Chapter 4: The First Trial
Xia Yu walked through the dense forest, her senses heightened as the wind rustled through the trees. The lingering feeling of her last battle still pulsed within her veins, but now it was time to focus on the next step—resources. Epoch had made it clear that without them, her cultivation would plateau. The world around her had plenty to offer, but it wouldn't be handed to her.
"Host," Epoch's voice echoed in her mind, calm and commanding as always. "You must find the Qi-rich herbs. They are essential for stabilizing your cultivation and advancing to the Qi Foundation Stage."
Xia Yu nodded, scanning the surrounding terrain. She had learned a lot from her brief encounter with the man in the woods. His arrogance and underestimation had cost him dearly, but it had also served as a reminder of how dangerous the world was. To survive, she needed to be prepared—physically and mentally.
"Where should I look?" she asked, her voice low but filled with determination.
"There is a secluded area not far from here, known as the Verdant Grove. It is rich with spiritual herbs that will aid your growth. However, be warned: it is not without danger. Other cultivators are aware of its resources, and they will not hesitate to fight for them."
Xia Yu's eyes narrowed, a steely resolve taking over. "I'll handle them if necessary."
Epoch's voice was sharp, a note of caution in his tone. "Do not underestimate the power of others. Strength alone is not enough to ensure success. You must be strategic, patient."
She nodded, but deep down, the thought of facing another opponent didn't scare her as much as it used to. She had Epoch's guidance, and with each passing moment, her confidence in her abilities grew stronger.
The journey to the Verdant Grove took several hours. The forest grew denser, the air thick with the smell of moss and earth. Occasionally, Xia Yu spotted faint traces of Qi—small bursts of energy emanating from plants or the occasional animal—but she ignored them. Epoch had specifically instructed her to focus on the grove. She was about to step into a place of power, and distractions could cost her dearly.
Finally, the trees parted, revealing a secluded glade bathed in the soft light of the moon. The air here was different—charged with energy. Xia Yu's senses flared, and she could almost feel the Qi in the ground, the air, the plants. This was it. The Verdant Grove.
She took a step forward, her eyes scanning the area for the herbs Epoch had mentioned. The leaves of the plants shimmered in the moonlight, glowing faintly with a greenish hue. Her heart quickened with anticipation.
"Focus," Epoch instructed. "Scan the surroundings carefully. The herbs you seek are hidden among the flora. The most potent ones will stand out, but they will be well-guarded."
Xia Yu's brow furrowed. "Well-guarded?"
"There are creatures here—beasts that feed on spiritual energy. They are territorial. If you approach the wrong herb, they will attack."
Xia Yu clenched her fist, the sound of her knuckles cracking breaking the silence. She had faced danger before and come out victorious. But creatures of this forest sounded different. Still, she wasn't about to back down now.
She took a slow, deliberate step forward, her eyes carefully scanning the ground. Epoch's guidance was invaluable, but she would need to rely on her own instincts too. She could feel the vibrations in the air, the subtle movements of creatures hiding in the shadows. They were watching her, waiting for her to make a mistake.
"Approach the Glowing Fern to the east," Epoch's voice whispered. "It holds a rare spiritual essence that will aid in your transition to the Qi Foundation Stage."
Xia Yu nodded silently, crouching low as she made her way toward the fern. The plant glowed softly, its leaves shimmering in the moonlight, and the Qi around it hummed with power. But as she approached, she sensed movement. Something was nearby.
She stopped, holding her breath, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. Her mind raced as she searched for the source of the disturbance. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw it—a large, shadowy figure moving through the trees.
A beast, as Epoch had warned.
The creature was massive, easily twice the size of a full-grown man. Its fur was dark as night, with patches of silver that seemed to shimmer in the moonlight. Its eyes glowed with a predatory hunger, and its body rippled with raw energy, the Qi emanating from it in waves.
Xia Yu instinctively took a step back, but Epoch's voice cut through her thoughts. "Do not retreat. You must confront it. Focus your Qi. Use the Flowing Blade technique. Control the energy within you."
She took a deep breath, steadying herself. The beast snarled, its teeth bared, but Xia Yu did not flinch. She knew that retreating would only provoke it further. She had to act now.
The creature lunged toward her, its claws extended, a blur of motion too fast for most to track. But Xia Yu was ready. She summoned her Qi, channeling it into her sword with a practiced fluidity. She moved with precision, the blade cutting through the air as if guided by an unseen hand.
The sword met the beast's claws with a deafening crash, the force of the impact sending a shockwave through the ground. Xia Yu's body swayed with the power of the strike, but she held firm. She was not about to let this creature stop her.
The beast recoiled, shaking its head in anger, but Xia Yu didn't give it a chance to recover. She pressed forward, her sword flashing as she executed the first form of the Flowing Blade technique, cutting through the air with unerring accuracy.
The creature's movements slowed as the energy from her blade connected with its body, its Qi flickering in and out of focus. With one final, decisive strike, Xia Yu cleaved through the beast's defenses, landing a blow that sent it crashing to the ground.
Breathing heavily, Xia Yu stood over the creature, her sword raised. The beast lay motionless, its Qi dissipating into the air. She had won—again.
Epoch's voice, more than a little approving, echoed in her mind. "Well done, Host. Your progress is swift. You have shown strength, but remember—this is only a taste of what is to come. Many challenges await."
Xia Yu nodded, wiping the sweat from her brow. Her heart still raced, but she felt alive—empowered. She had conquered the beast, and now, the Glowing Fern was within her grasp. Her path forward was clearer than ever.
She bent down, carefully plucking the fern from the earth. As she held it in her hands, she could feel its energy coursing through her, merging with her Qi.
"This is only the beginning," she whispered to herself, her resolve hardening. "The journey ahead will not be easy, but I'm ready."
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End of Chapter 4