[Age 5: You have been cultivating for a year with the middle-grade human level cultivation technique you obtained, and you are now very close to reaching Body Tempering level 1. Although you have made some progress in studying the scroll, you have yet to reach elementary stage.]
[Age 6: Congratulations! You have achieved Body Tempering level 1. However, you have decided to delay joining a sect for now, as you have set your sights on acquiring a low-grade earth level herb. But for having that you should at least have Body Tempering level 2 cultivation.]
[Age 7: As your cultivation journey goes on, you decide to give your father a low-grade human-level cultivation technique. You claim to have found it buried underground while you were playing in the mud. Thus, improving your Family Background +1.]
[Age 8: Your resources are running low, but you have not yet reached Body Tempering level 2. However, you refuse to lose hope, knowing that it will take some more time. Cultivating each realm demands patience and dedication, even with abundant resources. Once you have used up your current resources, you plan to leave for the sect.]
"Hah! It has been four years of cultivating. Well, it's to be expected since my talent isn't exceptional, and the Qi in this area is weak. Cultivating even a small realm takes time. While reaching Body Tempering level 1 may be relatively easy and quick, the path becomes increasingly arduous as one strives for higher levels of cultivation. Merely possessing abundant resources does not guarantee success or make one a genius in cultivation." Xuan Ji couldn't help but say.
[Age 9: You've used up all your resources and, just like in the previous simulation, you leave home, leaving behind a letter as your farewell.]
...
On a lively morning, with trees swaying in the breeze, Xuan Ji perched himself on a thick branch of a 100-year-old tree. The tree was 20 feet high and remarkably thick, so much so that even seven people couldn't encircle it by joining hands. The branch provided ample space for him to sit comfortably, partially hidden by the surrounding leaves.
Compared to his previous visit, Xuan Ji's appearance this time was much better. He scanned his surroundings through the space between leaves and noticed a snake nearby. The serpent coiled its body protectively, as if guarding precious eggs. Its eyes remained closed, while its scales shimmered with a vibrant green hue, exuding chilling aura.
Having spent a significant amount of time in the forest—15 days to be precise—Xuan Ji had invested great effort in locating the snake, battling to recall its precise location. An underlying fear lingered, worrying that the snake may have devoured the herb or that someone else had already claimed it. However, upon discovering both the snake and the herb, a wave of joy and relief washed over him, soothing his troubled mind.
Xuan Ji's strong desire to fight the snake was met with a stark realization of his own weakness. As his cultivation level was a level below the snakes, and even if they were on same realm, he lacked the skills and a suitable weapon to enhance his combat abilities. Moreover, he sensed that the snake had grown stronger since their last encounter.
So, for the past four days, he had perched himself upon this tree, keenly observing the creature's movements. And Xuan Ji became aware of the snake's routine: it would venture out for its morning hunt.
With unwavering patience, he bided his time, eagerly awaiting the snake's departure before seizing the opportunity to approach the herb he sought.
Xuan Ji didn't have to wait long as he saw the snake open its eyes and slither away into the woods, disappearing from the sight. Seizing the opportunity, Xuan Ji leaped down from the tree and sprinted eagerly towards the herb.
As he approached the herb, Xuan Ji could sense its vibrant vitality, causing him to let out a pleasurable moan. However, he knew he couldn't waste time, so he focused his attention on the herb itself. It was a stunning flower with vivid purple and gold petals with swirling patterns that seemed to mirror the flow of Qi, creating a truly enchanting sight.
Xuan Ji wasn't familiar with this particular herb and its properties. Even though he had perused numerous books on herbs at the sect library after his previous death, but he had never come across this unique plant. It suddenly dawned on Xuan Ji that the herb he sought came from a different world. As a result, the information about this particular herb would not be found in his own world.
Xuan Ji didn't devolve on this matter anymore and retrieved a green jade box from his space bag. The rectangular box was of moderate size, neither too large nor too small, fitting perfectly in his two hands. This special jade box had been obtained with the help of his father, designed to preserve the medicinal properties of any herb stored within it.
With utmost care, Xuan Ji plucked the herb, ensuring not to damage a single root, and placed it delicately inside the jade box. Satisfied with his careful handling, he secured the jade box within his space bag.
Just as he finished placing the jade box, a sudden whooshing sound caught his attention. He turned around and found the snake had returned, its cold stare fixed upon him.
"Damn it! Why did it come back so soon? Not even five minutes have passed," Xuan Ji exclaimed inwardly, feeling beads of sweat forming on his back. It was evident that the snake was filled with anger towards him.
As Xuan Ji realized the snake's fury, panic surged through his veins. Without wasting a moment, he turned to flee, desperately hoping to escape. However, his attempts to outrun the agile creature proved futile.
As he sprinted through the dense forest, branches slapped against his face and cracked under his feet's. As the snake closed in, its fangs ready to deliver a venomous bite, Xuan Ji relied on his agility and quick reflexes to evade the deadly strikes. With every nimble twist and turn, he managed to narrowly avoid the snake's venomous fangs.
However, the relentless pursuit took its toll. Unable to fully defend against the snake's tail, Xuan Ji endured the painful blows to his back, each strike sending waves of agony through his body. He felt blood welling up in his throat, forcing him to cough, the metallic taste filling his mouth, causing him to lose his footing.
With every ounce of strength, Xuan Ji managed to regain his footing and continued his escape. Despite his best efforts, the snake remained relentless, pursuing him with unyielding determination.
Breathing heavily, Xuan Ji found himself on a familiar cliff. His heart sank as he realized he was running out of options. He glanced over his shoulder and, to his horror, came face to face with the menacing tail of the snake.