Chapter 3: The Path of Cultivation

Skybreaker stood over the body of the Thunderstrike Fox, his chest still heaving from the battle. The fox's crackling energy had dissipated, leaving behind a husk of what once was a formidable spirit beast. Despite his exhaustion, a thrill ran through him. His first real victory in this world, and it had rewarded him well.

[Qi Absorption: +20%]

[Current Qi Reserves: 25% - Mortal Realm, Stage 1]

Skybreaker marveled at the energy now coursing through his veins, the raw power he could feel simmering just below the surface. This was just the beginning. I have to keep moving forward, he thought, surveying the valley before him.

The Beginner's Valley stretched on, a vast landscape of lush greenery, towering jade trees, and crystal-clear rivers. It was deceptively peaceful. The danger lurking within it, however, was very real. Skybreaker knew he couldn't afford to be careless. The earlier encounter with the masked figure had been a stark reminder that this world was not just a playground; it was a battlefield.

He pushed forward, walking along the riverbank, his senses more alert now. Every rustle of leaves, every distant cry of a spirit beast could mean either opportunity or peril. As he continued deeper into the valley, something caught his eye—a faint golden glow coming from a clearing up ahead.

Curiosity piqued, Skybreaker moved cautiously toward the light. He stopped at the edge of the clearing, and his breath caught in his throat.

In the center of the open space stood a majestic tree, its trunk smooth like jade, and its branches adorned with shimmering golden fruits. The air around the tree seemed to hum with energy, the Qi so dense that Skybreaker could feel it vibrating through his entire body.

[Spirit Qi Fruit Tree: An ancient tree that absorbs the energy of the heavens. Its fruits can boost Qi reserves and aid in cultivation.]

Skybreaker's eyes widened. A treasure like this in the Beginner's Valley? He could hardly believe his luck. If he could acquire even one of those fruits, it would give him an enormous advantage in cultivating his Qi.

But of course, something this valuable wouldn't be unguarded.

As Skybreaker took a cautious step closer, a deep hiss echoed through the clearing. His gaze snapped to the base of the tree, where a massive, coiled figure lay hidden beneath the shade of the tree. Its scales were a brilliant scarlet, gleaming like polished gems, and its slitted eyes glared at him with malevolent intent.

[Scarlet Python: Mid Mortal Realm, Stage 2]

Skybreaker's heart raced. The beast was stronger than the Thunderstrike Fox, and he had barely survived that encounter. This would be a much tougher challenge.

The python uncoiled itself, rising up, its body easily spanning the width of the clearing. Its forked tongue flicked out, tasting the air, and its eyes locked onto Skybreaker.

This is my chance to grow stronger, Skybreaker thought, gripping the ethereal sword that appeared in his hand as he summoned Heaven's Blade once more. The blade flickered, its energy still unsteady. He couldn't afford to waste any moves.

The python lunged, its massive body whipping toward him with terrifying speed. Skybreaker leaped back, barely dodging the strike. The ground where the python's head landed exploded in a cloud of dirt and debris.

Skybreaker gritted his teeth. He couldn't match the python's brute strength head-on. He needed to be smarter.

As the python coiled back, preparing for another attack, Skybreaker noticed something. There was a slight delay in the python's movements—a subtle moment when its massive body shifted, almost imperceptibly before each strike. It was a weakness. If he timed it right, he could exploit that hesitation.

The python lunged again, its jaws wide, aiming to crush him in a single bite. Skybreaker rolled to the side, dodging just in time. As the python whipped its tail around, he saw his opening. Using a burst of Qi, Skybreaker launched himself forward, his blade glowing with golden light.

With a swift strike, he slashed across the python's side, leaving a deep gash along its scarlet scales. The beast roared in pain, its massive body thrashing as blood splattered across the clearing.

Skybreaker didn't let up. He focused all his remaining Qi into his sword, the glow intensifying as he prepared for the final blow. The python, enraged, reared up for one last desperate attack.

This time, Skybreaker was ready. As the beast lunged, he sidestepped and drove his sword deep into the python's exposed neck. A surge of energy exploded from the blade, sending shockwaves through the ground.

The python let out a final, guttural hiss before collapsing, its body twitching before going still.

Skybreaker pulled his blade free, panting heavily. His entire body ached, and his Qi reserves were nearly depleted, but he had won. The Scarlet Python was dead.

[Battle Complete: Scarlet Python Defeated]

[Qi Absorption: +30%]

[Current Qi Reserves: 55% - Mortal Realm, Stage 2]

Skybreaker took a moment to catch his breath, feeling the rush of energy as the python's Qi flowed into him. He glanced back at the tree, its golden fruits still shimmering in the sunlight.

Carefully, he approached the tree. The fruits were within reach, and he plucked one from a low-hanging branch. As he held it in his hand, the fruit pulsed with warmth, almost as if it were alive.

Without hesitation, Skybreaker bit into the fruit. A surge of energy unlike anything he had ever felt before exploded inside him. His Qi reserves filled rapidly, and his entire body felt lighter, as if the very air around him had become charged with power.

[Qi Boost: +40%]

[Current Qi Reserves: 95% - Mortal Realm, Stage 2]

Skybreaker exhaled, feeling the tremendous power within him. He was stronger now, faster, more capable. But he knew this was only the beginning. The path to true cultivation was long, and he had only just taken his first steps.

As he looked up at the vast sky above the valley, a sense of determination settled over him.

I'm going to become stronger than anyone in this world.