abnabooks Chapter 4: Stealing Life and Fortune
Chapter 4: Stealing Life and Fortune
Chaos, without beginning or end, without top or bottom, is the origin of all "being" and the destination of all "non-being".
Xuan Tianyi's consciousness was like the smallest speck of dust, suspended in this "existence" that existed outside of concepts and above logic.
There is no real sense of the passage of time; perhaps eternity has passed, or perhaps it is only a snap of the fingers.
Until that magnificent, cold, and seemingly cosmic Daoist voice, carrying three completely different paths, all leading to the supreme realm, forcefully crashed into the depths of his swaying spiritual light.
The Analects is vast and majestic, like the sun shining brightly in the sky, educating all people and its words becoming law.
The clarity of the Heart Sutra illuminates emptiness, like the moon reflected in water, transcending suffering and revealing one's true nature.
The profound mysteries of the I Ching encompass everything, like a state before chaos was divided and yin and yang were separated, yet it contains the ultimate possibility of giving rise to everything and exhausting all changes.
No hesitation.
You don't even need to think.
When the twelve words "stealing life and fortune, altering cause and effect, and using change to prove the Tao" seem to be written by the most fundamental laws;
As the ever-evolving, ever-changing image of the jade disc, from Tai Chi to Bagua, from the sixty-four hexagrams to the three hundred and eighty-four lines, seemingly condensing the entire universe's laws of birth and death, came into view;
A powerful resonance originating from the deepest part of the soul, inexplicable by reason, erupted like a volcano that had been dormant for millions of years!
Yes.
that's it!
He did not want the shackles of the grand and righteous path, which, though glorious, would inevitably burden him with the heavy mission of education, order, and even some kind of "correctness."
He was all alone, having just crawled out of a sea of blood from hell. He could barely take care of himself, let alone help the world.
He also did not want that absolute emptiness that transcends the world, which may be profound, but it means severing worldly ties, letting go of attachments, and even ultimately "no self".
He couldn't let go! He couldn't let go of the kindness of Uncle Lin who protected him with his life, he couldn't let go of his parents' heart-wrenching words of advice before they left, and he couldn't let go of his almost greedy desire to "live" itself.
Even more so, they couldn't let go of their overwhelming hatred and... curiosity about this messed-up world, that eerie blood moon, and those ferocious beasts!
He wants to engage with the world! He wants to fight! He wants to seize!
We must wallow in the mire of fate, and personally pull down those so-called "destinies" that are high above and manipulate all living beings, and trample them into the mud!
He wanted to see clearly what this thing called fate really was!
If it is unfair, he will steal it! If it binds him, he will change it!
"The source of change, the root of law...wielding the power of cause and effect, stealing life and destiny..."
Xuan Tianyi's consciousness watched the ever-evolving jade disc, pondering this cold and domineering description.
The original owner of this body lost his family and loved ones because he was unable to control his own destiny, and finally breathed his last in severe injury, fear and despair.
He himself was brutally thrown into this hell by an irresistible force, and almost became prey for beasts the moment he opened his eyes.
They all have a profound and unforgettable understanding of the word "fate," a feeling mixed with blood and tears.
"I don't want to be controlled by anything anymore!"
A silent roar, yet one that seemed to shatter even his fragile glimmer of light, reverberated through the chaos.
"I want power! The power to control my own destiny! The power to see the trajectory of fate! If possible... I also want to firmly grasp this damned fate in my own hands!"
A powerful desire, a mixture of extreme resentment, deep anger, and the most primal will to survive, like the terrifying energy brewing within the Genesis Nebula, collapsed and exploded at the core of his consciousness!
"The Book of Changes, its thorough investigation of change and its grasp of opportunity—that's exactly what I need! Stealing fate and destiny…sounds sinister? So what!"
The lingering shadows of the moral framework from the previous life attempt to issue a warning, but are immediately crushed by the colder, more realistic laws of survival.
The deep, bone-revealing bloodstains on Uncle Lin's chest, the foul-smelling saliva dripping from the corpse dog's mouth, the utter despair in the eyes of the fleeing crowd under the blood moon... all of this was a silent roar: Power!
Only power is the sole passport in this world!
Survival, and survival by any means necessary, is the supreme law!
"What I need is... the power to control myself, and even to spy on, influence, and alter the destinies of others and things! The power to seize a glimmer of hope in dire straits, to turn the impossible into the possible!"
Without a second's hesitation, Xuan Tianyi gathered all the will born from the fusion of his souls from his transmigration and two lifetimes. Like the most devout and fervent pilgrim, or a gambler betting everything, he cried out at the level of his soul towards the profound jade disc representing the *I Ching*:
"I choose—the I Ching!"
"boom--!!!"
The moment the decision was made, an indescribable roar did not come from the ears, but directly shook the entire concept of "existence"!
The jade disc phantom, located at the center of chaos and constantly evolving, suddenly erupted with a dark radiance that devoured everything!
That wasn't destruction, it was creation! It was the beginning of a new world!
The endless, mysterious purple energy, as if suppressed for countless epochs, finally found an outlet and burst forth from the "origin" at the center of the jade disc!
The purple aura, like a dragon, roamed freely, violently colliding, merging, annihilating, and being reborn with the eternally flowing, primordial chaos around it!
Where the light passed, chaos was "defined," and clarity and turbidity began to separate. It was as if a miniature "world," containing the rudiments of supreme laws, was being born and evolving against all reason at the center of this explosion!
Xuan Tianyi's consciousness was completely overwhelmed by the unimaginable magnificence and grandeur.
He lost the boundaries of his "self," as if he had become part of this pioneering landscape.
He saw that the first thing to settle in the endless light was a slowly rotating "Tai Chi diagram"!
Black and white fish, head to tail, chasing and flowing.
It is simple to the extreme, yet it seems to illustrate the most fundamental laws of the universe—yin and yang, life and death, movement and stillness, reality and illusion... All opposing concepts are unified here, and infinite changes are born in this unity.
Its quiet rotation is the manifestation of the Tao, the fundamental principle that all things carry yin and embrace yang.
Immediately afterwards, Taiji gave rise to Yin and Yang, with the pure rising and the turbid descending, and heaven and earth were first separated! Yin and Yang transformed into the Four Symbols: Lesser Yin, Lesser Yang, Greater Yin, and Greater Yang, standing in the four directions, symbolizing the rotation of time and space and the changing of the four seasons!
The four symbols never ceased their evolution, transforming into eight towering pillars that exude an ancient and vast aura—the Primordial Eight Trigrams!
Qian (乾) represents Heaven, which is supremely high and vast, and is vigorous and inexhaustible!
Kun (?) represents the earth, which is supremely thick and virtuous, bearing all things!
The character 震 (zhèn) represents thunder, which signifies movement and vigor, awakening those who are dormant!
The trigram Xun (巽) represents wind, which enters without obstruction, flowing smoothly and adaptably!
Kan (坎) represents water, signifying danger and potential for falling into a trap, yet it also contains inner strength!
Li (?) represents fire, which is beautiful and dependent, illuminating all directions!
Gen (艮) represents a mountain, signifying stillness and stability, as firm as a rock!
Dui (酨) represents a lake, signifying joy and moisture, and expressing happiness in speech.
The Eight Trigrams stand in a tripod, surrounding the Tai Chi symbol, representing the eight basic elements and forces that constitute the world: heaven, earth, wind, thunder, water, fire, and lake. The basic framework of the universe is established here!
Change never ends!
The eight trigrams interact and overlap, instantly evolving into the more subtle and complex "Later Heaven Sixty-Four Hexagrams"!
From "Qian for Heaven," symbolizing strength and progress, to "Fire and Water in Completion," signifying that things are not yet finished and one must be cautious from beginning to end, the sixty-four hexagrams are like sixty-four condensed models of the universe, encompassing all the situations and philosophies of the evolution of heaven and earth, the rise and fall of human life, and the transformation of good fortune and misfortune!
Each hexagram is a cross-section of fate, a revelation of life.
But this is not the end!
Each of the sixty-four hexagrams consists of six lines, either yin (--) or yang (—).
The three hundred and eighty-four "line statements" are like stars in the sky, flickering and illuminating as the hexagrams change!
They symbolize every subtle turning point, change, advance and retreat, gain and loss in the development of things; they are the most delicate ripples in the long river of fate, and the finest threads in the network of cause and effect.
Infinite hexagrams, lines, and patterns of laws intertwine, transform, and evolve wildly in the brilliance of the creation of chaos, endlessly regenerating and cycling.
They seem to possess life, wanting to thoroughly analyze and deconstruct this chaotic sea, and then re-weave and reconstruct it according to the supreme laws of the I Ching!
A grand vision of "the Way of Change is all-encompassing, all-inclusive, all-encompassing, and all-encompassing" spread out, leaving Xuan Tianyi's consciousness with only the purest shock and fascination.
Although he could not comprehend even a fraction of its profound meaning, the beauty of the "Tao" that points directly to the origin of the world and the laws of all things, and the wonder of the "Yi" that controls all changes and exhausts all possibilities, were engraved like the deepest imprint on the depths of his newborn soul.
I don't know if it's a fleeting moment or eternity.
This earth-shattering, world-opening phenomenon of the Great Dao's evolution finally subsided and receded.
All the surging mysterious light and purple energy, all the changing hexagrams and lines, collapsed and condensed towards the center, like rivers flowing into the sea.
Ultimately, at the core of Xuan Tianyi's consciousness, it transformed into a miniature, slowly rotating "Innate Bagua Plate" phantom.
At the center, the Tai Chi symbol, like the heart of the universe, rotates eternally.
On the outer perimeter, the Eight Trigrams of the Primordial Heaven act as eight pillars, guarding the eight directions.
Deeper still, the light and shadow of the sixty-four hexagrams and three hundred and eighty-four lines appear and disappear, forming the profound and endless ocean of internal laws of this "Bagua Plate".
At the same time, the complete information flow about this "system," which was completely shaped by his choice, emerged clearly, coldly, and undeniably:
[Host's choice confirmed. Core foundation anchored in the *I Ching*.]
[The Ultimate Form of the Modified System for the Evolution of the Heavens has been activated!]
[The system's ultimate core: Stealing life and fortune, altering cause and effect, and using change to prove the Dao.]
[Core Driving Energy: Life Points.]
[System's ultimate motto: "The Way of Change, the Heavens, the Earth, all living beings... all things and spirits, all heavens and realms, endless destinies, all are my sustenance!"]
"Stealing lives and fortunes... altering cause and effect..."
Xuan Tianyi's consciousness chewed over these eight words, and a monstrous wave surged deep within his soul.
The core of this system is so naked, so domineering, so... intolerable to heaven and earth!
It's practically the ultimate weapon born to defy fate and blaspheme against common sense!
He continued to process the information, and when he saw the specific source of the "Life Source Points," a chill mixed with an indescribable tremor instantly swept through his body:
[The Source of Destiny, the origin of fate, the thread of cause and effect, the root of destiny, the weight of rank, and the splendor of fortune. The system can establish a "connection" with all things and spirits through the host, thereby absorbing, cutting, and plundering the "origin" from their destiny trajectory and converting it into Source of Destiny Points.]
[Main acquisition methods:]
[1. Terminating Plunder: Directly terminates life, plundering the vast majority of its remaining life force in one fell swoop. The higher the target life level and the greater the impact of its destiny trajectory on the world, the richer the harvest.]
[2. Divination and Theft: Using "transaction" as a medium, one divines the fortunes of others and points out their future path. In reality, one uses them as "coordinates" and "beacons" to "peep" at and "cut out" a portion of the "origin" from the countless possible branches of their future destiny, and transform it into the source of their fate.]
The more critical the question in the divination, the greater its impact on the diviner's future, and the more extensive the theft. (Note: This process must adhere to the "appearance" of equivalent exchange, without affecting the diviner's current fundamental destiny; it only steals "future possibilities.")
[3. Fate-Changing Commission: Through the host's actions, the original destiny of a person or force is substantially and significantly reversed or overturned, creating a massive "ripple effect of fate" and a "tsunami of cause and effect." The system can extract a massive amount of life essence from this as a "processing fee" and "energy commission."]
[4. More hidden pathways will be gradually unlocked as the host grows and explores.]
[Consuming Life Points allows for: unlocking hexagram-based spells, optimizing cultivation techniques and supernatural abilities, briefly interfering with one's own or a target's destiny, performing advanced divination, and unlocking deeper system permissions and functions.]
"This...this is simply...the ultimate predator that treats all living beings as lambs and fate as its pasture..."
Xuan Tianyi felt a tremor originating from his life instincts.
The way this system operates transcends simple judgments of good and bad, right and wrong. It stands at a higher level, almost like the "Tao," and regards the fate of all living beings as "resources" that can be harvested.
But then, the cruel reality of survival in the apocalypse, Uncle Lin's straight spine even on the verge of death, his own madness as he fought the zombie dogs to the death, the last gaze in his parents' fragmented memories... all these images intertwine and collide.
"No!"
A colder, harder, and more resolute will, like the hardest black iron beneath an icy abyss, rose from the depths of his soul, instantly overwhelming the pointless chill and moral hesitation.
"This isn't plunder, it's... a transaction! It's a mutually beneficial arrangement! It's a choice... forced upon me by this world!"
"Power has no distinction between good and evil; it depends only on who wields it and how it is used! The system is a knife, a weapon, but if you use this knife to cut through thorns and brambles, to carve out a path to survival, to protect what should be protected, to destroy what should be destroyed, to seek the truth, to take control of your own destiny... then this knife is my path!"
"If fate is unfair, I will steal it! If karma binds me, I will change it! I will live, I will become stronger than anyone else! I will use this stolen power of fate to forge my own path, a path that no one can dictate!"
An unprecedented clarity and resolve, like a sword blank tempered in the fires of hell, was finally fully formed at this moment.
He no longer cared whether the means were ethical; survival and achieving his goals became the only criteria.
This path of "stealing lives and seizing opportunities" may be full of sin and risk, but... he's determined to take it!
[Bound Host: Xuan Tianyi.]
[Soul binding complete... Initiating the awakening of the host's innate divination technique (talented supernatural power)...]
The illusory image of the innate Bagua plate suspended at the core of consciousness rippled slightly, the central Taiji diagram rotated faster, and a unique, mysterious rune, seemingly woven from countless tiny ripples of destiny, appeared.
Peeled from the depths of the Bagua plate, as if possessing life, it slowly imprinted itself on the core and essence of Xuan Tianyi's consciousness, onto the "True Spirit."
[Successfully Awakened to the Natal Divination Technique: Determining Fate Through Cause and Effect]
[Description: Directly addressing the essence of cause and effect and probability, its methods are unpredictable and impossible to guard against. Even a pebble thrown into the river of fate can stir up a raging storm. An invisible hand manipulates fortune and misfortune.]
[Initial Ability Unlocked:]
[1. Bandit Marriage (Beginner): Can slightly distort the "direct causal relationship" of an attack or event. It can cause a seemingly certain hit to miss by a hair's breadth due to various "accidents"; or cause a near-impossible random attack to strike a vital point due to some "coincidence." (Note: Before mastering the power of causality, activation requires Life Points; the effect is related to the cost, the target's energy level, and the complexity of the event.)]
[2. Unexpected Calamity (Beginner): Applies a brief, weak "Abnormal Luck" status to a single target. This makes them more prone to minor mistakes, unexpected troubles, or... minor strokes of luck for a short period. (Note: Consumes Life Points; effects are unpredictable and can have unforeseen consequences; use with caution.)]
[3. **Observational Analysis (Beginner):** Briefly "replays" or "predicts" the target's (including your own) movement trajectory and energy flow trend within the past ten seconds/next three seconds. Used for extreme evasion, analyzing weaknesses, and predicting attacks. (Note: Consumes Life Points; effectiveness decreases drastically against targets with significantly higher energy levels.)]
"Cause and effect...destiny..."
Xuan Tianyi felt the rune imprinted deep within his true spirit, and its strange and unconventional power essence made his heart race.
This ability is practically tailor-made for overcoming the strong with the weak, turning the tide in desperate situations, and even secretly plotting against others!
In a life-or-death struggle, being able to see through the opponent's movement trajectory and subtly influence the outcome of an attack is a huge advantage!
[New player starting gift pack distributed...]
[Gift Pack Contents: 1. One free opportunity to perform a "One-Time Supreme Deduction". (Based on the host's provided basic techniques, visualization goals, initial conception, or core intentions, in-depth deduction and modification optimization can be performed, resulting in unique and highly adaptable outcomes.)]
[2. Unlock a "Beginner Hexagram Text" jade token for free. (Randomly unlock one of the 384 hexagram texts, transforming it into a corresponding spell jade token and planting it into your consciousness.)]
[Use the new player gift pack now?]
The vast flow of information finally subsided and was completely absorbed.
Xuan Tianyi's consciousness stood still in this mysterious sea of consciousness space guarded by the innate Bagua plate, gazing at the slowly rotating system core. His heart was filled with turbulent waves, but he had completely calmed down.
The system truly exists.
Moreover, it's a modified version of the I Ching that perfectly suits his tastes and has limitless potential!
Stealing destiny, altering cause and effect!
This is no longer defying the heavens; this is attempting to become a part of "heaven," or even... to replace it!
After the euphoria came a sobering realization, like being doused with ice water.
This world is too dangerous; even at the very beginning, it's a matter of life and death.
The system is our reliance, our trump card, but we must never become dependent on it, and we must never expose it in the slightest.
The principle that "possessing a treasure invites trouble" is a stark truth in any world.
If you're not strong enough, even the most powerful cheat codes will lead you to your doom.
"New player gift pack..."
His consciousness was focused on the final hint.
The derivation and optimization of cultivation techniques, and the unlocking of hexagram text techniques, are the foundation for preserving one's life.
But he did not immediately choose "yes".
The most urgent task is not to rush to acquire power, but to thoroughly understand our current situation.
The fusion of memories was forced to accelerate under the impact of the system's awakening, but many details remained blurry.
The specific rules of this world, the power system, the original owner's identity and background, the current exact situation, and even the extremely bad state of this body... all need to be clearly understood as soon as possible.
"Wait a minute."
Xuan Tianyi made a calm decision and conveyed his intention to postpone the process to the system.
As this thought arose, the chaotic sea of phenomena, manifested by the system and existing between reality and illusion, began to slowly fade and disappear.
That point of mysterious light, which was the core origin of the system, completely merged into the depths of his consciousness and disappeared.
However, he could clearly perceive that the illusory image of the innate Bagua plate, composed of the Taiji Bagua diagram, was already closely connected with his true soul, like a newly conceived "organ" that had become an inseparable part of his existence.
A faint, heart-like pulse emanated from the center of the Bagua plate, subtly synchronized with his own life rhythm.
Consciousness began to withdraw from this profound and mysterious "inner landscape," slowly returning to the wounded, blood-depleted, yet perfectly bound body with his soul.
The coldness, pain, and intense stench of blood and death of the real world surged in from all directions once again like a tide.