Jiang's heart pounded as he stood before the glowing portal, its energy beckoning him to step through it. The Main Hub, with all its rooms and resources, had already begun to feel oddly familiar qfter training in here for the past few months. But this portal—the one marked **Next Level**—was different. It hummed with a power that made his skin tingle, reminding him that this new world would be nothing like the tutorial he had just completed.
Taking a deep breath, Jiang tightened his grip on the sword he had purchased from the shop. It was a simple weapon, but it had served him well in his training. Now, it would be his only companion in a world he knew nothing about. With a final glance at the other portals—the one to the Real World, and the ominous gateway to the Community Hub—Jiang stepped forward, letting the portal's energy envelop him.
The transition was immediate and jarring. One moment, he was in the sleek, metallic confines of the Main Hub; the next, he was standing in the middle of a dense, ancient forest. The air was thick with the scent of moss and damp earth, the trees towering above him like silent sentinels. Their branches intertwined to form a canopy so dense that only slivers of sunlight pierced through, casting eerie shadows on the ground.
Jiang took a cautious step forward, the leaves crunching under his feet. The forest felt alive in a way that Greenwood Village never had. There was a pulsating energy here, a raw and untamed force that seeped into his bones. He could sense the presence of powerful creatures hidden within the shadows, their gazes following his every move.
A sudden rustling to his right made him freeze. His hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword as he scanned the area. The rustling grew louder, closer, until finally, a figure emerged from the underbrush.
It was a man, dressed in tattered robes that had seen better days. His face was gaunt, his eyes sunken but alert. There was a wildness to him, a feral edge that set Jiang on high alert.
"Who are you?" the man demanded, his voice rough and hoarse. He eyed Jiang's sword warily, his own hand hovering near the hilt of a crude blade strapped to his waist.
Jiang hesitated. The man didn't seem like a threat, but this new world was unpredictable, and he couldn't afford to take any chances. "Just a traveler," he replied carefully, keeping his tone neutral. "I'm new to this place."
The man's eyes narrowed. "A traveler, huh? You don't look like you belong here."
Before Jiang could respond, the man lunged at him with surprising speed. His blade flashed in the dim light, aiming for Jiang's throat. Instinct kicked in, and Jiang sidestepped the attack, drawing his sword in one fluid motion. The clang of metal echoed through the forest as their blades clashed.
The fight was short but intense. Jiang, though still inexperienced, had trained hard in the Main Hub, and it showed. He parried the man's strikes with precision, waiting for an opening. When it came, he didn't hesitate. With a swift movement, he disarmed the man, sending his blade flying into the underbrush.
The man stumbled back, clutching his wrist in pain. "Damn it," he cursed, glaring at Jiang with a mix of anger and fear. "You're better than I thought."
Jiang kept his sword raised, his heart still racing from the adrenaline. "I don't want to hurt you," he said, though the edge in his voice made it clear that he would if necessary. "But if you attack me again, I won't hold back."
The man spat on the ground, his defiance crumbling into resignation. "Fine. I get it. You're not like the others." He backed away slowly, his eyes never leaving Jiang's sword. "But be careful. This world isn't kind to newcomers."
With that, the man turned and disappeared into the forest, leaving Jiang alone once more.
Jiang exhaled slowly, lowering his sword. His first encounter in this new world had been a harsh reminder that he was no longer in the safe confines of the tutorial. Here, danger lurked around every corner, and trust was a rare commodity. He couldn't afford to let his guard down, not even for a moment.
As he continued through the forest, Jiang kept his senses sharp, listening for any signs of movement. The dense foliage made it difficult to see far ahead, but he had no choice but to press on. The world was vast, and he needed to find a safe place to gather his thoughts and plan his next move.
Hours passed as Jiang navigated the forest, encountering nothing but the occasional rustle of leaves or distant calls of unseen creatures. The further he went, the more he began to notice subtle changes in the environment. The air grew cooler, the trees sparser. The ground beneath his feet became rocky, uneven, as if he were climbing higher into the mountains.
Just as the sun began to set, casting the forest in deep orange hues, Jiang stumbled upon a small clearing. In the center stood a dilapidated wooden cabin, its roof sagging under the weight of time and neglect. Smoke curled from the chimney, a thin, wavering line that suggested someone was inside.
Cautiously, Jiang approached the cabin, his hand on the hilt of his sword. The door was slightly ajar, creaking on its hinges as a breeze blew through. He pushed it open and stepped inside.
The interior was sparse, with only the barest of furnishings—a wooden table, a few chairs, and a single bed in the corner. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the walls.
An old man sat at the table, hunched over a steaming bowl of soup. He looked up as Jiang entered, his eyes sharp and clear despite his age. There was a wisdom in those eyes, a depth that suggested he had seen much in his time.
"Another traveler," the old man remarked, his voice steady and calm. "It's been a while since someone like you passed through here."
Jiang nodded, unsure of what to say. The old man didn't seem hostile, but appearances could be deceiving. "I'm looking for a place to rest," he said carefully. "And maybe some guidance."
The old man gestured to the chair opposite him. "You're welcome to sit and share a meal. We can talk after you've eaten."
Hunger gnawed at Jiang's stomach, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since leaving the Main Hub. He hesitated for only a moment before sitting down. The old man ladled some soup into a bowl and handed it to him. Jiang took a cautious sip, finding the taste surprisingly good. It was warm and hearty, a welcome comfort after the day's trials.
As they ate in silence, Jiang couldn't shake the feeling that the old man was more than he seemed. There was an air of mystery about him, a quiet strength that belied his frail appearance. When the meal was finished, the old man leaned back in his chair, studying Jiang with a thoughtful expression.
"You're new to this world," he said, more as a statement than a question.
Jiang nodded. "Yes. I'm still trying to figure out where I am and what I need to do."
The old man smiled faintly. "This world is unforgiving to those who don't belong. But it can also be a place of great opportunity, if you know where to look."
Jiang leaned forward, eager for any information that could help him. "Do you know of a hidden sect in these mountains? One that can help me advance my cultivation?"
The old man's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "The sect you speak of is real, but reaching it will not be easy. The path is treacherous, filled with dangers that will test your resolve and your strength. Many have tried to reach it, but few have succeeded."
Jiang felt a surge of determination. "I have to try. I can't afford to stay where I am. I need to grow stronger."
The old man nodded slowly. "Then I will help you, as best I can. There is a map in the drawer over there. It will guide you to the entrance of the sect. But be warned—once you begin the journey, there is no turning back. You will face trials that will push you to your limits. If you succeed, you will be stronger for it. But if you fail…"
He didn't need to finish the sentence. Jiang understood the stakes. Failure here could mean death, or worse.
"Thank you," Jiang said, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at the edges of his resolve. "I won't take your help for granted."
The old man waved a hand dismissively. "I have seen many like you, eager to prove themselves in this world. Some succeed, some don't. But it is always the journey that matters most. Learn from your experiences, and you will find your way."
Jiang stood and walked over to the drawer the old man had indicated. Inside was a worn, yellowed map, marked with the route to the hidden sect. He carefully folded it and tucked it into his robe.
As he turned to leave, the old man called out to him. "One more thing, traveler. There are others in this world who seek the same path as you. Be wary of them, for not all are as honorable as you might hope."
Jiang nodded, understanding the warning. Trust was a rare commodity in a place like this, and he would need to be careful whom he allied himself with.
---
With the old man's warning lingering in his mind, Jiang stepped out of the cabin and into the cool evening air. The forest was now bathed in twilight, the fading light casting long shadows across the ground. He unfolded the map and examined it carefully, noting the marked path that wound through the mountains to the hidden sect. The journey ahead was daunting, but Jiang knew that this was the only way to grow stronger.
He set off, his senses alert for any signs of danger. The forest was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. As he followed the narrow path, the terrain grew increasingly difficult. The ground was rocky and uneven, with steep inclines that tested his endurance. But Jiang pressed on, driven by a determination to prove himself in this new world.
Hours passed, and the forest gradually thinned out as Jiang climbed higher into the mountains. The air grew colder, and the trees gave way to jagged cliffs and treacherous ledges. The path became more perilous, with loose rocks and sheer drops that could spell disaster with a single misstep. Jiang had to move carefully, his every step deliberate as he navigated the dangerous terrain.
As he reached a particularly narrow ledge, a sudden movement caught his eye. He froze, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his sword. A figure emerged from behind a boulder up ahead—another traveler, much like himself, but with a hardened, dangerous look in his eyes.
The man's gaze locked onto Jiang, and a sly grin spread across his face. "Well, well, what do we have here?" he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Another fool trying to reach the sect?"
Jiang didn't respond immediately, sizing up the stranger instead. The man's stance was relaxed, but there was an underlying tension in his posture that suggested he was ready to strike at any moment. He was clearly a skilled fighter, and from the way he carried himself, Jiang could tell he had been in this world longer than he had.
"I'm not looking for trouble," Jiang said cautiously, his hand still resting on his sword. "I'm just passing through."
The man chuckled darkly. "Passing through? That's a good one. No one just passes through these mountains. You're either a competitor or a corpse. Which one will you be?"
Before Jiang could respond, the man drew his weapon—a wicked-looking dagger with a serrated edge—and lunged at him with surprising speed. Jiang barely had time to react, drawing his sword to parry the attack. The clash of metal echoed through the mountains as the two engaged in a fierce battle.
The man was fast, his strikes precise and deadly. Jiang was forced on the defensive, using his sword to block and deflect the dagger's vicious slashes. But the narrow ledge left little room for maneuvering, and Jiang found himself dangerously close to the edge.
"Come on, is that all you've got?" the man taunted, his dagger flashing in the dim light as he pressed his attack.
Jiang gritted his teeth, refusing to let the man's words shake his focus. He waited for the right moment, biding his time as the man continued his assault. Finally, the opening he needed presented itself—a slight overextension in the man's attack. Jiang seized the opportunity, sidestepping the dagger and delivering a powerful slash across the man's chest.
The man staggered back, a look of shock and pain crossing his face as blood seeped from the wound. But even as he faltered, his eyes burned with hatred. "You… you'll pay for that," he hissed, before launching himself at Jiang in a final, desperate attack.
Jiang met the charge head-on, their weapons clashing once more. But this time, Jiang was ready. With a swift, decisive strike, he disarmed the man, sending the dagger clattering to the ground. The man collapsed to his knees, clutching his wound as he glared up at Jiang with venomous eyes.
Jiang stood over him, his sword poised to deliver the final blow. But as he looked down at the defeated man, he hesitated. The memory of the old man's warning echoed in his mind—*Be wary of others in this world. Not all are as honorable as you might hope.*
Killing this man would be easy, and it would eliminate a potential threat. But it would also mark a turning point—a step toward becoming the kind of ruthless, unfeeling warrior that Jiang had always feared. Was this what the path of cultivation demanded of him? Was there no room for mercy in this unforgiving world?
The man, sensing Jiang's hesitation, sneered. "Go on, do it. You think you're any different from the rest of us? You'll kill me now, or someone else will kill you later. That's the way it works here."
Jiang's grip tightened on his sword, his mind racing. He knew the man was right in some ways. This world was brutal, and mercy was a luxury that could get him killed. But still, something inside him rebelled against the idea of killing a defenseless opponent.
After a long, tense moment, Jiang lowered his sword. "I'm not like you," he said quietly. "I won't kill you in cold blood. But if you ever cross my path again, I won't hesitate."
The man's sneer faltered, replaced by a look of confusion and disbelief. "You… you're letting me go?"
Jiang nodded, stepping back to give the man space. "Get out of here. And don't make me regret this."
For a moment, the man just stared at Jiang, as if unable to comprehend what had just happened. Then, slowly, he rose to his feet, still clutching his wound. Without another word, he turned and limped away, disappearing into the shadows of the mountains.
Jiang watched him go, his heart still pounding from the adrenaline of the fight. He knew he had made a risky decision, one that could come back to haunt him later. But he also knew that he couldn't abandon his principles, even in a world as harsh as this one. If he lost himself to the violence and cruelty of this place, then what was the point of his journey?
With a deep breath, Jiang sheathed his sword and resumed his trek up the mountain. The path grew steeper and more treacherous, but he pressed on, driven by the knowledge that the hidden sect—and the power it promised—lay just ahead.
As night fell, the temperature plummeted, and Jiang was forced to seek shelter in a small cave carved into the mountainside. He built a small fire to keep warm, the flickering flames casting dancing shadows on the walls. As he sat by the fire, eating a simple meal of dried meat and bread, his thoughts turned to the sect he was seeking.
According to the map, the sect was located at the peak of the highest mountain in the range. The journey to reach it would be fraught with dangers, both from the environment and from other cultivators who sought the same goal. But Jiang was determined to reach it, no matter the cost. He needed to advance his cultivation, to grow stronger if he was to survive in this world.
The night was long and cold, but Jiang managed to get some rest. He woke before dawn, eager to continue his journey. After extinguishing the fire and gathering his belongings, he set off once more, his pace quickening as the terrain grew even more challenging.
By midday, Jiang reached a narrow pass between two towering cliffs. The wind howled through the gap, carrying with it the faint scent of sulfur. The map indicated that this was the final stretch before reaching the entrance to the sect. But as Jiang approached the pass, he sensed that something was wrong.
A thick, unnatural mist clung to the ground, swirling around his ankles like a living thing. The air was heavy with an oppressive energy, making it difficult to breathe. Jiang drew his sword, his instincts screaming that danger was near.
As he ventured deeper into the pass, the mist grew thicker, obscuring his vision. He could barely see a few feet in front of him, and every sound seemed amplified in the eerie silence. The ground beneath his feet felt unstable, as if it could give way at any moment.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the mist—a young woman, her robes torn and stained with blood. She stumbled toward Jiang, her face pale and drawn. "Help… help me…" she gasped, before collapsing at his feet.
Jiang knelt beside her, his sword still at the ready. "What happened? Who did this to you?"
The woman coughed weakly, blood staining her lips. "It's… the guardians… they're… protecting the sect… I tried… but they were too strong…"
Jiang's heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation. The guardians of the sect were powerful beings, tasked with keeping out those who were not worthy. If this woman had been defeated by them, then the trials ahead would be even more difficult than he had anticipated.
"Stay here," Jiang said, his voice firm. "I'll get you to safety after I clear the way."
But before he could rise, the woman's hand shot out, gripping his arm with surprising strength. "No… you don't understand… they're… coming…"
Jiang barely had time to react before a low, rumbling growl echoed through the pass. The mist parted, revealing a hulking figure—a guardian, twice the size of a man, its body covered in jagged, stone-like scales. Its eyes glowed with an unnatural light as it fixed its gaze on Jiang.
The guardian let out a deafening roar and charged at him with terrifying speed.