Chapter 1: The System

"Host, host, we’ve arrived in the Novice World! The main and side quests have been released, please check them at once!” chirped a lively, mechanical voice. It was immediately followed by a gentle yet resolute woman’s voice: “System, is it true that there are no points for completing the Novice World?”

The system looked down at its host’s breathtaking face, its original little white light morphing into a pink rose—so much lovelier than before. The pretty little globe couldn’t help but marvel at its own good fortune: its very first host was a true beauty.

Heh, if the other systems ever found out, they’d be green with envy.

It didn’t believe anyone could resist this host’s allure. With such charm, wouldn’t the favorability points soar, and wouldn’t the points rack up in no time?

Just as the system was dreaming of a promising future, Tu Shanxi’s voice snapped it back to reality. “System, is my question so hard to answer?”

Finally coming to its senses, the system quickly replied, “Host, you’re right—there’s absolutely no way to earn points from the Novice World.”

As if afraid that its answer would displease her, it hastened to explain, “Right now, you’re in the Novice World; you must complete it to become an official host. Once you’re official, you’ll receive a Novice Gift Pack and can start earning points.”

It was clear from its words that there would be no negotiating.

Since that was the case, Tu Shanxi didn’t dwell on it. “Let’s begin the tasks for this world, then.”

Seeing her relent, the system spun excitedly around her. “Yes! I believe, with your intelligence and resourcefulness, you’ll breeze through the Novice World!”

Tu Shanxi smiled casually, sending the system into another bout of infatuation.

My host is truly the most beautiful!

Reining in its wandering thoughts, the system began to activate the teleportation array, all the while reassuring Tu Shanxi. “Host, we’re about to begin teleportation. This time, the location is special, so I’ll brief you on the details during the transfer. Please bear with any discomfort.”

Tu Shanxi nodded. “Go ahead.”

A moment later, the world spun around her, as if heaven and earth themselves were turning upside down beneath her feet.

The system had worried that its delicate host might suffer, but to its surprise, she simply closed her eyes, her aura tranquil, her breathing steady.

Only now did it realize it had underestimated her.

After all, in this small world, she was among the top three cultivators. Her beauty alone could not possibly explain her prowess.

Tu Shanxi, with eyes closed and mind at rest, sensed the system’s curious gaze but didn’t bother to respond. Instead, her thoughts raced as she tried to deduce the system’s origin, and why it had chosen to bind with her.

Their acquaintance had begun just two days earlier, after she failed her divine tribulation.

Eighty-one heavenly bolts—she had already endured seventy-nine, just two away from ascending to godhood. Certain of victory, she hadn’t anticipated disaster at the final hurdle. The last bolt had shattered her soul completely.

She could still recall the sensation of that lightning, the pain seeping into her very bones—unforgettable for eternity.

She had felt her spiritual and life force fading, resigned to death.

She thought her life had ended, but unexpectedly, she opened her eyes once more—only to see this small system before her.

After some discussion, the little system swore that as long as she completed its missions, she could earn points—enough, eventually, for a chance at rebirth.

Given such an opportunity, how could she refuse?

And yet, she couldn’t let go. Just two more bolts and she would have ascended, would have become the strongest. How could she not feel regret? How could she possibly be content?

As these thoughts swirled in her mind, she listened as the system explained the world’s mission.

“Because this is the Novice World, I’ve chosen a xianxia setting for your comfort. Your original body here is also a nine-tailed fox.”

Tu Shanxi opened her eyes, calm as an ancient well. “What is my exact identity?”

“You are the resurrected senior sister of the World’s Favored Son.”

“Resurrected?”

At that, Tu Shanxi’s eyes lit up, a smile curling her lips—clearly intrigued.

But before she could ask more, the system’s indignant voice continued, “Host, let me tell you: the so-called white moonlight’s resurrection was achieved by the male lead forcibly taking the female lead’s heart’s blood. The female lead nearly died! This system condemns such behavior!”

The more it spoke, the angrier it became, glowing from pink to fiery red.

Tu Shanxi raised her brows, surprised by the system’s sense of morality, though she maintained composure and agreed, “Indeed, this kind of male lead should be condemned. If he wished so desperately to revive his beloved, why not use his own blood, instead of implicating the innocent?”

Such deeds were bound to provoke the wrath of Heaven.

The system, righteously indignant, agreed, “Exactly! This male lead is terrible.”

But there were more urgent matters at hand than condemning the protagonist. Once she’d soothed the little system, Tu Shanxi asked, “What is my task?”

Calm again, the system replied, “Your task is to earn the female lead’s favorability. By the time your character exits, you must have gained at least sixty percent.”

“Of course, the higher the favorability, the more points you’ll earn!”

Tu Shanxi nodded. “What about the male lead?”

“Oh, the male lead?” The system’s tone was utterly indifferent. “He just has to stay alive, that’s all.”

Hearing this, Tu Shanxi’s lips curled. “Understood.”

“Host, in this world, you need only care about the female lead. My department’s mission is: Restore the White Moonlight’s Reputation! Let the female lead experience the true charm of the White Moonlight!”

Tu Shanxi smiled at the system’s exuberance. “I’ll do my best.”

“Mm-hmm! Don’t be nervous, Host, Novice Worlds are usually very simple.” The system noticed the teleportation was almost complete and hurried to finish its briefing.

“Host, I’m sending you to the moment you awaken after consuming the female lead’s blood. Please adapt as needed and be sure to care for the female lead’s health.”

“I understand. Don’t worry.”

Hearing her calm reply, the system somehow felt reassured. After all, she was a great demon who had lived tens of thousands of years—she’d surely seen much. It should trust its host.

…

High above in the Thirty-Third Heaven, a woman dressed in azure was tightly bound to a wooden stake.

Her wrists and ankles were lashed with divine-binding whips, still stained with fresh blood.

Her light brown eyes were wide with terror, her body trembling uncontrollably. “No, please, Immortal Lord Qingyuan, let me go! In the lower realm, I once saved your life—please, spare mine in return!”

Immortal Lord Qingyuan, clad as always in pristine white, wore the same cold, indifferent expression she knew so well.

He looked down at her from his lofty height, his eyes calm on the surface but shadowed with madness. “Xiyun, if you save someone, you must see it through to the end.”

With that, he drove a familiar dagger deep into Xiyun’s heart. Instantly, pale golden blood poured forth.

Seeing the blood, a smile finally curled on Qingyuan’s lips. “Xiyun, look—your blood is beautiful, isn’t it?”