Page 22: Both ways

The two left the residence and entered the periphery of the forest after walking for not less than ten minutes. Compared to the forest Long Bai had been staying, this place was more intimidating especially that middle grade and high grade earth rank beasts are present. On the other hand, they would surely provide richer grade of essence shard.

In a fight between a cultivator and a beast of the same strength, skills would determine the victor. Since beasts have limited skills, they grow faster in terms of strength. Right now, Long Bai can easily fight a low rank earth beast but something in the middle rank. Unless it is a fight to the death, he might be able to defeat it but it would come with a price but anyway, he could always run away.

As both entered the forest, the tall plants obstructed a good deal of light making the ambiance of the ground mysterious. Their pace was slow even though it was his senior who was leading. Long Bai had thought that this senior of his was still considerate even she talked harshly oftentimes. But still, of they continue this pace, it would take them more than a day to find everything. Long Bai didn't want to waste this opportunity so he asked his senior.

"Senior sister Li, wouldn't it be better if we split? I think we would be able to cover better ground when we do that?" Waiting for her reply, Long Bai stayed silent.

Zhang Li was contemplating about what to do when Long Bai spoke about splitting. If such case will take place, she won't be able to protect him. After all, he was a student that was recommended by the elder to stay in her alchemy house.

"Are you not afraid of the beasts that might come at you anytime? If we do that, I can't guarantee your safety. Are you confident?"

Long Bai's speculation was correct. He was only slowing down the hunt because of him. If it is the case, the plan has a good chance to happen.

"Senior Li, you don't need to worry about me. How about we split up so we can cover more area. Leave the outer areas for me while you can go deeper. How does the sounds?" Long Bai can see Senior Li contemplate for a moment and then gave off a nod.

"Alright, let's do that. Although there would be less chances of beasts showing up at the periphery, when you encounter one you can't deal, run. Do we have an agreement? We will meet here again at the entrance before dark." Senior Li took off after that dialogue without looking back. Long Bai on the other was screaming inside with joy since he can now do things on his own without being seen.

If it is about gathering the herbs, there won't be a problem since the system can identify the herbs for him. Collecting will be the second of everything since Long Bai had been itching to try his new skills. Before he entered the forest, he gathered his thoughts.

'While I will be looking for herbs, I can practice the evolved skill of flash steps. I'm sure I will be able to encounter a beast which will be my chance to practice my fighting skills. Ahh. If only this system can have a guide map similar to RPG's, it would be convenient... For now, I can only spread my consciousness inside my body. If only I can use this and spread out to a certain area.'

[System notice: You recognized the skill "Perception". The system registered this ability in your skill panel.]

'Ohh. I see. So in this world, it exists huh. Let me check it then.'

[STATUS

Cultivation: Flesh Tempering Layer (middle- 4th)

Core grade: High (51% in progress)

Skills

Movement skills:

~Flash steps(mastered)

~Ghostly steps(untrained)

Martial skills:

~Sword of Twelve Critical Strikes (mastered)

~Sky Sword of Critical Strikes (untrained)

Soul skills:

~Perception (inactive)

*It can be spread out thinly into the surroundings to scan/detect changes that happen around the user. (only available upon reaching the Soul Tempering stage)

Cultivation Base: (in progress) ]

'So this is how the system works. It only recognizes skills or similar concepts that would exist in here. That's why even if I imagine laser beams or atomic bombs, nothing happens with the system. Still, this is neat. Without it, it would really take time before I will be able to learn these things. I'll just focus first in getting stronger. I'll eventually reach that level sooner or later.'

After checking, Long Bai started practicing his movement skill while roaming around the area looking for the listed herbs.

'When I use flash steps, I just rely on my physical strength. Depending on the strength I have, flash step can even go faster. So as long as I grow stronger, flash steps speed will also get faster. Now let's try the ghost steps' capabilities. It says that I need to inject essence but where? Is it on the foot?'

[System notice: You have learned the skill "Ghost steps". You're footsteps will be as silent as the night.]

'Ohh. This is awesome. This means that I can be more stealthy while roaming around. Let's get it done.'

After moving around using the "Ghostly steps", Long Bai was also able to gather half of the herbs Senior Li required to gather. For the remaining ones, they must be found in the deeper areas of the forest. This is the time for Long Bai to try his martial skills. Before going further, he must first at least learn the skill. Just like a while ago, he tried applying essence in his arms but nothing happened.

'Hmm? What could be the problem. When I learned the "Ghostly step", I used an amount of essence into my foot as I walk... Wait... It that it? Let's try it.'

On his second try, he used essence while executing the skill.

! ! !

[System notice: You have learned the skill "Sky Sword of Critical Strikes" to its initial success. Your strikes may break boulders.]

Not long after learning the skill, Long Bai took out the sword from the cosmic pouch and held it firmly in his right hand. A second after, his silhouette disappeared. Inside the deep forest, a silent stalker was enjoying the thrill of giving some handy beasts with a death they will never know how it happened.

---------------------------

Zhang Li's thoughts

'There will be a new helper today. I hope the one they send is not sloppy. Hmm? A letter? Recommended? Is he special or something? Let's see when he arrives.'

--meeting--

'So this is the new medicine boy. He looks pretty ordinary. Just an average talent and on the first layer of flesh tempering stage. What's so special about him? Was he just really thrown here so elder won't loose face on his new disciples? Haist. Can't be helped. At least he has the strength to lift things.'

--training--

'He can recognize the herbs after seeing it once? Was it this easy when I started? Hmm. Let me observe him more.'

--morning--

'He's here early and the ingredients are piled up properly so I can use them easily. I'm starting to like him. Maybe he has some knacks with alchemy. I'll try to teach him someday. Maybe he'll be able to become an alchemist in the future.'

--departure--

'Those swings are good. Is he really a new disciple? What is this kid's background? Well, since he's good with it, I'll give it to him as a bonus since he's doing very good so far.'

--separation--

'Is he really a six year old boy? The way he thinks is too mature for his age. Anyway, his suggestion is good. This outer area is pretty safe anyway so why not. I'll just finish the job faster so I can come back immediately.'