Chapter 3: The Newborn Entity
As Bai Yan's consciousness fully awakened, the faint glimmer of light that had guided him transformed into a radiant beacon, casting its brilliance across the dark expanse of the demon realm. The light, shimmering with ethereal hues of azure and gold, seemed to pulse in sync with the beat of his awakened power. His senses sharpened, attuned to the subtle currents of spiritual energy that ebbed and flowed around him, intertwining with the primal forces of the realm.
Taking a deep breath, Bai Yan felt the energy within him stabilize. It pulsed like a steady heartbeat, resonating with the very essence of the universe. The once murky and foreboding surroundings now revealed themselves in vivid detail. The demon realm unfolded before him like a vast tapestry of contrasts—rugged peaks adorned with twisted, gnarled trees, and deep valleys shrouded in mist that whispered ancient secrets. The air crackled with a palpable tension, charged with the remnants of battles long past.
"System, let's begin with something basic. Limit my powers to the minimum," Bai Yan commanded, his voice carrying an authoritative edge tinged with curiosity.
"Yes, host," replied the system, its tone deferential yet tinged with a hint of anticipation.
With deliberate focus, Bai Yan channeled a fraction of his newly awakened power into a simple punch. Energy coalesced around his fist, crackling with raw potential as it sliced through the air. Despite the system's imposed constraints, the impact unleashed a shockwave that rippled through the terrain. Loose stones and debris scattered across the landscape, propelled by the force of his controlled strike, echoing the immense power restrained within him.
(￣□￣;)
"Isn't this a bit excessive?" Bai Yan mused, awe coloring his voice as he surveyed the aftermath of his restrained display.
"In response, host, even at your limited capacity, your current strength rivals that of an entity in the Eternal Sovereign Realm. Further reduction would require you to suppress your cultivation forcefully," the system explained calmly, its responses as precise as the calculations of celestial mechanics.
"Why wasn't I informed of this earlier? A full-strength punch could have obliterated this entire realm," Bai Yan remarked, a hint of disbelief mixed with newfound respect for the magnitude of his potential.
"I sincerely apologize, host," the system replied with genuine contrition, its virtual presence momentarily humbled by the gravity of the oversight.
"If you truly regret it, then find me something captivating to pursue," Bai Yan challenged, a glint of determination flashing in his eyes.
"Currently sourcing intriguing tasks for host," the system intoned, its algorithms swiftly combing through a myriad of possibilities within the vast expanse of the demon realm.
"Would you consider mentoring and accepting a disciple? Such an act could earn you the esteemed title of the most powerful master in existence," the system proposed, presenting a tantalizing prospect.
"Now that does pique my interest," Bai Yan admitted, recalling the countless tales he had devoured back on Earth—tales of legendary masters and their proteges, each narrative weaving a tapestry of ambition and destiny.
"Hey, System, what rewards await me if I succeed in training exceptional disciples?" Bai Yan queried, his voice tinged with a blend of curiosity and ambition.
"Absolutely, host. Accomplishing such feats could garner rewards coveted even by entities in the Eternal Sovereign Realm," the system affirmed, its responses tinged with an undercurrent of reverence.
"Truly? Rewards that could instill fear even in an Eternal Sovereign?" Bai Yan pressed, a spark of excitement igniting within him.
"I assure you, host, I speak only the truth," the system assured him with unwavering certainty.
"Very well, then. Assist me in locating exceptional talents," Bai Yan commanded, his resolve crystallizing into purpose.
DING
"Disciple found. The individual possesses a supreme body known as the 'Heavenly Thunder Body,' celebrated for its endurance and mastery over lightning and thunder," the system announced, its virtual voice imbued with a note of triumph.
"Lei Wushuang currently flees persecution after being forsaken by his family. They deemed him worthless due to his latent potential. His father, the incumbent family head, languishes in captivity, while his usurping uncle seeks to eradicate his lineage," the system detailed, painting a picture of familial betrayal amidst the tumultuous demon realm.
"The individual presently resides approximately 1500 miles northeast of your current position within the demon realm, pursued by third-level demons akin to the Core Forming realm for humans," the system concluded, providing crucial details to aid Bai Yan in his next decisive step."