Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Breathing System
Douluo Continent, Star Dou Forest.
A vast forest, dense with ancient trees, brimming with the breath of nature. The air was fresh, the atmosphere serene, and the deep tranquility of the woods stretched endlessly.
"Ah, another boring day... The sky is so blue, and the clouds are so white."
A small, inconspicuous sapling swayed gently in the breeze. Its delicate branches bore a few tender green leaves, flickering softly.
Alas, no one could understand the sapling's murmurs, nor would they ever guess that within this young Azurewood Tree soul beast — with only one year of cultivation — dwelled another soul altogether.
"Sigh... How unfair the heavens are! Why bring me to this world only to make me a plant-type soul beast? Are you playing with me?!"
Chen Xiaoming's heart cried out in despair. Ever since he inexplicably arrived in the Douluo Continent a year ago, he had shouted countless times, but to no avail.
In his previous life, he'd dreamed endlessly of living in the worlds described in novels — but when it was finally his turn, he realized he'd drawn the short straw.
Novels were all lies! Others crossed over as peerless Dragon Proud Sons, but he transmigrated just to become soul ring fodder.
Fortunately, his cultivation was only at the one-year level. No foolish Soul Master would bother with him — not yet.
However, imagining his future fate — painstakingly cultivating for decades, only to be slaughtered the moment he broke through to a hundred-year cultivation to become someone's soul ring — left him feeling like livestock fattened for slaughter.
Even more tragic — he was a tree. Running away wasn't even an option.
Chen Xiaoming's tears had already dried up. Life was truly playing a cruel joke.
Ding!
[Breathing System successfully bound.]
A sudden mechanical voice echoed in his mind, leaving Chen Xiaoming stunned.
What the hell? A system? He had a system now?
He'd fantasized countless times about having a system, but after a whole year without a sign, he'd already given up hope.
Yet now, the voice rekindled his long-lost fighting spirit.
Finally, he was one of those chosen by fate!
With excitement and trepidation, he silently thought, System!
Whoosh!
A shimmering light flashed, and an attribute panel appeared in his mind.
...
Host: Chen Xiaoming
Age: 26
Soul Beast: Azurewood Tree
Soul Power: 1 Year
Items: None
Experience Points: 0
Activate: Yes/No
...
Staring at the pitiful stats, Chen Xiaoming's gaze locked onto the final option — Activate.
Without hesitation, he chose Yes — and a searing brilliance enveloped him. Warm currents surged through his body, bringing unparalleled comfort.
The small Azurewood Tree swayed under the glow, its tender branches trembling with a crisp rustling sound.
After a long while, the light faded, leaving Chen Xiaoming in a daze, still savoring the lingering pleasure.
"Ah... that felt amazing."
He took a deep breath — purely out of satisfaction.
Ding!
[You took a deep breath. Experience +5000.]
Chen Xiaoming froze, mind blank.
Ding!
[You took a breath. Experience +1000.]
Ding!
[You took a breath. Experience +1000.]
Ding!
[You took a breath. Experience +1000.]
Gradually, a bold guess formed in his mind — this was the Breathing System!
His feeble branches twitched, and he deliberately began breathing more heavily.
Ding!
[You took a deep breath. Experience +5000.]
Ding!
[You took a deep breath. Experience +5000.]
The notification sounds rang without end.
Chen Xiaoming silently summoned the attribute panel.
...
Host: Chen Xiaoming
Age: 26
Soul Beast: Azurewood Tree
Soul Power: 1 Year (+) 41000/100
Items: None
Experience Points: 41000
...
The previously empty panel now showed two changes — a (+) symbol beside Soul Power and the constantly jumping number of experience points.
Chen Xiaoming's heart pounded as he tentatively focused on the (+) symbol.
Soul Power: 2 Years (+) 43800/200
In an instant, his soul power doubled. He could feel the surge within him.
His little heart thumped wildly — he was going to rise! No longer would he be a useless tree!
Ding!
[You took an excited deep breath. Experience +10000.]
Chen Xiaoming froze — then breathed harder.
Ding!
[You took an excited deep breath. Experience +10000.]
Ding!
[You took an excited deep breath. Experience +10000.]
The numbers climbed faster and faster.
In mere moments, his soul power broke through ten years. His body expanded rapidly, the tiny sapling growing into a three-meter-tall tree. Fragile twigs thickened into branches as sturdy as wrists, leaves flourishing in lush abundance.
The once stifling air felt fresher than ever.
Chen Xiaoming's heart raced — until he nearly passed out.
"I... I need to catch my breath."
Ding!
[You took a long breath. Experience +100000.]
Chen Xiaoming froze.
Was this system... the devil?
He only wanted to rest! This was too terrifying!
"Can't a tree breathe in peace these days?"
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