Li Tian wandered through the dense forest, his steps light and agile. After days of arduous cultivation, he could feel the surge of power coursing through his veins. The once formidable rank-two demonic beasts that crossed his path now posed little challenge. With his immense increase in strength, he disposed of them swiftly, leaving no room for hesitation.
As Li Tian ventured deeper into the forest, he noticed an eerie silence enveloping the surroundings. The usual sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves were absent. It was as if nature itself held its breath in anticipation. Li Tian's senses sharpened, his instincts tingling with anticipation. He knew something formidable lay ahead.
"Something's not right," Li Tian thought, his brows furrowing as he surveyed the eerily quiet forest. "The absence of any noise... it feels like a prelude to danger."
His suspicion was confirmed as he caught sight of a sleek and powerful figure standing before him. It was one of the three top-tier beasts that had been rumored to inhabit this area. This particular creature was at the middle stages of rank two, a formidable opponent in its own right. Although weaker compared to the Draco-lizard he had faced just days ago, Li Tian understood that underestimating it would be a grave mistake.
Li Tian's heart raced as he observed the creature, taking in its eagle-like head, lion-like body, and lightning-infused claws. The flashes of lightning crackling beneath its feet sent a shiver down his spine, a testament to the beast's power.
"This is the Thunderclaw Griffin," Li Tian muttered, his voice barely a whisper. "A worthy opponent, even at my current state. I must not let my guard down."
Without hesitation, Li Tian leaped into action. His movements were fluid and decisive as he engaged the Thunderclaw Griffin in a rapid and deadly battle. His newly acquired strength and refined techniques allowed him to match the beast's ferocity. Blow after blow was exchanged, the clash of their energies reverberating through the air.
As Li Tian parried the creature's lightning-infused attacks, a surge of exhilaration coursed through his veins. His mind raced with thoughts of strategy and observation.
"The Thunderclaw Griffin's movements are swift, aided by the lightning energy. I need to anticipate its attacks and find openings," Li Tian analyzed, his eyes focused on the beast's every move. "Its claws are its most dangerous weapon. I must be careful not to underestimate their power."
The battle intensified, both combatants unleashing their full strength. Li Tian's heart pounded in his chest as the Thunderclaw Griffin's claws grazed his arm in a moment of carelessness, leaving a shallow wound. Pain seared through his body, but he refused to let it distract him.
"I have to end this as quickly as possible before the noise draws others over here," Li Tian thought, gritting his teeth in determination.
With one final surge of energy, Li Tian unleashed more of his power, launching a devastating strike. The Thunderclaw Griffin let out a final, piercing screech before collapsing to the ground, defeated.
As the dust settled, Li Tian's gaze shifted towards the cave that had been the creature's dwelling. Intrigued by the guardian's presence, he ventured inside, his eyes scanning the surroundings. And then, he saw it—the jade stalactite, glistening at the top of the cave.
Li Tian's eyes widened with awe as he beheld the radiant jade stalactite. Its vibrant green hue seemed to emit a captivating aura, drawing him closer. He could feel the immense power contained within it, a treasure that could propel his cultivation to new heights.
"This jade stalactite... it's a rare find," Li Tian marveled, his voice filled with wonder. "Its essence can refine my Qi, enhance my natural talent... this is a gift from the heavens."
Carefully, Li Tian reached out, his fingertips brushing against the smooth surface of the stalactite. He marveled at the drops of stalactite milk that had formed over time, shimmering like liquid jade.
"I must collect every precious drop," Li Tian thought, his hands steady as he carefully gathered the stalactite milk. "These drops contain the condensed essence of the stalactite's power. They will be invaluable for my cultivation."
Storing the precious stalactite and its milk within his storage space, Li Tian made sure not to leave a single trace behind. He knew the true worth of his find and wanted to keep it guarded until the right moment to utilize its full potential.
As he prepared to leave the cave, a sudden tremor shook the earth beneath him. Instinctively, Li Tian knew that something significant was happening nearby. With a determined look in his eyes, he made a swift decision. He would follow the tremor, explore the unknown, and seek out whatever awaited him at its source.
Gathering his belongings and securing the jade stalactite, Li Tian set off, ready to face the next challenge that lay ahead. The echoes of his footsteps resonated through the forest as he embarked on a new adventure, his heart filled with anticipation and a thirst for further cultivation.
"The tremor... it seems to be a sign," Li Tian mused, his thoughts racing as he moved swiftly through the forest. "There's something significant happening."
His mind buzzed with questions and possibilities as he navigated through the dense undergrowth. The anticipation of the unknown fueled his determination, propelling him forward with a renewed vigor.
"What awaits me at the source of this tremor?" Li Tian pondered, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "Is it another formidable adversary or a hidden treasure? Whatever it may be, I am prepared to face it."
As he ventured deeper into the forest, the world around him seemed to hold its breath. The stillness was palpable, the air heavy with anticipation. Li Tian's senses sharpened, attuned to the slightest shift in the environment.
"The forest... it's different here," Li Tian observed, his eyes scanning his surroundings. "The concentration of Qi is unusually high. There must be something of great value nearby."
His heart quickened with excitement as he followed the trail of the tremor. Each step brought him closer to the source, his anticipation growing with every passing moment.
"I sense Qi waves all the way over here? whatever it is...it must be extraordinary... something powerful." Li Tian thought, his heart pounding in his chest. "Could it be a rare spiritual artifact or a hidden cultivation site?"
With renewed determination, Li Tian quickened his pace, driven by the allure of the unknown. The forest whispered its secrets, urging him forward through the tangled undergrowth.
At last, he reached a clearing, and his eyes widened in awe. Before him stood a colossal tree, its ancient branches reaching towards the sky. The ground beneath it trembled with the residual energy of the tremor.
"An ancient tree... and its roots," Li Tian murmured, his voice filled with reverence. "Could it be that this tree holds the key to untold power?"
In front of the tree, were violent fluctuations in space, and from experiences in his previous life he was sure this was the gate to some inheritance ground.
He was not the first to reach here so he just looked for a place to await the opening of the realm along with the others.