Wei Liang sat cross-legged in the secluded cave, his eyes closed as the **Idle Qi Gathering** function steadily replenished his qi reserves. The **Idle Dungeon Exploration** clones were still out, scouring the Forbidden Valley for resources, and the system's progress bar ticked slowly toward completion.
As he meditated, a new notification flashed across his mind.
**[System Notification: Hidden Dungeon Detected.
Name: Temple of the Fallen Star.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Recommended Cultivation Level: Qi Condensation (Mid Stage).
Rewards: Rare Artifacts, Cultivation Manuals, System Points.]**
Wei's eyes snapped open. A hidden dungeon? This was exactly the kind of opportunity he needed to accelerate his growth. He quickly checked 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: 360
Qi Reserves: 90/100
Inventory: Frostbloom Petal x1, Frostfang Core x1, Spiritroot Grass x2.]**
He was still in the early stages of Qi Condensation, but the system's guidance and his growing arsenal of resources gave him confidence. He decided to investigate the dungeon, knowing it could be the key to unlocking his true potential.
---
The **Temple of the Fallen Star** was an ancient structure, its stone walls covered in moss and intricate carvings. The entrance was partially hidden by overgrown vines, but the system's interface highlighted it clearly.
As Wei stepped inside, the air grew colder, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed through the halls. The dungeon was dimly lit by glowing crystals embedded in the walls, casting eerie shadows on the stone floor.
**[Trap Detected: Poison Dart Mechanism.
Solution: Step on the correct sequence of tiles to disable it.]**
Wei carefully navigated the trap, his movements precise. The system's guidance was invaluable, but he knew he couldn't rely on it entirely. He needed to sharpen his instincts and grow stronger on his own.
After solving several puzzles and defeating a few weak guardians, Wei reached the dungeon's inner chamber. At its center was a pedestal holding a **Celestial Artifact**: the **Heavenly Flame Cauldron**.
**[Celestial Artifact Acquired: Heavenly Flame Cauldron.
Effects: Enhances alchemy success rate, allows crafting of higher-tier pills.
System Points Gained: 500.]**
Wei's eyes widened as he examined the cauldron. This was exactly what he needed to accelerate his growth. But before he could celebrate, a low growl echoed through the chamber.
**[Boss Detected: Stone Guardian.
Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment (Early Stage).
Threat Level: High.]**
The Stone Guardian was a massive construct of rock and qi, its eyes glowing with a menacing light. Wei knew he was outmatched, but he couldn't retreat—not when the Heavenly Flame Cauldron was within reach.
**[System Suggestion: Use the environment to your advantage. The Stone Guardian is vulnerable to fire-based attacks.]**
Wei activated the **Heavenly Flame Cauldron**, channeling his qi into it. The cauldron emitted a burst of fiery energy, which Wei directed at the Stone Guardian. The flames engulfed the construct, weakening its defenses.
Wei followed up with a series of punches, each one infused with his qi. The Stone Guardian staggered, its body cracking under the relentless assault.
**[Combat Victory: Stone Guardian Defeated.
Rewards: 300 System Points, Stone Core x1.]**
Wei collapsed to his knees, his body trembling with exhaustion. But he had done it. He had claimed the Heavenly Flame Cauldron and defeated a powerful foe.
With the Heavenly Flame Cauldron in his possession, Wei decided it was time to return to the **Azure Dragon Sect**. He had grown stronger, but he knew his enemies—**Zhang Wei** and **Elder Feng**—were still a threat.
---
**To Be Continued...**