The morning mist hung low across the forest floor.
Kael crouched near a stream, rinsing crimson stains from his hands. His reflection stared back — calm eyes, but colder than ever.
The Blood Reaper System pulsed faintly within him.
> [Current EXP: 275 / 400]
[Energy Absorption: +3 EXP/hour active]
He'd spent the night absorbing spiritual energy from the Crimson Root Wolf's remains. His body felt lighter, faster — his senses sharper.
But deep inside, the system whispered for more.
> More kills. More blood. More power.
An Unexpected Encounter
A crunch of leaves.
Kael's head snapped up.
Three figures emerged from the mist — young cultivators wearing the Azure Cloud Sect's blue robes.
Their auras were faint but steady, around the same level as his own.
The leader, a tall boy with arrogant eyes, smirked.
"Well, well. A filthy commoner in the outer forest? What luck. Hand over your spatial pouch and maybe I'll let you crawl away."
Kael said nothing. His hand brushed the handle of his Blood-Vein Dagger.
> [Enemy Detected: Human Cultivator (Beginner Peak)]
[Estimated Reward: +100 EXP + 30 Spiritual Absorption EXP]
The Duel Begins
The arrogant youth scoffed.
"Fine. You chose death!"
He dashed forward, sword flashing. Kael sidestepped smoothly — his movements precise and emotionless. The sword grazed his shoulder, drawing blood.
> [Minor Injury Detected. +2 Pain Resistance EXP]
Kael's expression didn't even flicker.
He moved in — silent and sudden. The dagger slashed across the cultivator's wrist. Blood sprayed.
> [+10 EXP Gained]
The youth screamed, stumbling back. His two companions hesitated, suddenly wary.
"What—what was that speed?"
Kael's voice was cold.
"You attacked first. Your blood will pay for it."
He activated his ability.
> [Ability: Blood Instinct Activated — Duration 30s]
Time stretched again. His pupils turned crimson.
He darted forward — three swift strikes, too fast to follow.
The first cultivator fell, throat slit cleanly.
> [Target Eliminated]
[+100 EXP Gained]
[+30 EXP (Spiritual Energy Absorbed)]
The other two froze in terror.
Kael didn't stop. The dagger danced, cutting through their defenses like paper. When the last one dropped, the system chimed again.
> [+80 EXP]
[+25 EXP (Spiritual Absorption)]
[New Material Collected: Spirit Stone x3]
Aftermath
The clearing was silent again. Kael wiped his dagger clean on the robe of one fallen cultivator.
He looted the pouches and checked the system.
──────────────────────────────
Blood Reaper System
Cultivation Level: Beginner (Peak)
EXP: 510 / 400 → Level Up!
→ Cultivation: Body Tempering (Lower)
Weapon: Blood-Vein Dagger (Grade 1 – Middle)
Ability: Blood Instinct (Grade 1 – Lower)
New Item: Spirit Stone x3
──────────────────────────────
A rush of energy surged through his meridians, hardening bone and muscle. His heartbeat echoed with power.
He clenched his fist — the air rippled faintly.
> "Body Tempering… I've stepped into true cultivation."
The system shimmered again.
> [New Shop Access Unlocked: Pill Shop (Grade 1 – Middle)]
[Available Purchase: Low-Grade Strength Pill – 80 EXP]
Kael's lips curved slightly — the faintest ghost of a smile.
The Blood Reaper System wasn't just a weapon. It was a path.
A path paved in blood.
System Log:
> [Quest Progress: Spiritual Energy Absorbed – 255 / 500]
[Next Quest: Defeat a Cultivator Above Your Rank (Reward: Random Grade 1 Skill Book)]
Kael glanced at the corpses one last time.
He felt no guilt.
Only hunger — for more strength, more EXP, more evolution.
He turned toward the mountain ridge. Beyond it lay the Outer Sect of Azure Cloud, filled with hundreds of cultivators stronger than these.
Exactly what he needed.
> "If the world is ruled by strength," he whispered, "then I'll rule the world."
He vanished into the mist — leaving behind only three cold bodies and a faint trail of crimson energy rising into the morning air.