Chapter 6: A silent Resolve

Chapter 6: A Silent Resolve

The early rays of the morning sun bathed the herb farm in a golden hue, but Xiao Chen's room remained quiet, the air around him charged with spiritual energy. The Minor Spirit Gathering Array buzzed softly, maintaining the density of energy within the room. Xiao Chen sat cross-legged, his expression serene, his breathing synchronized with the ebb and flow of energy circulating within his dantian.

Spiritual Refinement Stage 2.

Despite the breakthrough, Xiao Chen felt no complacency. The gap between him and the true powerhouses of the First Heaven was vast. His enemies would never rest, and neither could he.

After finishing his morning meditation, Xiao Chen deactivated the array. It had been a gift, but he knew it would draw attention if used carelessly. "Caution first," he muttered, rising to his feet.

The Liu Clan Guards Tighten Their Grip

Outside, the tension on the farm had thickened. The Liu Clan Guards, led by Captain Bai Zhan, were visibly more alert. Their sharp gazes scanned every corner of the herb farm, leaving no room for error.

It had been two days since Xiao Chen's encounter with the cloaked figure, but the mystery lingered in his mind. The figure had disappeared without a trace, and Xiao Chen had chosen not to report them. Revealing what he knew could lead to suspicion, and trust was a luxury he could not afford.

Bai Zhan's voice cut through the morning air. "Stay vigilant! The safety of the Liu Clan's resources is paramount. No one is above suspicion."

The guards nodded in unison, their armor clinking as they moved. Xiao Chen kept his head down, focusing on his work, but he couldn't ignore the unease creeping into his chest.

A New Quest

As Xiao Chen carefully tended to a batch of Azure Mist Herbs, the system chimed in his mind.

[New Quest Issued!]

Objective: Hunt down and defeat a Spirit Beast of the 3rd Stage Spiritual Refinement realm.

Details: Prove your strength by overcoming a creature stronger than yourself.

Reward: Silent Wind Steps (Low Profound Grade)

Penalty: None.

Xiao Chen's heart skipped a beat. A Spirit Beast at the 3rd Stage of Spiritual Refinement was not to be taken lightly, especially for someone who had only recently advanced to the 2nd Stage. But the reward was enticing. Silent Wind Steps was a movement technique, and speed could mean the difference between life and death in future battles.

"Prove my strength, huh?" Xiao Chen muttered. The system wasn't asking for permission—it never did. It was pushing him forward, forcing him to grow stronger with every challenge.

Preparations for the Hunt

Xiao Chen waited until nightfall to set out. He had no intention of alerting the guards or drawing unnecessary attention to himself. Using his knowledge of the forest's layout, he pinpointed an area where Spirit Beasts were known to roam.

Equipped with a basic iron sword provided by the herb farm and his rudimentary knowledge of combat, Xiao Chen felt far from confident. Yet, he couldn't allow doubt to paralyze him.

As he ventured into the dense forest, the air grew colder, and the faint cries of nocturnal beasts echoed around him. Activating Danger Detection, Xiao Chen moved cautiously, his senses heightened.

[Danger Detection Activated: A Spirit Beast is nearby.]

The notification made him pause. Tightening his grip on the sword, Xiao Chen advanced, his steps silent on the forest floor.

The Clash in the Shadows

The beast revealed itself in a clearing illuminated by moonlight. It was a Flamehorn Panther, its sleek black fur marked with fiery red patterns. Its eyes glowed like embers, and a faint heat radiated from its body.

[Flamehorn Panther: Spiritual Refinement Stage 3]

Xiao Chen's grip on his sword tightened. The beast was a predator, its every movement exuding lethal intent. But Xiao Chen had no intention of retreating.

The panther lunged, its speed shocking. Xiao Chen barely managed to sidestep, the beast's claws tearing through the air where he had stood moments ago.

"Fast!" he thought, his heart racing.

The panther turned sharply, its claws digging into the earth as it launched itself at him again. This time, Xiao Chen anticipated the move. Using the Basic Sword Technique, he struck at the panther's side.

The blade connected, but the panther's fur was tougher than expected. The sword left only a shallow cut, and the beast roared in fury.

The panther retaliated with a swipe of its claws, forcing Xiao Chen to leap back. He felt the wind of the attack brush past his face, a stark reminder of how close he had come to injury.

A Desperate Strategy

Realizing that a direct confrontation would end poorly, Xiao Chen changed his approach. He began to move unpredictably, circling the panther and using the trees for cover. The beast snarled, its frustration evident as its attacks missed their mark.

Xiao Chen used the brief openings to land small strikes, wearing the beast down bit by bit. Each attack sapped the panther's strength, but it also tested Xiao Chen's endurance.

As the battle dragged on, Xiao Chen's movements grew sharper, his control over the Five Elements Harmonization Technique enhancing his agility and reflexes. The spiritual energy within him flowed more naturally, guiding his strikes with increasing precision.

Finally, after a grueling exchange, Xiao Chen saw his chance. The panther lunged at him once more, but its movements were sluggish. Xiao Chen sidestepped and drove his sword into the beast's neck, piercing a vital point.

The panther let out a final roar before collapsing, its body falling limp.

[Quest Complete!]

Reward Unlocked: Silent Wind Steps (Low Profound Grade).

Xiao Chen collapsed to his knees, his body trembling with exhaustion. The battle had pushed him to his limits, but the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming.

The Aftermath

The system materialized a jade slip in his hand, containing the knowledge of Silent Wind Steps. Placing the slip against his forehead, Xiao Chen felt a rush of information flood his mind. The technique emphasized speed and subtlety, allowing the user to move like a whisper in the wind.

"I need to master this," Xiao Chen muttered, his resolve hardening.

Dragging the panther's body back to the farm was a grueling task, but it was worth it. The beast's materials could be sold or used for crafting, and the proof of his achievement would remain with him.

Strength in Silence

Over the next two days, Xiao Chen dedicated himself to mastering Silent Wind Steps. He practiced tirelessly, using the dense spiritual energy provided by the Minor Spirit Gathering Array to fuel his efforts.

His movements became lighter, his steps swifter. By the end of the second day, Xiao Chen could traverse the herb farm without a sound, his presence as elusive as a shadow.

Though he kept his accomplishments hidden, Xiao Chen felt a growing confidence. The gap between him and his enemies was shrinking, and he was determined to close it further.

A New Challenge

On the third night after the battle, Xiao Chen received another system notification.

[New Quest Issued!]

Objective: Locate and retrieve the hidden treasure in the Western Forest.

Details: Uncover a forgotten relic rumored to enhance spiritual root compatibility.

Reward: Primordial Elemental Essence (Mid Earth Grade).

Penalty: None.

Xiao Chen's eyes gleamed. The reward was extraordinary, but he knew the challenge would be equally daunting.

"Each step forward brings me closer to my goals," he murmured, his resolve unwavering.

As the moon hung high in the sky, Xiao Chen began preparing for his next journey, the weight of destiny pressing ever heavier on his shoulders.

To Be Continued…