Chapter 3: Verdant Serpent

The dense foliage of Black Wind Woods cast a cool shadow over the land, shielding it from the harsh midday sun. Birds chirped intermittently, their songs weaving through the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. In the heart of this secluded forest lay a small, pristine lake, its surface shimmering faintly under the dappled light. The water was calm, almost mirror-like, reflecting the towering trees that surrounded it.

Sitting cross-legged in the middle of the lake, Yan Xiu appeared as a statue of stillness. The water beneath him rippled softly, reacting to the faint energy emanating from his body. His breathing was steady, his chest rising and falling in a rhythm that matched the gentle ebb and flow of the lake's surface.

After hours of study and diligent practice, Yan Xiu had realized the profound truth of the Flowing Tide Secret Art: it was not just about absorbing Water Qi—it was about becoming one with its flow. The technique emphasized balance and harmony, requiring the practitioner to emulate the water's seamless movements, letting the Qi flow into them naturally.

Even though Yan Xiu's cultivation was only at the 7th Tempered Body Stage, where his ability to store and use Qi was limited, the Flowing Tide Secret Art offered insights into the subtle interactions between energy and nature. By observing the water's movement and mimicking its rhythm, Yan Xiu could already feel his cultivation progressing at a pace far beyond his expectations.

"This art…" Yan Xiu murmured to himself, his eyes closed as he immersed himself in the sensation of Water Qi brushing against his body. "It's extraordinary. If I master it, I'll have a foundation that rivals even core disciples."

But the lake's serenity was fleeting.

A faint ripple broke the surface, too subtle to be caused by wind. Yan Xiu's eyes snapped open, his instincts sharpening. His surroundings remained peaceful, but a vague sense of unease crept into his heart. He scanned the area, his senses stretching beyond the lake's perimeter.

The Black Wind Woods were notorious for their dense population of beasts. While most avoided the vicinity of the High Heaven Pavilion, there were always exceptions.

From the shadows of the treeline emerged a Verdant Serpent, its emerald eyes glinting with predatory intent. The serpent was nearly ten feet long, its scales shimmering like jade in the filtered sunlight. A 1st Order Monster, its presence exuded an oppressive aura.

Yan Xiu's heart sank. A beast at this level was as powerful as an Initial Element cultivator, far beyond his current strength. Retreat was the wisest option, but the serpent had already begun to circle the lake, cutting off his escape.

"I can't fight this thing head-on," Yan Xiu thought, his mind racing. "I need to outlast it, use the terrain to my advantage."

The serpent struck first, its body coiling and launching forward with terrifying speed. Yan Xiu dove into the water just in time, narrowly avoiding its fangs. He surfaced a few meters away, gasping for air as the serpent whipped around, its eyes locked onto him.

Clambering onto a large rock near the center of the lake, Yan Xiu steadied himself. He couldn't rely on Water Qi to enhance his attacks, and the Flowing Tide Secret Art offered no direct combat advantages at his current stage. His only hope was to use his environment and wits.

The serpent lunged again, its massive body disturbing the lake's surface as it surged toward him. Yan Xiu waited until the last moment before leaping aside, causing the beast to crash into the rock he had just vacated. The impact sent water spraying into the air, and the serpent hissed in frustration.

Yan Xiu's chest heaved as he struggled to keep his footing on the slick rocks. His mind raced, recalling the teachings of the Flowing Tide Secret Art.

"Balance and adaptability," he muttered to himself. "Like water, I need to flow around my obstacles."

The serpent attacked relentlessly, each strike faster and more precise than the last. Yan Xiu dodged and evaded, using the lake's uneven terrain to create obstacles. Yet each movement drained his stamina, and his body began to feel the strain.

A glancing blow from the serpent's tail sent him sprawling into the water. Pain shot through his side as he struggled to resurface. The serpent was on him in an instant, its jaws snapping inches from his face. Desperation drove him to grab a nearby stick from the lakebed, jamming it into the creature's mouth.

The serpent thrashed wildly, its strength almost tearing the makeshift weapon from his grasp. Yan Xiu used the momentary reprieve to scramble onto another rock, blood dripping from a shallow wound on his arm.

"This isn't working," he thought grimly. "I can't keep this up much longer."

His mind flashed back to the Flowing Tide Secret Art's core principle: observe, adapt, and flow. Yan Xiu realized he couldn't rely on brute force to defeat the serpent. Instead, he had to turn its strength against it.

As the serpent lunged again, Yan Xiu feigned weakness, allowing it to get closer. At the last second, he dove to the side, causing the beast to slam into a jagged rock. The impact stunned the creature, and Yan Xiu didn't waste the opportunity.

Climbing onto the serpent's back, he wrapped his arms around its neck, using all his strength to pin it down. The serpent writhed and twisted, its movements violent and unpredictable, but Yan Xiu held on, his grip tightening with every passing second.

The serpent's struggles grew weaker, its energy drained from the exertion. Finally, with a final hiss, it collapsed, its body going limp beneath him.

Yan Xiu rolled off the beast, his body trembling with exhaustion. His breaths came in ragged gasps as he stared at the defeated serpent, disbelief washing over him.

The lake returned to its serene state, the ripples from their battle slowly fading. Yan Xiu sat near the monster's corpse, his body battered but his spirit unbroken.

"That… was too close," he muttered, wincing as he shifted his eyes to the lake.

The Flowing Tide Secret Art had offered little aid in the fight, but it had taught him an invaluable lesson: strength alone wasn't enough. Strategy, adaptability, and sheer determination were just as important.

"This is just the beginning," Yan Xiu thought, his gaze fixed on the still lake. "If I want to survive in this world, I need to push myself further—master this art completely. I need to become stronger—"

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a strange, ethereal glow. Golden words appeared in the air before him, shimmering faintly like a mirage.

[You have successfully slain a 1st Order Beast!]

Yan Xiu froze, his mind reeling. The words hovered there, radiating an otherworldly energy.

"W-What is this?" he whispered, his heart pounding. Before he could fully process what he was seeing, another line of text materialized below the first.

[Would you like to absorb its Temporal Energy?]

The glowing words pulsed faintly, as though awaiting his response. Yan Xiu stared at them, a mix of awe, confusion, and apprehension swirling within him.

To be continued...

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Trying to add various function to the system and making it quite original, I normally don't like systems, but since I understood that everyone likes them, why not write a fanfic with it.

Don't forget to check out my original novel Hyperborea!