Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

That cold, mechanical voice didn't enter through the ears, but was directly imprinted on the deepest part of his consciousness, so clear that there was no doubt about it. Like an ice crystal at absolute zero falling into a boiling oil pot, it instantly stirred up a huge wave in Chen Xing's almost collapsing mental world.

[Imperial Overlord System, Activating...]

[10%... 30%... 70%... 100%!]

[Activation successful! Host bound: Chen Xing.]

[Host's current era detected: Divine Continent, a time of chaos, the decline of dynasties, and the fragmentation of power among warlords.]

[Host's initial state detected: extremely weak, on the verge of death, in dire straits.]

[System Ultimate Goal Assistance: End the chaos, establish an unparalleled empire, and achieve the position of hegemon!]

[New player gift pack has been sent, please check it.]

A stream of information, devoid of any emotion, surged forth like a raging flood, washing away the last vestiges of chaos and despair in Chen Xing's mind. He froze on the spot, his outstretched hand suspended in mid-air, his resolute stance, poised to leap off the cliff, solidified. The expression on his face shifted instantly from extreme fear and resentment to utter shock and bewilderment.

System...?

This overused cheat code in online literature actually exists? And, at this moment when he is about to die, it arrives in an undeniable way?

This was no illusion! The cold voice, the text messages appearing directly in his mind—they were all undeniably real! Science couldn't explain it? No, when it truly happened to him, the so-called scientific barriers seemed utterly ridiculous. Existence is its own justification; at least for now, this "system" was his only lifeline!

Time seemed to stretch out infinitely at that moment. The Hu infantryman holding the rope, a sinister grin on his face, had his outstretched hand less than half a foot from Chen Xing's collar; the scarred leader on horseback behind him still had the cruel mockery in his eyes; the other Hu cavalrymen surrounding him in a fan shape, their relaxed postures indicating that they believed their prey was already within their grasp.

Chen Xing's mind raced faster than ever before. He had no time to explore the system's origins and principles; he only knew that this was an opportunity! His only opportunity!

"Check it! Check the newbie gift pack immediately!" he shouted frantically in his mind, like a drowning man grabbing onto the last piece of driftwood.

[Instructions received. New player gift pack opening...]

[Congratulations, host, you have obtained:]

[1. Physical Enhancement: Ancient Martial Arts Body (Beginner) - Effective Immediately!]

[2. Initial Unit: 100-man Wei Wuzu Template Guard - Available for summoning at any time!]

3. System Points: 100 points – can be redeemed for items in the system shop.

[The gift pack has been sent to your system space. You can deploy your troops at any time, and the points have been credited to your account.]

Almost the instant the notification sound ended, an indescribable surge of heat suddenly erupted from the depths of every cell in Chen Xing's body! This heat was initially gentle, but then it became violent, like a river bursting its banks, surging and turbulently washing over his limbs, bones, and internal organs!

"Ugh—!"

He couldn't help but let out a suppressed growl. It wasn't a painful scream, but a complex experience of extreme pleasure mixed with a slight tearing sensation, brought about by an extreme expansion of power and the forced modification of his body.

He could clearly "hear" the subtle crackling sounds from within his body, like a bowstring being taut—his bones were being strengthened. He could feel his muscle fibers becoming denser and more explosive under the warmth. His heart, which had been pounding violently and almost exhausted from running and fear, now seemed to be infused with a powerful vitality, beating steadily and forcefully, pumping energy-rich blood throughout his body. The burning pain in his lungs disappeared, and his breathing became long and deep, each breath seemingly drawing in the meager energy from the surrounding air. Even his sense of smell, which had been almost numb from the stench of blood and stench, became more acute, allowing him to clearly distinguish the subtle differences in the degree of decay of different corpses, as well as the strong muttony smell and sweat emanating from the Hu man opposite him.

Even more remarkably, his vision and hearing underwent a dramatic transformation. The previously somewhat blurry, ferocious face of the Hu man was now crystal clear, revealing even the fine wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and the texture of the aged stains on his leather armor. The rustling of crows' wings in the distance, the howling of the wind cutting through the crevices of the rocks below the cliff, and even the slightly rapid breathing of the approaching Hu infantryman beside him all seemed to be ringing in his ears.

This is... Ancient Martial Arts Body (Beginner)?

An unprecedented sense of power filled Chen Xing's body. His previous fatigue, weakness, and fear seemed to be completely washed away and dispelled by this surge of heat. He was still himself, but his inner core had been transformed, from a modern researcher with no physical strength whatsoever into a warrior in the making with superhuman abilities!

All of this sounds like a long story, but in reality, it happens in the blink of an eye.

The approaching Hu infantryman, though slightly surprised by Chen Xing's sudden freeze and low growl, didn't think much of it, assuming it was just the "two-legged sheep's" futile struggle before death. His sneer remained unchanged as he swiftly reached out with his right hand to grab Chen Xing's shoulder, while his left hand held the rope, ready to loop it around him.

"You lowly thing, come here!"

Just as his rough, dirty fingers were about to touch Chen Xing's collar—

Chen Xing made his move!

His movements were as fast as a ghost, a stark contrast to his previous stumbling escape!

His previously stiff body suddenly tilted slightly to the right, a small movement, but perfectly timed to avoid the barbarian infantryman's grabbing hand. At the same time, his right hand, like a venomous snake that had been poised for a long time, shot out with lightning speed, not to block, but to precisely seize the wrist of the barbarian infantryman's left hand holding the rope!

"What?!" The sneer on the Hu infantryman's face froze instantly, turning into astonishment. He felt as if his wrist was being tightly clamped by an iron vise, a sharp pain and immense binding force making him unable to move an inch.

This sudden counterattack not only stunned the captured Hu infantry, but also the Hu cavalry who had been watching the spectacle from behind. The scarred leader frowned, a hint of doubt and wariness flashing in his eyes.

Chen Xing gave his opponent no time to react. As he gripped the opponent's wrist, his left leg shot out like a taut bowstring, delivering a swift side kick that slammed into the unprotected abdomen of the Hu infantryman!

"Bang!"

A dull thud of flesh colliding rang out.

"Ugh—!" The Hu infantryman let out a shrill scream, as if he had been hit by a galloping bull. His body flew backward uncontrollably, directly knocking down another cavalryman who was about to dismount. The two rolled into a ball, groaning in pain.

The power of this kick far exceeded Chen Xing's own imagination and completely shocked all the Hu people present!

For a moment, an eerie silence fell over the edge of the cliff. Only the sound of the wind and the distant cawing of crows remained.

The mockery and ease on the faces of the Hu people vanished, replaced by suspicion and rising anger. They looked at the Han youth standing on the edge of the cliff, who had been seen as a lamb to the slaughter. Now, his eyes were no longer filled with fear and despair, but had become cold, sharp, and even carried a kind of... oppressive feeling that made them feel vaguely uneasy.

The scarred leader stared intently at Chen Xing, his eyes sinister: "You've got some skills! So you're a trained fighter! No wonder you dared to hide! All of you, get him! Cripple him alive! I want to skin him alive myself!"

At the command, the remaining Hu cavalrymen abandoned their initial contempt, their faces contorted with ferocity. They drew their scimitars, spurred their horses, and began to tighten the encirclement. The dismounted infantrymen also rose to their feet, their eyes flashing menacingly as they closed in.

Facing a resurgent enemy force that far outnumbered him, Chen Xing's heartbeat remained steady, and his mind remained exceptionally calm. His ancient martial arts background brought him not only strength, but also a sense of composure and clear thinking in the face of battle.

He assessed the situation: his physical abilities had improved significantly, but his combat skills were almost nonexistent. He might be able to overwhelm one or two ordinary infantrymen with his strength and speed, but he was still in grave danger when facing a large group of cavalrymen who might charge at any moment.

We can't fight them head-on!

His consciousness immediately sank into his mind. There, besides the system's prompts, there seemed to be a vague, perceptible space. In that space, he "saw" the phantom of a neatly arranged, silent, and chilling army. They were clad in armor, sharp-eyed, and stood as still as rocks, awaiting orders.

A 100-man Wei Wuzu (Wei Warrior) template personal guard!

It's now!

Chen Xing took a deep breath. Facing the advancing Hu people, his eyes showed no fear, only a resolute determination and a chilling glint of impending thunder. He raised his hand, not pointing to any specific enemy, but to a relatively flat open space to the side and rear of the Hu cavalry.

It's time to end this chase!

In his heart, he issued a silent yet crystal-clear command to the army awaiting his call:

"The Wei elite infantry guards have arrived!"