Chapter 4: Temporal Energy

Yan Xiu hesitated, his eyes locked on the shimmering text before him. The air around him seemed to hum with a strange, otherworldly energy. His chest tightened, doubt gnawing at his resolve. Yet, beneath the surface of his fear, an inexplicable pull stirred within him—a primal instinct urging him forward.

The words hung in the air, glowing faintly:

[Would you like to absorb its Temporal Energy?]

His instincts screamed at him, louder than any doubt or fear. They urged him to take the leap, to embrace the unknown. Yan Xiu swallowed hard, his voice shaky yet firm as he finally said, "Yes."

The moment the word left his lips, the golden text erupted into brilliant beams of light. They surged toward the Verdant Serpent's lifeless body, enveloping it completely in a radiant glow.

A new message materialized before Yan Xiu's wide eyes:

[Absorbing the Verdant Serpent's Temporal Energy...]

The serpent's body began to change before him. Its scales, once vibrant and shimmering like polished jade, dulled and cracked. The creature's flesh shriveled, its once-powerful form withering as though centuries of time were collapsing upon it.

Yan Xiu's breath caught in his throat. "Temporal energy…" he muttered. "Is this what it means? Is its very time being taken away?"

The serpent's body continued to deteriorate, the glow intensifying as its essence was drained. Its muscles shrank, its vibrant green eyes dimmed, and its massive form shrank into a husk of what it had been. The lake mirrored the unsettling transformation, the once-glittering water casting eerie reflections of the beast's demise.

Yan Xiu's heart pounded as he watched, torn between awe and dread. Every fiber of his being felt the raw power emanating from the light as it worked its enigmatic magic.

When the process finally ended, the serpent's body had become nothing more than a brittle shell, barely recognizable as the fearsome creature it once was. The golden glow condensed into a single, radiant sphere that floated toward Yan Xiu, stopping inches before his chest.

[Temporal Energy absorbed.]

[You have gained: 5 Years of Life Simulation Time.]

Yan Xiu blinked, the weight of the message sinking in. "Life Simulation Time? What does that mean?" he muttered. The phrase was foreign, yet something about it resonated deeply within him.

He stood frozen by the lakeside, trying to process the implications. Fifty years… Simulation… Is it tied to the strange words from before?

His mind raced, recalling the mysterious abilities he'd discovered earlier. The strange golden words had appeared before, guiding him in his darkest moments. Now, they'd given him something entirely new—something beyond his comprehension.

The text lingered for a moment longer before fading away, leaving behind an almost oppressive quiet. Yan Xiu stared at the spot where the words had floated, his heart pounding.

"This… this isn't just some technique or art," he whispered. "It's something far greater. But why me? And what does this Life Simulation Time actually do?"

Yan Xiu clenched his fists, his eyes narrowing as a new resolve took root within him. Whatever this ability was, it was far beyond anything he'd ever encountered. It might even hold the key to surviving the trials ahead.

"I need to figure this out," he muttered, his voice steady despite the lingering unease. "If this power can give me an edge, I'll master it—no matter the cost."

He turned away from the serpent's remains and glanced back at the still lake, its surface shimmering faintly in the fading sunlight. A sense of purpose burned within him, fueled by the mystery of the golden words and the promise of power they carried.

He took a deep breath, focusing on the words that had lingered in his mind since the system's message. "Life… Simulation…" he murmured, as though testing the waters of this mysterious ability.

Suddenly, the golden words reappeared, radiant and commanding:

[Would you like to start a new Life Simulation?]

Yan Xiu's eyes widened in anticipation. "Yes!" he exclaimed, his voice firm and unwavering.

The text shimmered, acknowledging his response:

[You have 5 Years of Life Simulation Time...]

[Simulation Initiating...]

The world around Yan Xiu seemed to shift as the air grew heavy with energy. Lines of golden text filled his vision, one after another, as if the universe itself was rewriting reality:

[Simulating Life: Yan Xiu]

[Cultivation: 7th Tempered Body Stage]

[Status: Trial Disciple of High Heaven Pavilion]

[Secret Art: Flowing Tide Technique]

The simulation began, golden words materializing one by one as the years of his life unraveled before Yan Xiu's eyes.

[Year 1: Through the profound guidance of the Flowing Tide Secret Art, Yan Xiu's cultivation advanced at a breathtaking pace. In just three months, he shattered the barrier of the Initial Element Stage. His promotion to an Ordinary Disciple marked his ascent in the sect hierarchy.

The remaining months were spent refining his control over Water Qi, which grew exponentially stronger. By year's end, Yan Xiu was no longer just cultivating to survive—he was preparing for the calamity he knew would eventually descend upon the sect. His understanding of the Flowing Tide Secret Art deepened, and his Water Qi now surged with power capable of being wielded in combat.]

[Year 2: Finding the sect's martial skill library lacking compatibility with his Flowing Tide Secret Art, Yan Xiu embarked on a daring endeavor: creating a martial skill of his own.

Months passed as he experimented, honing his Water Qi into precise and fluid sword attacks. His efforts bore fruit by the end of the year, culminating in the creation of a martial skill he named "Flowing Sword Art". The technique mirrored the elegance and ferocity of water itself—seamless transitions between offense and defense, swift strikes that mirrored tidal waves, and adaptability that left opponents disoriented.

With his new martial skill in hand, Yan Xiu grew even more confident in his preparations.]

[Year 3: Determined to seek greater opportunities, Yan Xiu ventured beyond the confines of the High Heaven Pavilion. He wandered through valleys, forests, and mountains, encountering both peril and fortune.

One fateful evening, he stumbled upon a secluded cave. Exhausted from his travels, he decided to rest within its quiet depths. As he meditated, a peculiar energy prickled at his senses. Intrigued, he explored further into the cave and discovered a strange, glowing golden lake, its surface shimmering like liquid sunlight.

Unable to resist its allure, Yan Xiu approached cautiously. However, as he leaned closer to examine the liquid, he slipped and plunged into the lake.

The moment his body touched the golden liquid, an overwhelming surge of vitality coursed through him. His flesh and bones were reinvigorated, his muscles strengthened, and his very essence felt purified. The Flowing Tide Secret Art activated instinctively, drawing in the dense Water Qi radiating from the lake.

Overcome with awe, Yan Xiu decided to remain in the lake and cultivate. The energy here was unlike anything he had ever experienced. Each breath he took seemed to saturate his body with power, and his understanding of Water Qi soared to new heights.

Soon, he was on the cusp of breaking through to the Qi Transformation Realm, his surroundings subtly responding to the potent force he exuded.

But his focus was shattered when distant voices echoed through the cave. Alarmed, Yan Xiu carefully emerged from the lake and concealed himself behind a jagged rock formation.

Two men entered, their glowing lamps illuminating the cavern walls. Each radiated a fearsome aura, and Yan Xiu instantly recognized the disparity in their cultivation—Immortal Ascension Realm experts. "Who are they?"

One of them, a lean man with sharp features, spoke in a low voice, "Li Yu, don't dawdle. We're here to patrol the Dragon Transformation Pond, not to admire the view."

"Patrol? Are they guards of this place? Why didn't they detect me before then?"

Li Yu, a stockier man with a wide grin, chuckled softly. "Relax, Chu Feng. Who'd dare trespass here? This is Yang Family territory. Only a fool would think of stealing even a drop of the Dragon Transformation Pond's water."

Hearing this, Yan Xiu's heart pounded. "Dragon Transformation Pond? he whispered to himself, his mind racing. So this is no ordinary lake… well, it's golden, I could guess that...

Chu Feng shot a sharp glance at his companion. "You'd better not take this lightly, we have already lost a lot of time drinking before. If the family finds out we're slacking, it's our heads on the line."

As they spoke, Yan Xiu shifted slightly, trying to get a clearer view of the intruders. In his haste, his foot nudged a loose rock, sending it clattering to the ground.

Both men froze, their sharp gazes snapping toward the source of the sound.

"Who's there?" Chu Feng demanded, his voice like a blade cutting through the air. He raised his lamp, its light sweeping the cave.

Yan Xiu cursed silently, pressing himself against the rock, hoping the shadows would conceal him. But it was too late. The guards' senses were too keen, and they pinpointed his location in an instant.

"A trespasser," Li Yu growled, his grin turning sinister. "You must have a death wish, boy."

Yan Xiu stepped out, his mind racing. He knew he couldn't outrun them, let alone fight them. But his pride refused to let him beg. "I didn't know this place belonged to the Yang Family," he said, keeping his voice steady despite the fear gripping him. "I stumbled upon it by accident."

Chu Feng snorted, his expression cold. "Doesn't matter, brat. You've seen too much."

Before Yan Xiu could respond, Li Yu darted forward with a speed that left him reeling. A wave of Qi surged toward him, and despite his best efforts to dodge, the attack struck him squarely in the chest.

Pain flared as Yan Xiu was thrown back, his body slamming into the cave wall. Blood trickled from his lips as he struggled to stand, his vision blurring.

Chu Feng approached, his expression indifferent. "A disciple from High Heaven Pavilion?" he mused, noticing Yan Xiu's sect insignia. "What sect is even that?"

Li Yu chuckled darkly. "Let's end this quickly. The Yang Family doesn't tolerate intruders."

Before Yan Xiu could draw his weapon, a second wave of Qi enveloped him. The overwhelming force crushed his defenses, snuffing out his life in an instant.]

[Simulation Ended.]

[Grade: D++]

[Evaluation: Despite showing remarkable growth, your life was cut short by powers far beyond your reach. Tread carefully when venturing into dangerous territories.]

[Life Simulation Time remaining: 2 years]

Yan Xiu exhaled slowly, his gaze lingering on the now-faded golden text. His second simulation had ended, leaving him with more questions than answers.

"That was… intense," he murmured, his tone thoughtful. "The Flowing Sword Art, my growth, even the Dragon Transformation Pond… It all sounded like something straight out of a cultivator's dream."

His eyes narrowed as he replayed the events in his mind. "But to think I'd die like that… Careless, reckless, and completely outclassed." He shook his head. "A D++ grade. I suppose I deserved it for wandering into a place I didn't understand. But the progress I made… It shows the potential of this ability."

Yan Xiu's attention shifted to the phrase that had appeared earlier: Life Simulation Time remaining: 2 years.

"So that's the limit," he muttered, crossing his arms. "Each year of simulation time is like a currency. If I'd started with less… Would the simulation have cut off before my simulated self even died? What would happen then? Would I gain anything at all, or would it just end abruptly?"

The thought left him uneasy. He didn't know the system well enough to guess at its boundaries, but one thing was clear—he needed to manage his resources wisely.

"Two years left," Yan Xiu mused, his tone growing serious. "If the simulations are this valuable, I can't afford to waste even a second of it. Every choice matters."

As if responding to his determination, the golden text reappeared before him, glowing with a familiar radiance:

[Select a reward from this simulation:

1. Flowing Sword Art

2. A bottle of Dragon Transformation Pond's water

3. Battle Experience]

To be continued...

***

***

How was this chapter? I made it a little longer than usual.

Do you like the novel so far?

Also, don't forget to check out my original novel Hyperborea!