xie groaned through clenched teeth. His body was still aching all over, but his mind remained sharp. Cold. Calculating.
"No... this isn't enough to break me. I've felt worse..." his voice was fading, tired.
"Heh... tomorrow... I'll be stronger."
With a faint chuckle that sounded more like a growl, Lao Xie fell unconscious on the cold, hard floor.
The next morning.
Lao Xie woke from his deep slumber, groaning as pain ran through his entire body.
"What the fuck happened last night?" he muttered as he slowly sitting up. His joints ached and his muscles were sore.
His bones felt like they had been snapped and then glued back together.
"This pain... all over my body... damn it. I was tricked by that damned system."
His eyes narrowed as the memories of last night returned clearly.
Still groaning, he forced himself to stand up, but as he did, something felt different.
"My body feels... lighter?"
Suspicion crept into his mind.
Poof -- A familiar panel appeared in front of him.
"Congratulations, Host! Your body has successfully undergone a transformation. You've obtained a new physique!" the system's voice was just as annoyingly cheerful as always.
Lao Xie scowled. "New physique?" His finger flicked the information tab, his skepticism growing.
INFORMATION
Name: Lao Xie
Age: 15
Cultivation Stage: N/A
Physique: Heaven-Piercing Sword Physique
Race: Human
Luck: ???
Spiritual Root: Primordial Ancient Spirit Root
"Heaven-Piercing Sword Physique?" Lao Xie murmured, his lips curling into a wicked smile. "What a grand name… fitting." His smile lingered, though its meaning was unclear, whether from excitement or something far darker.
"Congratulations, Host!" the system repeated in its usual tone. "You have awakened the Heaven-Piercing Sword Physique, the ultimate physique of a sword cultivator. Those who wield this physique are destined for limitless power and an great future."
Lao Xie's eyes glinted dangerously. "Sword cultivator, huh? How convenient…"
"I do received a sword arts manual yesterday." His gaze pierced the system screen, suspicion and curiosity brewing behind his calm facade.
"It is merely a pure coincidence, Host," the system responded in its monotone cheer.
"Coincidence?" Lao Xie muttered, skepticism clear in his voice. "You expect me to believe that?" He chuckled darkly, his voice taking on an edge. "Since you've helped me overcome that cursed physique, I'll let it slide for now.... But don't think I'm naive."
"Rest assured, Host. Nothing will happen," the system responded without hesitation.
Lao Xie's eyes flicked back to the panel. "Hmm? What's this?" he said upon noticing something new.