The Legend of the Wood Spirit: Qi Yuan’s Journey Begins

One Year Later.

Deep within the forests of Xinjiang Province, near the village of Ling Zhou, two young cultivators were locked in a fierce battle. A group of wandering cultivators had gathered to watch, their eyes fixed on the dazzling exchange of techniques.

Bwoosh…

Slash…

Clang…

The clashing of swords echoed through the depths of the forest, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The onlookers, captivated by the duel, eagerly discussed the sword techniques displayed by the two fighters. Some cultivators itched to challenge one of them, and among them was a young man who seemed to be of the same age as the duelists.

"Hey, hey, hey! I, Bai Feng, seek enlightenment through your sword! Hyaaaat…!" Bai Feng declared, leaping into the fray and striking at the young man battling the female swordsman.

Clang…

Slep…

With a swift parry, the mysterious young man wearing an ice pendant deflected Bai Feng's sword, sending it flying several meters away, where it lodged itself in a tree near the battle site.

Despite being at the first level of the Qi Foundation realm, Bai Feng had been bested by a mere boy at the ninth level of Qi Refining. "Yeah, yeah, yeah… You're strong, kid. I admit defeat," Bai Feng said honestly, retrieving his sword from the tree.

Swoosh…

Slash…

"You forgot about me, you cheeky brat! Keep your eyes on your enemy!" The young and beautiful woman taunted, her tone playful.

"So, Sister Xun Yi, you like sneaky moves, huh? I'll follow your style, then, hehe."

In an instant, the boy she was fighting vanished from sight, only to reappear in front of her, swinging his sword with incredible speed.

Syuuut…

Swoosh…

With just a few movements, he disappeared again from her line of sight. The next thing Xun Yi knew, his sword was pressed against her neck.

"Haha… I always lose to you, Yuan'er. Alright, I give up. From now on, I won't be teaching you swordsmanship anymore."

The young boy fighting Xun Yi was none other than Qi Yuan. Over the past year, he had reached the ninth level of Qi Refining, mastering his sword techniques to a level that rivaled Xun Yi's. However, Qi Yuan had taken her teachings and refined them further with his own understanding.

The wandering cultivators watching them erupted in cheers, awed by their exhilarating battle.

"Hyah…! You over there, kid! Your swordsmanship is amazing!"

Qi Yuan smiled at the compliment and humbly credited his skills to his adoptive sister.

Xun Yi, however, frowned in confusion. "Adoptive sister? Who? Has someone else been teaching you besides me?" she asked, pouting as she lightly smacked Qi Yuan on the head.

The wandering cultivators who had been admiring the fight quickly fled upon seeing Xun Yi's irritated expression.

"Aish, aish, aish…! You misunderstood, Sister Xun. You're my only adoptive sister, hahaha!" Qi Yuan teased, laughing at her innocence.

"You—!"

Qi Yuan immediately dashed away as Xun Yi shouted in frustration, their bickering wrapping up the day's spectacle in a lively manner.

Weeks Later – Ling Zhou Village

Qi Yuan and Xun Yi had gained fame among the wandering cultivators who had witnessed their battle in the Xinjian Forest, a vast woodland stretching thousands of miles, all the way to Fu City—the closest city to Ling Zhou Village. Many cultivators from various provinces passed through this forest.

Meanwhile, at home, Mu Cheng, as usual, was stacking firewood. Upon seeing Xun Yi and Qi Yuan return, he welcomed them warmly and prepared their dinner.

"You two must be starving. Eat up and get some rest. The path to becoming the strongest is still long, haha…" the old man chuckled as he enjoyed his meal.

Night fell, and the moon shone brightly overhead. Mu Cheng and the others retired for the night in their worn-out home. However, Qi Yuan suddenly woke up and stepped outside to the front yard. Lying on the grass, he gazed at the sky.

"The moon and the stars above me are truly beautiful…" he murmured, closing his eyes as the cool night breeze washed over him.

Then, he suddenly opened his eyes and unbuttoned his shirt.

"This symbol… Why is it reacting differently?"

Normally, the symbol on his chest emanated an unbearably hot energy, as if about to explode. But this time, it was different.

"My instincts are telling me to follow its guidance."

The mysterious symbol, which had been imprinted on his chest since birth, was now showing him the way. He felt something awaken within him—his eyes could now perceive golden threads stretching into the depths of the forest.

"What is happening? I should follow it."

The golden threads were invisible to others, but Qi Yuan could see them clearly. These threads, formed by Qi energy essence, guided him deeper into the forest. Without hesitation, he moved swiftly.

Swooosh…

Swoosh…

At the end of the golden thread, he stopped—only to find nothing.

"What? I thought I would find something terrifying here…"

Just as he spoke, a green light flickered from a nearby tree.

"W-what was that?"

His eyes widened in shock. The light was no larger than a peach seed, but it pulsed with a mystical glow. Slowly, Qi Yuan approached it.

Suddenly, the symbol on his chest reacted again, releasing golden Qi energy that enveloped the green light like a protective orb.

"Almost there… Just a little more… What exactly is this?"

Reaching out, he grasped the golden orb and gasped.

Inside the green light… was a legendary Wood Spirit.

"C-could this be real?"

His grandfather had once told him that obtaining a Wood Spirit would grant incredible longevity and unparalleled regenerative abilities. It was an extremely rare treasure, with many other benefits yet to be fully understood.

"I should keep this a secret from Sister Xun and Grandpa for now."

As the night deepened, Qi Yuan returned home. However, just before leaving the forest, another miraculous event occurred.

The Next Morning – Journey to Nanjiang City

Qi Yuan woke up, still thinking about the Wood Spirit and the strange phenomenon from the night before. He soon realized that the symbol on his chest could store living beings, as it had successfully kept the Wood Spirit inside.

"Hey… what are you thinking about?" Xun Yi asked, noticing his deep thoughts.

"Nothing, nothing, Sister Xun. I just want to read about spirits in the spiritual world. Where can I find such books?"

Hearing his question, Xun Yi told him that if he wanted to learn about spirits, he should head to Nanjiang City, located north of the forest.

"Thanks, Sister Xun! I'll go there now. You'll have to train alone today, hehe. Bye!"

Qi Yuan abruptly changed direction, sprinting toward the city. Xun Yi could only shake her head.

"That brat… Leaving a beautiful woman behind the moment he gets ambitious, huh? Hmph."

She then resumed her meditation near a waterfall.

To Be Continued…