The rain hammered Jiang City like a torn curtain, slicing through the night. Lin Tian huddled in his rundown apartment, a flickering bulb casting shadows over his gaunt face.
On the table lay a yellowed letter, its ink faded but its words sharp as knives: "Bastard, unworthy of the Lin name."
Eighteen years ago, his mother was banished by the Lin Clan, a powerhouse ruling half the city. After she vanished, Lin Tian became an orphan, scraping by on odd jobs, his life as bleak as this stormy night.
"If only I could change it all…" Lin Tian clenched his fists, knuckles whitening, defiance blazing in his eyes. He glanced at his mother's only keepsake—a rough jade pendant etched with a faint wolf pattern.
Suddenly, the pendant flared with blinding light, a low hum vibrating the air. Before he could react, a cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind: "Destiny System activated! Host Lin Tian, do you accept the Trial of Fate?"
His heart raced. He scanned the empty room, finding nothing odd. A hallucination? But the voice boomed again, commanding: "Accept the trial to change your fate; refuse, and live in mediocrity. Countdown: 10 seconds."
"10, 9, 8…" Lin Tian gritted his teeth, his mother's last words flashing through his mind: "Tian'er, your fate shouldn't be like this."
He took a deep breath and growled, "I accept!"
Instantly, the pendant's light surged, a warm current flooding his body, awakening a dormant power. A transparent screen materialized in his vision:
[Host: Lin Tian]
[Bloodline: Unawakened]
[Task 1: Take revenge on the Lin Clan. Reward: Heavenly Wolf Bloodline Awakening]
[Task 2: Uncover your mother's whereabouts. Reward: Ancient Martial Technique 'Heavenly Wolf Fist']
[Current Status: Mortal Level 1, Strength +10, Agility +10]
Before he could process it, the System spoke again: "Newbie Task: Head to the ancient temple in Jiang City's southern outskirts to find the Bloodline Awakening Item. Deadline: 24 hours."
Lin Tian froze. The ancient temple? That place was abandoned, rumored to be haunted. Yet the System's existence kindled hope.
He grabbed his tattered jacket and dashed into the rain, heading south. The downpour soaked his clothes, but his steps grew steadier.
Eighteen years of shame, his mother's disappearance, the Lin Clan's scorn—it would all change tonight!
The ancient temple loomed in a dense forest, its crumbling gate swaying in the storm. Lin Tian pushed it open, stepping into the damp, eerie interior.
On the altar stood a weathered wolf statue, identical to his pendant's pattern. "This is it…" he muttered, approaching the statue.
A cold voice sliced through the silence: "Stop! Trespass on sacred ground, and you die!"
Lin Tian spun to see a woman at the entrance. Her ink-black hair framed a face pale as snow, her eyes glinting with beastly intensity. Clad in black leather, her presence was as oppressive as a glacier.
"Who are you?" Lin Tian asked warily. The System pinged:
[Target: Su Xueyao, Werewolf Clan Princess. Strength: Unknown. Task: Engage in dialogue to gain trust. Reward: 100 EXP]
"Werewolf Clan?" Lin Tian's mind reeled. Did such things exist?
"I asked who you are!" Su Xueyao snapped, her fingers glinting with claw-like energy, poised to strike.
"I'm Lin Tian, here to find… something that's mine." He pointed at the wolf statue, keeping his voice calm.
Su Xueyao narrowed her eyes, sizing him up. "You smell of the wolf clan, but you're human… What's your game?"
Before he could answer, a chilling laugh echoed from outside: "Heh heh, found you, werewolf princess!"
A shadowy figure darted into the temple, crimson eyes glowing in the dark. Lin Tian's heart sank as the System warned:
[Warning: Vampire Assassin, Strength: Mortal Level 3. Recommendation: Retreat immediately!]
But it was too late. The shadow lunged at Su Xueyao, fangs gleaming. A thought flashed through Lin Tian's mind: This is my chance to change fate!
He charged forward, shielding Su Xueyao. The System's power surged, boosting his speed. His fist slammed into the shadow, sending it staggering back.
"You…" Su Xueyao stared, stunned by this ordinary youth's skill.
"Don't just stand there—let's take him down!" Lin Tian roared, eyes blazing with resolve.
A battle erupted in the temple, and in the rainy night, a greater conspiracy began to unfold…