Sam stood still for a moment, processing the information he had just received. His heart raced with excitement as the implications of the Divine Physique slowly began to sink in. He was no longer just another player in a virtual game; he was someone special—someone with the potential to rise above the rest. The path ahead of him was filled with promise, but it was also filled with uncertainty.
The NPC, who had been silent for a moment, gave a deep, respectful nod. "The Training Grounds await. Follow the path, young cultivator, and let your journey begin."
Sam nodded, still a little dazed by everything that had happened in such a short amount of time. The Divine Physique was a game-changer—literally. It was known to be a rare and powerful gift, one that most players could only dream of possessing. He had read about it, but he never imagined that it would actually happen to him. He had always been an ordinary person in the real world—nothing special, just a student trying to make it through life. Yet here, in Azure Heaven, he was something different.
As he turned to walk toward the Training Grounds, Sam couldn't help but notice the world around him more keenly. The landscapes of Azure Heaven were unlike anything he had seen before. There were no digital boundaries, no limitations. Everything felt so real—so full of life. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, the birds chirped from the branches, and the air was fresh, as though he could truly breathe in the essence of this world.
The path leading to the Training Grounds was well-marked, with stone tiles beneath his feet and lanterns hanging on either side, their soft light guiding the way. It was serene, peaceful even, but Sam could feel the energy of the world subtly pulling at him, calling him to begin his journey.
As he walked, Sam thought about what the NPC had said. Training Grounds. That was where players began their cultivation journey. There, they would be taught the fundamentals of combat, cultivation, and the way of the world. It was said that every player would face a trial, a test of their strength and resolve. But for someone with a Divine Physique, like Sam, the journey would be different. He would advance faster, absorb energy more efficiently, and become stronger with every step.
But even with his newfound power, Sam knew that he couldn't get complacent. The world of Azure Heaven was vast, with countless dangers lurking around every corner. Even the most powerful cultivators could fall if they weren't careful. He couldn't afford to underestimate his opponents, no matter how strong he became.
As he approached the gates of the Training Grounds, the environment began to change. The lush greenery gave way to a more structured area. In front of him stood a grand stone archway, adorned with symbols and ancient runes. The gates opened with a deep, resonant sound, revealing an expansive courtyard beyond. The air was filled with the faint scent of incense, and the soft hum of energy buzzed in the atmosphere.
Inside the courtyard, he could see other players—some already in the midst of training, others speaking to NPC instructors. The place was alive with activity, the air thick with anticipation. This was the beginning of something incredible. Sam could feel the excitement building within him.
As he stepped further into the courtyard, a figure approached him—an elderly man, dressed in simple robes. His face was weathered, but his eyes shone with an inner strength that suggested he was far from ordinary. The man gave Sam a nod of acknowledgment.
"Ah, you must be the one," the man said, his voice calm and deep. "I've been expecting you."
Sam blinked in surprise. "You've been expecting me?"
The elderly man smiled faintly. "You're not the first player to arrive with a special physique, but the Divine Physique is rare, even in this world. I sense great potential in you. Now, it is time for your trial."
The words hung in the air like a weight. Sam felt a surge of nervousness flood through him. Trial. Every player faced a trial, but the meaning of this trial was still unknown to him. He had read about cultivation trials, but he had never imagined he would face one so soon.
"What kind of trial is it?" Sam asked, trying to steady his nerves.
The elderly man's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Ah, that is something you will discover for yourself. But know this: You will need to rely on more than just your strength to pass. In this world, power isn't everything. Cultivation requires balance—strength, wisdom, and adaptability. How you approach your trial will determine what path you take in your cultivation journey."
Sam nodded, absorbing the man's words. He was right—he couldn't rely on just brute force. Cultivation was a complex art, one that required more than just raw power. The Divine Physique might make things easier for him, but it wouldn't make him invincible. He would need to learn how to harness his potential and cultivate his abilities.
The elderly man gestured toward a stone platform in the center of the courtyard. "Step forward. The trial begins now."
Sam hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and walked toward the platform. As he stepped onto the surface, the ground beneath him seemed to shift, and a glowing circle of light appeared at his feet. The light expanded outward, forming a barrier around him. The world around him seemed to blur for a moment before it settled into focus.
Suddenly, the air around him thickened, and the temperature dropped. A figure materialized in front of him—an imposing creature, standing over seven feet tall. It was a Beast, its body covered in dark scales and its eyes burning with an intense, fiery glow. Its claws were sharp, and its teeth were as long as daggers. The Beast let out a low growl, its presence radiating power and danger.
Sam's heart pounded in his chest. The trial had begun—and it was clear that this wasn't going to be easy. The Beast's eyes locked onto Sam, and it let out a roar, charging toward him with incredible speed.
Instinctively, Sam took a step back, his body reacting before his mind could process what was happening. The Beast was fast, but Sam's body, enhanced by his Divine Physique, felt stronger than it ever had in the real world. He didn't feel the usual stiffness in his limbs or the weakness that had always plagued him. Instead, he felt fluid, agile—ready for the fight.
The Beast lunged at him, claws extended, but Sam was already moving. He dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack, and with a swift motion, he drew a blade that had materialized in his hand from the system's inventory. The blade gleamed in the light as he swung it at the Beast's exposed side.
The Beast howled in pain as the blade made contact, leaving a deep gash in its scales. But it wasn't enough to stop it. The Beast recovered quickly, spinning around to face Sam, its eyes filled with rage.
Sam didn't hesitate. He could feel the power of the Divine Physique coursing through him, his movements becoming more precise, more powerful with each strike. He could feel his body adapting to the battle, learning the Beast's movements and anticipating its next move.
He didn't need to think about it. He just moved—reacting with the instincts of a true cultivator. And with each strike, each movement, he could feel himself growing stronger.
The battle raged on, and Sam pushed himself to his limits. The Beast was powerful, but it was no match for the speed and power granted to him by the Divine Physique. Finally, with a well-placed strike, Sam drove his blade deep into the Beast's heart, causing it to collapse in a heap, lifeless.
The stone platform glowed brightly as the Beast's body disappeared into particles of light. A voice echoed in the air.
"Trial complete. You have passed."
Sam's heart still raced from the battle, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. He had done it. He had passed the trial. The Divine Physique had given him the edge, but it was his own strength and determination that had carried him through.
The elderly man appeared beside him, his eyes filled with approval. "Well done, cultivator. You have passed your first trial. Now, your true journey begins."
Sam nodded, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. The path ahead would be long, but with his Divine Physique, he knew that he had the potential to achieve greatness. The world of Azure Heaven was vast, and he was ready to explore it—one step at a time.
To be continued…