The Forbidden Valley was vast, its secrets buried beneath layers of time and danger. As Wei Liang ventured deeper, the Celestial Codex System continued to guide him, its notifications a constant presence in his mind.
**[System Notification: Rare Material Detected - Frostbloom Petal.
Value: 100 System Points.
Location: 500 meters northwest.]**
Wei's eyes narrowed as he followed the system's directions. The Frostbloom Petal was a rare ingredient, said to enhance the potency of alchemical concoctions. If he could gather it, he could craft more powerful pills to aid his cultivation.
As he approached the location, the air grew colder, and the ground beneath his feet became slick with frost. The Frostbloom Petal was guarded by a **Frostfang Serpent**, a beast known for its icy breath and deadly venom.
**[Enemy Detected: Frostfang Serpent.
Cultivation Level: Qi Condensation (Late Stage).
Threat Level: High.]**
Wei hesitated. The serpent was stronger than the Fangtooth Wolf he had faced earlier, and his qi reserves were still not fully replenished. But he couldn't afford to pass up this opportunity.
**[System Suggestion: Use the environment to your advantage. The Frostfang Serpent is vulnerable to fire.]**
Wei's eyes darted to a nearby cluster of dry branches. If he could create a fire, he might be able to drive the serpent away. He quickly gathered the branches and struck his flint against a rock, igniting a small flame.
The serpent hissed, its icy breath clashing with the heat of the fire. Wei used the distraction to strike, channeling his qi into a powerful punch.
**[Martial Technique Detected: Basic Fist Art (Level 1).
Damage Dealt: Moderate.]**
The serpent recoiled, its scales cracking under the force of Wei's attack. But it wasn't enough to defeat the beast. Wei needed a better strategy.
**[System Notification: New Function Unlocked - Idle Dungeon Exploration.
Description: Send idle clones to explore dangerous areas and gather resources.
Requirements: 200 System Points.]**
Wei's eyes lit up. If he could unlock this function, he could explore the Forbidden Valley without putting himself in direct danger. But he needed more system points.
He focused on the Frostfang Serpent, his mind racing. If he could defeat the beast, he could harvest its core, a valuable resource that would grant him the points he needed.
Wei channeled his remaining qi into his fists, his movements becoming more precise. He dodged the serpent's attacks, striking at its weak points with calculated precision.
**[Combat Victory: Frostfang Serpent Defeated.
Rewards: 200 System Points, Frostfang Core x1.]**
Wei collapsed to his knees, his body trembling with exhaustion. But he had done it. He had defeated the serpent and gained the resources he needed.
**[System Points Gained: 200.
Total System Points: 360.]**
Wei quickly harvested the Frostbloom Petal and the serpent's core, storing them in his inventory. Then, he activated the **Idle Dungeon Exploration** function.
**[Idle Dungeon Exploration Activated.
Clones Deployed: 1.
Exploration Time: 4 hours.
Expected Rewards: Rare Materials, System Points.]**
With the clones exploring the valley, Wei decided to rest and recover. He found a secluded spot and activated the **Idle Qi Gathering** function, allowing the system to replenish his qi while he planned his next move.
As he meditated, the system's interface displayed a progress bar for the dungeon exploration. Wei's mind wandered, his thoughts turning to the Azure Dragon Sect and the betrayal he had suffered.
"I will return," Wei muttered, his voice filled with determination. "And when I do, they will regret ever crossing me."
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**To Be Continued...**