Fight & Buying

Seraphine decided it was time to test her abilities in a more challenging environment. The secluded training ground in Frostvale had served its purpose, but she needed real combat experience to gauge her progress. With that in mind, she set her sights on the Milv Forest, a dense and perilous woodland located roughly 186 miles—away from the city. It was known for harboring dangerous creatures, ranging from low-level Qi-Gathering beasts to mid-level Foundation Establishment monsters. Though the journey would be long and arduous, the rewards promised to outweigh the risks.

Before departing, Seraphine prepared meticulously. She packed dried rations, a water flask, and several vials of medicinal herbs to treat potential injuries. Her sword hung securely at her side, its blade gleaming faintly under the morning sun.

To cover the vast distance efficiently, she planned to use her cultivation abilities to propel herself through the air. By channeling Qi into her sword, she could ride it like a makeshift glider, soaring for short distances before needing to rest. This method allowed her to travel approximately 62 miles at a time before stopping to recover her energy and repeat the process.

The first leg of her journey passed uneventfully, the landscape shifting from bustling cities to rolling hills and eventually giving way to dense forests.

As she neared the Milv Forest, the air grew cooler, carrying the earthy scent of moss and damp leaves. Towering trees stretched toward the sky, their branches intertwining to form a natural canopy that filtered sunlight into dappled patterns on the forest floor. Despite its serene appearance, Seraphine knew better than to let her guard down; danger lurked behind every shadow.

Her first encounter came sooner than expected. A pair of low-level Qi-Gathering monsters emerged from the underbrush, their forms grotesque yet familiar. One was a hulking creature with mottled gray fur and glowing red eyes, named *Grimfang*. The other resembled a serpentine beast with scales that shimmered faintly in the dim light, called *Venomscale*. Both were classified as first-level Qi-Gathering monsters, posing little threat to someone of her current strength. Still, Seraphine approached cautiously, unsheathing her sword as they circled her warily.

With practiced precision, she unleashed her *Fire Breezer Technique*, sending waves of scorching energy surging forward. Grimfang lunged at her, its claws extended, but she sidestepped gracefully, countering with a swift slash of her sword.

The blade sliced cleanly through its thick hide, leaving a deep gash across its torso. Roaring in pain, the creature collapsed, its body dissolving into a pool of dark ichor moments later. Venomscale proved slightly more agile, darting around her attacks with surprising speed.

However, Seraphine's enhanced reflexes gave her the upper hand. Using her *Palm Attack Technique*, she released a focused burst of Qi, striking the serpent squarely in its scaled head. It recoiled violently before succumbing to the blow, joining its companion in death.

Though victorious, Seraphine didn't linger to admire her work. She quickly harvested their cores—the crystalline essence of their spiritual energy—and stripped their bodies of useful materials. These items would fetch a decent price in the mortal markets or serve as components for crafting tools and potions. Satisfied with her spoils, she pressed deeper into the forest, her senses alert for any sign of movement.

It wasn't long before she encountered her true challenge: a mid-level Foundation Establishment monster named *Ironhide Boar*. Standing nearly twice her height, the beast was an imposing figure, its muscular frame covered in thick, metallic-like bristles that glinted menacingly in the sparse light.

Its tusks curved upward like scythes, and its crimson eyes locked onto her with predatory intent. Unlike the weaker Qi-Gathering monsters she had dispatched earlier, this creature radiated a formidable aura, clearly indicating its status as a second-level Foundation Establishment threat.

Seraphine took a moment to steady herself, drawing upon her Qi reserves as she assessed the situation. She knew this fight wouldn't be as straightforward. Charging recklessly would only leave her vulnerable to the boar's devastating charges and brutal strikes. Instead, she relied on her agility and versatility, weaving between its attacks while launching precise counterstrikes.

Her Glacial Glow Celestial Technique proved invaluable, allowing her to freeze patches of ground beneath the boar's hooves, slowing its movements momentarily. When it broke free, enraged, she switched to her *Fire Breezer Technique*, unleashing torrents of flames to force it back.

The battle intensified as Ironhide Boar grew more aggressive, its brute strength testing her defenses. At one point, it managed to graze her arm with its tusk, tearing through her sleeve and leaving a shallow but painful wound.

Gritting her teeth, Seraphine retaliated with a combination of techniques, alternating between fiery slashes of her sword and bursts of Qi-infused palm strikes. Finally, seizing an opening, she channeled all her focus into a single devastating blow, driving her sword deep into the boar's chest. With a final roar, the creature collapsed, its core glowing faintly amidst the wreckage of its massive body.

Exhausted but triumphant, Seraphine tended to her injuries using the medicinal herbs she had brought along. The wound on her arm wasn't severe, but it served as a reminder of the dangers she faced. After harvesting the boar's core and salvaging what she could from its remains, she began the long journey back to civilization.

The return trip took five days, during which she alternated between flying with her sword and walking to conserve her energy. Each stop allowed her to rest and reflect on the battles she had fought. Though the journey was grueling, she felt a sense of accomplishment knowing she had pushed her limits and emerged stronger. By the time she reached the outskirts of the mortal city, her supplies were running low, but her resolve burned brighter than ever.

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Seraphine was back in Frostvale, and after a long journey, she was ready to hit the market. She made sure her veil was on tight, hiding her amazing silver eyes and dark blue hair. She wanted to keep a low profile, you know? She was heading straight for a stall that bought monster bits and bobs. The guy running it, a skinny fella with sharp eyes, gave her a fake smile. He checked out the monster bodies she'd brought back, looking at their scales, fur, and all that spiritual energy stuff. After a bit of haggling, he gave her a bag with 230 Energy stones. Not a fortune, but enough to get her supplies and gear up for more adventures.

Now, Seraphine needed some new clothes. Her wardrobe was better than when she was stuck in that cave, but it could use some sprucing up. She found a tailor's shop in a quieter part of the market and bought five new dresses for 20 Energy stones. They were all made to fit her figure, so she could look good in both normal crowds and fancy cultivator gatherings. The fabrics were different, some tough for travelling and some silky for special occasions. Happy with her new clothes, she left with a pile of dresses.

Next stop, *The Crimson Lotus Pavilion*, a place known for its fancy stuff and tools for cultivators. The air inside smelled like herbs and incense, and you could hear people chatting quietly. The walls were lined with shelves full of everything from healing pills to magic charms and weapons. Seraphine went up to the counter, where a guy in a red robe greeted her nicely. She picked out three bottles of healing pills, good for fixing minor injuries, for 50 Energy stones. She also got a bottle of Foundation Establishment pills, which are super important for building up your strength, for 100 Energy stones. These would be really useful for training hard or fighting long battles.

To boost her flying speed and get ready for anything, she snagged two flying talismans for 12 Energy stones. These magical bits of paper let you summon strong winds to zoom you short distances, making travel a breeze. Then, she grabbed a Fire Talisman for 10 Energy stones – a tiny but powerful charm packed with fiery energy that could be unleashed as a burst of flames in a pinch. With her shopping done, she carefully tucked everything away in her bag, making sure they were easy to grab when needed.

As dusk settled over Frostvale, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets, Seraphine headed back to her rented room at The Frozen Hearth. The warmth of the inn wrapped around her as she stepped inside, a welcome change from the icy winter air. She climbed the creaky wooden stairs to her humble abode, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She dropped her stuff on the narrow bed and took a moment to think about what she'd accomplished. The trip to Milv Forest had pushed her to her limits, but it had also shown how much stronger and adaptable she'd become.

Seraphine was hungry. Even though she could go a long time without food, she liked to eat. Food was comforting in a harsh world.

She left her room at *The Frozen Hearth* and went downstairs. The common area was dimly lit. A few people were talking quietly. A serving maid was tidying tables.

Seraphine went to the innkeeper. "Something simple," she asked quietly. He nodded and brought her a bowl of stew and bread. The smell was delicious.

She sat in a quiet corner and ate. The stew was warm and the bread was filling. It reminded her of simpler times.

The meal was modest but it showed how far she had come. She used to be uncertain about her future. Now, she found comfort in small things. Even powerful people need food, rest, and time to think.

When she finished, she left two copper coins on the table and went back to her room. The innkeeper watched her go. She closed her door and was alone again.Seraphine was hungry. Even though she could go a long time without food, she liked to eat. Food was comforting in a harsh world.

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