Li Wei awoke to pain—sharp, like a thousand needles piercing his body. The cold stone beneath his back was damp with dew, and the air reeked of moisture and grass. He tried to open his eyes, but his eyelids felt like lead. Where was he? The last thing he remembered was the screech of brakes, the blinding glare of headlights, and the impact that ended his life in the office where he'd stayed late, immersed in code. Now, only the whisper of the wind and the distant chime of bells broke the silence.
He forced himself to sit up, ignoring the protests of his muscles. A mist-covered forest stretched around him, the trees twisted as if alive. Li Wei looked at his hands—thin, pale, unfamiliar. He wore a tattered gray robe, and a worn leather pouch hung at his waist. This wasn't his body. This wasn't his world.
"What the hell?" he muttered, but the voice was foreign—high and raspy.
Suddenly, a translucent screen appeared before his eyes, like something out of a video game. Golden letters formed words, and Li Wei froze, reading:
Heavenly Trickster System activated. Welcome, user Li Wei. Your soul has been transferred to the world of the Celestial Dome. Objective: Forge a path to immortality. Reward: Unlimited power. Failure: Soul annihilation.
"A system? Like in a LitRPG?" Li Wei laughed nervously, but the laugh died quickly. This was far too real for a dream. He tapped the air, and the screen shifted:
Profile: Li Wei, 16 years old, Outer Disciple of the Azure Wind Sect. Cultivation Level: Mortal, Stage 1. Skills: None. Inventory: Empty.
"Sixteen? A disciple?" He touched his face, feeling smooth skin without the usual stubble. "So I've transmigrated. Great. Just great."
The forest around him felt alive, every rustle making him flinch. The system blinked with a new message:
Quest: Reach the Azure Wind Sect before sunset. Reward: Breathing Technique 'Azure Stream.' Penalty: Expulsion from the sect.
"Sunset?" Li Wei looked up—the sun was already dipping toward the horizon. "An hour? Two, at most?"
He stood up, ignoring the dizziness, and noticed a path winding through the forest. Inside the pouch, he found only a few copper coins and a worn-out map with the sect marked a few li away. Gritting his teeth, Li Wei took a deep breath. He didn't know how he got here, but he wasn't going to give up. If this was his second life, he would make the most of it.
The trail twisted between the trees, and soon he heard the sound of running water. A stream? Maybe he could wash his face and gather his thoughts. But as he stepped forward, the system lit up again:
Warning: Spiritual beast detected nearby. Threat level: Low. Survival probability: 60%. Recommendation: Avoid.
Li Wei froze, heart pounding. A beast? He glanced around, seeing only shadows in the mist. Sixty percent wasn't terrible, but was it worth risking on his first day? He had been a programmer, not a fantasy hero. But something told him this world didn't forgive the weak.
---
Li Wei held his breath, straining to hear through the forest's silence. The rustle of leaves and the snap of twigs nearby made him tense. The system had warned him about a beast, but running blindly into the unknown was foolish. He crouched behind a thick tree trunk, trying to recall everything he knew about transmigration stories. The protagonist usually had some kind of trump card, right? His was the system. But how did it work?
He mentally summoned the screen. The golden letters reappeared, but nothing new appeared—just the same profile, the quest, and the warning about the beast. Li Wei frowned. In games, systems gave tips or starting bonuses. Maybe he'd missed something? He focused, imagining himself clicking on the words Heavenly Trickster System. To his surprise, the screen flickered and a new menu opened:
Trait: Probability Manipulation. Activation — once per day. Effect: Increases chance of favorable outcomes by 20% for 10 minutes. Use now?
"Now that's interesting," Li Wei muttered. If the beast was nearby, those 20% might save his life. He mentally pressed "Yes," and a slight tremor ran through his body, as if the air itself had thickened. The system confirmed:
Probability Manipulation activated. Luck is on your side.
The rustling grew louder, and a shadow emerged from the mist. It was the size of a wolf, with scaly skin and glowing yellow eyes. Its fangs gleamed, and drool dripped from its maw. Li Wei swallowed hard. This was low danger?
He stepped back slowly, but the beast locked eyes with him and let out a low growl.
"Think, Wei," he whispered. Run? Fight? He had no weapon, and this body was as fragile as a teenager's. But probability manipulation had to help. Maybe the beast would get distracted? Or maybe he'd find something useful?
The beast lunged, and Li Wei instinctively dove to the side, tripping over a root. As he fell, his hand brushed a sharp rock. Without thinking, he grabbed it and hurled it at the creature's face. The stone struck its eye dead on. The beast howled, shaking its head in pain. Li Wei didn't wait—he scrambled to his feet and sprinted toward the stream, hoping the water would throw the beast off his scent.
Reaching the bank, he spotted a boulder jutting out of the stream. But it wasn't just a rock—it was a fragment of an ancient altar, etched with faded runes. The system blinked:
Fragment of the Heavenly Trickster Altar detected. Activate synchronization? Reward: Beginner Skill 'Wind Step'.
Li Wei froze. A skill? That was exactly what he needed. But the beast was close—he could hear it growling. Activate the altar or run? There was no time to think.
---
Li Wei clenched his jaw, casting a glance at the approaching silhouette of the beast. The growls grew louder as the scaly creature pushed through the underbrush, its yellow eyes gleaming in the mist. The system was offering synchronization with the altar—and it was his only chance to gain any kind of edge. He mentally pressed "Activate," hoping probability manipulation was still in effect.
A wave of heat surged through his body as the runes on the altar lit up with a soft blue glow. A deep, mocking voice echoed in his head: "Another brave fool? Prove you're worthy of my legacy, boy." Li Wei barely had time to react before the system screen updated:
Synchronization complete. Skill acquired: Wind Step (Beginner Level). Effect: Increases movement speed by 30% for 10 seconds. Cooldown: 1 minute.
The beast burst from the mist, its fangs snapping mere inches from Li Wei's face. Without hesitation, he activated Wind Step. The world blurred around him, and his legs felt as light as air, as if the wind itself carried him. He darted to the side, dodging the beast, and dashed along the stream, leaving the creature behind. It roared in frustration but couldn't react in time.
"Hah! Eat dust, lizard!" Li Wei shouted, adrenaline surging through him. The skill ended, and his pace slowed, breath ragged. The beast didn't pursue—whether it was the wounded eye or the system's luck boost, he didn't care. He leaned against a tree, trying to catch his breath. His heart pounded, but a grin tugged at his lips. That was awesome. Seriously awesome.
The system blinked again:
Quest updated: Reach Azure Wind Sect before sunset. Time remaining: 1 hour. Optional goal: Avoid encounters with spiritual beasts. Reward: +10 sect reputation.
"Reputation? Seriously?" Li Wei muttered. He already imagined himself arriving at the sect like some kind of hero. But first, he had to get there. Checking the map, he saw the trail led through the forest toward the base of the mountain—where the sect was likely located. The sun dipped lower, painting the sky crimson.
Li Wei moved forward, staying in the shadows of the trees. The forest felt endless, but now he walked with a bit more confidence. Wind Step gave him a means of escape, and the system clearly held more surprises. He thought back to the voice he heard at the altar. The Heavenly Trickster? Was that his system? Or something more?
Eventually, the path opened up to a cliff's edge, revealing floating islands wreathed in clouds. In the distance, atop a mountain peak, stood the white spires of the Azure Wind Sect. Li Wei stood still, awestruck. This wasn't just scenery—this was a different world. But something told him beauty here was a lie.
---
Li Wei stood at the cliff's edge, eyes fixed on the floating islands and the spires of the Azure Wind Sect. Wind tugged at his robe, and a strange mix of awe and anxiety churned in his chest. The world was beautiful—but he already knew it was the kind of beauty that concealed danger. The system flashed once more:
Time until sunset: 45 minutes. Recommendation: Follow the path to the mountain's base. Enemy encounter probability: 15%.
"Enemies? Not beasts, but enemies?" Li Wei frowned. Seemed like the sect wasn't the friendliest place. He adjusted the pouch at his waist and followed the path winding down to the valley. Stones crunched beneath his feet, and the trees thinned, revealing a wide landscape below.
Soon, he spotted figures ahead—three young men in the same tattered gray robes he wore. They stood at a bend in the trail, arguing. One, tall and broad-shouldered, kicked a rock with a sneer. The other two looked younger, but their eyes weren't friendly. Li Wei slowed. The system said nothing, but his gut screamed trouble.
"Hey, look who's here!" the tall one shouted, spotting him. "Little Wei, wandering the woods again? Forgot outer disciples aren't allowed out without permission?"
Li Wei tensed. Looked like this body had a reputation. He decided to go along with it, forcing a tired smile.
"Just out for a walk. What about you guys?"
"Out for a walk, huh?" The second boy, long-haired and scowling, spat to the side. "Heard you failed your cultivation test. Pathetic. People like you just shame the sect."
A flicker of irritation passed through Li Wei. This 'Li Wei' was a loser? Great—just perfect. But he wasn't planning to take their mockery. He crossed his arms, locking eyes with the tall one.
"And you're the pride of the sect, I assume? Then why are you hanging around here instead of meditating toward enlightenment?"
The trio fell silent, clearly caught off guard by his tone. The tall one stepped forward, fists clenched.
"Big mouth for a weakling. Time you learned some respect."
Li Wei mentally summoned the system. Wind Step was still on cooldown, and he'd already used Probability Manipulation. Fight? In this skinny body? He looked around for options. The trail was narrow—on the right was a steep drop. If he could lure them closer...
"Fine. Teach me," he said with a mocking grin, stepping back. "But you'll have to catch me first."
He turned and bolted toward the cliff, the sound of their angry shouts following close behind. His heart pounded, but he was already forming a plan. This world didn't forgive weakness—and he was going to prove he didn't belong at the bottom.
---
Li Wei sprinted along the path, the stones beneath his feet shifting dangerously. The shouts of his pursuers echoed behind him. He glanced over his shoulder—the tall one, likely the leader, was closest, face twisted with rage. The other two lagged behind but jeered confidently: "Run all you want, coward! Nowhere to hide!"
Li Wei clenched his teeth. The system was silent, but he wasn't relying on it anymore. Cunning—that was his weapon.
The trail curved sharply toward a cliff where a narrow ledge jutted over the misty abyss. Fog swirled below, hiding the drop's true depth. Li Wei skidded to a halt at the edge, pretending to be cornered. His breath came in ragged gasps, but he forced a cocky smirk onto his face.
"Well? You caught me," he shouted, arms spread wide. Wind whipped at his robe, adding a dramatic flair to the scene.
The broad-shouldered one—his name was probably Zhang Ho—slowed, a smug gleam in his eyes. He raised his fist, approaching menacingly.
"End of the line, Li Wei. Time to teach you some manners."
Li Wei quickly surveyed the ledge. The stones beneath his feet were loose, and to the right—thick, thorny bushes clung to the slope. If he could bait Zhang Ho forward, his weight might do the rest. Li Wei took a step back, feigning fear.
"W-wait! Let's talk!" His voice cracked just enough to sell the act. He saw Zhang Ho smirk, completely falling for it.
"Talk? Too late!" Zhang Ho lunged, fist flying. But Li Wei was ready. He ducked, and the punch whistled over his head. In the same motion, he kicked at the wobbly stone beneath Zhang Ho's foot. The ledge shifted.
With a yelp, Zhang Ho lost his balance and tumbled sideways into the thorny bushes.
"Arghhh!"
He flailed and cursed, entangled in the sharp branches. The other two disciples froze, stunned. Li Wei didn't wait. He dashed past them while they hesitated, bolting down the trail. Behind him came the shouted threats: "Get back here, bastard!"
But he could already see the gates of the sect ahead—massive, white stone arches adorned with azure runes. The sun brushed the horizon, bleeding gold and crimson. The system blinked:
Quest completed: Reach Azure Wind Sect before sunset. Reward: Breathing Technique 'Azure Stream.' Optional goal failed: Enemy encounter detected. No reputation gained.
"Screw reputation," Li Wei muttered, slowing as he neared the gates. He'd outwitted three bullies and survived. Not bad for day one. But as he looked up at the entrance, his smile faded.
From the shadows stepped a figure in azure robes, cold eyes fixed on him.
"Li Wei," came a voice laced with contempt. "Late again. Explain yourself—or regret it."