Under a moonlit sky, crows flew south. In the desolate wilderness, several torches darted through the darkness, accompanied by furious shouts.
"Where did she run off to? That little bitch could've been a top-tier prize!"
"The madam of Chunhong Brothel has given strict orders—"
The clamor echoed across the barren hills as dozens of men, armed with nets and sacks, encircled a vast area, tightening their search.
"Agh—my head...! Is this damn AR helmet even safe? Feels like it's boiling my brain—huh?"
A faint groan broke the night's silence. Su Min clutched her throbbing skull as she slowly sat up. She'd spent a month's salary on this premium gaming helmet, meticulously crafting her character for over half an hour. But the moment she clicked Confirm, she'd been yanked into this world.
"So this is Path to Immortality—the 'fully immersive, living-breathing' cultivation game they hyped up. It's too real. Even the dirt—"
She scooped a handful of soil with her delicate fingers, watching as it trickled through her grasp—no pixelated disintegration, just gritty reality.
Perfect. Unnervingly perfect.
"What's happening to—"
"FOUND HER! Over here! Don't let her escape!"
"No blades! Use the nets! Damaged goods sell for less!"
Before she could react, rough hemp nets slammed down, trapping her.
"Ugh—!"
Su Min didn't resist. Kneeling, she pressed her palms to her temples as cold sweat beaded on her forehead. Fragmented memories flooded her mind like a slideshow.
Su Min. Formerly of the Su Clan in Yu City. Her family had been embroiled in the Yong Prince's rebellion. Parents, kin—all executed. Only her father's dying plea spared her life. But for a 14-year-old noble girl stripped of family's protection, "mercy" meant a far crueler fate. After burying her family, she naturally became a slave. And for brothels, a fallen noblewoman was prime merchandise.
"That 'emperor' never intended mercy. He wanted the last Su to grovel in the mud."
As the memories settled, Su Min cursed under her breath—then froze.
"Shit. I should've rolled a male character. Years of gaming, and I default to female avatars..."
"Tsk tsk. Such language from a lady! What a pretty face—pity we can't fetch virgin prices now."
Jeering laughter rang out. The hulking figures closing in triggered another flashback: Niu Ma, a local enforcer for Chunhong Brothel.
Her body trembled instinctively. Chunhong wasn't some back-alley operation. Even the magistrate turned a blind eye to their dealings. Her past self had fled tonight, only to slip down a ravine in the dark.
Now, Su Min eyed the encroaching men—and the pig cage behind them. Her stomach churned. Brothels had methods. Cage disobedient girls, dunk them in rivers until they gasped at death's edge. If that failed, worse awaited—pain that left no marks but shattered wills.
"Breathe. If this is truly my character... there's hope."
She steadied herself. Path to Immortality granted players starter assets:
[Name: Su Min]
[Cultivation: Early Body Tempering (Mortal)]
[Innate Talent: Immortality (having infinite lifespan and not aging)]
[Divine Ability: Heavenly Dao Insight(Over time, comprehend techniques from the cosmos)]
[Technique: None][Skill: Basic Sword Control – Three Forms]
[Lifebound Spirit Treasure: Flying Sword Embryo (Yellow-Grade, Low-Quality)]
~Edit and rewritten by Rikhi, Reiya_Alberich, ReiNyam~
The game randomized talents, and characters aged. Die without heirs? Game over.
Since she'd chosen a female avatar, she'd opted for the "Immortal Turtle" strategy: avoid conflict, outlive enemies through sheer longevity. Because of that, she never thought about getting married and having children. The natural choice is to start with this routine. If it doesn't work, just find a place to hang up and jump time infinitely.
This is the so-called longevity and survival style, which is very suitable for a slow-paced life. But this advantage is of no use in the current situation.
Great for lazy players. Useless right now.
"I'm at absolute zero—no cultivation, no qi reserves."
As the men advanced, Niu Ma leered.
"What's wrong, little flower? Scared stiff?"
He naturally didn't dare to do anything to Su Min, this is the future top card. Chunhongyuan has its own way of checking the body, but it's okay to take this opportunity to rub some oil or something. Thinking of this, he also smiled evilly and stretched out his hands, then walked over step by step, pretending to pounce.
"NOW!"
Golden light flickered in Su Min's pupils.
Modern instincts kicked in: When outnumbered, maul one until the rest fear you.
Even if it meant trading blood for blood. A slender sword materialized in her grip.