After gaining his first level through the Forbidden System, Li Fan felt a strange heat in his veins. The weakness that had haunted him for months was gone. However, a new feeling had taken its place—an endless, gnawing hunger.
"The system gave me strength," Li Fan muttered, looking at his hands. "But it also gave me a craving that cannot be satisfied by bread or water."
[System Notification]
[New Quest: The First Hunt]
Target: Kill and Devour 3 Wild Spirit Rabbits.
Reward: 200 Exp, 1 Basic Movement Skill.
Time Limit: 2 Hours.
Li Fan moved deeper into the Black Forest. This place was dangerous for low-level cultivators, but for him, it was a buffet. He stayed low in the tall grass, his eyes sharp like a predator's. Soon, he spotted his target—a Spirit Rabbit with fur as white as snow and glowing red eyes.
In the past, Li Fan would have used a sword. But now, he wanted to feel the power of the system. He jumped from the shadows with surprising speed. The rabbit tried to bolt, but Li Fan was faster. He grabbed the creature by its neck.
"Devour!"
The black smoke once again crawled out of his skin, wrapping around the rabbit. In a heartbeat, the creature vanished into energy.
[Devour Successful!]
[Exp gained: 40/200]
He didn't stop there. He hunted the second and third rabbits with even more efficiency. Each time he consumed a soul, he felt his muscles becoming harder and his senses becoming sharper.
As he finished the third rabbit, the system chimed in his head:
[Quest Completed!]
[Rewards Distributed.]
[Level Up! Current Realm: Body Refining Stage - Level 3.]
[New Skill Learned: Shadow Step (Rank 1).]
Suddenly, a low growl echoed from the bushes behind him. The smell of blood from his hunt had attracted something much bigger than a rabbit. A Shadow Panther, a Level 4 beast, stepped out, its eyes locked onto Li Fan.
Li Fan didn't feel afraid. Instead, he felt his stomach growl. He licked his lips and smiled darkly.
"Finally," he whispered. "A real meal."