The Great Primordial Labyrinth, 49th Floor

As I blasted the beastman's head with my dragon breath, I couldn't help but think it wasn't even a fight. This saint realm beastman, who was supposed to be my equal, barely lasted half an hour against me. I hadn't even tapped into my primordial energy; I fought with nothing but my natural weapons—my body. Well, that’s what you get for being a primordial dragon; in the same realm, we were invincible.

Now, I had a lot of time to waste since the time limit given to me was far away. So, I began to reflect on the moment when Grandma started explaining everything to me.

"So, what you're saying is that this is a dungeon, and outside there is a world of cultivation where everyone is a superhuman that can fly, and I am a freaking dragon?" I exclaimed, shock evident in my voice. I had expected a world of magic, given my dragon form, but the world of cultivation intrigued me nonetheless.

As I daydreamed about all kinds of adventures, my expectations were shattered when Grandma continued, "Well, it’s a world where spiritual energy exists, and people with spiritual roots can cultivate to achieve power and immortality. And it’s Primordial Dragon, not just a dragon. You are not going out there right now."

"Why?" I pouted, feeling like a child in front of her. Despite her claims of being my grandmother, I wanted an explanation. There was an inexplicable trust in my heart, as if she were the kindest person I had ever known.

"Because it’s very dangerous. Cultivators will do anything to increase their cultivation; killing is a normal occurrence in this world. Unlike your previous life, here the law of the jungle rules and the strong are always right."

Her words triggered memories of the cultivation novels I had read. As I pondered, she continued, drawing my attention back. "As you know, you were born from primordial blood essence, but do you know what that is?"

"No," I replied, curiosity piqued.

She continued, already anticipating my answer. "I won’t tell you what it is; you will discover that on your own later. But you must understand that it is a supreme treasure. If anyone in the mortal world consumes even a single drop of primordial blood, they will instantly become immortal. The bodies and blood of primordial beasts like us are the most valuable treasures in the cultivation world. If we are ever exposed, the whole world will hunt us down."

"But aren’t we the most powerful, as you said?" I asked, already embracing my identity as a primordial dragon.

"When a primordial is born, there will be heavenly visions marking its arrival. However, we are very weak when we first come into the world, and cultivators will hunt us down. Even the immortal world will covet our primordial blood. Do you understand, little girl?" she asked, a hint of contempt flickering across her face before it vanished.

"I am not little, and yes, I understand," I replied, a bit annoyed at being called "little." Yet, as I considered her words, a surge of contempt welled up within me. How dare these mortals try to hunt down a primordial? I paused, realizing this thought caught my attention. I turned to Grandma for an answer, but she merely smiled, as if she knew what I was going to ask. I wondered if my body and blood were influencing my thoughts, as dragons—especially primordial dragons—were known for their pride.

Surprisingly, I didn’t feel as bad as I thought I would. I had accepted my new mindset. Was this because I sealed my memories? Well, I’m glad I did.

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"When can I go out then?" I asked, excitement bubbling within me at the thought of an isekai adventure filled with treasure hunting, bloodbaths, and a thrilling game of hunter and hunted. I craved power—not just to make my own rules but to impose them on others. Perhaps I had always been this way, but it had been repressed in my previous life, and now, I felt fully alive.

"Well," she began, "I should tell you about the cultivation levels of primordial dragons. Unlike other races, we have:

* Mortal Realm

* Earth Realm

* Saint Realm

* Heaven Realm

Each realm is further divided into entry stage, middle stage, late stage, and perfection. There are realms beyond this, but you will have to explore them yourself. Right now, you are at the Mortal Realm."

I listened intently as she continued, "The cultivation realms of other races are:

* Qi Condensation

* Foundation Establishment

* Core Formation

* Nascent Soul

* Spirit Transformation Realm

* Return to Void

* Tribulation

* Mahayana

* Loose Immortal (if they fail the thunder tribulation)

* Earth Immortal

* Golden Immortal

* Exalted Immortal

* Immortal King

* Immortal Emperor

So, when you become a Heavenly Realm beast and complete this dungeon, you will be able to go out. From tomorrow, you will start to inherit the legacy and training, so rest for today."

After that, no matter what questions I asked, she didn’t answer. Who was she? Why was she only in soul form? All she said was, "When you reach perfection in the Saint Realm and clear the 49th floor, I will tell you some things."

After training for ninety years, I reached perfection in the Saint Realm and completed the 49th floor, where the last Saint Realm monster awaited. Now, I didn’t know where I stood compared to other races' cultivators, as I had nothing to compare against. But I knew one thing: I was strong.