The Lingfeng Mountain Range stretched endlessly before him, its thick forests and jagged peaks hiding untold dangers. Xian Di stood at the edge of a small clearing, his spear resting in his hand as the weight of his next challenge settled in. The blood of the slain Stage 2 Spirit Wolf still stained his weapon, but there was no time for rest.
The system had remained silent after the battle, offering only a single notification once Xian Di had regained his composure.
System Notification:
New Quest Unlocked: Cultivation Upgrade to Qi Refinement Stage 2 (Peak).
Objective: Hunt and defeat 7 beasts at late Stage 2 and 1 beasts at peak Stage 2.Reward: Upgrade to Qi Refinement Stage 2 (Peak).
Xian Di read the notification carefully, his eyes narrowing as he considered the task ahead. He had barely survived his fight with the first Spirit Wolf, and now the system demanded more—ten more beasts, all at Stage 2 or above. His body still ached from the previous battle, and though his Spiritual Root had been strengthened, he knew he wasn't invincible.
But this was the path he had chosen. He couldn't turn back now.
Gripping his spear tightly, Xian Di set his sights on the deeper parts of the mountain, where stronger beasts roamed. The system had given him a clear goal, and with the Serpent's Shadow Maneuver now ingrained in his mind, he felt better prepared.
The knowledge of the skill flowed naturally through him—his body and mind synced to execute the technique. It wasn't something he had to consciously think about; it was just there as if it had always been a part of him, waiting to be unleashed.
As Xian Di moved deeper into the forest, the air grew thicker, charged with the unmistakable presence of Qi. The beasts here were stronger, and more aware of intruders. He crouched low, moving through the underbrush silently, his senses alert for any sign of movement.
It didn't take long before he found his first target—a hulking Stage 2 Earth Bear, its powerful frame lumbering through a small clearing ahead. The beast's fur was thick and matted, its muscles rippling beneath its heavy hide as it foraged for food. The sheer size of the bear was intimidating, but Xian Di knew he had no choice but to face it.
He steadied his breathing, gripping his spear as he planned his approach. The Earth Bear was a beast of strength, capable of crushing boulders with a single swipe of its claws. A confrontation would be reckless, so Xian Di relied on the movements and instincts embedded into him by the system.
Without hesitation, he moved.
The Serpent's Shadow Maneuver activated seamlessly as Xian Di darted forward, his body weaving through the trees and underbrush with fluid precision. His spear glinted as it struck at the Earth Bear's side. The beast roared in fury, turning to swipe at him, but Xian Di's body had already shifted, dodging the attack as though he had anticipated it.
The bear's massive paws slammed into the ground, sending shockwaves through the earth, but Xian Di remained light on his feet. His movements were swift, elusive—his body gliding through the fight like a serpent sliding through grass. Each time the bear attacked, Xian Di was just out of reach, his spear striking true whenever an opening presented itself.
The battle lasted longer than he expected, each moment wearing down his stamina, but Xian Di's patience won out. With a final, fluid motion, he struck the beast's exposed throat, his spear driving deep into its flesh. The Earth Bear let out one last agonized roar before collapsing to the ground, its massive body shaking the earth as it fell.
Xian Di stepped back, panting heavily, his chest heaving from the effort. The fight had been intense, but the skill—the instinctive use of the Serpent's Shadow Maneuver—had carried him through.
System Notification:
Stage 2 Earth Bear Defeated.
1/7 Late Stage 2 Beasts Defeated.
Relief washed over him. One down, but many more to go.
The next challenge came swiftly in the form of a Late Stage 2 Silverfang Panther, a creature known for its speed and stealth. The panther's sleek form blended seamlessly into the shadows, its predatory gaze fixed on Xian Di as it prepared to strike.
Xian Di's heart pounded as he gripped his spear, knowing that this fight would be different from the Earth Bear. The panther was faster, its attacks more precise, and it would be harder to land a clean hit.
The panther darted forward in a blur of motion, its claws aiming for Xian Di's throat. He barely managed to dodge, the Serpent's Shadow Maneuver guiding his steps as he slipped past the attack. But the panther was relentless, launching a series of swift, calculated strikes that kept Xian Di on the defensive.
Each time the panther lashed out, Xian Di moved just in time, his spear grazing its flank but failing to land a decisive blow. The fight became a test of endurance, his body moving instinctively to avoid the panther's lethal claws while searching for an opening.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Xian Di saw his chance. The panther's momentum carried it too far forward, leaving its side exposed. With a surge of strength, Xian Di drove his spear into the creature's ribs, the blade sinking deep into its flesh.
The panther let out a strangled roar, collapsing to the ground in a heap.
System Notification:
Stage 2 Silverfang Panther Defeated.
2/7 Late Stage 2 Beasts Defeated.
Panting heavily, Xian Di wiped the sweat from his brow. The fight had taken more out of him than he had expected, and he knew that the battles ahead would only get harder.
Hours passed as Xian Di continued his hunt, encountering and defeating a Late Stage 2 Thunder Serpent, its electric strikes nearly overwhelming him before he managed to land a killing blow. He fought tirelessly, his body pushed to the brink as he faced beast after beast, his spear becoming an extension of his will.
But then, as dusk settled over the mountain, Xian Di found himself standing before a true test—a group of three beasts blocking his path. Two of them were Late Stage 2, their forms massive and powerful, but it was the third beast that sent a chill down his spine. A Peak Stage 2 Flame Panther, its fur glowing with the embers of the fire Qi it commanded.
Xian Di's heart pounded in his chest as he gripped his spear tighter. He had faced tough battles before, but never like this. Three beasts at once, including a Peak Stage 2—this would be the hardest fight of his life.
The Flame Panther roared, signalling the start of the battle as the other two beasts charged toward Xian Di. His body moved instinctively, the Serpent's Shadow Maneuver guiding his steps as he dodged the incoming attacks. His spear flashed out, managing to wound one of the Late Stage 2 beasts, but the other quickly closed in, its claws raking across his arm.
Pain shot through him as blood spilled from the wound, but Xian Di gritted his teeth and pressed on. The fight became a whirlwind of motion—dodging, counterattacking, and avoiding the deadly flames that erupted from the Flame Panther's maw.
The air crackled with heat as the panther's flames scorched the earth, leaving burning embers in their wake. Xian Di's clothes were singed, and his body was growing weaker by the second. The two Late Stage 2 beasts were relentless, their attacks coming from all sides, forcing him to stay on the move.
But Xian Di knew he couldn't keep this up. His strength was fading, his vision blurring as exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him. His spear felt heavier in his hands, each movement becoming slower, more laboured.
Just as he thought he couldn't go on, one of the Late Stage 2 beasts made a critical mistake. It overextended in its attack, leaving its throat exposed. Seizing the opportunity, Xian Di drove his spear into the beast's neck, ending its life in one swift motion.
But there was no time to celebrate. The Flame Panther was upon him, its fiery claws slashing at his side, sending him crashing to the ground. Xian Di gasped in pain, blood spilling from the deep gashes across his ribs. His vision dimmed as the world spun around him.
Was this it? Would this be the end?
No.
He couldn't give up now.
Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, Xian Di forced himself to his feet. His body screamed in protest, his wounds burning, but his mind was clear. He had to end this.
With a final surge of willpower, Xian Di launched himself at the Flame Panther, his spear glowing faintly with the remnants of his Qi. The panther roared in fury, its flames intensifying, but Xian Di was faster. He ducked under the beast's claws, his spear finding its mark in the panther's heart.
The flames died out as the Flame Panther let out one last, agonized roar before collapsing to the ground.
System Notification:
Peak Stage 2 Flame Panther Defeated.
New Skill Drop: Spear Mastery—Flamepiercer.
Xian Di collapsed to his knees, his chest heaving as blood poured from his wounds. He had done it. The Flame Panther's defeat not only completed his quest but also rewarded him with a new spear skill—Flamepiercer.
But he had barely survived.