I'd need to relearn basic physical interactions—how to touch objects without destroying them, how to walk without cracking the floorboards, how to interact with other people without accidentally crushing their bones to dust.
I moved to the center of the room, mindful of my steps, feeling the floorboards creak alarmingly beneath my weight despite my attempt at treading lightly.
As I stood there, I tried to comprehend fully the magnitude of what had happened.
Three days ago, I desperately sought any means of survival in this world.
The Phoenix clan's curse had limited cultivation to a pitiful level, making me little more than cannon fodder in the grand scheme of things.
My initial plans had all been long shots with minimal chances of success.
Now? Now I had options—real, viable options.
"Emperor Profound Realm," I whispered, still struggling to believe it.
"That's already beyond what anyone in the Phoenix clan has achieved in generations. Not the same as actual cultivation, but physically, I'm stronger than almost any cultivator in the Blue Wind Empire."
It wasn't enough to stand among the truly terrifying powers of this planet—the Sovereign Profound cultivators—but it was enough to carve out a significant position for myself.
Enough to be more than just another victim waiting for Yun Che, the protagonist, to eventually lift our clan's curse.
"What should I do about the Phoenix clan?" I pondered, carefully pacing the small room to avoid damaging anything else.
"What's my best move here?"
The Phoenix clan was cursed by their own god, a being of immense power who had punished them for generations because of shit one of the ancestors did by mistake.
With my new abilities, I could help them in ways the original Feng Tian never could.
Maybe I could go through the trials and free them from the curse, but that option raised questions,
"Could the Phoenix God's remnant spirit see into my memories?" I whispered to myself, the thought sending an uneasy chill down my spine.
"Could it detect that I'm not Feng Tian?"
If it could, then it might learn that I possessed knowledge of this world's future events and major players.
That would be... problematic, to say the least.
Gods in this world were not known for their mercy or understanding.
"Better not risk drawing the attention of divine spirits until I am capable of either protecting my memories or undoing this curse by myself," I decided, leaning against the wall with my arms crossed.
"For now, low profile is the way to go."
I closed my eyes, processing my options.
From the original Feng Tian's memories, I knew he had been deeply devoted to this clan.
They had treated him well despite him giving up on cultivation, accepting him as one of their own when many clans would have abandoned such a "useless" member.
They had been his family in every sense that mattered.
A sense of obligation gradually settled over me.
I might have taken over his body, but I could at least honor his attachments and connections.
"I'll help them," I decided, opening my eyes with renewed determination.
"Not because I need them for my survival anymore, but as a token of respect for the body's previous owner."
"This clan took care of him when they didn't have to—the least I can do is return the favor."
With my current strength, I could become a significant protector for the clan even without breaking the curse that limited their cultivation.
But, I had no intentions of sticking to this place for long, there are far more opportunities in this world, and staying here would only mean missing th--
KNOCK KNOCK!
A sharp knock at my door interrupted my thoughts.
I had sensed that someone was coming, but since they were a clan member, I did not pay much attention until they knocked.
"Feng Tian? Are you awake?" came a woman's voice from the other side—gentle but with an undercurrent of urgency.
"Just a moment,"
I called back, quickly kicking the remains of my broken bed into a less conspicuous pile in the corner.
I straightened my simple linen clothes and moved toward the door, taking care not to step too heavily on the creaking floorboards.
When I pulled the door open, I found Feng Mei standing there—a woman in her mid-twenties with the characteristic crimson hair of the Phoenix clan, though hers was more subdued, closer to auburn than the bright red of the clan elders.
She was one of the clan's herbalists, responsible for identifying and processing the spirit herbs that provided much of our livelihood.
"Good morning, Sister Mei," I greeted her, trying to sound as normal as possible.
"Is something wrong?"
Her eyes widened slightly as she looked at me, and I realized belatedly that she might have noticed differences in my appearance or bearing.
I tried to adopt a more slouched, casual posture to seem more like the Feng Tian she knew.
"You... look different," she said hesitantly, her head tilting slightly as she studied me.
"Did you grow overnight?"
I forced a casual laugh. "Just slept well, I guess. What brings you here so early?"
Feng Mei seemed to accept my evasion, though her eyes remained curious.
"I wanted to let you know that we're organizing another expedition to New Moon City in three days. The clan needs to sell our spirit herb harvest to the Black Moon Merchant Guild before the season ends."
I nodded in understanding.
The Phoenix clan survived largely by collecting rare spirit herbs from the forests surrounding our mountain home.
These herbs, while not the most valuable in the grand scheme of things, fetched enough at market to keep our small clan fed and clothed.
The Black Moon Merchant Guild in New Moon City was our primary buyer, providing a fair price when many other merchants would try to cheat us.
"Elder Ming asked if you would like to join us this time," Feng Mei continued.
"I know you usually stay behind to help with the children, but he thought you might want to see the city."
I raised an eyebrow in surprise.
The original Feng Tian had rarely left the clan compound, feeling that his lack of cultivation made him a liability on such journeys.
The path to New Moon City was treacherous, passing through forests populated by numerous profound beasts.
Even worse were the bandits who preyed on travelers, knowing that the roads were poorly patrolled in this remote region.
Every expedition carried risk.
Almost every time the clan ventured out, someone didn't return.
The only reason the Phoenix clan had survived this long was the protective array formation established around our compound by the Phoenix God long ago—a small mercy from the same being who had cursed us.
But now? With my new strength? Such dangers seemed almost laughable.
"Yes," I told Feng Mei, a small smile forming on my lips.
"I think I would very much like to join the expedition this time."
Her expression brightened.
"Wonderful! I'll let Elder Ming know. We leave at dawn in three days from now. It's a two-day journey to the city, so pack accordingly."
As she turned to leave, I called after her.
"Sister Mei? Is there anything specific I should bring? Or prepare for?"
She paused, looking back with a hint of concern.
"Just the usual precautions. The forest has been more active lately—three scouts reported seeing a pack of Flame Maned Wolves near the eastern path. "
"And there have been rumors of the Blood Hand bandits operating closer to our territory than before."
I nodded solemnly while, inwardly, a surge of anticipation bubbled up.
Flame-Manned Wolves and human bandits?
Nah, there would be no danger at all.
"I'll be ready," I assured her, and I meant it in ways she couldn't possibly understand.
After Feng Mei departed, I closed the door and leaned against it, a genuine smile spreading across my face.
This expedition would be the perfect opportunity to check where the plot was at, and no way am I gonna miss it.