The sun had barely risen above the peaks of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect, but Lin Yuan was already moving through the thick mist of the outer mountain forest.
The system's soft chime had woken him before dawn.
[Daily Quest Available: Hunt Low-Tier Spiritual Beasts – Recommended]
[Reward: EXP ×2, Random Loot Drop]
He frowned at the words. Low-tier beasts wouldn't give much experience—but he needed EXP to continue upgrading.
Patience.
The forest was alive with the scent of damp leaves and the low hum of spiritual energy. Each step Lin Yuan took seemed to ripple through the qi around him, though the system's concealment ensured no ordinary cultivator would notice.
A rustle nearby made him freeze.
The Mist-Horned Beast's smaller cousin—a nimble, wolf-sized creature with green-glowing eyes—bounded from the underbrush. Its sharp claws dug into the earth, leaving shallow grooves. It let out a shrill screech that echoed through the fog.
Lin Yuan adjusted his grip on his sword.
[Target Detected: Spiritual Beast – Level 2]
[Type: Mist-Horned Pup]
He smiled faintly. This was more promising than the last one.
Lightning coursed along his veins instinctively, an unbidden reaction of the Thunder Tribulation Spirit Root. The system pulsed almost like a heartbeat:
[Combat Mode Activated]
[Passive: Basic Sword Proficiency + Thunder Strike Lv 1]
The Mist-Horned Pup leapt forward with astonishing speed. Lin Yuan reacted before his brain could process the movement, swinging his sword.
Blue arcs of lightning raced along the blade as it sliced through the mist. The creature yelped in surprise, a thin spray of green blood marking the air.
[EXP +15]
He hadn't even landed a clean hit yet.
The creature spun, claws raking the air, aiming for Lin Yuan's chest. He rolled under the swipe, feeling the wind roar past his face. The system whispered in his mind:
[Warning: Close Combat – Use Skills to Maximize Efficiency]
Without hesitation, Lin Yuan activated Thunder Strike. His sword ignited with electric energy, tracing a bright blue line through the fog. The Mist-Horned Pup's movements froze for a split second—just long enough for him to strike.
The sword pierced the beast's side. Sparks danced along its fur, and a final, pitiful shriek echoed before it collapsed.
[EXP +50]
[Level Up: Lv 5]
Lin Yuan's body hummed with energy. Lightning arced faintly along his skin, not strong enough to shock him, but enough to let him feel the raw power of his Spirit Root. He crouched, breathing hard, surveying the forest.
Another rustle.
And another.
The forest seemed alive, as if sensing him, testing him. He understood then—low-tier beasts weren't the real challenge. They were bait.
By mid-morning, he had cleared the small valley of Mist-Horned Pups. He paused near a narrow cliff path, looking down at a wider clearing below.
Something massive stirred there.
Green eyes reflected the morning sun. The size of a calf. Horns longer than his sword. Its aura was thick, oppressive—no ordinary low-tier beast could have mustered such a presence.
[Target Detected: Spiritual Beast – Level 5]
[Type: Mist-Horned Alpha]
The system chimed urgently:
[Warning: Boss-Level Enemy Detected]
[Recommended: EXP ≥ 150, Skill Use Required]
Lin Yuan smiled faintly.
Perfect.
The Mist-Horned Alpha charged before he could take another step. Its hooves struck the ground like thunder, splintering stone and dirt. Its horns glowed faintly, and the air shimmered from its immense aura.
Lin Yuan's system reacted automatically:
[Target Lock Confirmed]
[Auto-Assist: Combat Optimization Active]
His heart pounded—not from fear, but anticipation.
Every movement from him now felt pre-calculated. Step, swing, parry. His sword hummed with lightning. The Alpha's attacks were brutal, but each one was met with precision, guided by the system's subtle instructions.
[EXP +30]
The fight stretched into minutes that felt like seconds. Lin Yuan dodged, struck, rolled, and countered, learning the beast's pattern. With a final thrust infused with Thunder Strike, his sword pierced the Alpha's chest. Lightning flared outward, scorching its fur.
The creature let out a long, echoing roar before collapsing.
[EXP +200]
[Level Up: Lv 6]
A surge of power coursed through Lin Yuan's body. His muscles tingled with energy, his movements felt lighter, faster, stronger.
[New Skill Slot Unlocked]
[System Recommendation: Lightning Body Lv 1]
He realized the implications.
Every kill, every strike, every risk taken in this forest not only strengthened him—it built a body capable of handling Heaven's trials.
The Mist-Horned Alpha's corpse twitched once, then fell still. Lightning crackled faintly along its horns before dissipating into the mist.
Lin Yuan wiped sweat from his brow and looked at the surrounding forest. He felt… exhilarated.
No meditation. No endless grinding of qi. Only action. Only kills. Only growth.
And the system's shop awaited.
He would hunt again.
He would level again.
And this was only the beginning.