The air was different here.
It wasn't just the crimson clouds or the floating peaks. It was alive—thick with energy that hummed through Lee Jinhyuk's skin like a thousand invisible needles. His body, weak and soft in the modern world, felt like it was being crushed by the weight of the atmosphere.
He fell to one knee, gasping.
> [Body status: Incompatible.
Host condition: Weak Constitution.
Recommendation: Begin basic Qi Absorption immediately.]
A screen flickered before his eyes. Semi-transparent, glowing blue—like some kind of game UI. It displayed strange characters and stats he didn't understand… yet.
> [Qi Absorption Technique (Basic) – Unlocked.]
Jinhyuk didn't question it. His mind—sharp and adaptive—clicked into motion. He sat cross-legged on the rocky cliff edge, closed his eyes, and focused.
He felt it.
The Qi around him. Invisible rivers of energy, swirling in the air like smoke underwater. He reached out—not with his hands, but his mind.
And it came to him.
Searing, pure, and overwhelming.
His body trembled as threads of Qi entered his flesh. Every cell screamed in protest. Muscles tore and healed. Bones cracked. Fat sizzled under his skin, burned away from the inside. Sweat poured down his face. Blood seeped from his pores.
He didn't stop.
> [Qi Absorption: 5%... 18%... 32%...
Minor Physical Transformation Triggered.]
His heart slammed in his chest. He opened his eyes.
The reflection in a pool nearby made him freeze.
He was still heavy, still broad… but not the same.
His skin had cleared. His eyes gleamed unnaturally bright. His cheeks weren't as swollen. His aura—it was different. Sharper. Darker. Hungrier.
He wasn't pretty. Not yet.
But the transformation had begun.
> [Welcome to the Cultivation Realm: Kyreian.
Nearest Settlement: Black Moon Sect – 4.3 km southeast.
Host is advised: This world is hostile. Strength is everything.]
Jinhyuk stood, swaying slightly. Pain still clung to him like a second skin, but underneath it was something new: potential.
"System," he muttered, voice hoarse. "How do I get stronger?"
> [Mission: Kill a wild beast and absorb its core. Reward: +1 Stat Point, Qi Core Fragment.]
His lips curled.
"Then let's start with blood."