At the summit of Black Heaven Peak, clouds rolled beneath the cliffs like a silver ocean.

Ji Wuchen stood with his hands behind his back, his black robes snapping in the freezing wind. From a distance, he looked exactly like the infamous Holy Son of the Netherworld Sacred Palace—cold, proud, and deep in enlightenment.

In truth, he was silently panicking.

Half a month earlier, he had awakened inside this body after dying in another world. The original Ji Wuchen had been feared throughout the Eastern Domain. He had crippled rival disciples, robbed ancient inheritances, and offended nearly every righteous sect within ten thousand miles.

Unfortunately, the body’s cultivation had been sealed by an unknown force.

Ji Wuchen possessed the reputation of a terrifying Golden Core genius, but he could not circulate even a thread of spiritual energy.

“So this is my new life,” he complained inwardly. “A villain’s enemies, a villain’s reputation, and none of the villain’s strength.”

Below the platform, several disciples whispered.

“The Holy Son has stood there for four hours.”

“He must be comprehending the Great Dao.”

“Do not disturb him unless you want your meridians destroyed.”

Ji Wuchen kept his expression calm. Standing motionless was the only thing he could do without exposing himself.

Most importantly, no one could ever discover that he was not the original owner of this body. If the sect suspected possession, soul replacement, or reincarnation, even his powerful master might tear apart his soul to investigate.

At that moment, a clear mechanical voice rang inside his consciousness.

[Ding! Supreme Origin Destiny System successfully bound.]

Ji Wuchen’s eyes almost widened, but he forced himself to remain still.

“System?”

[This System can only be seen and heard by the host. Mental communication has been established. The secret of the host’s reincarnation will never be revealed through the System.]

A translucent golden interface appeared before him, invisible to everyone else.

Ji Wuchen nearly laughed aloud.

“Beginner package. Immediately.”

[Distributing rewards.]

[Primordial Chaos Dao Physique.]

[Myriad Heavens Beguiling Visage.]

[Ethereal Immortal Fragrance.]

[Karmic Destiny Aura.]

Before he could ask for details, four streams of incomprehensible power erupted within his body.

His sealed meridians trembled. His bones rang like divine bells. Ancient runes appeared throughout his flesh, then vanished beneath his skin.

The wind above Black Heaven Peak stopped.

The spiritual energy of the entire mountain suddenly surged toward him.

Every disciple below raised their head in shock.

Ji Wuchen stared at the golden interface while his ruined low-profile plan collapsed in a single breath.

[Beginner rewards successfully integrated.]

[Warning: all four traits are absolute and cannot be suppressed.]

Ji Wuchen’s mouth twitched.

He had finally received his cheat.

It was simply too powerful to hide.

The first change came from Ji Wuchen’s cultivation.

The Primordial Chaos Dao Physique activated the instant spiritual energy entered his body. His sealed meridians were repaired immediately, and the Golden Core within his dantian began rotating with enough force to make the mountain tremble.

[Effect confirmed: cultivation speed increased by 100,000 times.]

[Martial, spiritual, and skill comprehension increased by 1,000,000 times.]

[The physique will passively accelerate any technique after the host begins practicing it.]

Ji Wuchen took one breath.

The basic Netherworld Breathing Art, which the original body had practiced for years, instantly advanced from minor achievement to perfection.

Then his appearance began to change.

The sinister features of the former Holy Son softened. His skin became flawless, his eyes deepened like star-filled heavens, and his face gained an impossible harmony no mortal artist could reproduce.

A faint immortal fragrance spread from him and drifted down the mountain.

Ji Wuchen quickly asked, “Can I conceal the face and scent?”

[Negative.]

“What if I use a mask?”

[The Myriad Heavens Beguiling Visage cannot be suppressed. Covering the host’s face would only increase curiosity. The Ethereal Immortal Fragrance would crack all concealing artifacts after a microsecond.]

Ji Wuchen felt a headache approaching.

“Then how do I explain why I suddenly look different?”

[Recommended explanation: the host’s former appearance was a deliberate disguise. The awakening of the Primordial Chaos Dao Physique shattered it.]

“That is shameless.”

[It is also believable.]

Before Ji Wuchen could respond, hurried footsteps sounded behind him.

“Senior Brother, the Palace Master has summoned—”

The speaker stopped.

A young woman in pale-blue robes stood at the entrance. She was Su Qingyue, a core disciple who had followed the original Ji Wuchen despite fearing his cruel temper.

The fragrance reached her first.

Her tense shoulders relaxed. Then Ji Wuchen turned around.

The jade message token slipped from her fingers and struck the ground.

Su Qingyue stared at him as though the sun, moon, and stars had gathered within one person. Her cheeks turned red, and the caution in her eyes dissolved into unwavering affection.

“Senior Brother…” she whispered.

Ji Wuchen stepped back. “My physique awakened. My previous face was only a disguise.”

She nodded immediately, accepting the explanation without doubt.

Then she hurried forward and held his sleeve with both hands.

“Senior Brother, may I stay beside you?”

Her voice was soft, but her grip tightened as though she feared he would vanish.

Ji Wuchen silently questioned the System.

“This is the charm effect?”

[Correct. Her affection, loyalty, and desire for closeness have reached the absolute level. The Karmic Destiny Aura will prevent destructive jealousy and conflict.]

Su Qingyue carefully leaned against his shoulder.

“I do not need anything,” she said. “I only want to remain near you.”

Ji Wuchen stared across the sea of clouds.

Keeping a low profile had become impossible before he had even left the mountain.

Su Qingyue refused to release Ji Wuchen’s sleeve as they descended Black Heaven Peak.

Whenever the stone path narrowed, she naturally moved closer and held his hand instead. Her actions were modest, but her determination to remain beside him was unshakable.

Disciples along the road froze when they saw Ji Wuchen’s transformed appearance.

Some dropped weapons. Others forgot to breathe. The female disciples were affected most strongly, though the Karmic Destiny Aura prevented them from surrounding him chaotically. They simply watched with bright eyes, quietly wishing to follow.

Ji Wuchen maintained the cold expression expected from the Holy Son.

“My physique awakened,” he announced. “The face you knew was a disguise used to temper my state of mind.”

No one dared question him.

The explanation spread faster than a flying sword.

By the time he reached the Hall of Ten Thousand Shadows, half the sect believed Ji Wuchen had hidden his true appearance since childhood to avoid disturbing the hearts of cultivators.

Inside the hall, Elder Mo waited beside a black stone pillar.

“The Palace Master is in seclusion,” the elder said. “Before she receives you, I was ordered to examine the condition of your cultivation.”

Ji Wuchen’s heart tightened. The original body’s techniques existed only as fragmented memories. A proper inspection could expose him.

The golden interface appeared.

[Host may begin any remembered technique. The Primordial Chaos Dao Physique will complete and perfect it.]

Elder Mo threw him a wooden practice sword.

“Demonstrate the first movement of the Netherworld Seven Calamities Sword.”

Ji Wuchen gripped the hilt.

The instant he recalled the opening posture, countless insights flooded his mind. Every flaw in the sect technique became visible. Breathing rhythm, foot placement, spiritual circulation, killing angle—everything was understood and reconstructed in less than a heartbeat.

He swung once.

A thin black sword light crossed the hall.

The distant training wall split silently from top to bottom.

Elder Mo’s eyes widened. “That was not the first movement.”

“It was,” Ji Wuchen replied calmly. “I corrected several unnecessary flaws.”

The elder rushed to the wall, then stared at the perfectly smooth cut.

Su Qingyue hugged Ji Wuchen’s arm with obvious pride. “Senior Brother has always been unmatched.”

[Skill comprehension complete.]

[Netherworld Seven Calamities Sword advanced to transcendent perfection.]

[Derived superior art: Primordial Seven Calamities Sword.]

Ji Wuchen nearly sighed.

He had intended to perform the weakest movement possible. Instead, one casual swing had improved the sacred technique of an Apex sect.

Elder Mo suddenly cupped his fists.

“Holy Son, this matter must be reported to the Palace Master. Your comprehension may have surpassed every founder in our history.”

“No need to exaggerate,” Ji Wuchen said.

At that exact moment, the cracked training wall collapsed with a thunderous boom.

Every elder outside turned toward the hall.

Ji Wuchen closed his eyes briefly.

Even his attempts at restraint now looked like heaven-shaking accomplishments.

News of Ji Wuchen’s “true appearance” and perfected sword art spread throughout the Netherworld Sacred Palace before sunset.

He returned to his residence hoping for one quiet hour.

Su Qingyue followed him inside, poured tea, and sat close enough that her shoulder touched his arm. When he moved to examine an old cultivation manual, she gently held his hand, as though confirming he was still there.

Ji Wuchen did not push her away. Her closeness was warm rather than disruptive, and the Karmic Destiny Aura kept the atmosphere peaceful.

He opened the manual.

[Low-grade movement technique detected: Ghost Shadow Step.]

The Primordial Chaos Dao Physique activated.

In one breath, the technique reached perfection. In the next, it evolved into the higher art, Voidless Heavenly Step.

Ji Wuchen immediately closed the book.

“Even reading is dangerous now.”

A faint killing intent suddenly appeared beyond the window.

The original Ji Wuchen’s instincts warned him a moment too late, but the System had already reacted.

[Hostile target detected.]

[Identity: Chen Kuang, hidden disciple of the Blood Blade Pavilion.]

[Objective: assassinate the host while his cultivation is believed unstable.]

The window shattered.

A masked figure rushed through the wooden frame, blade aimed at Ji Wuchen’s throat.

Su Qingyue tightened her grip on his arm but did not panic. Her other hand moved toward her sword.

Ji Wuchen acted first.

He had never fought in this world. However, the instant he decided to use Ghost Shadow Step, his body moved according to perfect comprehension.

The assassin’s blade passed through an afterimage.

Ji Wuchen appeared behind him and tapped the attacker’s wrist with two fingers.

Crack.

The weapon fell.

Chen Kuang spun around in horror and released a cloud of poisonous needles. Ji Wuchen casually lifted the wooden cultivation manual. Every needle struck the book’s narrow edge and stopped.

[Martial comprehension has analyzed the enemy’s complete technique.]

[Weakness identified: unstable spiritual node beneath the left shoulder.]

Ji Wuchen struck once.

The assassin crashed to the floor, conscious but unable to move.

Su Qingyue stepped forward, anger flashing across her face, yet she remained controlled. “Senior Brother, allow me to summon the punishment elders.”

Ji Wuchen nodded.

Chen Kuang stared at him. “Impossible. Our information said your cultivation had collapsed.”

“That information was outdated,” Ji Wuchen said.

The System chimed.

[The Karmic Destiny Aura has activated.]

[The assassin carries a map fragment connected to the upcoming Azure Emperor Secret Realm.]

Ji Wuchen searched the man’s storage pouch and found a bronze fragment engraved with ancient mountains.

He wanted a quiet life.

Instead, supreme luck had delivered an assassin, an inheritance clue, and another reason for the entire sect to watch him.

Su Qingyue returned and wrapped both hands around his arm.

“Senior Brother, I was frightened.”

Ji Wuchen gently patted her hand.

“I am fine.”

Her expression immediately brightened.

Outside, alarm bells began ringing across the palace.

The punishment elders arrived soon.

After examining Chen Kuang’s memories, they confirmed that several righteous sects had placed a reward on Ji Wuchen’s life. The Blood Blade Pavilion had accepted the mission, believing the Holy Son was weakened.

The elders expected Ji Wuchen to order a massacre.

Instead, he said, “Keep the assassin alive. Feed false information through him and uncover everyone involved.”

The hall became silent.

The original Ji Wuchen had been famous for immediate revenge. This calmer decision surprised them, but none dared question it.

Elder Mo stroked his beard. “The Holy Son has become more profound after awakening his physique.”

Ji Wuchen accepted the convenient explanation.

The bronze map fragment was placed on the table. Three ancient characters glowed across its surface: Azure Emperor Realm.

Elder Mo’s expression changed.

“The secret realm opens once every five hundred years. Only cultivators below the Nascent Soul realm may enter. Legend says the Azure Emperor left an imperial cultivation art, a divine weapon, and a pool capable of transforming bloodlines.”

Ji Wuchen had no desire to compete for treasures in a dangerous ruin.

Then the System spoke.

[Main mission issued.]

[Enter the Azure Emperor Secret Realm.]

[Objective: obtain the Primordial Origin Seal hidden beneath the false imperial inheritance.]

[Reward: upgrade of the Supreme Origin Destiny System and one unknown bloodline authority.]

Ji Wuchen silently surrendered.

“When does it open?”

“In seven days,” Elder Mo answered. “The palace planned to send ten core disciples. With your recovered cultivation, you should lead them.”

Su Qingyue held Ji Wuchen’s hand. “I will go too.”

An elder frowned. “The secret realm is dangerous.”

She did not release him. “Then I have even more reason to stay beside Senior Brother.”

The Karmic Destiny Aura stirred gently.

Instead of causing an argument, Elder Mo considered her words and nodded. “Her Moonveil Sword Art is suitable for defensive support. She may join.”

Ji Wuchen recognized the effect of his luck. Opportunities, allies, and affection were arranging themselves without conflict.

Later that night, he stood in the courtyard, studying the map beneath the moon.

The Ethereal Immortal Fragrance drifted through the residence. Spiritual birds gathered on the roof. Flowers that should have bloomed in spring opened across the winter garden.

Su Qingyue approached carrying a cloak.

“You will be cold,” she said, though cultivators at his realm ignored ordinary weather.

She placed the cloak over his shoulders, then quietly hugged his arm.

Ji Wuchen looked toward the distant mountains.

His plan had been simple: repair his cultivation, avoid attention, and survive.

In one day, he had awakened a heaven-defying physique, perfected a sacred sword art, captured an assassin, gained an imperial map, and become the focus of the sect.

The System displayed one final message.

[Host’s low-profile strategy has been evaluated.]

[Success probability: zero.]

Ji Wuchen sighed.

Seven days later, the Azure Emperor Secret Realm would open.

Beyond the mountains, the first storm of his new life had already begun.

The seven days before the Azure Emperor Secret Realm should have been quiet.

Ji Wuchen intended to spend them studying maps, stabilizing his cultivation, and avoiding attention. Instead, every attempt at preparation created another disturbance.

On the first morning, he practiced the Primordial Seven Calamities Sword inside a sealed courtyard. He deliberately used less than one percent of his strength.

The result was a sword intent that split the clouds above Black Heaven Peak.

On the second day, he examined an ordinary body-tempering manual.

[Low-grade technique detected.]

[Comprehension complete.]

[Technique evolved into: Primordial Immortal Bone Scripture.]

The moment he circulated it, golden patterns appeared beneath his skin. The pressure released from his body made every spirit beast within the sect kneel toward his residence.

By the third day, the elders had formed a new theory.

“The Holy Son is not merely recovering,” Elder Mo declared. “He is undergoing an ancient transformation.”

Ji Wuchen stopped trying to correct them.

Su Qingyue remained beside him throughout the preparations. She helped organize pills, talismans, clothing, and maps, though she rejected any suggestion that she should return to her own residence.

“I can cultivate here,” she said while holding his sleeve. “I will not disturb Senior Brother.”

She truly did remain quiet. Most of the time, she sat near him, occasionally leaning against his shoulder while reading sword records.

On the fifth day, another core disciple arrived.

Her name was Bai Lianhua, the personal disciple of the Third Elder. She wore crimson robes and carried twin crescent blades. She was known throughout the sect for her composed temperament and exceptional battle instincts.

“I was ordered to deliver the secret realm roster,” she said.

Then Ji Wuchen looked up.

Bai Lianhua froze.

The Myriad Heavens Beguiling Visage and Ethereal Immortal Fragrance struck her at the same time. Her calm expression softened, and the roster nearly slipped from her fingers.

Su Qingyue watched silently.

Ji Wuchen briefly worried that conflict might begin, but the Karmic Destiny Aura moved like an invisible current.

Bai Lianhua lowered her gaze, cheeks red. “Holy Son… may I accompany your group personally?”

“You are already on the roster,” Ji Wuchen replied.

“I meant beside you.”

Su Qingyue gently took Ji Wuchen’s left arm.

Bai Lianhua hesitated, then quietly held the edge of his right sleeve.

Neither girl argued.

[Destiny harmony confirmed.]

[No destructive jealousy detected.]

Ji Wuchen stared at the System interface.

“This is what you call natural?”

[Correct.]

On the seventh morning, ten disciples assembled before the mountain gate.

Ji Wuchen arrived with Su Qingyue holding one hand and Bai Lianhua walking close beside him.

Thousands of disciples watched.

His low-profile journey had not even begun, yet the entire sect had gathered to see him leave.