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The cold wind howled through the ruins of Azure Wind Town — a forgotten settlement on the fringe of the Dragon Country. Once a peaceful farming community, now it was nothing more than a silent graveyard, swallowed by the aftermath of the Great Collapse.
But deep beneath the rubble of a crumbling shrine, a boy sat cross-legged, surrounded by faint golden runes that shimmered like fireflies in the gloom.
His name was Ling Tianran, a boy bullied, broken, and buried by fate.
But not anymore.
> "System initializing... Sovereign's Silent System bound to host: Ling Tianran."
"Welcome, Sovereign Candidate."
A metallic, emotionless voice echoed in Tianran's consciousness. His breath hitched.
The voice returned, calmer this time — yet tinged with a strange, ancient authority.
> "Would you like to activate Sovereign Mode: Hidden Dominion?"
He didn't hesitate.
"Yes," Tianran whispered.
Suddenly, a searing pain surged through his veins, like molten lava rushing beneath his skin. He screamed but didn't back down. The dragon slumbering within his soul had stirred — and it demanded vengeance.
> "Activation complete. Initial Sovereign Core Formed."
"Faction Authority: Locked."
"Communication Token Creation: Unlocked."
"Golden Dragon Emblem Access: Unlocked."
Tianran collapsed backward, panting. A tiny, dragon-shaped mark now glowed faintly on his wrist.
---
Meanwhile... In the Depths of Ashfire Forest
A monstrous roar shook the valley. A three-eyed Shadow Devourer Beast snarled atop a cliff, its dark fur soaked in blood — not its own, but the remains of the last squad of cultivators foolish enough to challenge it.
Its core... was said to be a rare Void-Tier treasure.
But even Void-tier beasts feared something deeper.
From the forest's edge, a chilling aura pulsed.
The creature growled low. Intelligent monsters — ones with evolved minds — sensed danger. This wasn't an ordinary predator. It was awakening season, and new threats always emerged during this cycle.
---
Back to Ling Tianran
As his system interface stabilized, several panels opened before his eyes:
> Host Cultivation: Mortal Tier – Unawakened
Realm Progression: 0%
Faction: None (Hidden Sovereign Eligibility: Active)
Talent Grade: Ascendant Potential
Core Seed: Formed
Inventory: 1 Sovereign Token (Unused)
> "Tutorial: Defeat a beast, absorb its core, and unlock your first breakthrough."
Tianran stood, his fists clenched. "A beast hunt... in the outskirts? Alone?"
But his eyes glowed with resolve.
If this world only respected power, then he would rise — not with a loud roar, but with silent domination. One step at a time.
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[Quest Activated]
Title: First Blood
Objective: Defeat and absorb the core of any Wild-Tier Beast
Reward: +1 Realm Progression, +1 Hidden Reputation, +1 Sovereign Token
Penalty: System cooldown lock for 72 hours
---
Tianran moved under cover of dusk. Broken walls and shattered towers lined his path, but his steps were silent — like a shadow reborn.
He had one goal: evolve.
Not just for revenge.
But for dominion.
[To Be Continued…]
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