Chapter 2: The First Trial

The forest, silent and still under the moonlight, felt like a world of its own. Mu Bai's newfound strength coursed through him, but he was not naïve enough to think that his journey would be an easy one. Even with the Phoenix's blessing within him, the world was vast, and dangers lurked at every turn.

He had no memories of the world outside the forest, no family, no allies—just himself and the system guiding him. The name Mu Bai felt natural now, but it was the only thing he had to hold onto. The system had granted him power, but it was up to him to forge his destiny.

His first task was to survive.

As he ventured deeper into the forest, Mu Bai noticed that the air had shifted. The trees here were ancient, their bark twisted and gnarled. The underbrush was thick with vines and dense foliage, and a subtle vibration filled the air. Something wasn't right.

Suddenly, a rustle broke the stillness. Mu Bai's instincts flared to life. He crouched low to the ground, his heart pounding in his chest. The system had warned him of wild beasts in the forest, but he had never expected to face one so soon.

Out of the shadows, a massive figure emerged. A beast, nearly the size of a small house, with jet-black fur and glowing red eyes, stepped forward. It was a Bloodfang Wolf, a creature known for its ferocity and strength.

The beast growled, its claws scraping against the forest floor. It had sensed Mu Bai, and now it was hunting him.

The System's Guidance

The system's voice echoed in Mu Bai's mind. "Bloodfang Wolf detected. Cultivation stage: Early Stage of the Beast Realm. Combat suggestions: Use Fire Soul energy to enhance physical strength."

Mu Bai took a deep breath, focusing on the fire energy within him. The Phoenix's blessing—he could feel it swirling inside him, urging him to act. He closed his eyes for a moment, calling forth the power of the Fire Soul. The warmth inside him grew, becoming a blazing inferno of energy that wrapped around his body.

His muscles swelled with newfound strength, and his speed increased. He felt invincible.

"Let's see how strong you really are," Mu Bai muttered to himself.

He didn't wait for the wolf to make the first move. With a burst of speed, he charged forward, his body a blur of motion. The Bloodfang Wolf snapped its jaws, but Mu Bai was already on the move, dodging with agility that surprised even him.

The system provided him with information as he fought. "Bloodfang Wolf: Weakness—underbelly. Strongest attack—bite."

Mu Bai adjusted his strategy, moving in close to the wolf's underbelly. His fist, now infused with the power of the Fire Soul, slammed into the beast's side. The force of the blow sent the wolf stumbling backward, a howl of pain echoing through the forest.

But the wolf wasn't done. It lunged at Mu Bai, its massive jaws wide, aiming to crush him.

In the blink of an eye, Mu Bai reacted, ducking under the attack and flipping backward. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small stone—an enchanted Fire Charm that the system had given him earlier. It was a low-level artifact, but it would be enough to tip the scales.

With a quick gesture, he tossed the charm at the wolf, activating its flame. The stone exploded in a burst of fire, searing the wolf's fur and forcing it back.

Mu Bai wasn't done. Using the momentum of the explosion, he launched himself forward once again. This time, his fist connected with the wolf's underbelly, a devastating blow that sent the beast flying into the air. The force of the punch was enough to break the creature's ribs, and with a final, blood-curdling cry, the wolf crashed to the ground, motionless.

The Aftermath

Mu Bai stood over the defeated creature, breathing heavily. The flames of the Fire Soul still burned within him, but his energy was beginning to wane. He had won the battle, but the victory didn't bring him the satisfaction he had expected.

Instead, there was only a sense of foreboding. The forest was vast, and it had only just begun to reveal its dangers.

As the wolf's body began to dissipate into a cloud of mist, the system's voice chimed in.

"Congratulations, Host. You have defeated the Bloodfang Wolf. Rewards: Fire Soul Strength +5, Vitality +3, 500 experience points."

Mu Bai couldn't help but smile. The rewards were a small consolation, but they were a reminder that he was on the right path. He was growing stronger, but he knew the road ahead would be full of challenges far greater than a mere wolf.

His attention was drawn to a glint on the ground—something the wolf had been guarding. He bent down and picked up the object. It was a small, ornate beast core.

"A beast core?" Mu Bai thought, examining the crystal. According to the system's database, beast cores were the source of a magical beast's power. They could be used in alchemy or to improve one's cultivation.

This was an important find. A small victory, but still a step forward.

A New Resolve

As Mu Bai stood up and wiped the sweat from his brow, he looked at the horizon. The sun was beginning to rise, casting golden rays through the trees. He had survived his first trial, but he knew this was just the beginning.

The system flashed in front of him again.

"New mission available: Explore the ruins to the north. Potential danger: High. Rewards: Unknown."

Mu Bai's heart quickened. The ruins? Was this a sign? His instincts told him that something important awaited him there, something that could change everything.

He couldn't afford to hesitate. "I'll go," he muttered to himself. "Whatever comes my way, I'll face it."

And so, with renewed determination, Mu Bai set his sights on the ruins to the north, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. The trials would only grow harder, but he was prepared. The Phoenix's blessing burned within him, and his journey had just begun.