"Ugh, where am I?" Ye Chen groaned as he slowly sat up. His whole body felt like it had been trampled by a herd of spirit beasts. The air here was different—thick with spiritual energy that made his skin tingle. Taking a deep breath, he felt warmth spread through him, easing his aches bit by bit.
In the distance, a beast's roar echoed through the forest. Ye Chen's eyes snapped open, and he instinctively reached for his sword, only to grasp empty air. "Just great," he muttered. "Lost in a strange place with no weapon."
He looked around, trying to get his bearings. Towering trees stretched up to the sky, their leaves shimmering with a soft glow. The whole place felt alive, buzzing with energy. "Did the heavens drop me here for a reason?" he wondered aloud.
