"Ugh... My head... Where am I?"
The voice echoed in the dark, damp forest as a boy slowly opened his eyes. His name was Han Sung, an ordinary high school student who had fallen asleep at his desk after pulling an all-nighter. But now, he was no longer in his room.
Towering bamboo trees swayed above him. Strange birds cried in the distance. The scent of herbs and iron filled the air. His uniform was gone, replaced with rough robes, and his body felt stronger yet unfamiliar.
"This... isn't Earth."
Just as panic was about to set in, a transparent screen blinked in front of his eyes.
> [Congratulations, Host has awakened the "God of Copying System"] [Scanning environment...] [Murim World detected. Cultivation-based realm confirmed. Initiating adaptation.]
"Wait. System? Like in those novels?"
Han Sung blinked, half-expecting the screen to vanish. It didn't. He reached out, and his hand passed through it. It was real. As real as the ache in his back and the sharp stone beneath him.
> [Welcome, Han Sung. You have been chosen as the sole wielder of the Copying God System. Your mission is to survive, grow, and transcend.]
> [Ability unlocked: Copy - Observe any martial technique or skill, and you may replicate it permanently. No upper limit.]
> [Passive unlocked: Infinite Mana - Your energy reserves will never deplete.]
> [Perk unlocked: Mind of a Sage - Vast memory, high learning speed, battle awareness enhanced.]
Han Sung slowly stood up. His eyes widened as knowledge poured into his mind. Qi. Dantian. Martial stages. The way of cultivation. It all clicked, as if he'd studied it for years.
"So this is real... and I'm in a cultivation world. A Murim realm..."
He could barely believe it. But he had no time to waste. The forest wasn't safe.
---
Hours Later - At the foot of Crimson Cloud Sect
After wandering for hours and fighting hunger and fatigue, Han Sung stumbled upon a large stone path that led up a massive mountain. Red banners fluttered in the wind. Statues of martial heroes lined the steps.
A young man in white robes, with a long sword strapped to his back, stopped him.
"Outsider? This is the territory of the Crimson Cloud Sect. State your identity."
Han Sung bowed respectfully. He had read enough cultivation novels to know arrogance got you killed.
"I am Han Sung. I was attacked by bandits and lost my way. Please, allow me to join the outer sect. I am willing to work hard."
The man raised an eyebrow. He was about to reject him, but Han Sung activated his perk.
> [Activating passive: Mind of a Sage] [Calculating response to improve chances of acceptance... Success Rate: 82%]
Han Sung continued, "I may not look like much now, but I have great perseverance. Give me a chance, even as a cleaner."
The sword-bearer nodded slowly.
"Very well. We always need more hands in the outer sect. Follow me."
---
One Week Later
Han Sung blended in well. He kept his head down, did his chores, and watched everything around him.
Most outer sect disciples mocked him. They called him weak, useless, trash. But he smiled and endured.
Why?
Because he had a secret.
He had copied three basic techniques just by observing them in the training grounds.
> [Copied: Iron Body Foundation Technique (Low Tier)] [Copied: Crimson Sword Basic Form (Low Tier)] [Copied: Lesser Qi Breathing Method (Low Tier)]
Normally, even learning one would take weeks. But Han Sung had already mastered them.
And he wasn't stopping.
Every day, he watched. He memorized. He copied.
By the end of the week, he had copied fifteen techniques, improved his Qi realm to Stage 3, and secretly practiced in the forest at night.
His body grew stronger. His attacks became precise. His movements, fluid.
The others didn't notice.
Until the outer sect sparring tournament began.
---
Outer Sect Tournament Grounds
Hundreds of outer sect disciples gathered. It was a chance to show strength and earn promotion.
Han Sung's name was called. His opponent, a bulky teen named Jinho, grinned.
"The cleaner? What a joke. Don't cry when I break your bones."
Han Sung stepped into the arena. Calm. Focused.
"Begin!"
Jinho charged with a roar, fists glowing with Qi.
Han Sung dodged with ease. In one smooth motion, he mimicked the Crimson Sword Form he saw days ago.
Slash!
Jinho was sent flying. Silence fell over the arena.
One move.
> [You have earned reputation among the outer sect.]
> [You have copied: Roaring Tiger Fist (Mid Tier)]
The fights continued, and Han Sung didn't lose once. With each opponent, he gained new techniques.
By the end of the day, he had copied over 25 skills, and reached Qi Stage 5.
The elders took notice.
One, Elder Mo, approached him.
"You show great talent. Who is your master?"
Han Sung bowed. "I have none, elder. I simply train every night."
Elder Mo stroked his beard, clearly intrigued.
"Would you like to become my personal disciple?"
The crowd gasped.
Han Sung nodded slowly. "It would be an honor."
> [Milestone Achieved: Accepted by a Sect Elder]
> [New Zone Unlocked: Inner Sect Training Grounds]
---
That Night
Alone in the forest, Han Sung stared at the stars.
He had copied dozens of techniques. He had infinite energy. A powerful teacher. And no one suspected his true ability.
But he knew this was only the beginning.
Murim was vast. The world held secrets, beasts, d
emons, and gods.
He would rise.
He would copy it all.
And one day...
He would stand above even the heavens.