The redemption.

The arena roared with excitement as the first matches were announced.

The competition was a mix of single combat, designed to test not just individual strength but also strategy.

Yin observed each match carefully, noting the strengths and weaknesses of his potential opponents.

When it was finally his turn, he stepped into the arena, the crowd buzzing with curiosity.

His opponent was none other than the fat guy.

The announcer's voice boomed across the arena:

Announcer: "Yan, a newcomer from unknown origin, versus Hu Lang, a 5-star cultivator from the Si clan!"

Hu Lang sneered, cracking his knuckles.

Hu Lang: "I'll make this quick, weakling."

Yin's expression remained calm as he assumed a fighting stance. The referee signaled the start, and Hu Lang charged forward, his fist glowing with Qi energy.

Master: "Speed and precision. Use his overconfidence against him."

Dodging Hu Lang's attack with ease, Yin countered with a well-placed strike to his opponent's side.

Hu Lang staggered, his expression turning to one of surprise.

The battle continued, each exchange more intense than the last.

The crowd cheered, their excitement growing with every clash.

Yin's determination and strategy began to wear down Hu Lang, who relied too heavily on brute strength.

Finally, with a decisive blow, Yin disarmed Hu Lang and forced him to yield. The arena erupted in applause as the announcer declared Yin the winner.

The match was simple as it should be going.

The match ended with 3 rounds. With the less number of people i took the advantage as fast as possible. 

Aftermath

As Yin exited the arena, holding his prize—the precious Dragonvine Blossom—he felt a surge of pride and determination.

Yin: "This is just the beginning. I'll grow stronger, and one day, I will make my family proud."

His master's voice rang with approval.

Master: "Well done, Yin. But remember, every victory is a stepping stone.."

Yin nodded, his grip tightening around the herb.

Looking at his prize, Yin thought of something.

Yin: "Can I exchange this with something?"

Master: What's he up to now?

Master: "Exchange with what?"

The other two people who had bet on Yin celebrated, taking their winnings.

Stranger: "Yan, you are remarkable."

Yin smiled.

The prize distributor showed his items. There were many herbs and artifacts displayed.

Master: "Boy, that piece of paper, take that. I can sense hidden knowledge there."

Yin nodded and exchanged the herb for the fragment of paper.

Discovery of the Map

Later, Yin and his master ventured into the woods.

The master emerged from the locket, stretching his body.

Master: "Hah, it's been so long since I've seen the bright sunlight."

Master: "Boy, let's look into the paper."

Yin opened the fragment, revealing a map of Earth—but only half of it. The other half was missing.

Master: "So these are the maps of the regions. There are six regions: North, Northeast, East, West, South, and Southwest. But here, only three regions are marked: North, Northeast, and West. Where are the other fragments of the map?"

Master: "Right now, we're in the Southwest, in Ester Village." He pinpointed their location on the map.

Yin: Heavenly Frost Mountain, Celestial Dawn City, Phoenix Glow Town, Moonshadow River, Crimson Flame River...

The map was invaluable, so Yin stored it in his seal storage.

Into Mohe Forest

The dense woods were alive with the sounds of wildlife, but danger loomed in every shadow. 

Yin and the master wandered deeper in search of a mythical beast that the master had mentioned earlier.

Master: "Boy, there's a rumor that the Azure Flame Kirin  resides in forest. If we find it, its essence could greatly enhance your cultivation."

"But even if web join forces, it will be difficult to kill so therefore we should avoid such thing" 

Yin: "Azure Flame Kirin? Sounds dangerous."

Master: "It is. But its rewards outweigh the risks. Keep your senses sharp."

Ming's group Encounter with the Poisonous Snakes

Meanwhile, a separate group led by Ming—Yin's classmate—was traveling along a different route in the forest.

The group stumbled upon a nest of venomous snakes known as the Crimson Fang Serpents which was 200 years old.

Ming: "Everyone, stay alert! These snakes are lethal. One bite could paralyze you in seconds."

The largest of them, a Crimson Fang King, towered over the rest, its scales shimmering in the dappled sunlight.

The group formed a defensive circle.

Lan Yue (Ming's teammate): "Ming, what's the plan?"

Ming: "We split into pairs. Focus on the smaller ones first. I'll distract the biggest one."

The battle was fierce. 

Lan Yue wielded her dual blades with precision, cutting through the smaller serpents, while Ming engaged the King with her technique skills.

The Crimson Fang King lunged, its fangs dripping with venom. Ming dodged narrowly, countering with a powerful thrust that grazed its underbelly.

Ming: "It's tough! Aim for its eyes!"

With a combined effort, the group managed to subdue the Crimson Fang King. Lan Yue delivered the final blow, driving her blade into its skull.

Ming: "Well done, everyone. Let's harvest the venom and it's core"

"Mangchung, since you use the toxic arts you are suitable for this snake beast core. It will improve your cultivation"

The Star Fireflies

As I walked through the dense forest, countless star fireflies illuminated the path. 

Their soft, glowing lights floated gently in the air, like tiny stars brought to earth. Drawn by their ethereal beauty, I stepped closer, marveling at their brilliance.

But then, something caught my attention.

Lying under the shadow of an ancient tree was a creature—dog-like in form, shrouded in a faint, dark mist. 

Its body was massive, its fur black as night, and its sharp, glowing red eyes radiated a fierce, otherworldly presence.

 It was unmistakable: the Shadow Demon Dog. However, this one was different—it was injured, its body covered in wounds, and it let out shallow, ragged breaths.

Instinctively, I raised my weapon, ready to strike and extract its demon core. But as I met its gaze, something inside me shifted. 

The creature's eyes weren't filled with malice or rage; they reflected pain and desperation, almost as if it was pleading for help.

I hesitated.

Yin: "Master, should I kill it? Or… could we help it instead?"

From the locket, my master's voice echoed with a hint of amusement.

Master: "Help it? Are you growing soft, boy?"

I lowered my weapon, determined.

Yin: "I don't know why, Master, but it feels wrong to kill it in this state. Maybe it's fate that brought me here. Can we save it?"

After a moment of silence, my master sighed.

Master: "Alright, Yin. Since you're my disciple, I'll use this as an opportunity to teach you. Healing the Shadow Demon Dog won't be easy, but if we succeed."