My name is Feng Yi. I used to be a mere cog in the office machine, an ordinary salaryman drowning in a sea of routine. Ironically, my end came from a source meant to protect: a stray bullet from a panicked police officer. A tragic mistake, an absurd finale to a mundane life. I thought it was over, the curtain drawn for good. But fate, with its twisted sense of humor, had other plans. I reincarnated... as the wind.
"How many days has it been since I became the wind?" I murmured, my voice a mere whisper carried on the breeze, barely audible to even the keenest ear. My expression was sour, like a spilled vial of vinegar, reflecting the deep-seated frustration within me. I had slaughtered countless monsters in these mountains, each battle feeling like a monotonous chore, an endless task that offered no satisfaction. The experience gained was minimal, like drops of water in a vast desert, never enough to quench my thirst for power.
"Enough of this dreary scenery! I long for the hustle and bustle of the city, the scent of exhaust fumes and shattered dreams, a life that pulses with chaos, even if it's flawed!" My previously gloomy countenance brightened in an instant, like sunlight piercing through storm clouds, a flicker of hope igniting amidst the despair. As the wind, I possessed a unique ability: teleportation via a gentle breeze, riding the air currents like an invisible horseman, traversing vast distances in the blink of an eye.
Beijing: A City Scarred
Arriving in Beijing, I was both awestruck and horrified by the sight of the magnificent city, a labyrinth of concrete and steel that clawed at the sky, reaching for the heavens with futile ambition. "The world has changed drastically," I thought, a pang of nostalgia tugging at my heart like a thief in the night. "Back when I was human, China was a peaceful nation, a safe playground where dreams could flourish. Now, this city is haunted by mutant monsters, living nightmares that constantly lurk in the shadows."
From the conversations of the people around me, I gathered information, absorbing their words like a parched sponge. The world had descended into chaos, the social order crumbling like a sandcastle battered by relentless waves. The government struggled to maintain control, while cultivators emerged as humanity's last hope.
"The entire world is now dominated by terrifying mutant monsters, nightmares that tear at reality itself, threatening to engulf everything in darkness. Cultivators from all corners of the globe have united, a fragile alliance, to fight against them, for a peace that grows ever more distant, a dream that may never be realized."
Despite being granted a second chance at life, my heart remained hollow, a gaping void within my soul, a constant reminder of loss and insignificance. The world looked down on my existence, treating me like a minor nuisance, not a force to be reckoned with, a gentle breeze easily ignored.
"Alright, let's see if I can glean any new information," I mused, a smile of anticipation gracing my lips, masking my doubts and fears. I shot downwards at full speed, creating a gust of wind that sent shivers down the spines of passersby, like the chilling touch of a ghost, reminding them of life's fragility.
"Why is the wind so strong today?" one citizen whispered to their companion, their voice trembling with cold and fear.
"I don't know, it looks like it's going to rain," the other replied, their eyes anxiously scanning the sky for signs of an impending storm.
I couldn't help but smile at their conversation, feeling both superior and alienated at the same time. Forgive me, I thought, but my curiosity outweighs my compassion, a compulsion I couldn't resist.
"Ugh, if I were to reveal myself, they'd probably mistake me for a monster," I pondered, imagining the terrified gazes and hysterical screams, reactions I desperately wanted to avoid.
I halted my descent, hovering above the bustling street. Looking upwards, I was mesmerized by the sky, which was awash with spiritual energy, a mystical aurora dancing overhead.
"How could this world be so saturated with spiritual energy?" A surge of curiosity coursed through me, like a newly kindled flame.
As I continued my journey, I spotted a girl who appeared to be deeply saddened, sitting alone on a park bench.
"Why is that girl so crestfallen? Did she fail an important exam, her dreams shattered into a million pieces? Should I approach her?" My thoughts were torn, like shattered glass. Part of me wanted to ignore her, to hide in the anonymity of the wind. But my heart, the remnants of my humanity, was moved to help.
With a resigned sigh, I decided to approach her, surrendering to an inexplicable impulse. "Well, instead of searching for information elsewhere, I might as well help this girl," I thought. "I am either wise, or just a fool." A smile graced my lips, a mask concealing my inner turmoil.
As the girl sighed, she suddenly felt a chill run down her spine, sensing danger. She braced herself for an attack, her instincts taking over.
"Who's there? What do you want?" Her eyes flashed with suspicion, like a snake ready to strike its prey, her pupils narrowing into cold slits.
The girl turned around, but was surprised to find no one there, only the wind gently rustling through her hair.
"There's no one there, but why am I getting goosebumps? It's as if there's a powerful aura behind me, an invisible yet palpable presence."
As the girl breathed a sigh of relief, she turned back around. Her eyes widened in shock, her mouth forming a perfect 'O'.
I was standing right in front of her, grinning menacingly, a devilish smirk that contrasted sharply with my good intentions. My aura radiated outwards in all directions, creating an immense pressure, like a mountain bearing down on her back.
"Who are you? Why is your aura so strong?" Her eyes were filled with terror, a mirror reflecting her turbulent soul. Her heart pounded in her chest, a war drum beating in her ears.
"Relax, don't be afraid," I said, my voice calm yet laced with hidden power. My aura grew increasingly intimidating, like a storm about to break.
The girl stumbled backwards from the pressure of my aura, her legs trembling. As I spoke, my aura felt increasingly sinister, like invisible claws gripping her soul.
"Damn, why is her aura so strong? This monster must be at the Void Symbiote cultivation level," she thought, struggling to remain standing, even though her knees felt weak.
I was bewildered by the girl's reaction. Was she insane? Had fear robbed her of her sanity?
"Why are you so terrified? Are you stressed because you failed your exam, your dreams crumbling before your eyes?" The question slipped out with a curious tone, but only added to the pressure of my aura, like fuel being poured onto a fire.
"Please, I can't breathe," she choked out, clutching at her chest. "I'll give you any reward you want, Lord Monster," she offered, desperate.
Hearing those words, I grinned, a predatory smirk I couldn't suppress. "Alright, tell me everything you know about this world," I commanded, my eyes gleaming with interest.
The girl's breathing became ragged, her heart pounding fiercely from the pressure of my aura, like a bird trapped in a cage.
"F-fine, Lord Wind," she said, her voice trembling like a leaf caught in a storm. "I'll tell you all of the useful information. But before that, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hou Xun Yimei," she added, her tone still filled with fear.
I smiled at Yimei, captivated by her fragile beauty, like a flower blooming in the desert. "Alright, Yimei," I said, my gaze turning cold, like a sharpened blade. "Give me the information about this world that will be useful to me, the secrets hidden behind the veil."
"Yes, Lord Wind," she replied, her eyes lowered. "I will give you very important information, knowledge that will change your perspective of the world."
Yimei then told me everything I needed to know about this world, its tumultuous history and the mysteries yet to be unraveled:
"999 years ago, the world changed," she began, her voice a whisper. "Scientists discovered that the earth was drastically different: continents shifted, land emerged from the depths of the sea, mountains towered into the sky. It wasn't just tectonics, but also the release of energy... spiritual energy, an unimaginable power."
"A new era began... when all of humanity suddenly possessed superpowers, abilities that previously only existed in legends and myths."
"Scientists around the world immediately researched this phenomenon. The results were shocking: the world had fundamentally changed. Every human being had the potential for extraordinary power, a potential hidden within their DNA."
"The key? Spiritual energy," she whispered, her eyes gleaming with knowledge. "Energy that used to be just a myth, a bedtime story for children, is now real, a power that can be accessed by everyone. But with great power, comes great responsibility," she warned. "Will we use it for good, to build a better world... or for destruction, to tear each other apart in the struggle for power?"
"The world didn't stop there," she continued, her voice trembling with fear. "Miraculously, all humans managed to absorb spiritual energy, unlocking their hidden potential. However, this power triggered a terrifying evolution in monsters, transforming them into living nightmares. Some mutated, their forms changing uncontrollably, becoming grotesque and horrifying. Others evolved, their power skyrocketing dramatically, becoming an even greater threat to humanity."
"In the midst of this chaos, modern cultivators united," she explained, her voice full of respect. "Alliances formed, not to conquer, not to dominate, but to survive, to protect the weak from the strong. They advanced, not as bloodthirsty hunters, but as humanity's last shield, the last hope in the darkness."
"Hmm... so that's why the world suddenly changed drastically," I murmured, digesting the information I had just heard. "But, Yimei, tell me about the cultivation levels in this modern world, the hierarchy of power that defines the new order." I was curious, wanting to know my position in this landscape of power.
"Sorry, Lord Wind," she replied, her eyes lowered in shame. "Ordinary people like me don't know the details about the cultivation levels, knowledge that is only possessed by elite cultivators. But, I myself am at the Soul Ignition level, an early stage in the cultivation journey."
I frowned, impatience radiating from every feature. My expression made Yimei even more frightened, her body trembling like a leaf caught in a strong wind. I observed Yimei carefully, trying to read her mind, to find out if she was hiding something.
"Hmm... she's not lying," I thought. "I can feel her true power, even if it's still raw and undeveloped."
As I nodded slightly, a voice echoed in my mind, cold and mechanical. I smiled, a sly grin spreading across my face. It must be the system, my mysterious and unpredictable companion.
"Are you sure I should make Yimei my subordinate?" I asked inwardly, hesitant.
"Yes, Lord," the system replied, without emotion. "If you fail this mission, you will die," it threatened, reminding me of the high stakes.
I sighed, resigned to my fate. I was forced to do it, even though my heart resisted. I was still determined to become strong, to survive in this cruel world.
"I have to become strong, then get my new body," I thought, the obsession burning within me. "Heheheh," I chuckled softly, a sound that made Yimei's hair stand on end.
My face turned menacing, a demonic mask concealing my humanity. Yimei didn't dare to look at me, fear radiating from every pore.
"Alright, Yimei," I said, my voice as cold as ice. "I want to offer you something... Would you like to be my first subordinate?" My gaze was cold, piercing like a knife, awaiting her answer.
Yimei, who had previously not dared to look at me, now looked at me in surprise, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"What...?" she stammered, her lips trembling. "Lord Wind, are you serious about making me your subordinate? But, I'm not strong at all," she demurred, tears welling up in her eyes.
"If you don't want to, then fine," I shrugged, pretending not to care. "I can find another subordinate, someone more useful, stronger. Yes or no?" I challenged, testing her.
Yimei cried softly, tears streaming down her cheeks. This was the first time someone had valued her, had seen potential within her.
"Yes, I want to," she replied, her voice choked with emotion. "I want to be your first subordinate, to prove that I am useful. Lord Wind, I promise... I will not be a burden," she vowed, her determination burning brightly.
"Alright, you've agreed," I said, a faint smile gracing my face. "Now, you can call me Lord Wind or Feng Yi, it's up to you," I gave her a choice, showing a hint of kindness.
I felt relieved that Yimei had accepted my offer, even though I knew I was exploiting her. I needed an ally, someone I could trust, and Yimei seemed like the right choice.
As Yimei was about to stand up, suddenly my body shone brightly, a golden aura radiating from me. Yimei was shocked, her eyes widening in awe.
"Could it be that Lord Feng Yi wants to break through to the Dark Corruption level?" she guessed, her face filled with admiration.
As the breakthrough process finished, the light subsided, and Yimei was even more surprised. She thought I was already at the Void Symbiote level, one of the highest cultivation levels.
"Lord Feng Yi, why are you at the Shadowed Beast level?" she asked, confusion etched on her face. "I thought Lord Feng Yi was at the Void Symbiote level, an unimaginable power."
"Ah... you thought I was at the Void Symbiote level?" I laughed heartily, a sound that echoed through the streets. "I'm still at the Primal Instinct level, an early stage in my long journey," I admitted, not ashamed of my shortcomings.
Meanwhile, Yimei stared at my body with flushed cheeks, her eyes fixed on my figure.
"Why can I see Lord Feng Yi's body, legs, arms, and head?" she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. "It turns out Lord Feng Yi is very handsome," she whispered, without realizing it.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Is it because you can see my true form, not just an intangible wind?"
"Does Lord Feng Yi know?" she asked, her face growing redder.
"Alright, let's go home," I ignored her question, not wanting to discuss the topic further. "Now you are my first subordinate, and I am responsible for your safety. Remember, don't be careless, okay?" I warned, showing genuine concern.
Seeing my sincere smile, Yimei nodded quickly, tears of gratitude streaming down her cheeks.
"I am so lucky to have such a good master," she thought, her heart filled with gratitude. "I promise... I will become strong, to repay Lord Feng Yi's kindness," she vowed, her determination unwavering.
Epilogue
As Feng Yi and Yimei walked home, strolling along the bustling streets of Beijing, from afar, someone watched Feng Yi with a cold gaze, their eyes gleaming with hatred.
"We will meet again, Feng Yi," the man whispered, his voice low and menacing. "Until you are strong enough to match me, until that time comes, I will watch you from the shadows." Although his face was hidden in the darkness, his expression appeared to be a sneer, a devilish grin that promised doom.
The man closed the curtains and turned away, leaving the room, disappearing into the darkness like a ghost.
Who was this man? Feng Yi's greatest enemy, someone who wanted to destroy him? Or perhaps his true friend, someone who would push him to become stronger? Only time would answer that question, and Feng Yi's destiny would soon be revealed.
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Chapter 1 Completed.