The constant tension of avoiding both beasts and unseen human threats wore on Gù Tiānháo, but also sharpened his senses to an incredible degree. He learned to trust the subtle prickling sensation on his skin that often preceded danger, and the faint whispers of guidance that sometimes seemed to emanate from the God and Demon Slaying Bead, less as direct thoughts and more as intuitive nudges. It was one such nudge, a faint pull towards a specific direction where the ambient spiritual Qi felt subtly richer, purer, that led him off his intended path one misty morning.
He followed this feeling for several hours, moving through an area of ancient, towering trees whose roots formed complex labyrinths above the ground. The mist here was particularly thick, clinging to the massive roots and dampening all sound. The pull grew stronger, leading him towards a small, almost hidden valley nestled between two overgrown ridges. As he cautiously entered the valley, the richness of the spiritual Qi became undeniable; it was noticeably denser than the surrounding forest, making the air feel almost sweet to breathe.
In the center of the small valley, bathed in the weak, filtered sunlight that managed to pierce the canopy and mist, grew a patch of unusual flora. And there, among common ferns and mosses, was the source of the rich Qi – a single, unassuming plant with pale green leaves and a root structure partially visible above the dark soil, vaguely resembling a miniature human form. It radiated a gentle, life-affirming energy.
Spiritual Ginseng! Tiānháo's heart leaped. 24 He approached cautiously, his eyes scanning the surroundings. This wasn't the legendary 100-year Ginseng he sought – judging by its size and the intensity of its Qi signature, it was likely much younger, perhaps only thirty or forty years old. Still, even a younger Spiritual Ginseng was an incredibly valuable find, potent enough to aid cultivation, concoct valuable pills, or fetch a high price in any market.
But such treasures were rarely unguarded in the Black Mist Forest. As Tiānháo drew closer, a low growl echoed from the shadows beneath a cluster of large, moss-covered boulders near the ginseng. 24 Emerging from the gloom was a creature he hadn't encountered before: a large, panther-like beast with fur the color of wet slate and eyes that glowed with a faint, phosphorescent green light. Its claws were unusually long and sharp, and faint wisps of mist seemed to cling to its form. A Mist Panther, likely a peak Level 2 spirit beast, drawn here by the ginseng's rich Qi and claiming it as its own.
The panther fixed its glowing eyes on Tiānháo, recognizing him as a rival for the treasure. It crouched low, its powerful muscles tensing, another low growl rumbling in its chest. This beast felt significantly more dangerous than the Mist Viper, possessing both speed and power, likely nearing the threshold of Level 3 itself.
Tiānháo drew his knife, his stance solidifying. This would be a true test of his consolidated peak Level 2 strength. He had the advantage of surprise momentarily gone, but he had his wits and his enhanced physique. He decided against a direct confrontation immediately, instead choosing to probe the panther's defenses. He kicked a loose stone towards the beast.
The Mist Panther reacted with blinding speed, batting the stone aside with a clawed paw and lunging forward, dissolving into the mist as it moved.
Tiānháo relied on his sharpened senses, tracking the faint disturbance in the Qi and the almost silent padding of its paws. He sidestepped just as the panther materialized beside him, claws slashing through the air where he'd been.
The fight became a deadly game of cat and mouse in the misty valley. The panther used the mist to its advantage, appearing and disappearing, attacking from unexpected angles. Tiānháo countered with his solid defense, enhanced senses, and precise knife work, aiming for quick strikes when the panther revealed itself. 24 His peak Level 2 strength allowed him to parry the beast's powerful blows, though each impact sent jolts up his arm. He sustained a few shallow claw marks but avoided any serious injury, his experience from the boar fight making him far more cautious and reactive.
He realized the panther, while fast and stealthy, lacked the sheer defensive power of the Ironhide Boar. Its movements, though quick, had patterns. Waiting for his moment, Tiānháo anticipated one of the panther's flanking maneuvers. As the beast materialized from the mist to strike at his side, Tiānháo didn't just dodge; he pivoted sharply, channeling Qi to his legs for a burst of speed, and met the attack head-on with a powerful, Qi-infused thrust of his knife aimed at the panther's exposed neck.
The blade struck true, sinking deep. The Mist Panther let out a choked snarl, its phosphorescent eyes widening in shock before dimming. It collapsed heavily onto the valley floor.
Tiānháo stood panting, adrenaline coursing through him. It had been a challenging fight, confirming that peak Level 2 beasts were formidable opponents, but his victory felt earned through skill and strength, not just desperation. 24 After ensuring the panther was dead, he quickly harvested its beast core – a core pulsing with wind and water Qi – and its valuable mist-infused pelt.
Then, with a sense of accomplishment mixed with the slight disappointment that it wasn't his ultimate prize, he carefully harvested the 30-year Spiritual Ginseng, ensuring its roots remained intact. It wasn't the 100-year specimen, but it was a significant gain, a tangible reward proving that treasures could be found here, fueling his hope for the greater prize that still lay hidden somewhere in the depths of the Black Mist Forest.