Venturing deeper into the Demon Mountain, I stepped into Level Three. A suffocating aura pressed against my chest, thick with the scent of blood and beast. The trees loomed taller here, their branches twisted like claws. Even the air felt heavier.
My instincts screamed at me, but I moved forward.
Suddenly, growls echoed through the mist.
Beasts.
Without warning, a pack of feral creatures burst from the underbrush. Snarling wolves with glowing red eyes and towering bears charged toward me.
All Rank 2 Low-Tier Beasts.
I fought fiercely, blade flashing in the dim forest light. But it wasn't easy. I took several hits—claws raked across my side, and one wolf nearly sank its teeth into my shoulder. Blood trickled down my arm.
Still, I didn't back down.
Ding!
You killed Rank 2 Low-Tier Wolf Beast – XP: 200
You killed Rank 2 Low-Tier Wolf Beast – XP: 200
You killed Rank 2 Low-Tier Wolf Beast – XP: 200
You killed Rank 2 Low-Tier Bear Beast – XP: 210
You killed Rank 2 Low-Tier Wolf Beast – XP: 200
You killed Rank 2 Low-Tier Bear Beast – XP: 210
You killed Rank 2 Low-Tier Bear Beast – XP: 210
Ding!
Current XP: 7690
Breathing heavily, I leaned against a tree.
"Haah… I thought I was done for," I muttered. "This level's already brutal… going deeper will be suicide."
"System," I asked, "how many breakthroughs can I make right now?"
Ding!
Host can perform four breakthroughs.
I nodded and sat down cross-legged.
"Do two breakthroughs."
The system deducted 3500 XP instantly. A wave of warmth surged through my body, healing my wounds instantly. My veins lit up as spiritual energy burst through my meridians like wildfire. My body trembled as power flooded in.
Ding!
Breakthrough Successful!
Current Level: Qi Refining 3
+80 Strength
+80 Agility
+60 SE
+32 HP Regen/minute
A glowing Status Window materialized before my eyes:
STATUS WINDOW
Name: Zhen Huan
Level: Qi Refining – 3rd Layer
Title: None
HP: 400/400
SE: 340/340
Strength: 300
Agility: 288
Intelligence: 20/20 – MAX
Charm: 90/100
Luck: ???
Skills:
• Inferno Slash – First Form
---
I rose to my feet, energy thrumming through every limb.
"My spiritual energy… it's grown stronger. Time to press on."
With newfound strength, I stepped into Level Four of the Demon Mountain. The air was thick with killing intent. Not far off, I heard the clashing of weapons and desperate voices.
Following the noise, I emerged into a clearing. Several cultivators were locked in battle with a massive Rank 2 High-Tier Tiger Beast, its roars shaking the forest floor.
"Hey! Do you need help?" I called out.
One of them shouted back, "Yes! Quickly, we can't hold it much longer!"
Without hesitation, I dashed forward, my sword flashing as I slashed at the beast. Blow after blow rained down. The tiger roared in pain, blood spraying across the trees. Finally, I leapt high and brought my blade down, severing its neck.
Ding!
You killed Rank 2 High-Tier Tiger Beast – XP: 820
Current XP: 5010
The cultivators gasped in relief.
"Thank you, brother!" one of them said, bowing.
"No problem," I replied with a faint smile. "Stay safe."
With a nod, I left the clearing and pushed further into the heart of the forest.
Suddenly—
Ding!
New Skill Detected: Meteor Rain of Sword
Would you like to learn this skill? Y/N
I grinned. "Oh really? Of course!"
Ding!
1800 XP deducted.
Skill Acquired: Meteor Rain of Sword
As I felt the new sword technique etch itself into my consciousness, the system chimed again.
Ding!
Scenario Mission Activated
Mission: Find the Second Sword
Reward: 2000 XP
Hint: The Second Sword, Sword of Earth, lies within 100 meters.
My heart pounded. "So… it's close. Very close."
Gripping my sword tighter, I took a step forward.