The False Chosen God

Behind the Azure Cloud Sect, morning mist swirled through the mountains. Su Tianxing sat cross-legged on a bluestone, eyes closed, his spiritual energy circulating slowly through the pathways of the Azure Cloud Heart Method. As a core disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect, he had been stuck at the Golden Core stage for three whole years. Despite daily cultivation, he could never break through that barrier—thin as a cicada's wing in appearance, yet solid as granite in reality. "Another fruitless night." Su Tianxing opened his eyes, gazing at the gradually brightening eastern horizon, a trace of helplessness rising in his heart. At twenty-three, he was no longer considered young among his fellow disciples. If he couldn't achieve a breakthrough soon, his cultivation might remain stagnant for life. Just as he prepared to end his session and descend the mountain, a strange humming sound suddenly echoed from the sky. Su Tianxing looked up to see a golden light descending from above, flying straight toward him. The radiance was brilliant yet not blinding, instead giving off a warm and peaceful feeling. "What is this?" Su Tianxing instinctively wanted to dodge, but the golden light was too fast, instantly merging into his forehead. A violent dizziness struck him, and Su Tianxing felt as if something was awakening in his mind. Then, a majestic yet benevolent voice resonated in his heart: 【Suitable host detected. Heavenly Dao Farming System activating...】 【Activation successful! Congratulations, host Su Tianxing. You have been chosen by the Heavenly Dao to become the Chosen One who will save all living beings!】 Su Tianxing's eyes widened. This sudden change was difficult for him to accept. "Heavenly Dao? System? What is all this?" 【Host need not panic. This system is the manifestation of the Heavenly Dao's will, created specifically to save all living beings. The current world faces frequent disasters, and people suffer greatly. Sensing this, the Heavenly Dao has sent down this system, choosing those with virtue and ability as its agents to rescue the world's suffering masses.】 The system's voice was gentle yet filled with authority, as if it truly came from a sacred existence above the nine heavens. Su Tianxing felt a powerful force suddenly surge within him—his previously stagnant cultivation actually broke through the Golden Core stage's shackles in an instant, directly advancing to the Nascent Soul stage! "This... how is this possible?" Su Tianxing was shocked as he felt the surging spiritual energy within him. It was like a dried riverbed suddenly receiving sweet dew—every cell in his body was cheering with joy. 【This is merely a small portion of power bestowed by the Heavenly Dao. Since the host has been chosen, you naturally should possess strength matching your mission.】 The system explained. 【Now, please check your first task.】 A translucent light screen appeared in Su Tianxing's mind, displaying task information: 【Main Quest: Rescue Azure Cloud Town】 【Task Description: Azure Cloud Town suffers from drought, with withered farmlands and starving people. Please go and provide aid, demonstrating the compassion of the Chosen One.】 【Task Rewards: Divine Grain Seeds ×100, Cultivation Enhancement, Merit Points ×1000】 【Time Limit: Within three days】 Seeing this task, a warm current surged through Su Tianxing's heart. Azure Cloud Town was the small town at the foot of the Azure Cloud Sect, where the people were simple and kind. He had grown up there and felt deep affection for every blade of grass and tree. Hearing that the town was suffering disaster, he naturally couldn't stand by and do nothing. "What should I do?" Su Tianxing inquired mentally. 【The system has prepared everything needed for disaster relief. Please check the system store.】 Another light screen appeared, displaying various miraculous items: Divine Grain Seeds, Dew Artifacts, Harvest Talismans... Each item glowed with a faint golden light, appearing filled with sacred power. 【Divine Grain Seeds: Miraculous seeds containing the power of the Heavenly Dao, capable of instantly growing on any soil. The grain produced is nutritious and can resolve all hunger and suffering.】 【Dew Artifact: Can summon sweet dew to nourish the earth, allowing even the most drought-stricken land to regain vitality.】 Looking at these miraculous items, Su Tianxing's sense of mission grew stronger. If he could truly use these things to help the people of Azure Cloud Town, he would be doing something of immeasurable merit. "I accept this task," Su Tianxing said firmly. 【Excellent. The host's kind heart brings joy to the Heavenly Dao. Now please proceed to Azure Cloud Town. The system will guide you to complete the rescue.】 Su Tianxing stood up, feeling the unprecedented powerful force within him, his heart filled with confidence. He would use this power to help those in need—this was his mission as the Chosen One! However, just as he prepared to descend the mountain, a figure emerged from the forest. It was a young man who appeared to be in his early twenties, of medium build with sharp eyes—Lin Mo, a villager from Azure Cloud Town. "Senior Brother Su, cultivating so early in the morning?" Lin Mo approached with a faint smile on his face, but his eyes seemed capable of seeing through everything. "Lin Mo? What brings you here?" Su Tianxing was somewhat surprised. Though Lin Mo wasn't a cultivator, he had been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, with extremely keen observation skills, and held considerable respect in the town. "I heard the town suffered a drought, so I wanted to come up the mountain to ask the immortal masters of the Azure Cloud Sect for help." Lin Mo said, his gaze lingering on Su Tianxing for a moment. "Oh, Senior Brother Su, your cultivation... seems to have broken through?" Su Tianxing's heart jumped. He hadn't expected Lin Mo's perception to be so acute that he could detect changes in his cultivation. "Yes, I just had some insights and was fortunate enough to break through." "Congratulations, Senior Brother Su." Lin Mo nodded, but doubt flashed in his eyes. "However, this breakthrough seems somewhat... sudden?" 【Warning: Abnormal individual detected. Host advised to remain vigilant.】 The system's voice rang in Su Tianxing's mind, making his heart tighten. What did it mean by abnormal individual? Lin Mo was just an ordinary villager. "Cultivation matters are inherently mysterious and unpredictable," Su Tianxing said, trying to remain calm. "Since you came for the town's drought, that's perfect—I was just preparing to go down the mountain to assess the situation." "That's wonderful." Lin Mo smiled, but there seemed to be deeper meaning in that smile. "With Senior Brother Su taking action, the townspeople will be saved." The two descended the mountain together, but Su Tianxing remained uneasy. Why had the system issued a warning about Lin Mo? Could there be something wrong with this childhood friend? 【Host need not worry excessively. Focus on completing the task. The Heavenly Dao has its arrangements.】 The system's voice rang again, carrying an unquestionable authority. Su Tianxing nodded, temporarily suppressing his doubts. The most important thing now was to help the people of Azure Cloud Town; other matters could wait. Azure Cloud Town was located at the foot of the Azure Cloud Sect's mountain, a small town with over a thousand residents. Normally, it was shaded by green trees with fertile fields, famous throughout the region as a land of abundance. But the current Azure Cloud Town presented a different scene: cracked fields, withered crops, and even the thousand-year-old well in the town center was nearly dry. On the streets, gaunt villagers gathered in small groups, their faces etched with worry. Children's cries rose and fell, while elderly people sat powerlessly by their doors, eyes filled with despair. "Senior Brother Su is here!" Someone recognized Su Tianxing, immediately causing a commotion. "Senior Brother Su, you must save us!" An old farmer knelt before Su Tianxing. "This drought has lasted two months. If it continues, we'll all starve to death!" Seeing these suffering people, Su Tianxing felt a strong surge of sympathy and responsibility. He took a deep breath and declared loudly, "Fellow villagers, please rest assured. I will find a way to resolve this drought!" 【Now is the time to demonstrate the Chosen One's power. Please use the Divine Grain Seeds.】 The system prompted. Following the system's guidance, Su Tianxing retrieved a golden, glowing seed from his storage pouch. The seed was only thumb-sized but radiated warm light, as if containing infinite vitality. "What is that?" Lin Mo stepped forward, carefully observing the seed, doubt flashing in his eyes. "This is a Divine Grain Seed bestowed by the Heavenly Dao," Su Tianxing explained. "It can grow on any soil and produce grain sufficient to resolve famine." With that, Su Tianxing walked to an empty plot in the town center and gently buried the seed in the soil. Then, following the system's guidance, he circulated his spiritual energy and recited an ancient incantation. 【The Heavenly Dao is virtuous, blessing all living beings. Seeds enter the earth, all things revive!】 As the incantation was recited, the seed began emitting brilliant golden light. The radiance grew brighter and brighter, finally shooting skyward and forming a massive light circle in the air. Then, a miracle occurred. The previously cracked earth began to moisten, and a tender green sprout emerged from the soil. The sprout grew at a visible rate, quickly becoming a tall grain plant. Golden ears of grain hung heavy, each kernel plump and round, emanating an enticing fragrance. "A miracle! This is a miracle!" The watching villagers fell to their knees, kowtowing repeatedly to Su Tianxing. "The Chosen Savior! Senior Brother Su is the Chosen Savior!" someone shouted excitedly. Witnessing this scene, Su Tianxing felt an intense sense of accomplishment. This was the power of the Chosen One, this was his mission! He would use this power to save more people, ensuring no one in the world would suffer from hunger! 【Task completion: 20%. Please continue your efforts, host, to restore vitality to more land.】 The system's voice carried approval. However, while everyone was immersed in joy, Lin Mo quietly approached the miraculous grain plant, observing it carefully. His gaze was focused and sharp, as if searching for something. Suddenly, his pupils contracted slightly. At the base of the golden grain ears, he spotted a barely perceptible metallic gleam, like the reflection of some precision instrument. Lin Mo raised his head, looking toward Su Tianxing who was receiving the villagers' gratitude, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. "Senior Brother Su," he approached, his voice unusually calm, "are these Divine Grain Seeds truly bestowed by the Heavenly Dao?" Su Tianxing turned around, meeting Lin Mo's penetrating gaze, an inexplicable unease rising in his heart. "Of course," he said firmly. "This is the Heavenly Dao's blessing, a miracle sent down to save all living beings." Lin Mo nodded without saying more, but his eyes never left Su Tianxing's face. In the depths of that gaze seemed to hide something Su Tianxing couldn't understand. 【Warning: Abnormal individual conducting unknown detection. Host advised to leave immediately.】 The system's warning sounded again, intensifying Su Tianxing's unease. But seeing the villagers around him who had regained hope because of the miracle, he felt his worries were unnecessary. Lin Mo was just an ordinary villager—what problems could he have? "Fellow villagers," Su Tianxing announced loudly, "I will stay here for a few days to help restore the farmland. Please rest assured—soon there will be more Divine Grain Seeds growing." The villagers erupted in enthusiastic cheers again, praising Su Tianxing as a savior sent from heaven. Amid this praise, Su Tianxing felt unprecedented satisfaction. This was the life he wanted, this was his meaning as the Chosen One! However, he didn't notice that at the edge of the crowd, Lin Mo was quietly observing everything, the doubt in his eyes growing deeper. Night fell, and Azure Cloud Town regained its former vitality. Every household lit their lamps, and villagers gathered together, excitedly discussing the day's miracle. Children's laughter rang out again, and smiles returned to the elderly faces. Su Tianxing sat in the town chief's courtyard, enjoying the villagers' gratitude and praise. The table was laden with local specialties brought by the villagers—simple due to the drought, but each item filled with sincere appreciation. 【Host performance excellent. Merit Points +500 gained.】 【People's faith level rising detected. System energy +100.】 The system notifications made Su Tianxing even more pleased. So doing good deeds not only helped others but also made him stronger—truly killing two birds with one stone. "Senior Brother Su, you are truly our great benefactor!" the town chief said excitedly. "Without you, we would all have starved to death." "This is what I should do," Su Tianxing said humbly. "As cultivators, saving the world and helping people is our duty." Just then, Lin Mo entered from outside. His expression was somewhat grave, and he held a small metal fragment in his hand. "Senior Brother Su, I have something I'd like to discuss with you privately," Lin Mo said. Su Tianxing looked at the metal fragment in his hand, an ominous premonition rising in his heart. "What is it?" "About those Divine Grain Seeds," Lin Mo's voice was soft, but it struck Su Tianxing like lightning. 【Warning! Abnormal individual has discovered system traces! Immediate action recommended!】 The system's urgent warning made Su Tianxing's heartbeat accelerate instantly. He tried to remain calm and said, "Is there a problem?" Lin Mo approached and placed the metal fragment on the table. It was a piece of metal thin as a cicada's wing, gleaming strangely under the lamplight. "I found this at the root of that miraculous grain plant," Lin Mo said. "Senior Brother Su, can you explain why Divine Grain Seeds bestowed by the Heavenly Dao would contain such... metallic objects?" Su Tianxing stared at the metal piece, his mind going blank. What was happening? Why would sacred Divine Grain Seeds contain metal? 【This is merely a carrier of Heavenly Dao power. Host need not concern yourself. The abnormal individual's questioning is blasphemy against the Heavenly Dao. Host advised to stop this immediately.】 The system's explanation somewhat reassured Su Tianxing, but Lin Mo's sharp eyes made him feel tremendous pressure. "This... this might be some manifestation of Heavenly Dao power," Su Tianxing struggled to explain. "After all, the principles behind miracles are difficult for us mortals to understand." Lin Mo looked at him quietly for a long moment before saying, "Perhaps. But Senior Brother Su, don't you think all this came too suddenly? Yesterday you were still troubled by your breakthrough, and today you suddenly gained such powerful abilities. Don't you find this coincidence somewhat... strange?" Each word pierced Su Tianxing's heart like a needle. He did feel everything had come too suddenly, but the system's explanations were so reasonable, so convincing... "Lin Mo," Su Tianxing took a deep breath, "I know you're concerned about me, but some things truly exceed our understanding. What matters is that we helped people in need—isn't that a good thing?" Lin Mo nodded and put away the metal fragment. "You're right, helping others is indeed good. It's just..." He paused. "If one day you discover these 'miracles' aren't what we imagined them to be, what would you do?" This question made Su Tianxing fall into deep thought. If such a day really came... No, it wouldn't. The system was the manifestation of the Heavenly Dao; it wouldn't deceive him. "That day will never come," Su Tianxing said firmly. Lin Mo looked at him deeply, then turned to leave. At the doorway, he turned back and said something Su Tianxing would never forget: "Senior Brother Su, I hope you'll always remember your original intention from today. No matter what happens in the future, don't forget this kindness you have today—your desire to save all living beings." With that, he disappeared into the night, leaving Su Tianxing sitting alone in the courtyard, his heart filled with mixed emotions. 【Abnormal individual has left. Threat eliminated. Host please continue focusing on completing the task.】 The system's voice became gentle again, but Su Tianxing couldn't calm down. Lin Mo's words had taken root in his heart like seeds, making him doubt this suddenly appeared system for the first time. But soon, he pushed these distracting thoughts aside. Looking at the villagers outside the window who had regained hope because of the divine grain, he told himself that no matter what, he had to persevere. Because he was the Chosen One, and he had a mission to save all living beings. As for those doubts... let them drift away with the wind. The night deepened, and Azure Cloud Town fell into tranquility. Su Tianxing sat by the window, gazing at the starry sky. Everything that happened today seemed like a dream, but the surging power within him reminded him that it was all real. He was the Chosen One, and he had a mission to save all living beings. 【Host, please check your personal information panel.】 A translucent light screen appeared before Su Tianxing, displaying his various statistics. But when his gaze fell to the bottom, his pupils suddenly contracted. In the "Host ID" field, it clearly read: Test Subject-7749 Su Tianxing froze. Test Subject? What did that mean? He wanted to ask the system, but the words stuck in his throat. A nameless fear surged up, as if something important was struggling to surface from the depths of his memory. Just then, the sound of light footsteps came from the distance. Su Tianxing turned his head to see Lin Mo standing in the courtyard, holding that metal fragment, his eyes flickering with complex light. Their gazes met in the night. Lin Mo slowly spoke: "Senior Brother Su, do you remember that night three years ago?" Su Tianxing's heart jumped violently. Three years ago? Wasn't that when he began being unable to break through? "What night?" His voice trembled slightly. Lin Mo didn't answer, only raised the metal fragment high. Moonlight struck the metal surface, reflecting an eerie glow. "Do you really remember nothing at all?" As soon as the words fell, the metal fragment suddenly emitted blinding light, and a blurry image flashed through Su Tianxing's mind— A massive metal chamber, countless tubes, and a cold voice saying: "Test Subject 7749, implantation complete." "No..." Su Tianxing clutched his head, groaning in pain. But just then, the system's voice rang out: 【Memory repair program initiated. Clearing abnormal data...】 The image instantly vanished, and Su Tianxing's pain disappeared with it. He looked up to find Lin Mo had vanished without a trace, as if everything just now had been an illusion. He looked at the information panel in his hand. The "Host ID" field now read: Chosen One-001 Su Tianxing breathed a sigh of relief. He must have seen wrong. How could he be some test subject? He was the savior chosen by the Heavenly Dao. But deep in his heart, a voice whispered softly: "7749... 7749... 7749..."