Wu Kai took a deep breath. The decision had already been made.
He could no longer waste time inside the sect. One month seemed like a lot… but in reality it was far too short. If he stayed there, doing what the former Wu Kai did, the result would be the same.
Failure and certain expulsion.
"Staying here is failing slowly… out there, at least, I have a chance." He murmured.
His eyes became firm. Without hesitation, he bent down and pulled out what had been hidden under the stone bed.
A short dagger. Some silver coins. It was all that the former Wu Kai possessed.
He picked up the dagger and lightly spun it in his hand. The blade was not large, nor especially sharp, but it was functional.
"This should be enough for now."
Storing the coins close to his body, Wu Kai turned and walked toward the exit of the room.
As soon as he crossed the door, a strong wind hit his face. Wu Kai narrowed his eyes slightly.
And then… He saw it. For the first time, with his own eyes. The White Cliff Sect.
Memories were one thing… But seeing it in person… It was completely different.
His room was inside a small cave carved into the mountainside. Around him, other similar doors were distributed across the rock, five just in that section.
But that was only a fraction. Hundreds. Perhaps thousands of similar caves were spread across the mountain walls, forming an impressive sight.
Outer disciples. That was where they lived. Wu Kai took a few steps forward, looking around.
And then his gaze rose. A gigantic white cliff stood in the distance, imposing, cutting through the sky like a blade.
A massive waterfall descended from its top, creating a soft mist that spread through the air.
It was beautiful and majestic.
"So… this is the White Cliff…" He murmured.
Below and around, various constructions rose at different heights. Pavilions. Towers. Suspended bridges connecting impossible points. Long stairways that seemed to lead to the sky.
But Wu Kai knew. He did not belong to that place. Not yet. Those higher structures… We're for inner disciples.
For the strong. For the talented. He was just trash in the eyes of the sect.
Or at least… He was.
"But now it's different…"
He said in a low voice, his eyes shining faintly. He did not stay there admiring it for long. His objective was clear.
"First… the mission pavilion."
If he was going to go out hunting, then he would do it properly. Missions meant rewards.
Coins and merit points. Maybe even techniques in the future. Without wasting time, Wu Kai began descending the stone stairs.
The path was busy. Disciples came and went. Some laughed. Others argued.
Many looked at Wu Kai… And then quickly looked away.
Recognition, disdain, indifference. He was already used to it.
Wu Kai did not react. He simply kept walking. Calm and silent, and somehow much more confident than the former Wu Kai, now at least he walked with his head held high.
A few minutes later, he arrived at the mission pavilion of the outer area.
It was a simple but spacious building, made of dark wood. Inside, several disciples gathered around boards with scrolls hanging from them.
Missions. Of all kinds. Collection. Delivery. Combat. Wu Kai entered without hesitation.
His eyes scanned the environment. Most of the disciples were in groups. Talking and planning. Laughing.
They seemed to be companions. Something the former Wu Kai never had.
"It doesn't matter."
He murmured. He did not need anyone. He walked to one of the boards. His eyes began to analyze the missions.
There were simple ones, difficult ones, and dangerous ones. He ignored the collection ones. Ignored the delivery ones. His eyes focused on a specific category.
Hunting. After a few seconds, he found it. His eyes stopped.
"This one…"
He read quickly. Hunt five early-stage monstrous beasts and bring back their hearts.
Wu Kai remained silent for a moment. It was risky.
Beasts of that level were equivalent to the 2° or even 3° stage of Body Refinement.
He… Was still at the 1°. But for now, after hunting a few beasts, his cultivation would increase. A slight smile appeared.
"Perfect."
He tore the scroll and walked to the counter. Behind it, an elder was seated, organizing records.
Wu Kai placed the scroll on the table. The elder raised his eyes.
And then… frowned slightly. He could sense it.
Wu Kai's strength. Weak. At the 1° stage. But the mission… required more than that.
His eyes remained on Wu Kai for a few seconds. As if evaluating him. But in the end… He said nothing.
He simply took the seal and stamped the scroll.
"Mission accepted."
Wu Kai nodded slightly.
"Thank you."
Without wasting time, he turned and left the pavilion. His destination was now clear. The exit of the sect.
He walked for several minutes, descending paths and stairways until he finally reached the outer gate.
Guards were stationed there. But they did not interfere. Outer disciples could leave.
Wu Kai crossed. And did not look back.
...
He traveled on foot. Horses required merit points. Something he could not spend right now. So, he walked.
Day and night passed. He rested briefly. And then walked again. Three days passed quickly..
Now… He was far from the sect. And deep within the forest. The trees were tall and ancient.
Sunlight barely penetrated. The air was heavy. Filled with danger.
Wu Kai held his dagger firmly. Unlike before… Now he was nervous. It was his first time hunting.
He was alone against monstrous beasts.
"Calm…" He murmured.
"Just keep control." His eyes moved constantly. Alert.
"Find an isolated beast… strike fast… and finish it." He took a deep breath.
"With my physique… that's possible."
Even saying that… He did not lower his guard. The new Wu Kai was not arrogant. He was cautious. And that would keep him alive.
Time passed slowly. Half an hour, but nothing.
Only the sound of the wind and the leaves. Then…
'CRACK'
A sound. Wu Kai froze. His eyes fixed in the direction of the noise. His body lowered slightly.
He advanced. Step by step. Without making noise.
And then… He saw it. There was a boar. But not a normal one. It was huge. Its body was dense and muscular.
Long and sharp tusks protruded from its mouth. Its eyes shone with aggression.
It was a monstrous beast.
Wu Kai stopped. His heart raced.
"First target…"
He whispered. The boar had not noticed him yet.
Wu Kai took a deep breath. And took another step.
-CRACK'
The branch under his foot broke. The boar raised its head instantly.
Its eyes locked onto Wu Kai. Then... The beast snorted furiously.
Stamping its hoof on the ground. Preparing to attack. Wu Kai tightened his grip on the dagger. His eyes turned serious. There was no more room for hesitation.
"Then come…"
He murmured. In the next instant. The boar charged. Like a bullet. It was fast and heavy.
Wu Kai did not retreat. His eyes flashed red for an instant. And at that moment.
His blood responded.