Step Forward

Without wasting a moment, the elder rushed to his quarters and hastily composed a letter to the Martial Spirit Hall. Sending a prodigious talent like Qing Chen to the prestigious institution was a rare opportunity. Though the elder prided himself on his altruism, even he couldn't ignore the personal benefits this would bring—greater recognition, increased wealth, and perhaps even a promotion within the Spirit Hall's extensive network.

After dispatching the letter with urgency, the elder approached Qing Chen, his expression a mixture of pride and expectation. "The Martial Spirit Hall should send someone to meet you in approximately one week," he informed him. "Use this time wisely. They expect nothing short of excellence."

Qing Chen nodded, his outward demeanor calm, though his mind raced with plans.

One week. That's not much time. If I want to stand out and have a chance of surpassing Tang San, I need rapid progress.

He muttered to himself, "Tang San may be the protagonist, favored by gods and the world itself, but if I want to carve my own path, I need to be stronger, smarter, and more prepared than he ever was."

A soft, monotonous voice echoed in his mind—the system's familiar tone chiming in.

"You need not worry excessively, Master. Aetheroin has blessed you with the power of fate. This means you can alter the course of events, including the outcome of Tang San's journey."

Qing Chen sighed, frustration creeping into his voice. "I know. But controlling fate? That's a long-term goal. I can't even sense the power of faith around me yet. How am I supposed to manipulate something so intangible when I can't even grasp the basics?"

The system paused briefly before offering a suggestion. "If immediate strength is your goal, Master, consider taking in the King Succubus bloodline. This will amplify your innate abilities and greatly enhance your first martial spirit, Charisma's Embrace. This spirit thrives on charisma and influence, and the King Succubus was renowned for possessing one of the strongest forms of charisma across the spiritual plane. Only the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, rivaled his abilities."

Qing Chen rubbed his chin, considering the proposal. The allure of immediate power was undeniable, but the risk couldn't be ignored. Bloodline integration was a delicate process, and failure could lead to dire consequences. Still, the system had rarely led him astray.

"Alright," he finally said. "Let's do it. What do I need to prepare?"

The system's voice carried a note of approval. "The integration will require the bloodline and your willpower. Additionally, I will guide you through the process to ensure its safety. Once you inherit the King Succubus bloodline, your charisma and intelligence will ascend to unparalleled heights. This will strengthen your ability to dominate and influence others while also granting you control over their desires."

Qing Chen retrieved the crystal vial containing the King Succubus bloodline. Sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor of his temporary lodging, he took a deep breath to center himself.

"I'm ready," he said steadily.

The system began chanting in an ancient, unfamiliar language. The vial in Qing Chen's hands glowed with a mesmerizing purple light, and a surge of energy coursed through his veins. A vivid image of the King Succubus appeared in his mind—a towering, ethereal figure radiating both charm and menace.

"Master," the system whispered, "accept the power and let it flow through you."

The process was both excruciating and exhilarating. Every cell in Qing Chen's body burned with energy as though his very being was being rewritten. His martial spirit, Charisma's Embrace, shimmered into existence beside him, becoming more radiant and defined as though infused with newfound vitality.

When the light subsided, Qing Chen opened his eyes, feeling stronger, more confident, and profoundly magnetic.

"Congratulations, Master," the system intoned. "Your strength has increased significantly, and your first martial spirit has reached a higher tier. You are one step closer to controlling your fate—and the fates of others."

"System, show my status," Qing Chen commanded.

Status:

Name: Qing Chen

Age: 18 (Current world: 6)

Level: 1 (0/100) / Soul Level: 20

Strength: 23 (+15)

Agility: 22 (+15)

Intelligence: 50 (+35)

Charisma: ∞ 

Qing Chen smirked. "Not bad."

"How about my skill?"

Skill:

Destiny Sense (Level 1, Active): The ability to sense the power of fate and luck around you, including others connected to your destiny.

Destiny Manipulation (Level 1, Active): The ability to manipulate both fate and luck.

Foresight (Level 1, Active): The ability to glimpse into the future.

Irrestible Presence (Level 10, Passive): Automatically enhances the effectiveness of any charisma-based skill.

Succubus Intellect (Level 10, Passive): Automatically increase learning speed and adaptibaility.

Soul Drain (Level 10, Passive): Can absorb minor amounts of spiritual energy from those you influenced.

Qing Chen smirked. "Not bad."

As he adjusted to his newfound abilities, a knock came at the door. The elder's voice called out.

"Qing Chen, someone from the Martial Spirit Hall has arrived earlier than expected. They're asking for you."

Qing Chen stood, his aura radiating authority. "Let's meet them."