Chapter 1: Awakening of the Stars
he sun cast its golden rays across the tranquil Starless Plane as Su Mo, a young man with eyes brimming with anticipation, stood beneath the vast sky. This was the day he had been waiting for, the day he would finally sense his astrology—a pivotal moment for any cultivator.
"Su Mo, today's the day! Can you feel the energies of the stars?" The enthusiastic voice of his AI companion echoed in his mind, eager for the long-awaited connection.
Su Mo's heart raced as the cosmic energies brushed against him, a surge of exhilaration coursing through his veins. Overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the sensation, his consciousness wavered, and with a soft thud, he collapsed onto the ground.
"Oh no! Partner, are you alright?" The AI's concern was evident in its voice, a stark contrast to its usual composed tone.
Gasping for breath, Su Mo managed a weak smile. "I'm fine, just got a bit carried away. It's… it's more intense than I imagined."
In the realm between consciousness and unconsciousness, a torrent of memories surged forth, memories that did not belong to this life. Scenes of a different time, a different world, flooded his mind—a game tester navigating virtual realms, an accident, a leap into the unknown.
Amidst the fragments of memories, the AI's voice was a reassuring presence. "These memories are from your past life. You were a game tester before the accident that brought us here. Our fusion was a fortunate turn of events, even if the circumstances were dire."
Gathering his newfound insights, he awoke with a start, his eyes now containing a depth that hadn't been there before. A fusion of his current and past lives' understanding dawned upon him. The realization hit him like a revelation: he was reborn into the Star Continent, a land where cultivation hinged on awakening one's astrology, drawing power from the stars themselves.
"Past life… present life… Two worlds intertwined in me. This fusion gives me an edge. I won't let it go to waste." Su Mo's internal monologue echoed as he absorbed the weight of his unique situation.
Examining himself, he noted his level-yellow blood destiny—an ordinary classification that had always pegged him as average. His astrology, too, was nothing to write home about, leading him to accept that he might never surpass the first level of star absorption.
"Just a 'yellow' blood destiny? Don't let that hold you back, partner!" The AI's voice was a mixture of encouragement and determination.
Smirking, Su Mo replied, "I won't. We've got each other, after all."
"Exactly! And don't forget my abilities. While I might not be omnipotent, I'm here to help."
Just as despair began to creep in, a warm, almost mischievous voice resounded in his mind. "Hey there, partner! Long time no see!"
Su Mo smiled slightly, the memory surfacing. During the accident, he and the game AI had fused. It was this very AI that had become his faithful companion in this new world. The AI, while not omnipotent, held a wealth of knowledge, and Su Mo was grateful for it.
Parental abandonment had left him to navigate life alone, their focus solely on his genius sister who had soared to the seventh level of star absorption. He hadn't harbored resentment; instead, he used his solitude to develop resilience.
The AI, devoid of god-like powers, was a source of practical assistance rather than miraculous intervention. Su Mo's determination prevented him from sinking into depression, and he believed that, with their combined efforts, he could reach the peak of martial art.
Today, however, wasn't the day to dive into cultivation. The AI advised him to first hone his physical form. With resolve burning anew, he ventured to the family library, a haven of knowledge that held the potential to alter his fate.
"Alright, let's see what knowledge this library holds." Su Mo's voice was a mixture of excitement and determination as he pushed open the heavy wooden door of the family library.
Within, he discovered a basic technique named "Star Absorption," the foundation of all cultivation at his level. Grasping the book, he felt a sense of hope—a small yet persistent flame. Alongside it, he found texts on body tempering and medicinal herbs, both indispensable to any cultivator.
"Looks like we've struck gold!" The AI's voice was filled with satisfaction.
Armed with knowledge, he left the library and encountered his sister, Su Ling, an embodiment of talent. Her eyes, colder than the frigid winds, locked onto him. "Ah, it's the embarrassment of our Su family," she sneered, words like venom.
Undeterred, Su Mo met her gaze with a mixture of resolve and newfound wisdom. "Sister, I've sensed my astrology."
Her derisive laughter filled the air. "Astrology or not, you'll forever be the trash in our family's shadow."
Unperturbed by her scorn, he returned to his room, a sanctuary that held the promise of progress. As he closed the door behind him, his heart was alight with a new determination. The path ahead might be daunting, but the stars above held their mysteries, waiting to be unraveled.
"System, the path ahead is one of deliberate progression. We shall focus on two fronts simultaneously: refining my cultivation technique and strengthening my physical form. Your abilities, though restricted, are still formidable enough to expedite our training. Over the course of three years, we shall hone the Star Absorption Art to perfection, a technique essential for drawing star energy. Simultaneously, we shall delve into the alchemical arts, crafting medicinal elixirs that will bolster my cultivation."
The AI's words also resonated, underlining the careful strategy that lay ahead. "Moreover, during these three years, we will devote ourselves to training your body to its mortal limits. You will partake in rigorous exercises and follow the path of traditional body tempering. The symbiotic relationship between your physical strength and your cultivation prowess cannot be underestimated. This holistic approach will ensure that your body and spirit grow harmoniously, creating a solid foundation upon which you shall ascend."
With the AI's guidance, Su Mo understood the necessity of this methodical approach. He was ready to embrace the trials ahead, knowing that each day of hard work would bring him closer to his ultimate goal. The three years ahead promised to be a transformative journey, an amalgamation of dedication, discipline, and the unyielding pursuit of the stars' enlightenment. It is said that training the mortal body to the limit is equivalent to the first level of star absorption.