Feng Yuntian journeyed through the mountains, his mind quiet but focused. The path before him stretched long and treacherous, yet it was the path he had to take. He had left the safety of the Heavenly Sword Sect behind, knowing that staying there would only draw danger to those he cared about. Now, his goal was clear—seek answers, cultivate, and rise beyond his current limits.
The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the scent of pine and distant rain. Feng Yuntian could feel the vastness of the world pressing down on him, a reminder that despite his strength, there were forces far greater than him at play. But that only fueled his determination. The battle with the cloaked figure had revealed how much further he had to go.
Days passed, and Feng Yuntian traveled deeper into the wilderness, far from the reach of the sect and civilization. He meditated each night, pushing the boundaries of his Foundation Establishment cultivation, but he knew he needed more. His journey had to take him to places of great power, places where the natural energy of the world could aid in his growth.
His destination was the Skycliff Valley, a hidden region said to hold potent spiritual energy. Few knew of its location, and even fewer had returned from it. But Feng Yuntian had heard whispers of its existence—a place where those seeking true power could ascend.
As he continued his journey, he came across a small village nestled between the mountains. The villagers looked at him with curiosity, their eyes lingering on the sword at his side. Feng Yuntian wasn't interested in staying long, but he needed supplies before continuing further.
He approached a stall run by an elderly woman, who greeted him with a kind smile. "Young master, you seem like a traveler. Heading anywhere special?"
Feng Yuntian nodded slightly, keeping his answer vague. "Just passing through."
The woman's eyes twinkled with knowing. "Few pass through these parts without purpose. You must be heading for the Skycliff Valley."
Feng Yuntian froze. How did she know? The Skycliff Valley was a secret known only to the most knowledgeable cultivators, yet this simple village woman spoke of it as though it were common knowledge.
"Don't be alarmed, young master," the woman said, her voice soft. "I've seen many like you come through here, all seeking the valley's power. But be warned—few who enter come out unchanged. Some find what they seek, but others are consumed by it."
Feng Yuntian's gaze sharpened. "Do you know the way?"
The woman nodded, her expression turning serious. "The path is dangerous, and the valley tests those who enter. But you've already made up your mind, haven't you?"
He didn't answer, but his silence was enough of a confirmation.
"Very well," the woman said. "Head north from here until you reach the Blackwater Falls. Behind the falls, there is a hidden entrance to the valley. But take care, young master. The valley has its own will, and not all who seek power are granted it."
Feng Yuntian paid for his supplies and thanked the woman before continuing on his journey. Her warning echoed in his mind, but it did little to deter him. He had faced death before, and this was no different. If the Skycliff Valley held the power he needed, then he would claim it—no matter the cost.
Two days later, Feng Yuntian stood before the Blackwater Falls. The roar of the water was deafening, and the mist that rose from the falls obscured the entrance the woman had spoken of. But Feng Yuntian could feel it—the faint pull of spiritual energy, hidden behind the rushing water.
Without hesitation, he leapt through the falls, the icy water drenching him instantly. On the other side, he found a narrow cave entrance, just as the woman had said. He could feel the energy intensifying as he stepped inside.
The cave was dark and damp, the air thick with a sense of foreboding. But Feng Yuntian pressed on, following the winding tunnel deeper into the earth. The further he went, the stronger the spiritual energy became, wrapping around him like a heavy cloak. It was almost suffocating, but Feng Yuntian welcomed it. This was what he needed—raw, untamed power.
After what felt like hours, the tunnel opened up into a vast underground chamber. At the center of the chamber was a pool of shimmering water, glowing faintly with spiritual energy. Surrounding the pool were ancient stone pillars, covered in inscriptions that pulsed with a strange light.
Feng Yuntian approached the pool cautiously, feeling the immense power radiating from it. This was the heart of the Skycliff Valley, the source of the energy that could elevate his cultivation. But as he drew closer, a sudden wave of pressure crashed down on him, forcing him to his knees.
A voice, ancient and ethereal, echoed through the chamber. "Who dares to enter the Skycliff Valley?"
Feng Yuntian gritted his teeth, pushing back against the crushing force. "I am Feng Yuntian, disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect. I seek power to protect those I care about."
The voice seemed to consider his words, the pressure easing slightly. "Power comes at a price, young one. Many have sought it, but few have understood its true nature. Are you prepared to pay the price?"
Feng Yuntian stood, his resolve unshaken. "I am."
The voice fell silent for a moment, and then the pressure lifted completely. "Very well. Step into the pool, and let the valley judge your worth."
Feng Yuntian approached the pool without hesitation, stepping into the cool water. As he submerged himself, the spiritual energy surged around him, filling his body with an overwhelming force. His mind went blank as the energy invaded every fiber of his being, pushing him to the brink of his limits.
Pain coursed through him, but Feng Yuntian endured it, focusing on the goal—ascension. The power of the valley was testing him, trying to break him. But he had come too far to be stopped now.
His cultivation surged, the energy pushing him beyond the boundaries of the Early Foundation Establishment stage. He could feel himself breaking through, his body and soul transforming as he reached for the next stage of power.
Hours later, Feng Yuntian emerged from the pool, his body trembling but his mind clear. He had done it. He had broken through to the Mid Foundation Establishment stage, but it wasn't just his cultivation that had grown. He could feel the valley's energy still lingering within him, a power that would continue to aid his growth.
But the valley's final words echoed in his mind: "Power comes at a price."
What price would he have to pay?
For now, Feng Yuntian didn't know. But he knew one thing for certain—he was stronger. And whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them head-on.