The hospital room was quiet, only the gentle patter of rain outside the window breaking the silence. Chen Fan stared at the jade bottle in his hand, his mind still reeling from the shock of rebirth. Five years... he had truly traveled back in time five years! This meant he could change everything.
He took a deep breath, excitement mixed with a vague sense of dread. In his previous life, he was weak, timid, and always exploited. But now, he had the God-Tier System. Could he seize this opportunity?
"Ding! Main Quest: Awaken Immortal Physique! Please use the Immortal Spirit Dew!"
The System's robotic voice echoed, a sharp reminder. Chen Fan nodded, his hesitation quickly vanishing, replaced by a resolute glint in his eyes. He uncorked the jade bottle. A pure, sweet fragrance immediately permeated the room, instantly clearing his mind.
Without hesitation, he tilted his head back and drank the liquid.
A cool stream flowed down his throat, but instantly, it transformed into a powerful heat that spread throughout his body. Chen Fan felt as if his meridians were being pricked by a thousand needles, then soothed by a warm surge of energy. His entire body suddenly flushed hot, sweat pouring out like a deluge, soaking his hospital gown. His skin began to turn reddish, then black, then gradually white again, repeating the cycle.
"Aaaaaaa!"
A painful groan escaped Chen Fan's throat. The agony was unimaginable, as if his bones were being shattered and then rebuilt, piece by painstaking piece. But Chen Fan gritted his teeth, enduring. He knew this was the process of purging impurities, the price to pay for power!
Time seemed to crawl by. He didn't know how long passed, but as the pain gradually subsided, Chen Fan felt his entire body lighten, as if an immense burden had been lifted. He stood up, sensing a new wave of power circulating within him. He looked down; his body was covered in layers of black, foul-smelling residue.
"Ding! Immortal Spirit Dew has taken effect! Impurities have been purged! Congratulations to Host for successfully awakening the Mortal-Grade Initial-Stage Immortal Physique!"
The System's voice rang out, leaving Chen Fan startled. Mortal-Grade Initial-Stage? Did that mean there were higher grades? But he didn't have time to ponder.
"Ding! Host has successfully awakened a Supreme Spirit Root!"
"Ding! Host has received God-Tier Cultivation Technique - Heavenly Dao Decree, First Layer!"
At the same time, a massive influx of information flooded Chen Fan's mind. He suddenly understood everything about cultivation, meridians, and how to circulate energy within the body. The Heavenly Dao Decree, First Layer, a supreme cultivation technique, was now deeply imprinted in his consciousness.
Chen Fan tried circulating the Heavenly Dao Decree. Immediately, he felt every muscle fiber, every tendon, every cell in his body "breathing," absorbing the faint spiritual energy in the air. Even in the hospital, where spiritual energy was scarce, he could feel the energy slowly accumulating.
He closed his eyes, immersing himself in an unprecedented sensation of power. The Supreme Spirit Root allowed him to perceive spiritual energy a hundred times clearer than an ordinary person. In just a few minutes, he felt his inner body warm up, the energy flowing smoothly.
"So fast!" Chen Fan whispered. This speed far exceeded anything he had ever read in cultivation novels.
"Ding! Host is currently at the Initial Qi Refining Stage. Continue cultivating to break through to the next realm."
The System reminded him again. Chen Fan nodded. He knew he couldn't be impatient. Even with the System, cultivation still required time.
The most important thing now was to deal with the mess from his past life. The fraud case that cost him all his assets, the "fake" best friend, and the "betraying" girlfriend.
He glanced at the clock again. Still time! Today was the day he was fired. If he could get there earlier...
At this thought, an indomitable will surged within Chen Fan. He quickly went to the bathroom, using cold water to wash off the disgusting residue. When he emerged, he felt like a completely different person. His body was more toned, his mind clearer, and most importantly, his eyes had become sharp and filled with confidence.
He fumbled in his pocket for his old phone. A message was still displayed: "The boss has decided to fire you. You don't need to come to work anymore."
The message was from the convenience store manager. It was the beginning of his string of tragedies.
Chen Fan gripped his phone. The beginning of a tragedy? No. This time, it would be the beginning of his revenge.
He smirked, a cold smile on his lips. This world would soon taste the wrath of the one who was once a nobody.