Robert exhaled, his body trembling as he released the air. The soft buzz of the wind outside the window pushed against his ears. The sound can be heard distinctly in the silent room, seeming unusually loud. His heart thumped hard under the influence of such strain and mess. Each beat resonated in his chest like a soft drum, filling him with nervousness and excitement that wouldn't disappear.
He looked around the old-fashioned room again—the old wooden walls, thick beams, and that faint, nice smell of dried herbs in the air. But even though he knew this place, it all seemed strange and not quite real.
His eyes moved back to the dim glowing panel floating just a few feet from his face. Without thinking, Robert reached out towards it, but his hand passed right through the see-through light.
"System," he said, his voice rough and shaky. "What… what are your functions?"
There was a soft ding in response.
[ Answering Host… ]
The Strongest Family System consists of the following features:
Clan ManagementSupervise and regulate members of the Osborn Clan either directly or by delegation. Decide on their roles, keep tabs on their progress, assess how true they are to the clan, and tell who looks promising.
QuestsFulfil tasks set by the system to increase your strength. When missions are completed, you will get a system point awarded, which serves as currency for system upgrades or unlocking new items.
3. Territory DevelopmentImprove and expand the Osborn Clan trading. Establish resource points, training grounds, commercial zones, defensive structures, cultivation areas, and more.
4. The System Store A place to buy things that the host can use. You can get rare pills, guides to cultivation, martial arts moves, weapons, and useful items.
– System Points work as currency. You earn them by doing quests, taking part in events, and reaching goals.
– As the system gets better, the store grows too. It unlocks new levels of special supplies and hard-to-find resources.
Additionally, features will open up as the host makes advancements.
Robert's eyes widened.
"That's... a lot." He sat up straight. "Hold on, can you show me the status?"
[ Showing Host Status... ]
A new screen popped up:Name: Robert OsbornRealm: None (Body Not Yet Adapted to Mana)Title: Heir of the Osborn Clan (Dormant)Quests Available: YesAncestral Access: LockedClan Members: 100Average Loyalty Level: 99
Robert gazed at the panel, a mix of wonder and confusion carved on his face. His fingers trembled barely as he reached out instinctively, though he knew he couldn't touch it physically. The screen didn't disappear. It hovered there, patient and unbothered.
"None… Body not yet adapted to mana," he muttered aloud, his brow furrowing. "Does that mean I can't cultivate yet?"
His heart pounded, each beat a heavy thud that echoed relentlessly in his ears. The thrill of it all was intoxicating—like standing at the precipice of a cliff and knowing that once you jumped, you'd never come back the same.
This world… It's real. This system is real.
A light wind brushed through the small wooden window behind him, carrying the scent of pine and wild earth. It grounded him, reminding him this wasn't Earth anymore. In this world, power was the ultimate law—everything else bowed before it.
He focused, trying to access more.
"System", he said firmly, "show me this world's power structure."
[ Accessing Knowledge Core… Retrieving Memories... ]
A sudden dizziness overtook him as streams of knowledge, implanted deep within the original Robert's soul, flowed forward. It wasn't painful like before, but it was overwhelming. He braced himself as visuals began to form in his mind.
Power Realms of this Continent:
Body Tempering Realm – The foundation. Where mortals begin their journey by refining muscle, bone, and skin with mana.
Spirit Root Realm – The first step in which the spirit root becomes activated, allowing mana to flow throughout the body. Cultivators begin to develop elemental affinities or unique traits at this level.
Core Formation Realm – The realm in which mana is carefully purified and concentrated into a dense core in the body of the cultivator. The internal power increases exponentially at this level, paving the way for actual mastery and advanced techniques.
Soul Manifestation Realm – Cultivators awaken the soul force, allowing exclusive manifestations such as spirit beasts, shadows, or echoes.
Sky Vein Realm – Releasing the body's concealed meridians for superior mana and martial arts control.
Heaven Ascension Realm – The first step toward transcending mortality; cultivators begin affecting the world around them.
Saint Realm – Those who reach this level become living legends. Each word they speak can shake armies.
Divine Core Realm – Control over the laws of nature begins. Very few reach this stage.
Celestial King Realm – Myths. Only a handful across the centuries. True dominators of realms and reality.
The system continues to outline the soul's cultivation journey.
In this domain, developing the soul is just as essential as building physical strength or refining mana. Those who choose the path of soul cultivation experience unparalleled clarity, gain spiritual fortitude, and eventually exert a power that can persuade others' wills or even alter the fabric of reality.
1. Soul Awakening Realm (Levels 1–3)
Theme: Perception and Initiation
This is the starting point of soul cultivation, where individuals begin to sense the soul energy that exists within and around them.
Level 1: Soul Sense Initiation
The cultivator can just about detect soul energy. Their mental clarity improves, and emotional distractions reduce.
Level 2: Increased Awareness
Senses sharpen extremely. The cultivator becomes capable of withstanding minor illusions or mind attacks.
Level 3: Soul Seed Formation
This represents a crucial breakthrough—it's about forming a seed of soul energy that can be developed. It signifies a genuine start on the soul's path.
2. Soul Refinement Realm (Levels 4–6)
Theme: Cleansing and Fortification
At this level, the focus is on stabilizing the seed and refining the soul through practice and meditation.
Level 4: Soul Stabilization
The Soul Seed evolves. It becomes easier to achieve emotional balance, and spiritual clarity increases significantly.
Level 5: Spiritual Intuition
Cultivators can sense danger or killing intent more effortlessly. Early suspicions begin to emerge.
Level 6: Soul Protection Creation
A delicate, invisible layer of soul energy forms a natural shield, blocking spiritual and mental intrusions.
3. Soul Manifestation Realm (Levels 7–9)
Theme: Projection and Pressure
The soul becomes strong enough to influence the physical world and affect others directly.
Level 7: Soul Projection
The cultivator can project their soul outward for brief moments. Useful for investigation, intimidation, or insignificant interactions.
Level 8: Soul Aura Tangibility
The cultivator's presence gains force—weak opponents feel pressure just by being close.
Level 9: Soul Suppression
Capable of spiritually pressuring or stunning more powerless beings using willpower alone. Begins to clash with other cultivators' souls.
4. Soul Condensation Realm (Levels 10–12)
Theme: Refinement and Energy
In this master-level realm, only the mightiest souls are found. The soul becomes a refined weapon.
Level 10: Soul Core Formation
The Soul Seed transforms into a Soul Core—stable, powerful, and equipped for advanced control.
Level 11: Advanced Techniques Unlocked
Complicated soul arts such as soul swords, spiritual clones, or soul-based transmission become available.
Level 12: Domain of the Spirit
The cultivator can create a spiritual domain—an area around them where their soul energy suppresses, controls, or influences all within it.
5. Soul Sovereign Realm (Levels 13–16)
Theme: Domination and Transcendence
This level is reserved for legends alone. Their souls can manipulate reality and dominate others with just a glance.
Level 13: Spiritual Dominance
At this point, they can assert control over the souls of those who are weaker, either suppressing their will or bending it to their own desires.
Level 14: Legendary Projection
Can launch a complete version of their soul across significant distances or into battle. Soul techniques reach mythical power.
Level 15: Reality-Warping Will
The cultivator's soul defies manipulation and can influence objects, nature, or thoughts just through intent.
Level 16: Soul Sovereign
The pinnacle. Their soul lives on a near-divine plane. Can crush weaker souls with intent alone, and their mere presence can warp reality or time in localized areas.
Robert withdrew his hand, his heart racing as the wave of understanding began to wane, but he was left with a solid sense of purpose. Outside, sunlight was streaming through the windows, but it was the spark of determination in his eyes that truly lit up the moment. The journey ahead appeared fraught with danger, yet he could feel a latent power stirring within him, eager to be unleashed at the right time. He took another deep breath, this one steadier, as the mana-charged wind playfully beckoned him with hints of both excitement and risk. With a sense of purpose settling in his bones, Robert squared his shoulders and confidently stated, "Alright, System. Let's get this started."