Chapter One: Luo Yuan

Everything began in the summer at the end of the old century. The RR virus swept the world, infecting billions and claiming more than two billion lives. The first animal mutation case appeared in the Middle East, followed by unidentified species invading the Americas. The North American Joint Forces announced the abandonment of thirteen states along the East Coast. The RR virus brought forth an entirely new intelligent species: monsters. Thus, humanity entered the era of the Great Nirvana.

Proposal No. 62, the “Comprehensive Nuclear Strike Plan,” was enacted. Scientific studies had once suggested that launching all nuclear missiles could destroy the earth three times over, but reality proved otherwise—the planet endured. Humanity has always clung to nuclear weapons as its last trump card, believing they could erase all threats. Yet, even in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, plants grew the very next year after the bombings. The power of nuclear arms was far less absolute than people imagined.

The surviving humans sought refuge in underground bases. If worldwide nuclear war had broken out, it would likely have been human civilization itself that perished. Armed with military might, technology, and indomitable will, five great nations survived and formed the Earth Federation, establishing bases in twenty-three other regions. Most crucially, a new force emerged among humanity: martial artists, whose own strength could rival that of the monsters.

Jiangnan Base City, Yangzhou, Yian District Third High School.

As the clear sound of the bell echoed across the campus, a wave of lively chatter swept throughout the school. Students poured out of the teaching buildings in groups, laughing and talking as they made their way toward the gates.

Luo Yuan put down his history textbook and twisted his stiff neck. He packed his bag, ready to head home after school.

“So, I really have transmigrated into the world of Swallowed Star,” he murmured to himself.

Three days ago, in the early morning, Luo Yuan had been binge-watching shows in his rented apartment. But when he awoke, he found himself in this new world, a tenant in the South Bank Community of low-income housing—the same neighborhood as Luo Feng’s family, though not the same building. He hadn’t bothered to seek out the future City Lord Luo; after all, they didn’t know each other and weren’t classmates, with no reason for their paths to cross.

Back at his rented room in the South Bank Community, Luo Yuan locked himself in, flopping onto the bed in a big, splayed “T.”

In this world, his identity was that of an orphan raised in a children’s home, utterly alone. Since starting high school, he’d moved out to live independently. During the day, he attended classes; at night, he worked odd jobs just to scrape by. As for martial arts training—he had neither the means nor the opportunity. Other than being reasonably healthy and not bad-looking, he had no advantages at all.

“Oh, heavens, how am I supposed to survive in a world as dangerous as this?” Luo Yuan couldn't help but look up at the ceiling in despair.

For the past three days, he’d been pondering his future. Aside from martial arts, he realized he had little hope but to live an unremarkable life. But he was unwilling to resign himself to that fate. Sitting up, he took out his bankbook—seeing the pathetic sum of 2,000 left him dispirited. It was barely enough for food, let alone training.

As he was about to put the bankbook away, he noticed a discount coupon for a one-day tour of the Extreme Martial Hall in his drawer. The date was tomorrow—Saturday. He decided to check it out. He knew he couldn’t afford membership, but a visit was better than nothing. The Extreme Martial Hall, founded by the world’s strongest man “Hong,” was the largest martial arts hall on earth. Luo Yuan wanted to see it with his own eyes.

A rumble from his stomach interrupted his thoughts—life, after all, is about the basics. Dreams could wait.

He left his room quietly, cautious because he lived with roommates. He had no choice; poverty demanded compromise, and only the poor could tolerate such living conditions. Mutual understanding was essential.

From his inherited memories, Luo Yuan knew that many roommates had come and gone. The current one seemed to have just moved in, but he hadn’t met her yet—only heard the door at night and seen long hairs left in the bathroom, indicating she was a woman, most likely one who worked at night. His imagination began to wander.

He wasn’t sure if his roommate was home, but he moved carefully. In the kitchen, he turned on the gas stove, intending to use yesterday’s leftovers to make fried rice with egg. In both his past and present lives, he’d always had decent cooking skills. Soon, the savory aroma of fried rice filled the small apartment.

Suddenly, the sound of the door opening caught his attention. Luo Yuan poked his head out of the kitchen, just in time to see a tall, slender, striking woman slip quickly into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. A pleasant perfume lingered in the air.

“Looks like she’s really quite pretty,” Luo Yuan thought to himself.

He sat in the living room, eating his fried rice and watching the news. After a while, the bathroom door opened and out walked a curvaceous beauty, dressed casually in a T-shirt and shorts. She appeared to be about twenty-four or twenty-five, with striking features and no makeup. Her eyes were languid and cold, reminiscent of those popular, aloof internet personalities he’d seen in his previous life. Luo Yuan couldn’t help swallowing nervously.

“So, you’re the new roommate?” Her voice was a bit husky, with a hint of that magnetic, mature charm.

“Yes,” Luo Yuan quickly composed himself and greeted her, “Hello, Miss. My name is Luo Yuan—Yuan as in ‘source.’ It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Oh? And how much of a pleasure is it?” The woman’s tone was teasing, a mysterious smile curling at her lips and laughter sparkling in her eyes.

“Um, well, excuse me then.” Luo Yuan decided not to press further, returning to his meal.

Seeing that Luo Yuan didn’t rise to the bait, her interest seemed to fade. She glanced him over a couple more times and spoke again.

“Little brother, I haven’t eaten yet. You’re making me hungry just watching you enjoy your food.”

“There’s more in the pot. Help yourself,” Luo Yuan replied calmly. He sensed this woman was not someone easily trifled with.

“My name is Xu Qian. I hope we get along during this time as roommates.”

Suddenly, all traces of flirtation vanished from her face. She spoke formally, without any unnecessary emotion in her cool gaze. Picking up a fruit knife from the coffee table, she deftly peeled an apple with impressive skill. Luo Yuan just nodded—this, he realized, was her true nature. The world itself was simple; it was people who made it complicated. He would do well to tread carefully.

After dinner, Luo Yuan showered and lay down to sleep. Though he had only been in this world for three days, he no longer dared to treat it like a game—this was reality, filled with flesh-and-blood people, and death could come at any time.

P.S. To all the true gods out there—please reward, vote, and bookmark. Luo Yuan bows in gratitude.