Zhao Shang awoke to the soft glow of dawn filtering through the small window of his room. The village was still quiet, the sounds of morning yet to stir the air. He stretched, feeling the now-familiar surge of strength in his limbs, a testament to the progress he had made over the past few weeks. Each day had brought new challenges, but with the Super Extraction System at his disposal, Zhao had steadily grown stronger, faster, and more resilient.
The forest surrounding the village had become his training ground, a place where he could hone his skills and extract abilities from the beasts that roamed its depths. Though the process was gradual, Zhao could feel the incremental improvements in his body. His muscles were denser, his reflexes sharper, and his endurance greater than it had ever been before. He was still far from reaching the levels of the seasoned cultivators he had observed, but he was no longer the weak, defenseless boy who had first arrived in this world.
As he finished his morning exercises, Zhao felt a sense of anticipation building within him. He was eager to continue his training, to push himself even further, but something in the air felt different today—a subtle tension that he couldn't quite place. Shrugging off the feeling, Zhao decided to head into the village to see if he could glean any new information about the world of cultivation.
The village was slowly coming to life as Zhao made his way through the narrow streets. Farmers were tending to their crops, shopkeepers were opening their stalls, and children were playing in the dirt paths that wound through the cluster of homes. It was a scene of simple, everyday life, yet Zhao couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change.
As he approached the village square, Zhao noticed a large crowd gathered around the notice board, their voices raised in excitement. The square was usually a quiet place, where villagers would occasionally gather to exchange news or discuss village matters, but today it was buzzing with activity. Curious, Zhao quickened his pace and pushed his way through the throng of people, eager to see what had captured their attention.
When he finally reached the front of the crowd, Zhao's eyes were drawn to a large, ornate poster that had been pinned to the board. The paper was crisp and new, the ink bold and dark, clearly meant to draw attention. Zhao scanned the announcement, his eyes widening as he took in the details.
"ANNUAL MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT!
Open to all cultivators of the village.
Winner will receive a rare cultivation resource!"
Zhao's heart skipped a beat as he reread the words, hardly able to believe what he was seeing. The tournament was a local event, held every year, and it drew participants from the surrounding villages and even beyond. It was an opportunity for young cultivators to showcase their skills, earn recognition, and most importantly, compete for valuable prizes that could significantly enhance their cultivation journey.
For someone like Zhao, who had only recently begun to delve into the world of cultivation, this was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss. The prize—an elusive cultivation resource—could provide the boost he needed to accelerate his progress, perhaps even allowing him to break through to the next level. But more than that, the tournament itself would be a chance to test his newfound abilities against real opponents, to measure himself against others who had been training far longer than he had.
As Zhao stood there, his mind raced with possibilities. He knew it wouldn't be easy. The other participants would be experienced cultivators, many of whom had been training since childhood. They would be skilled, disciplined, and well-versed in their techniques. Despite his progress, Zhao was still an outsider in this world, a newcomer who had yet to prove himself. But he also had something none of them had—the Super Extraction System, a unique advantage that could tip the scales in his favor.
"I have to enter," Zhao thought, determination hardening his resolve. This was his chance to prove himself, to show the village—and perhaps the world—that he was not the weakling they believed him to be. But he also knew that he couldn't rely solely on the system. He would need to train harder than ever before, to push his limits and prepare himself for the challenges that lay ahead.
As Zhao continued to read the announcement, absorbing every detail, he suddenly felt a presence behind him. A chill ran down his spine, and he turned to find himself face-to-face with a group of young cultivators. These were the same boys he had encountered before, the ones who had mocked him for his perceived weakness. At their center stood the tall, sharp-featured leader, his expression a mix of arrogance and disdain.
"Well, well, look who's interested in the tournament," the leader sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Think you've got what it takes, weakling?"
Zhao met the boy's gaze without flinching. He had faced worse than this in his life, and he wasn't about to let a group of bullies intimidate him. "I'll be entering the tournament," Zhao replied calmly, his voice steady.
The leader's expression darkened, and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. He stepped closer, towering over Zhao, his posture radiating hostility. "Don't think you'll have an easy time," he hissed. "This tournament isn't for the likes of you. You'll be crushed before you even make it past the first round."
Zhao could feel the tension in the air, the weight of the challenge hanging between them. He knew the leader's words were more than just a threat—they were a promise. This boy and his friends would do everything in their power to humiliate him, to prove that he didn't belong in their world. But Zhao wasn't afraid. He had faced worse dangers in his previous life, and he had the Super Extraction System on his side.
"We'll see about that," Zhao replied, his voice firm.
The group of cultivators laughed derisively, their mockery echoing through the square as they turned and walked away, leaving Zhao alone in front of the notice board. Zhao watched them go, his jaw clenched in anger, but also in determination. Their disdain only fueled his resolve. He would prove them wrong—he would show them that he wasn't the weakling they thought he was.
Zhao turned back to the announcement, his mind already formulating a plan. He had less than a month to prepare for the tournament, and he needed to make every day count. His training would have to intensify, and he would need to find new ways to push his limits. The Super Extraction System was powerful, but it wasn't a magic bullet. Zhao knew that if he wanted to stand a chance in the tournament, he would need to rely on more than just the system's abilities.
That night, Zhao lay in bed, his mind racing with thoughts of the tournament. He could already see the path ahead of him, the obstacles he would need to overcome, the challenges he would face. But he wasn't afraid. He had always thrived under pressure, and this would be no different.
As he drifted off to sleep, Zhao made a silent vow to himself. He would enter the tournament, and he would give it everything he had. He would train harder than ever before, and he would use every advantage the Super Extraction System gave him. No matter what it took, he would win.
The following morning, Zhao awoke with a renewed sense of purpose. The tournament announcement had lit a fire within him, and he was determined to make the most of the time he had to prepare. He quickly ate a simple breakfast, then set out for the forest, eager to begin his training.
The forest had become a second home to Zhao over the past few weeks. It was a place of solitude, where he could focus on his training without distraction. The beasts that roamed its depths had become his sparring partners, their abilities a source of strength that he had steadily harvested through the Super Extraction System. But Zhao knew that he couldn't rely solely on these minor enhancements if he wanted to stand a chance in the tournament. He needed to push himself further, to seek out greater challenges.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, Zhao kept his senses alert, scanning the area for any sign of movement. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature—the rustle of leaves, the distant calls of birds, the occasional snap of a twig underfoot. But Zhao's focus was sharp, honed by the weeks of training he had undergone. He knew the forest well by now, and he could sense when something was out of place.
After some time, Zhao came across a small clearing, bathed in dappled sunlight. He paused, his instincts telling him that this was a good place to start. The clearing was quiet, peaceful even, but Zhao could feel a subtle tension in the air, as if the forest itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.
Zhao took a deep breath, centering himself. He closed his eyes, reaching out with his senses to feel the flow of qi around him. The energy of the forest was a living thing, a constant presence that ebbed and flowed like the tide. Zhao could feel it pulsing through the trees, the earth, the very air he breathed.
He focused on that energy, drawing it into himself, letting it fill him with strength. The Super Extraction System hummed in the back of his mind, ready and waiting for him to give the command. But Zhao didn't activate it just yet. He needed to be patient, to wait for the right moment.
Zhao's eyes snapped open as he sensed movement at the edge of the clearing. A shadow flickered through the trees, and Zhao's heart quickened as he recognized the shape of a beast—a large, powerful creature that moved with predatory grace. It was unlike the smaller beasts he had encountered before, its size and strength a clear indication that it was a formidable opponent.
Zhao watched as the beast stepped into the clearing, its eyes glowing with an eerie light. It was a wolf, but larger than any wolf Zhao had ever seen. Its fur was dark and matted, its muscles rippling beneath its skin as it moved with deadly purpose. This was no ordinary beast—it was a predator, a hunter, and it had clearly marked Zhao as its prey.
Zhao's heart pounded in his chest, but he didn't panic. He had faced danger before, and he knew that fear would only cloud his judgment. He took a deep breath, calming his mind, and prepared to face the beast head-on.
The wolf growled, a low, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down Zhao's spine. It bared its fangs, its eyes locked onto Zhao with a fierce intensity. Zhao could see the intelligence in those eyes, a cunning that went beyond mere animal instinct. This was a creature that knew how to hunt, how to kill.
But Zhao was not the same boy he had been when he first arrived in this world. He had grown stronger, more confident, and he had the Super Extraction System at his side. He knew that this would be a difficult fight, but he was ready for it.
The wolf lunged at Zhao, moving with lightning speed. But Zhao was faster. He dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the beast's snapping jaws. The wolf skidded to a halt, snarling in frustration as it turned to face him again.
Zhao didn't give it a chance to attack. He summoned his qi, channeling it into his limbs as he launched himself at the beast. The wolf was strong, but Zhao was faster and more agile, his movements fluid and precise as he struck at the beast's vulnerable points.
The fight was intense, a blur of motion and energy as Zhao and the wolf clashed in the clearing. The beast was relentless, its attacks powerful and unyielding, but Zhao was determined. He knew he had to end this quickly, before the wolf could wear him down.
As the wolf lunged at him once more, Zhao saw his opportunity. He sidestepped the attack, then struck out with all his strength, his fist connecting with the side of the beast's head. The wolf yelped in pain, staggering back, and Zhao didn't hesitate. He activated the Super Extraction System, focusing on the beast as it stumbled.
[Target detected. Commencing extraction.]
A familiar light enveloped the wolf, and Zhao felt the surge of energy as the system began to transfer the creature's abilities to him. The wolf's strength, speed, and agility were drawn into Zhao, enhancing his own physical capabilities. The process was quick, and within moments, the light faded, leaving the wolf unconscious on the ground.
[Extraction complete. Major strength and agility enhancements acquired.]
Zhao took a deep breath, feeling the rush of power that coursed through his veins. His muscles felt stronger, his reflexes sharper, his body more resilient. He had done it—he had successfully extracted a significant portion of the wolf's abilities, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
He looked down at the unconscious beast, a mix of respect and relief in his eyes. The wolf had been a worthy opponent, but Zhao had emerged victorious. He had proven to himself that he could handle greater challenges, that he was capable of taking on more powerful foes.
But this was just the beginning. The tournament was still ahead, and Zhao knew that the other participants would be far more dangerous than any beast in the forest. He couldn't afford to become complacent—he would need to continue training, to push himself even further if he wanted to stand a chance of winning.
As he made his way back to the village, Zhao's mind was already planning his next steps. He would enter the tournament, and he would give it everything he had. He would train harder than ever before, and he would use every advantage the Super Extraction System gave him. No matter what it took, he would win.
Zhao was determined to prove himself, to show everyone that he wasn't the weakling they thought he was. The tournament was his chance to rise above his circumstances, to carve out a place for himself in this world. And with the Super Extraction System at his side, he was confident that he could overcome any challenge.
As the village came into view, Zhao felt a sense of calm settle over him. He was ready for whatever lay ahead. The tournament would be difficult, but Zhao had faced challenges before. He would rise to the occasion, and he would emerge victorious.
Zhao entered his room, the sun already beginning to set on the horizon. He was tired, but it was a good kind of tired—the kind that came from knowing he had taken another step closer to his goal. Zhao lay down on his bed, his mind still buzzing with thoughts of the tournament, of the battles that awaited him.
But as he closed his eyes, Zhao knew one thing for certain: No matter what challenges lay ahead, Zhao Shang would rise above them all. This was only the beginning, and Zhao was ready for whatever the future held. With the Super Extraction System at his side, he would face every challenge head-on, and he would emerge victorious.
The journey was far from over, but Zhao was ready to face whatever came his way. The future was his for the taking, and he was ready to seize it with both hands.