Chapter 3 : The Road to Power

Chapter 3: The Road to Power

Bai Yuan stood amidst the fallen assassins, his mind racing with newfound clarity. The nanobots had not only healed his wounds but had optimized his body beyond human limits. He could feel his Qi surging with greater efficiency, his muscles lighter yet denser, and his senses sharper than ever before.

[New Abilities Unlocked: Enhanced Qi Circulation, Tactical Awareness, Adaptive Reinforcement]

A smirk formed on Bai Yuan's lips. His exile had been a blessing in disguise. Had he remained in the Bai Clan, shackled by their rigid traditions, he would have never unlocked this mysterious power.

He turned to examine his surroundings. The Black Sun Ridge was a dangerous place, crawling with spirit beasts and roving cultivators who wouldn't hesitate to strike down a lone traveler. He needed to find shelter and begin refining his Qi. With his newfound abilities, his cultivation could soar to unprecedented heights.

Before he could move, a rustling noise caught his attention. His body reacted before his mind processed it, dropping into a defensive stance. From the dense foliage, a young woman stumbled forward, her robes torn, her face pale with exhaustion. Behind her, a massive spirit beast—resembling a scaled panther with burning red eyes—pursued her with murderous intent.

Bai Yuan's eyes narrowed. First assassins, now a beast chase? The heavens are testing me today.

The woman saw him and hesitated, eyes widening with a mixture of fear and desperation. "Help me!" she gasped.

[Analyzing Target: Qi Refinement Stage, Severe Fatigue Detected]

Bai Yuan sighed. He could have ignored her, but something in her gaze compelled him to act. He shifted his stance and prepared for battle.

The panther lunged, claws shimmering with dark Qi. Bai Yuan dodged effortlessly, feeling time slow as his Tactical Awareness activated. He countered with a precise palm strike to the beast's ribs, sending a shockwave of force through its body. The spirit beast howled, staggering backward.

He capitalized on the moment. [Qi Circulation Boost: Activated]. His movements became a blur, fists and kicks landing like thunderclaps. The beast had no chance—it collapsed with a final, pitiful growl.

The woman gaped at him. "You… you're only at the First Stage of the Vital Foundation Realm. How did you—?"

Bai Yuan shrugged. "I eat well."

She blinked, then let out a breathless laugh. "You saved my life. My name is Ling Xi. I won't forget this."

Bai Yuan studied her for a moment. Something about her presence felt significant. Perhaps fate had a larger role for them both to play.

For now, he simply offered a hand. "Come on, let's get out of here before more trouble finds us."

Ling Xi hesitated, then grasped his hand. Together, they stepped into the unknown, the road to power stretching before them.