Long Tian lay coiled beneath a twisted tree, its roots forming a shallow den barely shielding him from the howling winds of the forest. His memories of Earth faded fast—shadows of cold nights, unpaid bills, and numbing loneliness now felt distant. In this new life, instinct and power coursed beneath every breath he took.
His tiny claws scraped against bark as he crawled. Each step felt clumsy, yet purposeful. The system's guidance echoed faintly in his mind, like a teacher whispering from another realm.
> [Dragon Claw Technique (Level 1) – Basic martial movement for strike and defense. Designed for hatchlings.]
He spent the next two days hunting insects, drinking dew, and training. He practiced striking tree trunks with claw arcs—awkward at first, but gradually faster, sharper. Qi moved inside him, slow but steady, each cycle warming his bones.
Then came the scent of blood.
A massive Midnight Saber-Tooth Tiger stalked the forest, its eyes glowing like molten silver. It crept toward his den with silent, padded steps.
Long Tian didn't run.
As it lunged, he rolled aside, narrowly avoiding a crushing swipe. Fear surged—but so did fire. The Dragon Claw Technique activated. His claws lashed out, scoring deep cuts across the beast's leg.
> [Skill Activated: Dragon Claw Technique – Precision strike bonus engaged.]
Fangs gnashed. Roars clashed. He fought with every ounce of instinct, every line of code the jade pendant had carved into his mind. In the end, he stood over the dead tiger's body, scales torn and legs trembling.
> Qi absorbed. Body Tempering Stage 2 reached.
Jade Pendant: Level 2 unlocked.
The pendant flared again, releasing a warm wave of healing light over his wounds. New knowledge embedded itself within him:
> [Dragon Bone Tempering Manual: Strengthens body and scales.]
[Minor Healing Elixirs stored: 3 remaining.]
Exhausted but victorious, Long Tian looked up at the moonlit sky and let loose a roar. It was high-pitched, unrefined—but true.
His first kill. His first step as a predator.
The dragon's path had begun in blood and thunder.