Yin's muscles tightened with anticipation as he set out to train, alone this time, away from his master. He needed solitude to test his strength without distraction.
Two months. That's all he had left to push his body, his mind, and his soul realm to their limits.
He knew his technique had improved, but with only one offensive skill—Eagle Claw Smash—his abilities felt limited, almost inadequate for the challenges that lay ahead.
The sky above was heavy with clouds, and the mountain peaks were shrouded in mist. Taking a deep breath, Yin steadied his stance, focusing on the steady rhythm of his breathing technique.
The cold air entered his lungs, invigorating his body, and he could feel energy pooling within him, sparking a familiar surge.
He concentrated, channeling his power toward the massive boulder in front of him, then, with a burst of energy, he unleashed the Eagle Claw Smash.
His hand struck forward, and a shockwave rippled outward, slamming into the stone.
A crack appeared along its center, deepening until the boulder split cleanly in half. Yin stumbled back, astonished.
He hadn't expected such a clean break. The ground trembled slightly as the two halves of the boulder settled, their rough edges casting jagged shadows.
He took a few breaths, exhilarated but drained.
The toll of using the Eagle Claw Smash was heavier than he'd anticipated; it had exhausted nearly all his mana.
At this level, he realized, he could use this technique only sparingly—likely once every two days. Still, his progress was undeniable.
At that moment, his master appeared from behind a tree, watching him with an approving smile.
"Well done, Yin,"
he said, nodding.
"A first-level, two-star warrior with enough control to split a stone this large? That's rare. A gift as uncommon as one in a million. For some, reaching this level would take a year of relentless cultivation."
Yin felt a rush of pride at his master's praise, but he knew he had much more to learn.
His master's power was formidable, a testament to the many years he had spent refining his own techniques. And while Yin could split a stone in half, he lacked any real defensive skills.
An enemy could just as easily crush him as he could crush a boulder.
He needed balance. So he had spent the past few days practicing a defense technique known as
"Heaven's Gate Defense" hoping to improve his resilience in combat.
Determined to test himself, he turned to his master.
"Master,"
he said, his eyes gleaming with resolve,
"Can you air punch me?"
His master's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise, but a grin spread across his face.
"You're ready to test your ability? Very well, Yin. But brace yourself."
Yin steadied himself, adjusting his stance and focusing on his breathing. The world seemed to slow as he summoned the Heaven's Gate Defense, visualizing the protective shield forming around him.
His master lifted a hand, then thrust it forward, his fingers slicing through the air with astonishing speed.
Yin could hardly follow his movement. An intense pressure filled the air as the punch gathered force, barreling toward him at a speed he could barely comprehend.
Master releases only 5 percent of his strength.
"Heaven's Gate Defense!"
he shouted, summoning the energy barrier. He could feel it materialize in front of him—a wall of force designed to absorb and disperse the impact.
But the power of his master's attack was overwhelming. The air punch crashed into his shield, shattering it instantly. Yin felt a shockwave reverberate through his entire body as he was flung backward, tumbling several meters away before landing in a heap.
Dazed, Yin struggled to his feet, his mind whirling. His body ached, but a strange sense of exhilaration filled him.
His master's laughter boomed across the clearing.
"Hahaha!"
his master chuckled, his voice filled with both mirth and approval.
"Not bad, Yin. You stood your ground longer than most would. Keep training, and that defense will become impenetrable."
Yin rubbed his sore arms, a grin spreading across his face despite the bruises. He could feel the improvement, his energy adapting and strengthening, as if the broken barrier had forced his power to grow.
His confidence surged.
But their moment of camaraderie was interrupted by a distant sound that froze them both. A deep, echoing howl resonated across the mountain, carrying with it an ominous power.
Yin turned to his master, who was already looking toward the source of the sound.
"The Soul Beast,"
his master murmured, his expression darkening.
"It's the Guardian of Yu Mountain, and it's on the prowl."
Yin's heart skipped a beat. "Does this mean...?"
"Yes,"
his master confirmed, his eyes narrowing.
"The full moon calls to the Soul Beasts, and tonight, the wolves will gather. It's our perfect chance. While they're distracted, we'll make our way to the Elemental Core."
They exchanged a brief, determined nod and set off, moving swiftly and silently through the woods. The air was thick with the scent of earth and pine, and the moonlight filtered through the trees, casting shadows that flickered with each step they took.
They crept toward the cave where the core lay hidden, each footfall measured, every sound carefully muffled.
At the edge of the clearing near the cave entrance, they saw the Soul Beast—a massive, wolf-like creature, its fur shimmering in the moonlight like spun silver.
It let out another haunting howl, and the echoes were soon joined by others, filling the night with a symphony of wild, primal energy.
Yin nodded, gathering his resolve.
He slipped from shadow to shadow, inching closer to the cave. The pulsing energy of the Elemental Core called to him, intensifying with each step he took.
The air grew heavier, vibrating with power, and I could feel the heartbeat syncing with the core's rhythm, my body drawn toward it as if by instinct.
Inside the cave, the Elemental Core rested, embedded in the stone wall, glowing with an otherworldly light that bathed the chamber in a pale, ethereal glow. Yin could barely contain his excitement.
He reached out, his fingers brushing the surface of the core, feeling its warmth beneath his hands. He cannot hold the core directly.
"Master, can you help me "?