The wind was icy and sharp, making it feel like blades cutting through the air. Snowflakes were swirling and falling to the ground, creating a white blanket all around.
Lu Zhen opened his eyes and found himself seated in a luxurious carriage.
Outside the carriage, there was a lively chaos. Street sellers called out their goods, people chattered and fought, and children made noise and played.
Lu Zhen heaved a deep sigh.
"Looks like I have really transmigrated to this world."
He knew he couldn't go back to his own blue planet. He was originally a computer programmer who has just got his job at a big company but when he was celebrating he got too drunk.
The next moment he knew he found himself in this guy body in this unfamiliar world.
Having been an avid reader of novels, Lu Zhen was familiar with the concept of transmigration. After a full day of despair, he reluctantly came to terms with his new circumstances. All the hard work and effort he had put into securing his prestigious job as a computer programmer had gone to waste.
And besides that he found these world was full of danger with martial arts being primary here and dangerous beasts and ghosts roaming around.
He still remained hopeful about his future. After all, transmigrators usually get a system, and he did get a system. The moment he transmigrated, he received his system. The blue panel in front of him gave him the confidence to survive in this world.
"Now, let's see what this system can do," Lu Zhen thought, examining the panel. The words "LEVEL UP" were displayed in bold letters.
"Well, 'Level Up,' that must be its name," he mused. "Even though the system seems straightforward, I'm still excited. Regardless of how simple the cheat may be, I'll still have an advantage over others, won't I?"
The panel before him seemed plain.
[LEVEL UP]
--------
[Name: Lu Zhen]
--------
[Race: Human]
[Bloodline: Human/ Unawakened]
[Lifespan left:61 years]
--------
[Attributes]
[Constitution: Mortal(level 4)](Ps: average human constitution is level 1 in this world)
[Charm: Mortal(level 4)]
[Qi: Uninitiated (level 0)]
???
--------
[Cultivation manuals]
[Cultivation technique: Not learned]
--------
[Skills]
???
The panel had lots of information, but it was vague. It made him curious about his true capabilities. Questions about the system and how to level up and acquire new abilities filled his mind.
As he pondered over several conjectures, trying to make sense of his current situation and the potential ways to progress within this system.
While lost in his thoughts, the carriage suddenly came to a halt, interrupting his thoughts.
"Young master, we have arrived at the estate," a deep and old voice resonated as the carriage came to a halt.
Lu Zhen got out of the carriage and was met with the sight of a stunning mansion. It was decorated with red lanterns, emanating an extravagant and spacious atmosphere.
"Yu Bai, you can go and take some rest. You don't have to accompany me," Lu Zhen said.
Yu Bai, an elderly man in his eighties, was the personal guard of his assigned by his mother and had taken care of Lu Zhen since his childhood.
"But young master, I insist on staying by your side. It's my duty to serve you," Yu Bai protested.
"I appreciate your loyalty, Yu Bai, but I need some time alone," Lu Zhen replied firmly.
Yu Bai was slightly taken aback by Lu Zhen's words, as he had never experienced such kindness from him before. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness, believing that all his hard work had finally paid off and caught Lu Zhen's attention. After all, he was frail and weak, barely a third stage martial artist who was ageing in Lu Zhen's eyes.
"Thank you, young master. I won't be far if you need me," Yu Bai said, his voice filled with gratitude.
After leaving Yu Bai, Lu Zhen made his way towards the backyard. As he arrived, Little Lily, his personal servant, leaped towards him with excitement.
"Young master, you're back! Madam and master were so worried about you." Little Lily exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with relief.
Lu Zhen smiled warmly at her. "Thank you for letting them know I'm safe, Lily. I appreciate your concern."
Little Lily, who was 18 years old, shared the same age as Lu Zhen. She possessed a petite yet well-proportioned figure, with curves in all the right places. Her lustrous blue hair was elegantly tied up in a bun, adorned with a charming hair ornament.
Little Lily embraced Lu Zhen, and he could feel her curves, which stirred a slight arousal within him. As a former virgin, his lack of experience with women was apparent. He had focused primarily on his career in his previous life and had little interaction with the opposite sex.
Relationships and romantic pursuits had held little interest for him compared to his drive for success.
"I couldn't bear to see them so worried, young master. I'm just glad you're back unharmed," she replied, her voice filled with genuine care.
Lu Zhen noticed the elegant hair ornament and couldn't help but compliment her. "That hair ornament looks beautiful on you, Lily. It suits you perfectly."
Blushing slightly, Little Lily thanked him. "Thank you, young master. It's a gift from Madam. She thought it would bring me good luck."
"Well, it certainly does. You always bring good luck to me," Lu Zhen said with a playful grin.
Little Lily giggled, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of red. "Young master, you always know how to make me smile."
Lu Zhen's heart warmed at her genuine happiness. In this unfamiliar world, Little Lily's presence provided him with a sense of familiarity and comfort.
"Sigh, Little Lily, I have contemplated my situation, and I am determined to change my destiny by wholeheartedly practicing martial arts," Lu Zhen conveyed with a sigh.
This was a cover-up Lu Zhen made, he wanted to disguise his sudden change in temperament.
In the entire town, he had gained infamy for his lazy lifestyle and heavy drinking habits. The previous host of his body had given up on any ambitions, content with squandering his wealth and living a life of leisure.
Lu Zhen refused to settle for a mediocre life.
He has faced the life of an ordinary in his previous life which was filled with humiliation and bowing to almost everyone in the blue planet. So, he had always craved power and authority, but his averageness held him back.
However, in this new world, a glimmer of hope emerged. With the cheat in his possession, he believed that he held the key to unlock limitless possibilities. After all, cheats were not named cheats for no reason.
Little Lily was taken aback by Lu Zhen's declaration. After all, he had always been known for his laziness. However, with her pure heart and unwavering trust, she didn't doubt his sudden change of behavior.
"Young master, should I inform madam and master that you have decided to pursue martial arts?" Little Lily asked, her voice brimming with excitement.
Lu Zhen paused for a moment before replying, "Hmm, I will personally inform them about my situation, so there's no need for you to worry. But for now, let's focus on my training. I have a long way to go, and every moment counts."
When he first transmigrated, Lu Zhen felt disoriented and fearful.
Memories from his new body's previous host flooded his mind, but they were fragmented and incomplete. In order to adjust to his new body and identity, he took the opportunity to travel for a day, using the excuse of needing fresh air.
He was especially cautious when it came to encountering his biological parents, afraid that they might uncover the truth about his transmigration.
After all, no matter how much he tried to white-wash his actions, he had indeed taken over someone else's body. Although their names were the same, Lu Zhen still chose to distance himself from them for the time being.
"Prepare some food for me. I'll be there in a minute," he instructed Little Lily, signaling his need for food.