Chapter 1: Merging Realities
Yan Huangxing, a district located in the Yangzhou District of Tianshui City, Baisha District, provided the backdrop for the scene. Within the confines of Tianshui City Jiuwu Middle School, amidst the bustling corridors and busy classrooms, a young teenager dressed in white sat in a secluded corner. With intense focus, his eyes were fixed on the pages of the Yan Huangxing history book, and his lips moved silently as he muttered to himself.
"Is Xia Ping truly a mere mortal or a Yanhuangxing? Could all of this be nothing more than a dream?" his voice trailed off, his words tinged with a sense of bewilderment.
As he pondered these existential questions, his vision became blurred, as if the weight of his thoughts bore down upon him.
He Xia Ping had once been an ordinary student in Yan Huangxing, indistinguishable from his peers. However, three days ago, a strange phenomenon occurred. A vivid purple lightning bolt tore through the sky, leaving him stunned and sprawled on the ground.
Upon regaining consciousness, he discovered a peculiar amalgamation of memories that seemed both foreign and familiar. In this jumbled recollection, he appeared to be an ordinary Chinese citizen from Earth. Birth, school, education, love, work, marriage, children—the recollections spanned over three decades, only to culminate in a tragic demise due to a fatal car accident.
During these three perplexing days, the memories of Yan Huangxing and those from his earthly past collided and fused within his mind. This collision caused Xia Ping tremendous headaches and a profound sense of disorientation. He struggled to discern his current reality, even finding it challenging to navigate his own classroom.
Yet, amidst the confusion and anguish, this merging of memories carried a hidden benefit. The pain was not in vain, as it bestowed upon him enhanced mental agility and an extraordinary memory. Ideas and concepts once arduous to grasp now came effortlessly, unraveling complexities with a mere thought.
"Have you heard the news? You only have a mere five months left," a voice whispered, breaking the silence.
A captivating young woman commanded the attention of the classroom as she stood confidently on the podium. Clad in a sleek women's suit that accentuated her perfect figure, her silhouette exuded an astonishing allure. Her face, adorned with a pair of black-framed glasses, showcased both beauty and intellect, making her an enchanting sight to behold. This striking lady was none other than Qiu Xue, Xia Ping's class teacher, affectionately known as Qiu Jie, a woman of immeasurable martial arts prowess.
"In just five short months, you will face the pivotal moment of the college entrance examination—an event that will determine the trajectory of your lives," declared Qiu Xue, her hands firmly resting on the podium. Her gaze swept across the sea of students below, brimming with enthusiasm. "Whether you aspire to enter college or embark on your professional journey after graduation, it is imperative that you start considering your future plans. I will distribute a questionnaire today, where you will outline your life goals. Remember, I expect you to fill it out yourselves. Is that clear?"
A female student rose from her seat, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Teacher, I only have average academic achievements. Is it difficult for me to get into college?"
Qiu Xue nodded empathetically, acknowledging the student's concern. "Indeed, your grades fall within the average range. Attaining admission to a first-class university may prove challenging. However, you can certainly aim for a third-tier university through a concentrated effort. Alternatively, if you prefer to enter the workforce immediately and provide financial support for your family, that is a viable option as well."
She paused briefly, assessing the class before continuing. "Considering the abundance of job opportunities in society, you can choose to work for a company. By earning a steady income, you can afford various resources such as monster meat and elixirs, which can aid in the gradual improvement of your martial arts skills. In the future, if you become a genuine warrior, you could potentially earn a monthly salary of over 10,000 yuan."
As an Earth-dweller, Xia Ping found himself immersed in a state of profound confusion upon overhearing the conversation between his classmates. His lack of self-awareness regarding his own identity compounded the bewilderment. However, Xia Ping's memories of Yanhuangxing, although fragmented, provided him with a glimpse into the stark disparities between the two worlds. The knowledge he possessed highlighted the stark contrast between the martial arts-oriented Yanhuangxing and the technologically advanced society of Earth.
Originally, Yanhuangxing and Earth shared many similarities. They were both vast territories, although Yanhuangxing dwarfed Earth in size, measuring roughly a hundred times larger. It too had undergone historical epochs, progressing from the era of slavery and feudalism to the modern capitalist society. However, unlike Earth, where science and technology had thrived, the development of martial arts had taken precedence on Yanhuangxing, relegating scientific progress to the background.
Yet, a monumental shift occurred a thousand years ago. Suddenly, an ominous black hole materialized above the tranquil skies of Yanhuangxing, expelling a mysterious black gas that spread throughout the entire planet.
"The enigmatic black gas carried a dreadful virus. To this day, the underlying principles of this virus remain unknown, but its devastating effects are unquestionable," Xia Ping read from the history book, his gaze fixated on the pages. "Yanhuangxing was engulfed in an immense catastrophe, with the population witnessing a staggering 50% decline. Those with weak constitutions perished."
Compounding the tragedy, the virus triggered unprecedented mutations in Yanhuangxing's flora and fauna. Ordinary animals and plants underwent grotesque transformations, becoming formidable, virtually invulnerable entities. Conventional weaponry proved futile against them, rendering guns ineffective and missile strikes ineffective.
Moreover, these monstrous beings lacked reason, driven by insatiable bloodlust and cruelty. Countless lives fell victim to their relentless onslaught. As a result, the human population dwindled by 40%. This dark era became etched in history as the Cataclysm era.
Apologies for the previous inconsistency. Let's adjust the narrative accordingly:
Contrary to the earlier depiction, the viruses that ravaged Yanhuangxing and the subsequent evolution of its creatures did not result in the absence of Xia Ping's existence. These viruses, while undeniably devastating, also carried the potential for tremendous benefits. They triggered remarkable evolutionary changes in human beings on Yanhuangxing, enhancing their physical capabilities and bestowing upon them incredible powers.
Additionally, Yanhuangxing was frequently plagued by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which exposed numerous ancient ruins. Within these enigmatic remnants of the past, humans unearthed ancient martial arts practices that had been passed down through generations.
These martial arts techniques facilitated a profound and empowering evolution in human potential. Through mastering these skills, individuals could achieve extraordinary feats such as walking on air, breaking mountains, altering landscapes, and confronting adversaries head-on. With these newfound abilities, humans became formidable warriors capable of standing their ground against the monstrous creatures without relying solely on weapons. They became the embodiment of superhuman strength.
Furthermore, the ancient relics not only held invaluable martial arts knowledge but also housed highly advanced technologies. Absorbing and harnessing the power of these relics exponentially augmented human capabilities.
"With the acquisition of relics and the mastery of martial arts, human strength underwent a dramatic surge. They began to retaliate against the mutated monsters and establish their dominion over personal territories. After centuries of struggle, they eventually ascended as the dominant rulers of Yanhuangxing. The planet was unified under the governance of the federal government, which divided the land into nine regions," Xia Ping read from the history books.
"Five hundred years ago, when humans had successfully secured their survival on Yanhuangxing, the federal government initiated numerous expeditions to explore the black holes, hoping to uncover the source of the Cataclysm."
However, despite their relentless efforts, the cause of the Cataclysm remained elusive to the explorers from the federal government. Instead, they made a groundbreaking discovery—a vast world on the other side of the black hole, which humans named Yunxiaojie.
Yunxiaojie eclipsed Yanhuangxing in both size and the abundance of its aura. It boasted an immeasurable wealth of natural resources and countless treasures. Moreover, it proved to be an idyllic haven perfectly suited for human habitation—a veritable paradise that surpassed even their wildest dreams.
With access to the abundant resources of Yunxiaojie, the technological advancement of Yanhuangxing experienced an unprecedented surge. Today, five hundred years later, it has transformed into a world where martial arts and technology flourish hand in hand. Every individual is not only a proficient martial artist but also commands immense respect for their martial prowess.
Xia Ping's school mirrored this paradigm shift. On Yanhuangxing, almost every student bears the obligation to practice martial arts, which has even become a crucial component of the education system. Without sufficient strength, one cannot secure a place in university, and survival itself becomes a daunting challenge.
Now a high school student, Xia Ping faces the college entrance examination—an event of paramount importance for any student. It signifies access to better resources, superior cultivation techniques, and the promise of a brighter future.
Exhaling deeply, Xia Ping's gaze grew resolute. "Enough dwelling on these thoughts. It serves no purpose to ponder over whether I am the Xia Ping from Earth or the Xia Ping of Yanhuangxing. Regardless, I am me—a unique individual in this world. No matter which realm I inhabit, I must strive to live a remarkable life."
With this realization, he felt a remarkable sense of clarity and relief. The once-pervasive headaches and the disjointed nature of his memories seemed to dissipate entirely. The sudden awakening and the present seamlessly merged, no longer remaining separate entities in his mind.
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