Chapter 23: Journey to Red City
Early in the morning, Da Cai and his friends convened to finalize their plans. After some discussion, they decided to delay their journey down the mountain for a month to ensure they were adequately prepared. By now, all of them had reached the third stage of Muscle Refinement, granting them enhanced strength, durability, and stamina far beyond ordinary mortals. Their bodies had become akin to tempered steel, capable of enduring harsh conditions and executing explosive bursts of power.
Practicing the Battle Technique
While waiting for their journey, Da Cai dedicated himself to practicing Infernal Barrier, his newly acquired battle technique. Battle techniques were segmented into four levels of proficiency:
Minor Accomplishment: The technique is usable but lacks finesse and efficiency.
Major Accomplishment: The practitioner gains control and consistency, allowing the technique to be used effectively in combat.
Mastery: The technique is refined to near perfection, maximizing its power and efficiency.
Perfect: A rare level of understanding, where the technique becomes instinctive and can be executed flawlessly.
Most of Da Cai's peers had achieved Minor Accomplishment in their respective techniques, while the top 900 disciples boasted Major Accomplishment. The top 10 contenders were known for reaching Mastery, and Wu Qi's perfect execution of his techniques was considered legendary.
Da Cai practiced tirelessly, using his dual cultivation foundation to steadily push Infernal Barrier toward Major Accomplishment. Each session brought him closer to understanding the intricacies of fire manipulation, enhancing both his defense and counterattack capabilities.
Encounter at the Village
A month later, Da Cai and his friends began their journey to Red City. The descent down the mountain was uneventful at first, the group's spirits high as they moved through dense forests and rocky terrain. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when they stumbled upon a small village in distress.
The village elder, a frail but determined man, approached them with a plea. "Please, noble disciples, help us. A demonic beast has been terrorizing our village, killing livestock and threatening lives. We cannot fight it on our own."
The group exchanged wary glances. "We'll scout the situation first," Feng Yi suggested, his voice calm and measured.
The group agreed and began their reconnaissance. Using their cultivation-enhanced senses, they tracked the beast's movements to a nearby cave. Upon closer inspection, they confirmed its strength: it was a Bone Refinement Stage Demonic Beast, a realm that placed it above Muscle Refinement cultivators. Demonic beasts were inherently stronger than humans, their bodies tougher and their attacks more ferocious. However, their lack of human intelligence often left them vulnerable to strategic planning. It was only at the Golden Core Realm that such beasts gained sentience, becoming truly formidable.
Preparing for Battle
The team returned to the village to plan their attack.
"We need to take advantage of the surroundings," Lian Hua said, pointing to a map of the area. "The cave's entrance is narrow. If we can lure it out, we can use the terrain to limit its movements."
"I'll set up traps with fire talismans," Da Cai offered. "If it charges, the flames will weaken it."
Ren Zhen nodded. "I'll be the bait. My strength can hold it off long enough for you all to strike."
"We'll coordinate our attacks," Feng Yi added. "Precision over power."
With the plan in place, the group set to work. They rigged the area around the cave with fire talismans and dug shallow pits to slow the beast's movements. Lian Hua prepared her Spirit Qi techniques to create barriers, while Feng Yi and Da Cai positioned themselves for coordinated strikes.
As night fell, the group steeled themselves for the fight ahead. The beast's roars echoed from the cave, a chilling reminder of the danger they faced. "We've got this," Shi Lang said, trying to lighten the mood. "It's just a big, angry animal."
"Stay focused," Feng Yi replied. "One mistake could cost us everything."
Da Cai clenched his fists, his Infernal Barrier technique ready. "Let's do this."
With their preparations complete, the group waited for the right moment to draw the beast out and begin the battle of their lives.