Into the Moonlit Forest
The dense expanse of the Moonlit Forest loomed before Makoto as the sun dipped below the horizon. The name wasn't mere metaphor—under the moon's silvery glow, the forest shimmered as if each leaf and blade of grass had been kissed by starlight. Yet, despite its beauty, it carried a reputation for danger. The deeper one ventured, the stronger the beasts, and few who dared to cross its inner boundaries returned unscathed.
Makoto adjusted the simple pack on his back, his senses sharp and his steps silent. He had packed light, carrying only dried rations, water, and his sword—a common-looking blade, though its edges glinted with a strange sharpness under the moon.
His reason for venturing into the forest weighed heavily on his mind. Yuna's concerns over her dwindling contribution points struck a nerve. The fact that he had relied on her so far didn't sit well with him. While the sect provided for its disciples, those at the lower ranks had to scrape and claw for every resource.
"I won't let her carry my burdens any longer," he muttered to himself, determination hardening his gaze.
---
The outer edges of the forest were deceptively tranquil. Chirping crickets filled the air, and small spirit beasts flitted between trees, their faint auras indicating they were of little threat. Makoto tread carefully, his every movement precise, as he pushed deeper into the foliage. His senses, honed from lifetimes of experience, picked up on the subtle changes in the environment—shifts in Qi density, faint disturbances in the undergrowth, and the lingering traces of beasts marking their territory.
The Grades of Qi
As he ventured further, Makoto's thoughts turned inward. He reflected on the nature of Qi, the lifeblood of cultivation. In this world, Qi was categorized into distinct grades based on its purity and potency:
Low-Grade Qi: Common and abundant but inefficient.
Mid-Grade Qi: Suitable for ordinary cultivators aiming for stability in their cultivation.
High-Grade Qi: Rare, often found in natural treasures or concentrated environments.
Supreme Qi: Almost mythical, capable of transforming the body and soul of those who harness it.
Makoto smirked as he felt the flow of Qi in his own body, pure and untainted. Unbeknownst to others, he cultivated using Primal Qi, the purest and most ancient form. It was the foundation of all Qi in the universe and the source from which even Supreme Qi was derived. It was no wonder his cultivation techniques, though currently dormant, far surpassed the abilities of anyone in this lower realm.
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An Unwelcome Encounter
Hours into his journey, Makoto came across a small clearing bathed in moonlight. The area exuded a serene beauty, but his instincts flared. He paused, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword. The forest had grown unnervingly silent.
From the shadows, a pair of glowing amber eyes emerged, followed by a hulking figure. It was a Silverclaw Lynx, a beast known for its speed and razor-sharp claws. Its aura suggested it was at the Third Stage of Qi Refining, equivalent to an early-stage cultivator.
Makoto's grip tightened on his sword. "A good warm-up," he muttered.
The lynx lunged, its claws glinting like steel in the moonlight. Makoto sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and calculated. He countered with a precise slash, aiming for the beast's flank. The lynx twisted mid-air, narrowly avoiding the blow, but Makoto's calm demeanor never wavered.
"Still too predictable," he thought, his eyes analyzing the beast's every movement.
With a sudden burst of speed, Makoto closed the distance, his blade slicing through the air. The fight ended with a single, decisive strike. The lynx collapsed, its silver fur shimmering faintly in the light.
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A Hidden Treasure
As Makoto examined the lynx's corpse, his attention was drawn to the faint glow emanating from the beast's chest. Carefully, he cut into the flesh and extracted a small, crystalline core—the beast's Qi Core. Unlike ordinary Qi Cores, this one radiated a peculiar energy, its surface etched with faint, ancient runes.
"Interesting…" Makoto murmured, holding the core up to the light. "This isn't an ordinary Qi Core. Could it be a remnant of ancient times?"
He stored the core carefully, his curiosity piqued. If the outer edges of the forest held such treasures, what awaited him deeper within?
---
Deeper Into the Forest
Makoto pressed onward, the moon high above casting an ethereal glow. The air grew heavier, saturated with Qi, and the trees themselves seemed alive with an ancient energy. As he moved, he encountered more beasts, each stronger than the last. While none posed a significant threat, they served as valuable practice, allowing him to sharpen his reflexes and reawaken his dormant combat instincts.
After several hours, he stumbled upon a peculiar grove. The trees here were unlike any he had seen before, their trunks twisted and their leaves a deep, unnatural shade of purple. At the grove's center stood a small shrine, overgrown with moss and vines.
Makoto approached cautiously, his steps light. The air around the shrine crackled with energy, and the faint hum of Qi resonated in his ears. As he reached out to clear the vines, a sudden voice broke the silence.
"Who dares disturb this sacred ground?"
Makoto froze, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area. The voice was deep and resonant, filled with an ancient authority. Slowly, a figure materialized before him—a translucent silhouette of an old man, his robes flowing as though caught in an invisible breeze.
"You…" the figure said, its gaze piercing. "Your Qi… it is not of this world."
Makoto's hand moved instinctively to his sword, but he didn't draw it. Instead, he met the figure's gaze with calm defiance. "And who are you to judge what belongs in this world?"
The figure chuckled, its form flickering like a flame. "Interesting. Very well, boy. If you wish to claim the treasure of this grove, you must prove yourself worthy."
The ground beneath Makoto shifted, and the air grew dense with pressure.