Lin Tian rifled through the belongings of Qiu Wei and his fallen henchmen, checking each for valuables. Though mostly low-grade items, a few spirit stones, spirit-gathering pills, and a well-forged blade caught his eye. Carefully stashing them away, he felt a surge of satisfaction—not just from the spoils, but from the battle itself. It had been a fierce clash, but he had emerged victorious, and in the process, his insights into the Shadow Blade technique had crystallized. The breakthrough had come naturally, each move blending seamlessly into the next with newfound fluidity.
With one last look at the battleground, Lin Tian headed deeper into the forest, determined to leave no traces for those who might seek vengeance for Qiu Wei and his men. After hours of travel, he arrived at the edge of a bustling city—much larger and livelier than any settlement he had visited. Towering walls and vibrant lights spoke of its wealth and prosperity. Even at the gate, cultivators exchanged low-grade spirit stones just for entry. Knowing he couldn't afford to attract attention, he paid his fee and stepped into the city, immediately engulfed by its energy.
As he found a small inn to rest in, Lin Tian was struck by the number of powerful cultivators around him. Conversations about martial arts techniques, rare herbs, and clan rivalries drifted through the air. After getting a room and securing his belongings, he spent the evening resting and reflecting on his recent battle insights, mentally replaying his moves and analyzing his weaknesses. By morning, his thoughts were clear, his mind sharper. Today, he'd gather information.
The city was a treasure trove of news, and Lin Tian quickly realized the complexity of its political landscape. Numerous clans operated here, each wielding considerable influence. At the helm was the city lord, a Spirit Core realm cultivator whose very name commanded respect. Sensing he would need to tread carefully, Lin Tian kept his questions discreet, avoiding any discussions that might attract unwanted attention.
Later, Lin Tian made his way to a popular restaurant, hoping to pick up on any valuable insights. While eating, his ears caught a nearby conversation. A group of warriors were discussing the notorious bandit group that had made the forest trails unsafe. Rumors circulated about their brutal leader, a cultivator at the third level of Qi Refining, and his co-leader, who had also broken into Qi Refining. The rest of the group, however, was mostly at the peak of Body Refining, making them formidable for any average cultivator.
Lin Tian's heart sank slightly. This mission was far more dangerous than he had anticipated. Taking down a group of this caliber would require precision, stealth, and strategy—rushing in would be suicide. Determined, he returned to the market and sought out a map shop, eventually purchasing a detailed layout of the region. Scanning the map, he spotted the rough location of the bandit camp. A plan began to take shape. He would need to observe them, assess their defenses, and then formulate a method to attack without exposing himself to too much risk.
Night descended as Lin Tian approached the bandit camp, carefully navigating through the dense forest under the cover of darkness. When he drew near, he concealed himself behind some thick undergrowth, waiting patiently for an opportunity. Through the flickering firelight, he could see figures moving around, rough voices filling the air with laughter and vulgar jokes. His instincts told him to stay low and keep quiet; information was his primary goal tonight.
An opportunity arose when he overheard two men near the center of the camp talking animatedly. One, who exuded a powerful aura likely indicating Qi Refining, was boasting to the other about their recent acquisitions. Lin Tian focused on their words, blocking out all distractions.
"…the leader's got his hands on a key. Not just any key, but one that supposedly unlocks an ancient inheritance," the first voice said, barely able to contain his excitement.
The second voice responded, intrigued. "You mean… like a secret realm?"
"Yes," the first voice whispered, his tone dripping with greed. "They say it was made by someone beyond the Transformation Realm. With that kind of power, we could—no, we will—rule over more than just these forests."
Lin Tian's pulse quickened. This wasn't just any ordinary loot; it was an inheritance key—one that could open doors to unimaginable power. A realm constructed by a figure above the Transformation Realm would be filled with resources, techniques, and treasures beyond anything he could imagine. This discovery shifted his entire plan; if he could acquire the key, it could serve as a stepping stone to a path of rapid advancement.
But this wouldn't be easy. The bandits were well-organized, well-armed, and their leader, a third-level Qi Refining cultivator, would be a serious threat. As the men resumed their rounds, Lin Tian retreated slowly, careful not to make a sound. Once he was far enough away, he sat under a large tree, reviewing his findings and formulating a plan.
He'd need to approach this methodically, using every bit of skill and knowledge he possessed. To take down a group of this size and strength, he'd have to strike hard and fast, eliminating key figures to throw the others into disarray.