Li Rong traversed the dense forest of the cloud-chained valley with cautious steps, his senses attuned to the slightest rustle of leaves or snap of twigs that might signal danger lurking in the shadows. With each passing moment, he felt the weight of his journey pressing down upon him, a constant reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.
Yet despite the treacherous terrain and the ever-present threat of demonic beasts, Li Rong pressed on, driven by a fierce will to survive and thrive in this unforgiving wilderness. The meat of the serpent and falcon he had hunted provided sustenance to fuel his journey, its nourishing properties replenishing his strength and fortifying his resolve.
After two gruelling days of travel, Li Rong stumbled upon a cave unlike any he had encountered before. Unlike the dark and foreboding lairs of the demonic beasts, this cave seemed to emanate an aura of tranquillity and serenity, beckoning him forward with an almost magnetic pull.
As he stepped inside, his eyes were drawn to the imposing stone doors that loomed before him, adorned with intricate carvings that pulsed with ancient power. Despite their apparent weight, the doors swung open with surprising ease upon his touch, granting him entry into the mysterious chamber beyond.
Once inside, the doors sealed shut behind him with a resounding thud, trapping him within the confines of the chamber. Panic threatened to rise within him as he frantically attempted to force the doors open, but his efforts were in vain—the doors remained steadfastly closed, their secrets concealed from prying eyes.
Turning his gaze to the inscription carved into the stone walls, Li Rong's heart sank as he read the words that spelled out his predicament. The chamber was designed for closed-door cultivation because its dense spiritual qi and position atop a dragon tail ley line make it an ideal environment for cultivating profound strength.
However, there was a catch—the doors would only open to those who had reached the refining qi seventh stage, a level of cultivation that Li Rong had yet to achieve. Dread washed over him as he realised the gravity of his situation, the weight of his own inadequacy pressing down upon him like a suffocating shroud.
Yet, even despite despair, Li Rong refused to yield to despair. Drawing upon the pure yin spiritual qi that permeated his being, he sought solace in the knowledge that his body was uniquely suited for cultivation, its innate qualities serving as a beacon of hope in the darkness.
With the aid of the heavenly golden spiritual root and the spiritual water he had acquired, Li Rong embarked on an intensive regimen of cultivation, channelling the energies of the chamber to fuel his ascent to greater heights. Day and night blurred collectively as he pushed himself to the brink of exhaustion, his perseverance unwavering despite adversity.
After two weeks of relentless effort, Li Rong emerged from the chamber, his body covered in a sheen of dark muck that reflected the impurities he had been expelled during cultivation.
Li Rong's senses were heightened, and his awareness was attuned to the surrounding environment. As he made his way through the forest, he followed the subtle cues of nature—the gentle rustle of leaves, the faint murmur of distant water—to guide him towards the nearest river.
Despite the dense foliage that obscured his view, Li Rong's keen senses, enhanced by his newfound cultivation level, unerringly directed him towards his destination. With each step, he could sense the presence of water growing stronger, a reassuring sign that he was heading in the right direction.
Eventually, the sound of the rushing water grew louder, drawing him closer to the river's edge. Pushing through the undergrowth, Li Rong emerged into a small clearing, where the river flowed gently beneath the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above.
With a sense of relief flooding through him, Li Rong wasted no time in stripping off his clothes and wading into the cool, refreshing waters. As he bathed in the tranquil embrace of the river, he felt the accumulated grime and impurities washing away, leaving his skin feeling cleansed and rejuvenated.