Li Wei and Chen Yu sat in the forest, hidden by dense undergrowth, while the smoke from the burnt hut slowly dissipated into the night air. Fatigue weighed heavily on them, but Li Wei couldn't afford to relax. Wang Zi was still out there, and his cold, piercing gaze lingered in his mind.
System Status: Energy: 15%. New Mission: Find information about the sect artifact. Progress: 5%.
Li Wei knew that the ruins Chen Yu had mentioned were his only lead, but heading there unprepared would be suicide.
He turned to Chen Yu, who was nervously chewing another fruit, constantly glancing around.
"We need a place to lie low until morning," Li Wei said in a hushed voice. "Wang Zi might have pulled back, but his men are still searching. Any ideas?"
Chen Yu hesitated, fiddling with the edge of his robe.
"There's one place," he finally replied. "A cave at the base of the hill, near the stream. It's small but hidden. I found it once when... well, let's just say I was avoiding field work. No one goes there, not even the patrols."
Li Wei squinted, assessing the situation. A cave sounded like a temporary refuge, but Chen Yu had a knack for being conveniently helpful.
System Highlight: Probability of Chen Yu's betrayal: 10%. Recommendation: Check the cave before entering.
He nodded.
"Lead the way. But if it's a trap, Chen Yu, I won't forget."
Chen Yu chuckled nervously.
"Brother, you're way too paranoid. Let's go before they find us."
They moved cautiously through the forest, keeping to the shadows. The night was quiet, broken only by the occasional hoot of an owl, but every rustle made Li Wei tense up. He clutched the rusty knife from the hut, prepared for any threat.
System Status: Cultivation: Mortal Level, 1st Stage, 22% to breakthrough.
The breathing meditation tablet hidden under his robe remained his hope for progress, but without rest and time, he couldn't cultivate.
After half an hour, they reached the hill's base, where the stream wound between stones. Chen Yu pointed at a thicket of bushes concealing a narrow cave entrance.
Li Wei moved ahead, inspecting it closely. The entrance was low but dry, smelling of earth and moss. No signs of human or animal presence.
System Confirmation: Probability of danger: 5%.
"It'll do," Li Wei said, motioning Chen Yu inside. They crawled into the cramped space, barely enough to sit upright. Li Wei pulled out the tablet, deciding to use the night for cultivation, but first, he wanted to squeeze more information out of Chen Yu.
"Tell me about the ruins," he said, fixing his gaze on Chen Yu. "What kind of stories are there? And why do the elders forbid going there?"
Chen Yu leaned against the wall, his expression growing serious.
"The ruins are the remains of an old temple, supposedly built by the founder of the Azure Wind Sect himself. They say it held an artifact that enhances cultivation. But after some incident—no one knows what—the temple was abandoned. Now, spirit beasts roam there, and some even say spirits. The elders sealed the place off, but rumors say Wang Zi found old records about the ruins."
Li Wei felt his pulse quicken. An artifact that boosts cultivation? That was exactly what he needed. But the risk was immense. He decided that the cave was his chance to regain strength and prepare. Wang Zi wouldn't stop, and Li Wei had to be ready for the next encounter.
---
Li Wei settled in the cramped cave, placing the breathing meditation tablet before him. The cold stone pressed against his back, but the silence and shelter offered a chance to concentrate. Chen Yu sat by the entrance, peering into the darkness, his nerves betraying him at every sound from outside.
System Status: Energy: 20% after rest. Cultivation: Mortal Level, 1st Stage, 22% to breakthrough. Mission "Find information about the sect artifact": 10% progress.
Li Wei knew that without a breakthrough, his chances against Wang Zi or spirit beasts in the ruins would be slim.
"Chen Yu," Li Wei said without opening his eyes, "if you hear anything, wake me up. I'll try to cultivate. And don't even think about running off."
Chen Yu scoffed, but his voice was tense.
"Brother, I'm no fool. Wang Zi might be after you, but I'm not his target. I'm just sitting here like a loyal dog."
Li Wei remained silent, focusing on his breathing. He began the rhythm of the "Azure Flow," visualizing energy circulating through his body, enhanced by the tablet. The runes glowed faintly blue, and warmth spread through his core, more vivid than usual. The flow of energy was smooth, almost tangible, and Li Wei felt his fatigue gradually fading.
System Update: Cultivation progress: 25%. Azure Flow Technique: 32%.
The cultivation lasted for an hour, each breath bringing him closer to a breakthrough. Yet thoughts of the ruins and the artifact nagged at him. If Wang Zi had already found the records, he could be ahead. Chen Yu's words about spirit beasts and spirits echoed in his mind. Beasts were one thing, but spirits? In stories, that usually meant curses or ancient trials. He hoped the system would give a hint once they reached the ruins.
Suddenly, Chen Yu shifted, his whisper breaking the meditation:
"Li Wei, quiet. Something's moving by the stream."
Li Wei opened his eyes, his heart pounding. He tucked the tablet under his robe and crawled to the entrance, peering into the darkness. The shadows of the bushes swayed, but then he caught a faint growl—inhuman.
System Alert: Spiritual Beast detected. Danger level: medium. Survival probability: 50%. Recommendation: avoid combat.
"Beast," Li Wei whispered, gripping the rusty knife. "Not Wang Zi, but not much better. Stay quiet."
Chen Yu nodded, his face pale. The growling grew closer, and Li Wei saw the silhouette—a large creature with glowing yellow eyes, resembling a wolf but covered in scales. It was the same type of beast he had faced on his first day, but larger.
Li Wei clenched his jaw. "Wind Step" was ready, but his energy was too low for a prolonged fight. He could try to distract the beast or stay hidden and hope it would pass by.
"Chen Yu, is there another way out?" he whispered.
"No," Chen Yu stammered. "Just the entrance. If we run, it'll smell us."
Li Wei cursed under his breath. The beast paused at the stream, sniffing the air.
System Highlight: Chance of detection: 40%.
Li Wei knew he had to make a choice—fight or hide? Time was running out, and this decision could cost them their lives.
---
Li Wei stared at the scaled beast, its yellow eyes gleaming in the darkness near the stream. Its growl vibrated through the air, each sound making Chen Yu flinch. Li Wei tightened his grip on the rusty knife, feeling sweat trickle down his palm.
System Warning: Energy: 18%. Detection Probability: 45%. Recommendation: Create a distraction or mask scent.
Fighting the beast would be suicidal, but running wasn't an option either—the creature would catch their scent in seconds.
"Chen Yu," Li Wei whispered, keeping his gaze fixed on the entrance. "Do you have anything with a strong smell? Herbs, fruit, anything?"
Chen Yu frantically searched his pockets, pulling out a crumpled dried fruit that reeked faintly of sourness.
"Just this," he muttered. "But it doesn't smell that strong."
"It'll do," Li Wei replied. He took the fruit, crushed it in his hand, and mixed it with some damp soil from the cave floor to enhance the scent. Then, cautiously, he crawled to the entrance and smeared the mixture on the stones near the bushes, trying to keep his movements silent.
The beast sniffed the air, its head twitching toward the smeared rocks. Li Wei held his breath, praying the distraction would work.
System Highlight: Distraction Success Probability: 60%.
The beast stepped closer to the rocks, snorting and sniffing the ground. Li Wei motioned for Chen Yu to stay put. If the creature wandered off, they could survive the night. But just as the thought crossed his mind, the beast whipped its head toward the cave, its eyes narrowing. The scent hadn't completely thrown it off.
"Damn," Li Wei whispered, preparing to use "Wind Step." His energy was nearly depleted, but he could at least try to dart past the beast into the forest. Chen Yu looked like he was about to faint, but Li Wei had no intention of abandoning him—not yet, at least.
The beast let out a low growl and took a step toward the cave, its claws scraping the ground. Li Wei knew he couldn't wait any longer. He grabbed a handful of dirt and flung it at the beast's face while activating "Wind Step." The world blurred, and he bolted for the exit, shouting to Chen Yu:
"Run!"
The beast roared, shaking its head as the dirt hit its eyes. Li Wei burst out of the cave, energy dropping to 10%. Chen Yu stumbled but followed, his feet pounding the ground in panic. They dashed toward the forest, hearing the beast crash through the undergrowth behind them.
System Update: Survival Probability: 45%. Recommendation: Find a narrow space to slow the beast down.
Li Wei spotted a cluster of rocks forming a narrow passage ahead. If they made it there, the beast's large body might get stuck. He pushed Chen Yu forward, shouting:
"To the rocks! Hurry!"
The beast was only a few meters behind, its growls echoing through the night. Li Wei felt his strength draining, but he knew this sprint was their last chance. He gripped the knife tightly, bracing for the worst, and lunged toward the passage, hoping luck—or the system—wouldn't fail him.
---
Li Wei and Chen Yu sprinted toward the narrow gap between the rocks, their breaths ragged and desperate. The scaled beast chased them, its claws tearing the ground, its roar shaking the night.
System Warning: Energy: 8%. Survival Probability: 40%. Recommendation: Use the passage to slow the beast.
"Don't slow down, Chen Yu!" Li Wei barked, shoving him ahead. Chen Yu stumbled but crashed into the passage, pressing himself against the rough stone. Li Wei dove in after him, just as the beast slammed into the rocks behind them. The stones shuddered, but the gap was too tight for the beast's massive frame. It roared, clawing at the entrance, sparks flying from the stone.
Li Wei leaned against the rock wall, trying to catch his breath. Chen Yu collapsed to his knees, his face ashen with fear.
"We... made it?" Chen Yu gasped, glancing back at the snarling creature wedged in the gap.
"For now," Li Wei replied, still clutching the rusty knife. He checked the system:
Mission "Survive the Beast Encounter": 80% complete.
The beast remained a threat, but its movements were sluggish—it was stuck. For now.
"We need to move," Li Wei muttered, scanning the forest beyond the passage. "If it breaks free or if Wang Zi finds us, we're dead."
Chen Yu nodded, but his gaze remained fixed on the beast. Li Wei noticed it starting to pull back, as if trying to find another way around the rocks. This gave them a chance, but it also meant they couldn't linger.
"Chen Yu, are the ruins far from here?" Li Wei asked, helping him stand.
"Not too far," Chen Yu replied, wiping his forehead. "About an hour, maybe less. But there are more beasts like this—or worse. And the elders... if they find out we're there, we're done for."
Li Wei gritted his teeth.
System Suggestion: Danger probability in ruins: 55%. Recommendation: Recover energy before exploration.
Returning to the sect would be just as dangerous as pressing on. Wang Zi wouldn't give up, and finding the artifact first could change everything.
"Let's head to the ruins," Li Wei decided. "But first, we need a place where I can recover. Are there any other caves nearby?"
Chen Yu shook his head, then his eyes brightened.
"Not a cave, but there's a ravine behind a fallen tree. It's hidden, and there's water."
Li Wei nodded. The beast was still growling, but its movements were slower—it seemed to be reconsidering its approach. They slipped out of the passage, moving along the rock face until they reached the ravine, overgrown with moss and partially hidden by a fallen trunk.
Li Wei slid down into the hollow, feeling the dampness seep through his clothes. He placed the breathing tablet in front of him, determined to cultivate while there was time. Chen Yu stayed on guard, muttering about his luck.
Li Wei began breathing in the rhythm of the "Azure Flow," focusing on gathering strength. He knew that night would determine his fate—not just against Wang Zi but against the dangers lurking in the ruins.
---
Li Wei sat in the ravine, leaning against the damp wall, and concentrated on the "Azure Flow" breathing technique. The meditation tablet lay in front of him, its runes glowing faintly, enhancing the flow of energy. The cold of the moist earth seeped into his bones, but the warmth in his core slowly reignited, restoring his stamina.
System Update: Energy: 25%. Cultivation Progress: Mortal Level, 1st Stage, 28%. Azure Flow Technique: 35%.
The breakthrough was close, and Li Wei could feel his body becoming slightly stronger with each breath.
Chen Yu kept watch at the ravine's edge, his silhouette tense in the moonlight. Li Wei couldn't shake the feeling that Chen Yu might flee at the first sign of danger.
System Reminder: Probability of Chen Yu's betrayal: 10%. Mission "Find information about the sect artifact": 20% progress.
The ruins were their next goal, but without proper preparation, they would be easy prey for the beasts—or worse, for Wang Zi, if he was still tracking them.
After half an hour of cultivation, Li Wei felt his energy stabilize: Energy: 40%. He tucked the tablet away, feeling more agile and composed. The breakthrough was still ahead, but he could now use "Dancing Leaf" with more precision.
He rose, stretching his stiff legs, and whispered to Chen Yu:
"Any sign of the beast?"
Chen Yu turned, his face pale but calm.
"Seems like it left. Didn't hear any growling for a while. But I saw a lantern light in the forest. Could be Wang Zi or sect patrols. The fire at the hut definitely stirred them up."
Li Wei frowned. If the elders started investigating, the fire and his escape might cost him his place in the sect. But the artifact in the ruins was too crucial to give up on now.
"Let's go to the ruins," he decided. "But quietly. If there are beasts, we avoid them. You know the way?"
Chen Yu hesitated but eventually nodded.
"Yeah. Through the forest, along the old trail. But brother, if we find spirits or worse, I'm not a hero."
Li Wei met his gaze, his tone firm.
"We have no choice. If Wang Zi gets the artifact first, we're both finished."