The forest gave way to rolling hills as Ye Tian continued his journey. The Bloodshadow Tiger's core rested in his robe, radiating a steady warmth. It wasn't just a trophy of his victory; it was a resource. Cores like this could accelerate cultivation, refine Qi, or even serve as a base for new techniques.
For now, he resisted the urge to absorb its power. His foundation had to remain solid, and rushing to consume the core might destabilize the Qi he had carefully built over time.
The glade he chose for his training was serene, bordered by jagged rocks and tall trees swaying gently in the wind. It was here that Ye Tian began refining his gravity techniques, shaping them with precision.
Refining Power
His hand extended toward a boulder nearby. With a steady breath, he murmured, "Earth's Push."
The boulder hurtled forward, slamming into a tree with a deafening crack. Not satisfied, he adjusted his stance, directing his Qi toward a smaller rock. This time, the push was precise, sending the stone into a controlled arc.
Next came "Heaven's Pull." A fallen branch was his target, and with a focused stream of Qi, he drew it toward him. The branch hovered briefly before landing neatly in his hand.
The Stranger Appears
The tranquility was interrupted by a soft chuckle. Ye Tian's eyes snapped open as a middle-aged man stepped into the clearing. Clad in simple robes, the stranger exuded an air of calm confidence.
"Interesting techniques," the man said, his tone measured. "Gravity manipulation is rare, even among higher realms. You've caught my attention."
Ye Tian's gaze sharpened. His hand instinctively tightened on his blade as he took a defensive stance.
"Who are you?" Ye Tian asked coldly.
The man smiled faintly. "A traveler, nothing more. I was passing by and noticed your rather unique methods. Perhaps we can spar? A test of skill, nothing more."
Ye Tian hesitated. There was no overt hostility in the man's tone, but his instincts warned him that this was no ordinary cultivator. Still, to refuse outright might invite trouble.
"Very well," Ye Tian said. "But don't hold back."
A Lesson in Power
The man's smile widened. Without warning, he thrust his palm forward, unleashing a wave of wind that ripped through the glade. Trees bent under its force, and Ye Tian barely managed to evade using Shadowstep.
He reappeared behind the man, his blade slashing downward. The strike was met with an invisible barrier that deflected it effortlessly.
"Fast," the man said with a nod. "But predictable."
Ye Tian gritted his teeth and slammed his palm into the ground. "Earth's Push!"
The force erupted from beneath the man, unbalancing him and forcing him to leap back. Ye Tian followed with "Heaven's Pull," dragging the man toward him.
Caught seemingly off guard, the man stumbled forward. Ye Tian smirked, channeling his Qi into Infernal Graviton. The compressed sphere of gravity shot forward, aimed directly at the man's chest.
But then, the air changed.
An overwhelming aura exploded from the man, freezing Ye Tian in his tracks. The Qi was suffocating, like standing before a storm that could swallow mountains.
Ye Tian's technique fizzled out as he staggered backward, his smirk replaced by wide-eyed shock. The man appeared before him in an instant, faster than Ye Tian's eyes could track.
A single palm pressed lightly against Ye Tian's chest, and he was sent skidding back several feet, stumbling to regain his balance.
The man's expression was calm, but his voice carried a quiet authority. "Power can make one arrogant, boy. Don't mistake a few tricks for mastery."
Ye Tian clenched his fists, biting back his frustration.
An Offer Refused
The man's gaze softened as he spoke. "You've got potential. With proper guidance, you could go far. Join my sect, and I'll ensure your talents don't go to waste."
Ye Tian's heart skipped a beat. It wasn't every day that such an opportunity presented itself, but he shook his head.
"I appreciate the offer," he said carefully, "but I'm already part of the Jade Serpent Sect. My loyalty lies there."
The man's smile faded slightly, replaced by an unreadable expression. "A pity. I'd hoped you were wiser."
For a moment, the air grew heavy with tension, but the man simply sighed. "Very well. But be careful, boy. The path you walk is fraught with danger. Make sure you're ready when it comes."
A Shadowed Pursuit
The man turned and began to walk away, disappearing into the forest. Ye Tian stood motionless, his body still trembling from the pressure of the man's aura.
But unbeknownst to him, the man hadn't gone far. Hidden among the trees, he observed Ye Tian with keen interest.
"Such spirit," the man murmured to himself. "It's been a long time since I've seen someone like that. Let's see where your journey takes you, Ye Tian."
Ye Tian, unaware of the watchful eyes following him, steadied his breathing and resumed his path. His resolve had only grown stronger, the brief encounter serving as a stark reminder of how far he still had to climb.