The Forbidden Valley was a place of legends, a treacherous expanse where the weak perished and the strong thrived. Its jagged cliffs and dense forests were home to ancient beasts, hidden treasures, and forgotten secrets. For Wei Liang, it was both a prison and a proving ground.
As he ventured deeper into the valley, the Celestial Codex System continued to work in the background. The **Idle Qi Gathering** function steadily replenished his qi reserves, while the **Resource Collection** feature highlighted valuable materials in his surroundings.
**[System Notification: Rare Herb Detected - Spiritroot Grass.
Value: 50 System Points.
Location: 200 meters northeast.]**
Wei's eyes narrowed as he followed the system's guidance. The Spiritroot Grass was a valuable ingredient for alchemy, often used to craft healing pills. If he could gather enough, he could not only heal his injuries but also start stockpiling resources for future use.
As he approached the location, a low growl echoed through the trees. Wei froze, his senses on high alert. Emerging from the shadows was a **Fangtooth Wolf**, a beast known for its razor-sharp fangs and relentless aggression.
**[Enemy Detected: Fangtooth Wolf.
Cultivation Level: Qi Condensation (Mid Stage).
Threat Level: Moderate.]**
Wei clenched his fists, his mind racing. He was still weak, his body battered and his qi reserves low. But he couldn't afford to retreat—not when the Spiritroot Grass was within reach.
The wolf lunged, its jaws snapping at Wei's throat. Wei sidestepped, his movements clumsy but effective. He countered with a punch, channeling what little qi he had into his fist. The blow landed, but it barely fazed the beast.
**[Martial Technique Detected: Basic Fist Art (Level 1).
Damage Dealt: Minimal.]**
Wei gritted his teeth. He needed a better strategy.
**[System Suggestion: Use the environment to your advantage. The Fangtooth Wolf is vulnerable to fire.]**
Wei's eyes darted to a nearby cluster of dry bushes. If he could lure the wolf into them, he might be able to create a distraction. He feigned a retreat, drawing the beast closer to the bushes. Then, with a burst of speed, he grabbed a rock and struck it against a flint he found on the ground.
Sparks flew, igniting the dry foliage. The flames spread quickly, creating a wall of fire between Wei and the wolf. The beast howled in frustration, its instincts forcing it to retreat.
**[Combat Victory: Fangtooth Wolf Driven Away.
Rewards: 10 System Points, Minor Combat Experience.]**
Wei allowed himself a moment to catch his breath before turning his attention to the Spiritroot Grass. He carefully harvested the plant, storing it in a makeshift pouch.
**[Resource Collected: Spiritroot Grass x3.
System Points Gained: 150.]**
With the immediate threat gone, Wei decided to rest and assess his situation. He found a small cave nearby, its entrance hidden by thick vines. Inside, he activated the **Idle Qi Gathering** function and began meditating, allowing the system to replenish his qi while he planned his next move.
**[System Notification: New Function Unlocked - Idle Alchemy.
Description: Automatically craft pills and elixirs using collected resources.
Requirements: Alchemy Recipe, Resources.]**
Wei's eyes lit up. This was exactly what he needed. He accessed the system's database and found a recipe for a **Basic Healing Pill**.
**[Basic Healing Pill Recipe:
Spiritroot Grass x1
Qi Essence x10
Crafting Time: 1 hour.]**
Wei initiated the crafting process, watching as the system's interface displayed a progress bar. While he waited, he reviewed his status.
**[Name: Wei Liang
Cultivation Level: Qi Condensation (Early Stage)
Martial Techniques: Basic Fist Art (Level 1), Basic Movement Art (Level 1)
System Points: 160
Qi Reserves: 50/100
Inventory: Spiritroot Grass x2, Basic Healing Pill (Crafting)]**
As the hours passed, Wei's qi reserves slowly refilled, and his injuries began to heal. When the crafting process completed, he held the Basic Healing Pill in his hand, its faint glow a testament to its potency.
He consumed the pill, feeling its energy spread through his body. The pain in his wounds dulled, and his strength returned.
**[Status Update: Injuries Healed.
Qi Reserves: 80/100.]**
Wei stood, his resolve stronger than ever. The Forbidden Valley was no longer a death sentence—it was an opportunity. With the Celestial Codex System by his side, he would grow stronger, gather resources, and prepare for his eventual return to the Azure Dragon Sect.
But first, he needed to survive.
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**To Be Continued...**