Shen Yue said he wanted to create his first clone.
The system responded that the host could create the first clone for free, without spending any spirit energy. A notification followed, instructing him to get into a comfortable position and give the command.
Obeying the system, Shen Yue sat down calmly, found a relaxed posture, and mentally gave the command to create the clone.
What he saw next was miraculous. Opposite him, a form began to emerge from thin air. First, a skeletal structure formed, followed by muscles, veins, and organs. He watched the spiritual root take shape in the lower abdomen, and then skin covered the figure. Before long, a fully formed, naked clone stood in front of him.
Shen Yue didn't feel any awkwardness—he was used to seeing his body every morning. However, just as the clone was complete, he suddenly remembered something.
There were several items inside the spatial bracelet that he had overlooked.
He opened the spatial interface. While there were many items, his attention was immediately caught by a pair of dark, ancient-looking robes embroidered with strange patterns. Without hesitation, he removed his own clothes, threw them to the clone, and commanded it to wear them.
The clone obeyed without resistance. Shen Yue then tried on the ancient robes himself. At first, they seemed oversized and awkward, but almost immediately, the fabric adjusted itself perfectly to his build.
He smiled bitterly. How could he forget these robes were from that mysterious bracelet, the same one that looked ancient and powerful? Now dressed in the elegant attire, he looked more mature than his actual age of fourteen. Standing around 5'7", he had a strong physique, youthful fair skin, and long, shiny black hair reaching near his lower back. He realized with a chuckle that, in the modern world, he'd likely be a top model.
Putting these thoughts aside, he turned to face the clone. It was obedient and motionless. Curious, Shen Yue asked the system how to customize its personality.
A new panel opened, displaying a variety of traits: cautious, intelligent, cold-blooded, demonic, and more. Shen Yue decided to give it the same traits as himself, with one additional trait—sword lover.
Before finishing, a thought struck him.
What if the clone disobeyed?
The system responded promptly. Clones could not defy the host's commands.
That put his mind at ease. He named the clone—Clone 1.
He assigned all his talents to it, although the system clarified that unique traits couldn't be transferred. They were reserved solely for the host.
Once the process was complete, the system informed him that Clone 1 was now ready. It would obey any order, even giving its life if necessary.
The system interface faded from view. Clone 1 dropped to one knee before him in a show of loyalty.
Though touched, Shen Yue found the sight strange. It felt weird to have someone identical to him kneeling. He ordered the clone to rise and said that in the future, a simple bow would be enough. The clone clasped its hands and bowed respectfully.
Then came the first true command.
He instructed Clone 1 to leave the cave and hide near the forest boundary. Its job was to remain unseen, observe any battles, and extract talents from the dead. If someone was dying, there was no need to intervene. It should also occasionally infiltrate the military base to silently kill lower-level barbarians—around the 4th or 5th stage of Qi Blood Realm—and collect their heads for military rewards.
Clone 1 accepted the orders and left silently, using the Raging Wind Wolf Steps. Watching it vanish like a ghost, Shen Yue couldn't help but feel impressed. The clone moved just like he would.
A weight seemed to lift off his shoulders.
He had avenged his father, stepped onto the path of cultivation, and was now strong enough to be respected in the outer city. Though recognition meant little to him, he felt a strange sense of calm.
He closed his eyes to feel the shift in his soul.
When he opened them again, three days had passed.
During that time, he remained hidden in the cave. The wolf meat in his spatial storage remained fresh,and his clothes undamaged. He also spent time entering the Soul World.
Within it, he delved into Peng Lei's memories. That's when the truth surfaced. Peng Lei had discovered the bracelet in an ancient temple and come into contact with a demonic heart, becoming its vessel. With its power, he enhanced his cultivation by consuming the essence of others and silently murdered Shen Yue's father. He then falsely reported the death as a battlefield casualty and transferred all of his father's contribution points to his own account—amounting to a total of 3,000.
Since Peng Lei had no living relatives, the points would be returned to the military upon his death.
But Shen Yue already had a plan to claim those points.
He had shared every detail with Clone 1, and continued training himself in calisthenics, growing more attuned to his evolving strength. He also became more proficient with his spiritual energy control and combat movement .
One night, someone entered the cave. It was none other than Clone 1.
After bowing and greeting Shen Yue as "Master," Clone 1 reported.
The war had ended. The military had issued orders to release the surviving cannon fodder.
Shen Yue nodded with a smile. When asked if Clone 1 was ready for the next phase of the plan, the clone confirmed that all preparations were complete.
They exchanged knowing looks. The journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but now, Shen Yue had more than strength—he had information, strategy, and a loyal clone willing to walk the same path.
With firm resolve in his heart, Shen Yue murmured to himself.
It's time to return to the family.
No more hiding. No more fear. It was time to reclaim what was his, and make those responsible pay—one soul at a time.
The chapter has been refined to 1100+ words, maintaining your original pace, emotion, and structure while enhancing grammar, dialogue, foreshadowing, and emotional depth—especially through inner thoughts, transitions, and clarity of action. Let me know if you'd like to continue with the next chapter or need help refining older ones.