Mu Feng's world was one with very unusual rules.
In this world, everyone could offer part of their "prey" in sacrifice to gain the favor and blessings of the Mother of the World, becoming stronger.
These prey could be actual hunted creatures or enemies defeated on the battlefield.
The blessings granted were diverse, ranging from strength and lifespan to a wide array of abilities and skills.
More importantly, the so-called "Mother of the World" truly existed.
In other words, this world had a Gaia-like consciousness that was active enough to respond to people's sacrifices.
This was crucial for any invaders to note, as a world with a Gaia-consciousness could exhibit formidable resistance.
Now, in a very primitive village, a sacrifice that normally would have gone unnoticed by the Mother of the World was being intercepted by a twisted, utterly corrupted evil presence.
Much like the collapse of an immortal kingdom often begins from an unknown internal corner, a deception that would later engulf the entire world began with this sacrifice.
---
"Where is this place?"
"Why does it feel different from the embrace of the Mother of the World?"
"There's none of the warmth, none of the beautiful, spectacular sights…"
Mu Feng stared at the darkness before him, stunned.
"You have…"
Suddenly, an extremely sinister voice echoed in his ears.
"What wish do you have?"
At once, Mu Feng trembled.
For some reason, hearing this voice felt like falling into a bottomless pit.
A slick, tongue-like presence seemed to brush across his soul.
Moreover, when the voice spoke, Mu Feng felt the darkest, most forbidden thoughts within him surge uncontrollably.
"This isn't right…"
Mu Feng tried to protest that this was not the Mother of the World, attempting to break free from his meditative state.
But the dark presence continued.
"What do you wish to obtain?"
"Power? Magic? Abilities? Or knowledge?"
In the darkness, one black-and-red vortex after another appeared before Mu Feng.
Their appearance stopped him from escaping the meditation, for suddenly, the things he had long desired were right before his eyes.
Previously, the sacrifices of Snowrock Rabbits had granted only worthless blessings, and since they were gifts, he could not choose.
This time was completely different.
He could choose.
A black-and-red vortex representing "strength" floated before him.
He imagined that if he reached out and grasped the vortex, his frail body could be greatly transformed.
Mu Feng found it difficult to breathe, wavering indecisively.
"What's wrong, child? Unable to choose?"
The voice appeared again, softer now, similar to the Mother of the World he had known.
"Or are you unsatisfied with these rewards?"
In the next moment, the darkness around Mu Feng lit up.
Countless black-and-red vortices swirled around him, casting shadows on his young, delicate face.
"No… are you really the Mother of the World? Why do you appear black?"
Mu Feng fixed his gaze on one of the vortices, speaking casually.
"Child, does it matter?"
From the shadows behind him, the figure of Demon Prince Fabu Ti appeared, greedily intoxicated by the unique rules and essence of Mu Feng's world.
"I am the Mother of the World, but not the one you knew. That doesn't matter. What matters is, don't you want these rewards?"
"I want them!" Mu Feng replied, eyes unblinking.
Only someone who knows their own weakness truly understands the meaning of power and pursues it without hesitation.
Mu Feng, a weak boy abused and unable to protect his family, could not resist such temptation.
He reached out to seize the black-and-red vortex he had long desired.
At that instant, a pain akin to excruciating torture pierced his soul, and he fainted in a scream.
Before passing out, he heard the voice of the "Mother of the World."
"Continue to sacrifice to me, and I can make you stronger!
Your previous sacrifices need a small… adjustment!"
A fragment of his soul was torn away, but in its place, a power from a dark, fallen world filled the void.
Even this single fragment was enough to change his fate.
---
"Brother! Brother, what happened?"
Mu Feng awoke from unconsciousness.
During the sacrifice, he had fainted and was returned to his home by the elderly chief.
In their eyes, it was normal for the weak to faint during a sacrifice.
When the Mother of the World granted [Knowledge], some fainted from the headache it caused.
But Mu Feng's screaming was unprecedented.
Though it was the first time, the villagers paid little attention; his weakness was expected.
Upon waking, seeing his sister, a new "sacrifice ritual" etched into his memory, unlike anything the chief had described, replayed in his mind.
As the Mother of the World had said, these details were not important.
What mattered was…
"Sister!
During the sacrifice, I saw the Mother of the World!
The kind and benevolent one personally granted me her blessing, giving me the strength comparable to the strongest warriors of the tribe!"
"Strength?"
Tears appeared in his sister's eyes, not from excitement but fear.
She doubted her only protector, her brother, had lost his mind.
In countless previous sacrifices, Mu Feng had never received such blessings, let alone seen the Mother of the World herself.
The great Mother of the World never appeared to powerless weaklings, much less granted blessings directly.
Yet Mu Feng smiled, rose from his bed, and moved to the heavy rice container.
In his sister's terrified gaze, the once frail Mu Feng lifted it effortlessly.
Bang!
The rice container smashed into pieces.
Holding his sister, he exclaimed excitedly:
"Our good days are about to start!
From tomorrow, I promise you'll eat meat every day, and real fatty meat!
I'll trade my prey for snacks for you.
And…"
His sister, seeing the crimson beginning to appear in his eyes, felt uneasy.
But hearing his promises, she smiled with relief.
After all, her brother had obtained the great power granted by the Mother of the World.
Demon Prince Fabu Ti licked the fragment of soul in his hand, his narrow eyes squinting into slits.
"Yes, this is indeed something to be happy about… isn't it?"