Chapter 1

Xiang Qian was an ordinary person living in 2024, spending his days in a nine-to-six job like a beast of burden silently tilling the fields. Yet, despite his mundane life, he possessed a heart that loved films.

That evening, after returning home from work, Xiang Qian turned on the television as usual, preparing to watch a movie to relax. He casually browsed the program list when suddenly a classic Hong Kong horror film, "Mr. Vampire," caught his attention.

Xiang Qian was no stranger to this film; he had watched it as a child and was deeply impressed by Ninth Uncle in it. Ninth Uncle was an upright, kind-hearted, and highly skilled Maoshan Taoist priest who specialized in dealing with all kinds of demons and monsters to protect people's safety.

As the film began playing, Xiang Qian became completely immersed in the plot. He was captivated by Ninth Uncle's brilliant performance and filled with respect for the character. Watching on, he could not help but sigh, "What a pity; such a good man as Ninth Uncle died so young."

The next morning, Xiang Qian woke up early as usual to prepare for work. After washing up, he hastily ate a few bites of breakfast before heading out to drive to his company.

Since time was tight, Xiang Qian drove somewhat fast. When he reached an intersection, he suddenly saw a large truck speeding straight toward him. Unable to dodge in time, Xiang Qian's car collided violently with the truck.

In an instant, the tremendous impact sent Xiang Qian's car rolling several times before finally coming to a stop by the roadside. Xiang Qian suffered severe injuries in the accident; although emergency personnel arrived quickly to administer rescue efforts, they were ultimately powerless to save him, and he unfortunately died on the spot.

Deep within Xiang Qian's mind, a crisp "ding" sound suddenly rang out, as if a summons from another world. Immediately afterward, a cold, mechanical voice echoed in his consciousness: "Cultural Empire System selecting host: Xiang Qian. In three seconds, the host will be removed from the year 2024."

The voice sounded like a judgment, leaving Xiang Qian utterly stunned. Before he could react, the countdown had already begun: "Three... two... one..."

As the final number dropped, a powerful force violently yanked Xiang Qian's consciousness away from his spacetime. He felt the world spinning wildly before him, everything around him becoming blurred and indistinct.

Deep within Xiang Qian's consciousness, he seemed to find himself in a strange and mysterious world. In this world, he gradually uncovered an astonishing truth—he had been taken by the system from his original timeline, traveling from 2024 to Hong Kong Island in 1984!

The system's voice rang out in Xiang Qian's mind: "Since the system fears detection by the Time Administration Bureau, it cannot remain here any longer. However, before departing, this system shall bestow upon you certain special skills."

Following the system's words, a surge of powerful energy flooded into Wu Cheng's body. He felt his body beginning to undergo marvelous changes, as if endowed with infinite power and talent.

First, the system bestowed upon Wu Cheng the skill of a Master of Acting. His expressions became rich and varied, allowing him to easily portray all kinds of roles; whether sorrow, joy, or anger, he could depict them with vivid perfection.

Next, the system bestowed upon Wu Cheng the skill of a Master of Directing. He possessed keen insight into camera usage and scene arrangement, capable of creating astonishing film and television works.

Then, the system bestowed upon Wu Cheng the skill of a Master of Singing. His voice became pleasant and melodious, with a wide vocal range, allowing him to effortlessly handle both high and low notes.

Following that, the system bestowed upon Wu Cheng the skill of a Master of Novel Writing. His imagination flowed endlessly like a spring, enabling him to create captivating storylines and vivid character images.

Finally, the system bestowed upon Wu Cheng the skill of a Master of Kung Fu. His body became light and agile, his movements as natural and fluid as flowing clouds and running water, with various techniques readily at his fingertips.

However, just as Wu Cheng was still immersed in these newly acquired skills, the system's voice suddenly vanished. No matter how he called out, the system no longer responded. Wu Cheng realized that the system had departed from his consciousness.