The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the quiet village. Inside a modest, dimly lit room, Zhao Shang lay on a simple bed, his thoughts a tangled mess. The events of the day weighed heavily on his mind. The shock of transmigration, the overwhelming sense of loss and confusion, and the realization that he was in a world completely different from the one he had known were enough to keep him wide awake. How was he supposed to navigate this strange new reality where cultivation determined one's worth and strength was the key to survival?
Zhao had always been a quick learner, but nothing in his previous life had prepared him for this. In this world, everything was alien—the customs, the people, the very fabric of reality. And then, there was the matter of his new body, a vessel that felt both familiar and foreign. Despite sharing the same name as its previous owner, Zhao Shang was acutely aware of the stark differences between himself and the boy whose life he had taken over.
The original Zhao Shang had been weak, unable to cultivate in a world where cultivation was everything. This body was frail, the muscles underdeveloped, the bones fragile. He had sensed it immediately upon waking in this new world—a stark contrast to his previous life where he had been reasonably fit. The lack of strength in this body worried him. If he couldn't cultivate, how could he survive, let alone thrive, in a world so ruthless?
As he lay there, staring at the wooden ceiling, a thousand thoughts racing through his mind, a sudden voice echoed in his consciousness, interrupting his train of thought.
[Super Extraction System activated.]
The voice was clear and mechanical, entirely devoid of emotion. It startled Zhao, who bolted upright in bed, his heart hammering in his chest. His eyes darted around the dark room, searching for the source of the voice, but there was no one there. He was alone.
"Who's there?" Zhao's voice trembled slightly as he called out into the darkness.
[No physical presence detected. System interface has been integrated with host's consciousness.]
The words seemed to materialize directly in his mind, as though someone—or something—was speaking to him from within. Zhao's confusion and alarm grew. What did it mean that something was integrated with his consciousness? What was this voice?
"What... what do you mean?" Zhao whispered, trying to make sense of the situation.
[Super Extraction System: A unique system designed to extract abilities, powers, and talents from other beings. Current host: Zhao Shang.]
Zhao blinked, trying to process the information. A system? What kind of system? In his previous world, the concept of a system was something out of fantasy novels or games. But this wasn't fiction—this was real. He was here, in a world of cultivation and mystical powers, and now, apparently, he had a system.
"A system?" he repeated, his voice filled with both curiosity and trepidation. "What kind of system?"
[This system allows the host to extract abilities from living beings. The extracted abilities can then be integrated into the host's body, enhancing physical and spiritual capabilities.]
The explanation was brief, but it was enough to send Zhao's mind reeling. This system, whatever it was, claimed to have the power to extract abilities from other beings. Could this really be true? And if it was, what did it mean for him?
Zhao's thoughts raced as he tried to comprehend the possibilities. If the system was telling the truth, then it could be the solution to his biggest problem—the weakness of his current body. If he could extract abilities from others, perhaps he could overcome the limitations that had plagued the original Zhao Shang. Perhaps he could become strong—strong enough to survive and thrive in this world.
"What can I extract?" Zhao asked, his curiosity now fully piqued. The potential of this system was too great to ignore, and he needed to understand its capabilities.
[The host can extract a variety of abilities depending on the level of the system and the target's strength. Current system level: 1. Extraction targets: low-level beasts, minor human talents.]
Zhao's heart pounded with excitement. This system was more than just a tool—it was a lifeline, a way out of the despair that had settled over him since his transmigration. But there was still so much he didn't understand. How did the extraction process work? What were the limitations? Could he use it at will?
"How do I use it?" Zhao asked, his voice filled with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.
[The system will guide the host through the extraction process. Please attempt to extract a minor ability from a nearby target.]
Zhao's mind raced as he considered his options. There was nothing in the room to extract from—no animals, no people, nothing. If he wanted to test this system, he would need to find a target outside.
Making up his mind, Zhao quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to make any noise. The last thing he wanted was to wake anyone and have to explain what he was doing. Moving stealthily, he crept to the door and gently pushed it open. The cool night air greeted him as he stepped outside, the village bathed in the soft, pale light of the moon.
The village was silent, the only sound the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. Zhao made his way through the narrow streets, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. He needed to find something to test the system on—something small, something weak. At the edge of the village, where the houses gave way to the dense forest, he paused, listening intently.
It wasn't long before he heard it—a faint rustling in the underbrush nearby. Zhao's heart raced as he slowly approached the sound, his eyes straining to see in the darkness. A small creature, no larger than a rabbit, emerged from the bushes. Its eyes glowed faintly in the moonlight, and it froze when it saw him, sensing danger.
"This will do," Zhao whispered, focusing intently on the creature. His breath quickened as he waited for the system's guidance.
[Target detected. Commencing extraction.]
As the system's voice echoed in his mind, a faint light began to envelop the creature. Zhao watched in awe as the light intensified, surrounding the small animal like a halo. At the same time, he felt a strange sensation in his own body, as though something was being drawn out of the creature and into him.
The process was both exhilarating and unnerving. Zhao could feel the energy transferring into him, a tingling warmth that spread through his limbs, filling him with a new vitality. After a few moments, the light began to fade, and the creature collapsed to the ground, unconscious but unharmed.
[Extraction complete. Minor agility enhancement acquired.]
Zhao's breath caught in his throat as he absorbed the words. He could feel the difference immediately—a lightness in his body, a newfound swiftness in his movements. It was subtle, but it was there. He took a tentative step, then another, marveling at the way his body responded. He was faster, more agile than before.
"This... this is real," Zhao murmured, scarcely able to believe it. He had extracted an ability—an actual, tangible enhancement to his physical capabilities. The system had worked.
For a moment, Zhao stood there, stunned by the implications. If he could do this—if he could extract abilities from other beings—then the possibilities were endless. He could grow stronger, faster, more powerful with each extraction. This system could be his key to survival, his path to becoming a cultivator in this world where strength was everything.
Zhao looked down at the small creature, still lying unconscious at his feet. He felt a pang of guilt—it hadn't deserved to be targeted like that. But the creature was unharmed, and Zhao knew that in this world, he couldn't afford to hesitate. He needed to use every advantage he could get.
"I'm sorry," Zhao whispered to the creature before turning back toward the village. He would make sure not to waste the opportunity he had been given. He would use this system to its fullest potential, and he would become strong enough to protect himself and those he cared about.
As he made his way back to the village, Zhao's mind was filled with thoughts of what the future might hold. The Super Extraction System had opened up a world of possibilities, but it had also introduced a host of new challenges and questions. How would he find more targets for extraction? What kinds of abilities could he acquire? And how far could he push the limits of the system?
Zhao returned to his room, his body buzzing with the energy from the extraction. He climbed back into bed, but sleep was the furthest thing from his mind. The night had taken a turn he never could have anticipated, and now, everything had changed.
As he lay there, staring up at the ceiling, Zhao allowed himself a small, hopeful smile. For the first time since his transmigration, he felt a sense of control over his destiny. He didn't know what challenges lay ahead, but he was determined to face them head-on. The Super Extraction System was his weapon, his secret advantage, and he would use it to carve out a place for himself in this world.
The road ahead would be long and treacherous, but Zhao Shang was ready to walk it. With the Super Extraction System by his side, he would find a way to survive—and perhaps even thrive—in this strange new world. And maybe, just maybe, he would discover that this second chance at life was the greatest gift he could have ever received.