The moon was high in the sky, luminous and silver, watching silently as the new traveler made his way through the ancient forest.
Aarav walked with slow steps, his senses open to everything around him. The forest was glowing faintly under the light of the moon — not because of magic, but because the plants themselves shimmered with life. Every leaf, every pebble seemed to carry a quiet hum of energy.
"This world really breathes mana," he whispered to himself, "even the air tastes different."
His feet moved lightly, guided by instinct. He didn't need a map anymore as his Infinite Comprehension System would analyze the surroundings automatically, forming patterns in his mind. The ancient world was full of life — and danger.
He stopped for a moment near a small river. Its surface reflected the moon like liquid silver. He cupped his hands, took a sip, and froze.
The water wasn't ordinary; it carried energy. Warmth spread through his body at once, healing the minor bruises from his earlier fight.
[Comprehension +0.2%]
[New Discovery: Spirit River Water – mild healing and energy recovery properties.]
He smiled softly. "Even nature itself is cultivating here."
After a little rest, he walked further in the direction of those faraway lights. The density of the woods started decreasing and soon there were little huts between the trees. Smoke was coming out of chimneys, carrying the aroma of herbs being cooked, as well as roast meat.
Aarav slowed down, not wanting to scare anyone. It was his first time seeing human civilization in this world.
The village was simple but alive: men carrying wooden spears, women weaving spirit herbs into baskets, and children chasing glowing butterflies that left behind them fading trails of light. Everything here felt like a dream.
As he stepped closer, a few villagers noticed him. Their expressions turned cautious.
"Who goes there?" an old man called, holding a staff carved with runes. His voice was firm but not unfriendly.
Aarav stopped and raised his hands politely. "I mean no harm. I am a traveler who lost his way in the forest."
The old man's eyes studied him for a long moment. Aarav's clothes, though simple, were strange to them; his calm eyes and quiet breathing, however, made them stay their judgment concerning him being a threat.
The old man finally said, "You have a strong aura. You are not ordinary. Come.
The villagers parted slightly as Aarav followed the elder into a small wooden hut. Inside, it was warm, with the scent of herbs wafting through the air and a faint light from crystals inlaid into the walls.
The old man sat opposite him and poured a cup of tea that smelt vaguely of mint and earth. "Drink. It will calm your spirit."
Aarav took a sip. The warmth spread once more throughout his body. He could sense the faint mana coursing in the tea itself.
The old man smiled faintly. "I am called Elder Lin. You are?
"Aarav," he spoke softly. "A wanderer in search of knowledge."
Elder Lin nodded slowly. "You must have come from far away. Few outsiders dare enter these woods. Most of them fear the beasts."
Aarav chuckled softly. "I met one earlier. It was… enlightening."
The old man raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. Instead, he asked, "Do you cultivate?
The question finally made Aarav pause. He smiled a little. "I've only just begun."
Elder Lin nodded knowingly. "Then your journey starts here. In this world, cultivation is life. Without it, one can't defend, heal, or even hope to survive long. You should go to the Spirit Vein Spring tomorrow morning; that's where our young ones first begin their path.
Aarav's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Elder Lin."
The old man hunched forward, his tone dropping somewhat. "But beware, young traveler. Cultivation is not about mere strength. It's understanding the balance between heaven and self. Power without comprehension becomes destruction.
Those words sent a slight quiver through Aarav's heart because they reminded him of his system, the Infinite Comprehension System, the very thing that was different about him.
"Understanding… that's precisely what I need."
He spent that night in one of the huts on the edge of the village, which lay uninhabited, and though his bed was simple, the air was fresh, and for the first time in years, Aarav slept without the noise of machines or city lights.
As the morning broke, a golden stream of sunlight poured into the window. Early to rise, Aarav awoke refreshed in his body. Soon as his eyes opened, the System flickered into view.
Rest complete.
[Physical State: Excellent.]
Goal: Start basic cultivation.
He stepped out. The village was already up and about. Young men and women were standing near a mountain spring with blue flowers around it; the air around it shimmered — the Spirit Vein Spring Elder Lin had spoken about.
Elder Lin was standing close by, observing them. When he saw Aarav approaching, he smiled. "Ah, traveler. You came."
Aarav inclined his head. "I want to learn."
Elder Lin motioned to the spring. "Then sit. Feel the world around you. Let your breath and heart become one."
Aarav nodded and sat down at the edge of the spring. The moment he closed his eyes, he felt it-the flow of energy rising from the water, entering his body through his skin and breath. It was gentle at first-like a warm river but then slowly grew stronger.
His System activated automatically.
Comprehension path activated.
Technique Detected: Basic Spirit Absorption Method.
[Would you like to understand and improve this process?
[→ Yes]
The words flashed before his eyes, and time seemed to slow down. Aarav's breathing deepened, and he felt every detail in the process: how the air carried mana, how skin absorbed qi, and how the heart circulated energy.
His mind came alive. What took others months to understand, he grasped in seconds.
[Comprehension +1%. Basic Spirit Absorption Method upgraded to Advanced Spirit Resonance Technique.]
He was surrounded by a faint light; the villagers gasped softly, eyes on this new stranger aglow with golden and black light.
Elder Lin widened his eyes slightly. What kind of cultivation method is this…? he thought, astonished.
Gently, the water of the spring rippled, and the blue flowers started to bloom wider, releasing fragrance into the air. The energy density around Aarav grew. His system continued:
[Energy Circulation Established.]
[Cultivation Stage: Body Tempering – Early ]
Aarav opened his eyes slowly. The air felt different once more — lighter, yet more vivid. He clenched his fists. His muscles were firm, his vision sharper.
Elder Lin quietly approached. "You've entered the path… already?"
Aarav nodded humbly. "Yes, Elder. I followed your advice — I listened to the world.
He stared at him for a long while before he smiled weakly. "You are not from any place I know, young man. But maybe fate brought you here for a reason.
Aarav smiled back. "Maybe to learn what was forgotten."
The rest of the day, Aarav helped the villagers-lift wood, carry water, and generally observe. He learned that the cultivators here measured their power in stages, namely: Body Tempering, Spirit Awakening, Core Formation, and above.
The village itself was on the outskirts of the Verdant Sky Sect's territory, a place renowned for its warriors and weapon forgers alike. Elder Lin mentioned how many young cultivators leave once they reach Spirit Awakening in order to join the sects for training.
That night, Aarav sat under a tree near the river and watched the reflection of the moon.
"So this is where it begins," he murmured. "From here. I'll grow stronger." The System responded softly.
[Comprehension Goal: Learn the Second Form of the Heavenly Divine Demon Technique.]
[Hint: Find a weapon.]
The next form requires the harmony of steel and soul. He gazed at his reflection in the water: tranquil eyes, the slightest hint of power shining beneath the skin. "A weapon, huh? Then, tomorrow. I'll find one." The night wind was soft and carried the scent of wildflowers and energy from afar. Something stirred deep in the mountains-something eternal, mayhap destiny, or mayhap curiosity-because the firmament itself had started to take notice of this man with infinite comprehension.