Chapter 1: Rebirth into the Martial World
Li Wei's last memories of his old life were hazy, fragments of a harsh reality that offered nothing but exhaustion and unending toil. Each morning had greeted him with the same gray sky and the same bitter taste of failure. Working as a delivery man in the bustling city, his hands calloused from years of carrying goods, his back aching from the weight of boxes and crates, he had nothing to show for his efforts. Friends? None that cared. Family? Distant and cold. Dreams? Buried beneath the monotony of a life that had offered him only hardship.
The streets were crowded as usual, a sea of people with their own worries, their own goals. Li Wei pushed through the crowd, balancing a stack of packages in his arms. His stomach grumbled in protest; he hadn't eaten since dawn. His employer, a gruff man named Chen, had made it clear that late deliveries were unacceptable. A single delay would mean a day without wages. Li Wei had learned long ago that survival was built on obedience and endurance. Yet, on this day, something felt different.
As he rounded a corner near the river market, a loud crash echoed from a nearby alley. Li Wei froze, his pulse quickening. Most people would have ignored it—there were accidents, street fights, and petty thefts every day—but something in his gut told him to look. He stepped cautiously toward the noise, eyes scanning the narrow passageway. A group of thugs had cornered a young boy, no older than ten, demanding his coins and lunch. Li Wei's instinct didn't give him time to think; he dropped his packages and stepped forward.
"Leave him alone!" he shouted, his voice cracking from both fear and anger.
The thugs turned, sneering. "Who's going to stop us, delivery man? You?" one mocked, cracking a metal pipe across his palm.
Li Wei swallowed his fear. He had no martial arts training, no weapons, nothing but sheer desperation. Still, something deep inside him—the part of him that refused to accept a life of weakness—rose to the surface. He lunged forward, grabbing a discarded brick from the ground and swinging it with all his strength. The brick struck the nearest thug squarely in the forehead, staggering him back.
Chaos erupted. The other thugs attacked simultaneously, but Li Wei's survival instinct took over. Ducking, weaving, and swinging anything he could grab, he fought not like a man with skill but like a man with nothing to lose. By the time the fight ended, all three thugs lay unconscious, groaning and bleeding. The boy stared at Li Wei with wide, grateful eyes.
"Th… thank you," the boy stammered.
Li Wei's chest heaved with exhaustion. His hands were scratched and bloody, but a strange warmth filled him. For the first time in years, he felt something he hadn't felt in a long time—pride, courage, and a faint taste of power. That moment, fleeting as it was, became the final memory of the life he had lived.
The world shifted suddenly. A blinding light engulfed him, white and searing, until the edges of reality itself seemed to dissolve. Li Wei felt himself lifted, pulled into nothingness, a void that was neither warm nor cold. He tried to scream, but no sound came out. Gravity, air, even time seemed to dissolve around him. Panic threatened to consume him, yet a calmness settled in the core of his being, as though something awaited him beyond this void.
Then, silence.
Li Wei opened his eyes, expecting to see the same gray city streets, but instead, he found himself lying on soft grass, sunlight filtering through towering trees. The air was clean and fragrant, filled with the scent of wildflowers and damp earth. Birds called from the treetops, and a gentle breeze brushed against his face. His body felt different—lighter, stronger, yet unfamiliar. He sat up, and his eyes widened in shock. His hands were no longer rough and calloused; they glowed faintly with a strange energy.
"What… where am I?" he whispered, voice trembling.
A voice answered, calm and mechanical, yet carrying a weight of authority:
[System Activated. Host: Li Wei. Welcome to the Ancient Weapon System.]
Li Wei's eyes darted around, searching for the source, but no one was there. The voice continued, emotionless but precise:
[You have been granted access to 23 Legendary Weapons, each containing secret cultivation techniques. To claim these powers, you must locate their guardians—Beast Tamers who have protected these weapons for centuries. Defeat them to unlock their techniques. Host, your journey of cultivation begins now.]
Li Wei's heart raced. The words were incredible, unbelievable, yet the energy coursing through his veins was undeniable. The system interface appeared before him—a translucent projection hovering in the air, displaying the names and brief descriptions of the first three weapons. Each weapon's aura pulsed with raw power, whispering promises of abilities far beyond mortal reach.
The first weapon, a jagged sword of black steel, called "Shadowfang," seemed to hum with aggression. The second, a golden spear named "Sunpiercer," radiated warmth and light. The third, a pair of silver gauntlets known as "Frostclaws," shimmered with cold, crystalline energy. Each weapon was alive in a sense, as though waiting for its rightful master to awaken it.
Li Wei rose to his feet, still in disbelief. Could he, a man who had barely survived in a mundane world, truly claim these weapons and cultivate their hidden powers? Doubt gnawed at him, but determination hardened in its place. He had been given a second chance, and he would not waste it.
The first trial appeared before him—a clearing with a massive beast, larger than any creature he had seen, its scales black as night and eyes glowing with an eerie red light. The system alerted him: [Guardian Beast Approaching. Only through battle can you claim access to weapon Shadowfang.]
Li Wei's hands clenched, muscles tensing. Fear surged, but he remembered the fight in the alley, the thrill of defending someone weaker than himself. That courage, that spark, ignited a fire within. He darted forward, dodging the beast's massive claws and tail, weaving through the underbrush. The system guided him subtly, highlighting weak points on the creature and suggesting evasive maneuvers.
The fight was grueling. Every strike of the beast sent shockwaves through the clearing, tearing up the ground. Li Wei fell, stumbled, and rose again, each time learning the patterns of his foe, feeling his instincts sharpen. Hours could have passed—or perhaps only minutes—but he was locked in a battle that tested both mind and body.
Finally, a perfect opening appeared. Li Wei leapt, channeling a burst of energy through his arms, and struck the beast in the chest with every ounce of strength he possessed. The creature roared, staggering back, then collapsed. A soft glow enveloped the clearing, and the jagged sword Shadowfang floated gently toward him.
[Weapon Shadowfang unlocked. Host has gained first secret technique: Shadow Step.]
Li Wei gasped, lifting the sword. Its weight was perfectly balanced, yet it felt like an extension of his own body. He swung experimentally, feeling the hum of energy respond to his intent. Shadow Step—the system whispered its function, allowing rapid, almost instantaneous movement between shadows. The possibilities thrilled him.
But the system also reminded him: [Warning: Remaining Beast Tamers are aware of your presence. Each carries weapons and techniques of their own. Their strength increases with experience. Survival requires strategy, skill, and caution.]
Li Wei's gaze hardened. This world was dangerous, but it was also full of potential. Every battle, every challenge, every betrayal he might face would be a chance to grow stronger, to claim power, and to understand the ancient secrets of the weapons. The path would be long, arduous, and unforgiving—but it was a path he would walk willingly.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the forest in shades of orange and violet, Li Wei looked at the clearing, at Shadowfang in his hand, and felt a sense of purpose he had never known. His old life of struggle and insignificance was gone. Here, in this world of beasts, weapons, and cultivation, he would forge himself into something legendary.
The night settled around him, filled with the sounds of distant creatures and rustling leaves. Li Wei sharpened his focus, knowing that tomorrow would bring new trials, new guardians, and new secrets. One step at a time, one weapon at a time, he would rise. The journey had begun.
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****Sub-chapter 2***
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Li Wei awoke before dawn, the forest bathed in a pale, misty light. The air smelled of damp earth and blooming flowers, sharp yet refreshing. He stretched, testing his limbs, marveling at how alive and strong they felt. Even the faint glow from Shadowfang on his hip reminded him that he was no longer the same man who had struggled through mundane city life. Here, in this unknown world, survival was not guaranteed, but opportunity was limitless.
After a brief breakfast of foraged fruits and water from a nearby stream, Li Wei surveyed his surroundings. The forest stretched endlessly in all directions, thick with towering trees, twisted vines, and shadows that seemed almost alive. He could feel the system's quiet hum beneath his skin, a constant reminder of the weapons and abilities waiting to be claimed. Today, he decided, he would take his first real steps toward understanding them.
The system interface flickered to life in front of him, displaying a map of the nearby area with several points marked in pale blue light. One location stood out: the Spirit Pools. According to the system, the Spirit Pools were natural formations where one could awaken hidden potential and refine newly acquired abilities. They were also known to attract beasts and other cultivators seeking to strengthen themselves.
Li Wei set off, moving cautiously but quickly through the forest. Every step carried him further from the comfort of safety, into a world of hidden dangers. He kept Shadowfang close, feeling the pulse of the weapon as though it guided him. His senses were sharper than he had ever experienced; leaves rustled before he even noticed them, the snap of twigs underfoot carried farther than any ordinary sound, and shadows shifted unnaturally with his awareness.
After a few hours of trekking, Li Wei reached a small clearing where the Spirit Pools shimmered in the early sunlight. There were five pools, each glowing faintly in different colors—emerald, sapphire, amber, crimson, and violet. The air around them thrummed with latent energy, as though the very forest acknowledged the pools' power.
"Alright," Li Wei muttered, adjusting Shadowfang in his grip, "let's see what you've got."
He approached the nearest pool, the emerald one. As his reflection rippled across the water's surface, the system whispered: [Spirit Pool detected. Submerge and awaken latent potential. Energy intake will be significant. Caution advised.]
Taking a deep breath, Li Wei dipped his hands into the water. A sudden surge of warmth shot through his body, spreading like fire along his veins. His muscles twitched, bones tingled, and the faint glow surrounding him brightened. He could feel the power inside him responding, awakening, reshaping his body to adapt to new limits. For the first time, he understood that cultivation wasn't about brute force—it was about harmony with energy, patience, and understanding one's own potential.
As he emerged from the pool, drenched and panting, the system displayed new parameters: stamina, reflexes, and energy absorption had all increased significantly. Li Wei grinned. This was progress, tangible proof that he could grow beyond the limitations of a mortal body.
Suddenly, a rustle in the nearby trees drew his attention. Five hulking figures stepped into the clearing—beasts, humanoid but twisted, their forms radiating malice. Each one's eyes glowed with intelligence and hunger. Li Wei's heart raced, but his hands tightened on Shadowfang. The system chimed: [Guardian Beast detected. Engage to defend Spirit Pool and claim awakening reward.]
The battle began with a rush of motion. The largest beast, resembling a massive wolf with scales instead of fur, lunged at him. Li Wei leapt aside, Shadowfang slicing through the air as claws slammed into the ground where he had been. Sparks flew as the weapon met enchanted claws, the energy of the sword humming with life. The other beasts circled, waiting for an opening.
Li Wei relied on instinct, the lessons from his alley fight echoing faintly in his mind, but now magnified a thousandfold by the system's subtle guidance. He dodged, weaved, and countered, each movement flowing seamlessly into the next. Shadow Step pulsed through him, allowing him to vanish into shadows and reappear behind an opponent, striking with precision.
Hours passed in a blur of motion, each strike, parry, and dodge sharpening Li Wei's control over Shadowfang and his own body. Sweat poured, blood dripped from scratches, and energy surged through him with each successful strike. The beasts were formidable, each possessing unique attacks and defenses, testing Li Wei's reflexes and strategic thinking. But he refused to falter. He would not allow weakness to dictate his fate again.
Finally, after an exhausting sequence of maneuvers and calculated strikes, the beasts fell one by one. Each collapse released a surge of energy, feeding into the Spirit Pools and enhancing Li Wei's connection to them. The system acknowledged his victory: [Guardian Beasts defeated. Spirit Pool energy fully absorbed. New ability unlocked: Shadow Surge—combine speed and strike with amplified force.]
Li Wei staggered, gasping for breath but feeling stronger than ever. His body hummed with raw power, muscles reacting instinctively, senses heightened. The forest, once quiet, seemed to acknowledge him now, birds chirping and leaves rustling with a rhythm that matched his heartbeat. He realized that true strength wasn't just weapons or brute force; it was about understanding, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of growth.
He spent the remainder of the day moving between the remaining pools, absorbing energy, and refining his control over Shadowfang. Each pool challenged him differently—some tested speed, some endurance, others focus. By nightfall, Li Wei had undergone his first true cultivation cycle, emerging both exhausted and exhilarated.
As he set up a small camp beneath the towering trees, he reflected on the day's events. The system's voice returned, calm and precise: [Host has completed first Spirit Pool cycle. Experience points allocated. Weapon Shadowfang has improved. New challenge available: locate the Hidden Weapon Shrine to claim next legendary weapon.]
Li Wei's eyes gleamed with determination. Each trial, each battle, each discovery brought him closer to mastery. The road ahead would be long, filled with treacherous guardians, rival cultivators, and hidden traps, but he was ready. No longer the weak delivery man who had stumbled through life, he was a cultivator, a weapon master in the making.
Under the canopy of stars, Li Wei sharpened Shadowfang, feeling the hum of energy sync with his own heartbeat. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but he was ready to face them. The forest around him, alive with unseen creatures and whispered secrets, seemed to bow subtly in recognition of his awakening.
Li Wei closed his eyes, allowing the residual energy from the Spirit Pools to flow through him, settling into his body. He knew that this was only the beginning. Every strike, every movement, every decision from this point forward would shape him into the master he was destined to become. The journey had grown larger, more dangerous, but infinitely more exciting.
As the first night in his new world passed, Li Wei's mind raced with possibilities. How many of the 23 legendary weapons had already been claimed by others? How many guardians lay in wait, ready to test the strength of intruders like him? And among the countless mysteries this world held, what allies or enemies would he encounter? The thought sent a shiver of anticipation through him.
By dawn, Li Wei was ready. He would continue exploring, training, and confronting the challenges ahead. Each Spirit Pool had not only strengthened his body but awakened a hunger for power and understanding. The forest was no longer just a place to survive—it was a training ground, a proving ground, and a realm where the weak could either rise or perish.
With a firm grip on Shadowfang and a mind set on mastering every secret this world had to offer, Li Wei stepped forward into the unknown, leaving the safety of his initial clearing behind. The path of a weapon master, fraught with danger and discovery, stretched endlessly before him. Every shadow, every rustle of leaves, every distant howl carried a lesson, a trial, a chance to grow stronger.
The first night's stars faded as the morning sun pierced through the forest canopy. Li Wei's journey of cultivation, combat, and the quest for the legendary weapons had truly begun. Each heartbeat pulsed with excitement, fear, and determination. This world was vast, alive, and waiting. And Li Wei would face it, step by step, weapon in hand, ready to carve his name into the annals of legend.