After the encounter in the market, Lin Tian returned home with a quiet determination in his eyes. He knew the Deep Ravines Forest was no place for the unprepared; it was said even the weakest beasts there were as powerful as warriors at the fourth level of Body Refining. He had to be ready, both in body and spirit, if he wanted to survive.
In the following days, Lin Tian secluded himself in his training chambers, dedicating long hours to refining his techniques.
He took the Spirit Gathering Pills each day, immersing himself in the clan's core technique, Mystic Flame. The familiar warmth of flame Qi flowed through his meridians, steadily fortifying his body as his strength climbed closer to the peak of the third level of Body Refining. By the end of his focused cultivation, Lin Tian felt the surge in his body—a powerful stability signaling his advancement.
As he strengthened his foundation, Lin Tian also concentrated on perfecting the Shadow Blade technique,
the speed-focused sword art he'd recently acquired. Each slash became a blur, leaving only faint afterimages; by the time he reached Entry, his blade speed had doubled. He practiced Ghost Step with equal diligence, and before long,
he could feel his footwork becoming lighter, more agile, as he reached Proficiency in the movement technique. His steps grew swift, like a flicker of shadow that evaded even his own gaze.
With his cultivation and skills honed, Lin Tian knew he could advance no further within the confines of his home. Only actual combat could push him beyond his current limits.
Checking over his supplies and steeling his resolve, he made his final preparations. His gaze turned toward the distant forest, where danger and opportunity awaited.
With his preparations complete, Lin Tian departed from the clan grounds in silence, leaving before dawn. The thrill of the unknown pulled him forward as he approached the Deep Ravines, intent on proving his strength.
Upon reaching the forest's edge, he moved cautiously, his senses on high alert. As he ventured deeper into the outer circle, a powerful presence emerged from the shadows—a Crimson Ironhide Boar. This fearsome beast, notorious for its impenetrable hide, stood as tough as a level-five warrior, despite being classified as level four.
Lin Tian didn't hesitate, charging forward with his sword flashing, aiming a swift strike at the boar's side. The blade glanced off its tough armor, barely scratching it. With a furious snort, the boar turned to face him, its blood-red eyes glaring as it prepared to counterattack.
Dodging to the side, Lin Tian felt his instincts sharpen, his body moving as if guided by the Shadow Blade technique he had been practicing. But the fight was brutal; the boar's tusks grazed him multiple times, leaving shallow cuts on his arms and legs. Pain flared, yet he pressed on, adapting his Ghost Step to outmaneuver each charge, his mind racing to find a way through its defense.
Just when Lin Tian thought he might be forced to retreat, a spark of resolve ignited within him. Summoning every last ounce of his courage,
he steeled himself, gripping his sword tightly. In that moment, the insights of Shadow Blade began to flow through him, the technique surging to the level of Proficiency. His grip steadied, his movements grew sharper, and a newfound confidence lit his gaze.
With this boost, Lin Tian sidestepped the Crimson Ironhide Boar's next charge, evading its tusks by mere inches. With precise timing and his sword now enhanced by Shadow Blade's speed, he delivered a decisive strike to the creature's exposed eye, ending the battle with a single, swift blow.
The boar collapsed, its formidable form finally subdued. Lin Tian stood, breathing heavily and feeling the sting of his own injuries, yet a sense of triumph filled him. The intense struggle had pushed him beyond his limits, loosening the barrier in his Dantian, and with a surge of energy, he advanced to the fourth level of Body Refining.
Exhausted but exhilarated, he knew he'd gained much more than just victory in this battle. His Shadow Blade technique had reached Proficiency, his strength had grown, and he felt a new determination to face whatever lay deeper in the journey ahead.
As Lin Tian ventured further into the forest's outer perimeter, he encountered more beasts, each with its own fierce characteristics. Most were at the low and mid-levels of Body Refining, but they provided ample challenge and practice for his Shadow Blade technique and Ghost Step. Day after day, he pushed himself against these creatures, each encounter sharpening his skills, refining his instincts, and gradually honing his mastery over his techniques.
With every battle, his movements grew faster, more fluid; he adapted his strikes, moving in sync with the insights of Shadow Blade. The once-heavy sword in his hand now felt like an extension of his body, gliding effortlessly through the air. Ghost Step, too, developed as he learned to weave through attacks and dodge with nimble precision.
Days passed, and he felt his strength surging with each fight. After defeating a fierce Bloodscale Wolf, Lin Tian finally felt the barrier to his next breakthrough begin to waver. His Qi circulated rapidly, filling his Dantian, and he reached the peak of the fourth level of Body Refining. The progress left him both elated and exhausted.
As night fell, Lin Tian found a secluded spot under a canopy of trees, setting up a small camp to rest and recover. Gazing up at the stars, he took a deep breath, feeling the energy coursing through him and the weight of his growing strength. Tomorrow, he knew, would bring new challenges—but for now, he allowed himself a rare moment of rest, preparing his mind and body for the battles yet to come.