Chapter 1: A Bear's New Beginning
The last thing I remembered was the screech of tires, the blinding headlights, and then—nothing. Darkness.
But now, warmth. Fur. The scent of pine and snow.
My eyes snapped open, and the world was… wrong.
White paws. Thick, clawed. I lifted one, staring in disbelief. A deep, rumbling growl escaped my throat—my throat.
I was a polar bear.
And not just any polar bear. The crisp, almost electric air around me hummed with an energy I couldn't explain. The towering trees around me pulsed with a faint glow, their leaves shimmering like jade under the sunlight. A distant mountain peak pierced the clouds, its summit radiating an eerie, golden light.
This wasn't Earth.
A cold wind ruffled my fur, carrying with it the scent of something… powerful. My instincts flared, muscles tensing. A rustle in the bushes.
A rabbit hopped out—no, not a rabbit. Its fur was silver, its eyes glowing violet. It stared at me, unafraid, before sniffing the air and darting away with unnatural speed.
"What the hell…?" My voice came out as a deep, guttural growl. I could speak?
Before I could process that, a notification—yes, an actual floating screen—appeared before my eyes.
[Beast Cultivation System Activated.] [Species: Arctic Frostbear (Juvenile)]
[Realm: Mortal Beast (Stage 1)]
[Abilities: Frost Resistance, Enhanced Strength]
[Qi: 0/100]
A cultivation world. I'd been reincarnated as a damn polar bear in a cultivation world.
A sharp crack echoed through the forest. The ground trembled.
Something was coming.
I turned just as a massive shadow loomed over the trees. A beast—part wolf, part serpent—slithered forward, its six crimson eyes locking onto me. Drool dripped from its fangs, steaming against the snow.
[Warning! Venomfang Direwolf detected!]
[Realm: Spirit Beast (Stage 3)]
[Recommendation: Flee.]
Flee? With these stubby legs?
The Direwolf lunged.
Instinct took over. I roared, swiping with all my might. My claws glowed faintly blue as they connected—
BOOM!
A shockwave of cold erupted. The Direwolf screeched, its muzzle now encased in ice. It staggered back, eyes wide with… fear?
[Frost Claw activated!]
[Qi +5]
I didn't have time to celebrate. The beast recovered fast, snarling. It was still stronger. Faster.
Then—a voice.
"Interesting."
A voice, smooth as ice.
The Direwolf froze.
A man descended from the sky, his white robes fluttering despite the lack of wind. He landed lightly between us, his presence alone making the air **crackle** with energy.
The Direwolf whimpered and fled.
The man turned to me, golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "A Frostbear with intelligence… and combat instincts?"
I stayed silent, wary.
He smirked. "No need for fear. I am Elder Liang of the Northern Ice Sect." He studied me like a rare treasure. "You're no ordinary beast, are you?"
I debated playing dumb. But if this was a cultivation world, lying to a powerful elder might get me killed faster than honesty.
"I don't know what I am,"I admitted. "But I know I'm not just a bear."
Elder Liang's smirk widened. "Good answer." He flicked his sleeve. "Come. The Sect Master will want to see you."
I hesitated. "And if I refuse?"
He chuckled. "Then you'll stay here. Until the next Venomfang Direwolf finds you. Or worse."
A gust of wind howled through the trees, carrying with it a scent that made my fur stand on end—something ancient and hungry.
I grunted. "...Lead the way."
Elder Liang's smile was triumphant as he turned toward the distant glacier. "Welcome to your new life, little Frostbear."
And with that, my journey as a cultivator beast began.