Xian Zhen followed Ling Tian through the dense forest. The trees were massive, their trunks wider than buildings, their leaves glowing faintly in the dim light. Strange beasts roamed in the distance, their eyes shining with hunger, but none dared to attack.
Ling Tian walked with confidence, his aura powerful yet controlled. Xian could tell—this man was strong.
"So," Xian said, breaking the silence, "where exactly are we going?"
Ling Tian smirked. "To the nearest Martial City. It's a place where warriors gather, a place where you can learn techniques, buy weapons, and test your strength. If you want to survive in this world, you'll need more than just raw power."
Xian scoffed. "Tch. Strength is everything. The weak follow, and the strong lead."
Ling Tian chuckled. "That arrogance will get you in trouble, my friend. You'll soon learn that power alone isn't enough."
Xian smirked. "Then I'll just have to become the absolute strongest."
The Journey to Martial City
As they walked, Xian noticed something strange—he wasn't tired. In his old world, walking for hours would have made him exhausted. But here? He felt stronger, faster, and full of energy.
"That's the effect of spiritual energy," Ling Tian explained, noticing Xian's curiosity. "This world is filled with it. The stronger your body becomes, the longer you can last without food, water, or rest."
Xian clenched his fists. He could feel it—his body was changing. He was growing stronger with every step.
But just as he was getting excited—ROAR!
A powerful killing intent filled the air.
Xian and Ling Tian stopped as a massive Shadowfang Wolf leaped from the trees. It was twice the size of the Crimson Fang Tiger, its fur dark as night, its fangs dripping with venom.
"A Rank 2 beast," Ling Tian muttered. "This one won't go down easily."
Xian grinned. "Then let's see how strong I've really become."
The Second Battle
The Shadowfang Wolf lunged at Xian, its claws glowing with deadly energy.
Xian sidestepped just in time, his movements sharper than before. He countered with a punch, dark energy swirling around his right hand. The force of his attack sent the wolf flying—but it wasn't enough to kill it.
The beast growled and charged again, moving even faster.
Ling Tian watched from the side, his arms crossed. "Not bad, but you lack technique. Power means nothing if you can't control it."
Xian clicked his tongue. "Then I'll just overwhelm it with brute force."
He raised his left hand, releasing a blast of pure white energy. The attack hit the wolf's chest, burning through its fur and skin.
The beast howled in pain, but it still refused to fall. It pounced again, this time faster, its fangs aiming for Xian's throat.
Xian's smirk widened. "Heh. Now you're getting serious."
Just as the beast was about to strike—Xian activated his new ability.
Devour.
A surge of energy exploded from his body, and the wolf's movements slowed. Its strength drained away, its eyes filled with fear.
Then—BOOM!—Xian punched through its skull, ending the fight instantly.
[Congratulations! You have slain a Shadowfang Wolf. Strength +5. Agility +3. You have awakened the ability: Beast Instinct.]
Xian's eyes flashed. "Beast Instinct?"
Suddenly, he felt his senses sharpen. He could hear the heartbeat of creatures in the distance. He could smell the blood in the air. It was as if he had gained the instincts of a predator.
Ling Tian raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. Your power… it's not normal."
Xian wiped the blood off his hands and smirked. "Heh. I told you—I'm different."
Arrival at Martial City
After the battle, the two continued their journey.
By nightfall, they reached a massive stone gate. Beyond it was a city larger than anything Xian had ever seen. Towering buildings made of ancient stone, warriors carrying glowing swords, alchemists selling potions, and beasts walking alongside humans—it was a completely different world.
"Welcome to Martial City," Ling Tian said. "This is where your real journey begins."
Xian's smirk grew wider. "Good. I was starting to get bored."
With that, he stepped into the city, ready to carve his path to the top.
The journey of the Absolute Overlord had truly begun.
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