After leaving Yun'er at the Flower Valley Sect, I resumed my journey. Days turned into weeks as I traveled across lands, learning that every continent harbored its own forbidden zone. Now, in the Southern Continent, I found myself approaching one of the most feared places—Demon Mountain. Rumors claimed that ancient beasts once ruled its depths, and my second sword might lie hidden within.
I flew across a chain of mountains, but exhaustion clawed at me.
"Damn it," I muttered under my breath. "Why do I have to fly over every damn peak? I'm almost out of spiritual energy..."
Spiritual Energy: 30/280
Just as my body began to tremble from fatigue, I spotted another cultivator flying ahead. I surged forward and called out, "Brother! Do you know where Demon Mountain is?"
Ding!
Name: Shen Hua
Level: Qi Refining – 5th Stage
The cultivator looked back and responded, "Ah, so you're also here for Demon Mountain?"
"Yes," I nodded. "Are you here for it as well?"
"I am. I'm Shen Hua, from High Heaven Sect. I've been assigned a mission to slay a Rank 2 mid-tier beast."
"I'm Zhen Huan," I introduced myself. "I'm unaffiliated with any sect, just gaining experience through battle."
"Then come with me. I know the way," Shen Hua offered.
I followed him through a narrow, shadowy cave. As we exited on the other side, a vast, fog-covered forest stretched before us—Demon Mountain.
"What a massive forest," I said, eyes wide with awe.
Shen Hua nodded. "It's divided into five levels. The deeper you go, the more dangerous it becomes. Level One is the safest. Level Five... few return from there."
"Thanks for the warning, Brother Shen."
"Just be careful. Don't push beyond your limits."
With a nod of gratitude, I stepped into Level One of the Demon Mountain.
At first, the forest seemed eerily calm. I saw no signs of beasts or demons.
"This doesn't feel dangerous at all—"
Suddenly, several snake-type beasts lunged from the shadows.
I spun on instinct, drawing my sword and slicing through the air.
Ding!
You killed Rank 1 Mid-Tier Snake Beast – XP Gained: 110
You killed Rank 1 Mid-Tier Snake Beast – XP Gained: 110
You killed Rank 1 Mid-Tier Snake Beast – XP Gained: 110
You killed Rank 1 Mid-Tier Snake Beast – XP Gained: 110
You killed Rank 1 Mid-Tier Snake Beast – XP Gained: 110
You killed Rank 1 Mid-Tier Snake Beast – XP Gained: 110
Ding!
Current XP: 4880
"Hmph. These beasts are low-tier," I muttered, wiping blood from my blade.
With renewed determination, I pressed deeper into the forest, moving toward its heart. I recalled the system's clue about the second sword.
"System, show me the hint for the second sword."
Ding!
Hint: The Second Sword slumbers where water meets the sky, guarded by the tears of a fallen beast.
"Water and sky… and the tears of a fallen beast," I echoed. "Could it be near the remains of some ancient creature? This forest… it feels ancient."
Driven by that clue, I ventured into Level Two of the forest.
There, the atmosphere thickened. The trees were darker, the air more oppressive—and the beasts more deadly.
Within minutes, I was surrounded by snarling wolves and towering bears.
I struck first, moving like a shadow between trees.
Ding!
You killed Rank 1 High-Tier Wolf Beast – XP Gained: 150
You killed Rank 1 High-Tier Wolf Beast – XP Gained: 150
You killed Rank 1 High-Tier Wolf Beast – XP Gained: 150
You killed Rank 2 Low-Tier Bear Beast – XP Gained: 210
You killed Rank 2 Low-Tier Bear Beast – XP Gained: 210
You killed Rank 2 Low-Tier Bear Beast – XP Gained: 210
You killed Rank 1 High-Tier Wolf Beast – XP Gained: 150
You killed Rank 1 High-Tier Wolf Beast – XP Gained: 150
Ding!
Current XP: 6260
I took a deep breath, blood dripping from my blade, eyes locked on the depths of the forest.