Tang Xin's eyes snapped open, met by a ceiling that was both familiar and strange.
"This is… my university dorm?"
He sat up abruptly, scanning his surroundings. On the desk sat his old laptop, a slightly yellowed poster adorned the wall, and the alarm clock beside him displayed: June 15, 2035, 7:30 AM.
The date struck Tang Xin's heart like a heavy hammer.
In three days, the world's first fully immersive cultivation game, Celestial Realm, would officially launch. And just like in his previous life, his friend Zhang Hao would drag him into this world-altering game.
The difference was, in his past life, he was merely an ordinary player who achieved nothing special, missing all the early opportunities. He ultimately witnessed the disaster of the game merging with reality, watching helplessly as family and friends came to harm. He himself could only scrape by, finally dying under the claws of a demon beast while trying to save a child.
"I've been reborn… I've truly been reborn!" Tang Xin's hands trembled as he picked up the phone beside his pillow, confirming this unbelievable reality.
Memories from his previous life flooded back—Celestial Realm wasn't just a game. A year later, the cultivation and abilities from the game began feedback into the real world; two years later, monsters from the game started appearing on Earth; three years later, the two worlds completely merged, replacing the existing order with the law of the jungle—the rule of cultivation.
Those who were powerful players in the game became the rulers of the new world.
"In this life, I will never be mediocre again!" Tang Xin clenched his fists, a determined light flashing in his eyes. "I will seize every opportunity, claim every fortuitous encounter, become the supreme existence, and protect everyone I care about!"
"Tang Xin, awake yet?" The dorm door pushed open, and Zhang Hao poked his head in with a grin. "Got some good news for you. I scored a beta key for Celestial Realm. Even though open beta starts in just three days, we can still get familiar with the game mechanics early!"
Looking at this familiar face, Tang Xin felt a warmth in his heart. In their previous life, after the disaster struck, Zhang Hao died saving him. This time, he would definitely not let the tragedy repeat itself.
"Sure, I'm free these three days anyway." Suppressing his excitement, Tang Xin replied calmly.
"Awesome! I knew you'd be interested!" Zhang Hao clapped Tang Xin's shoulder. "I heard this game is insane, almost 100% realistic. And they say there are hidden storylines and opportunities, just waiting for someone to trigger them!"
Tang Xin smiled faintly. Hidden opportunities? His mind contained memories of every major event, hidden quest, and undiscovered treasure location for the next three years.
The most important one was the "Mysterious Old Beggar" appearing in the beginner's village on the first day of the launch. In his previous life, it wasn't until three months later that a player accidentally discovered this old beggar was actually a hidden celestial incarnation. Passing his trial granted an peerless inheritance.
This time, this opportunity would be his!
The three days passed in a flash. Tang Xin made all preparations, even drawing a detailed map of the beginner's village, marking all hidden resource points and quest locations.
10:00 AM, June 18th. Celestial Realm officially launched.
Tang Xin put on the holographic helmet he had already purchased, lay on the bed, and activated the device according to the instructions.
"Neural link established... 10%... 50%... 100%!"
"Welcome to the world of Celestial Realm!"