Morning sunlight spilled into the room. Li Shen sat up, staring at his reflection in a cracked mirror.
He was no longer the hardened cultivator of his past life. Instead, he wore the body of a young man, around eighteen, with dark hair, sharp features, and clear eyes. His name tag on a nearby backpack read: Li Shen.
The heavens had given him back even his name.
But this world was strange. The city outside buzzed with technology, phones, and cars. Yet, as he focused, he could faintly sense something familiar. Qi—hidden, suppressed, flowing beneath the surface of the modern world.
"So this world cultivates too… only differently," he murmured.
Suddenly, the mechanical chime returned.
> System Update:
Basic Functions Unlocked:
– Status Panel
– Cultivation Enhancement
– Mission Tracker
"Status," Li Shen commanded.
A translucent screen appeared before him.
[Status Panel]
Name: Li Shen
Realm: Mortal (Unawakened)
Cultivation Potential: High
System Energy: 0
Current Mission: Survive first day at college. Reward: Foundation Pill (System grade).
Li Shen narrowed his eyes. College?
A knock came at the door.
"Shen! We'll be late again if you don't hurry!"
It was a youthful female voice. Curious, Li Shen opened the door to find a girl with bright eyes, ponytailed hair, and a stack of books in her arms. She looked at him oddly.
"You're spacing out again," she said. "Let's go. We'll miss class."
She was his classmate in this life. Perhaps even a fated ally.
Li Shen followed her outside, his thoughts racing. He would play the part of a student, but beneath the surface, his true path had already begun.
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