First Steps on the Path

The desolate mountains were quiet now, the echoes of Lin Fan's battle with the serpent fading into the past. He stood at the mouth of the cave, gazing out at the barren landscape bathed in the dim glow of the setting sun. The spiritual energy coursing through his veins was like a roaring river, filling him with a strength he had never known.

Lin Fan clenched his fists, marveling at the newfound power within him. For years, he had been mocked, dismissed as someone incapable of cultivating. But now? Now, he had broken through that barrier. The spiritual core he had absorbed had awakened something inside him, and though it was only the beginning, it was enough to ignite his ambitions.

The memory of his father's cold words and Su Xue Rou's cruel humiliation burned in his mind. He had been cast out, discarded like trash, but fate had given him a second chance.

"I will return," Lin Fan murmured, his voice steady. "And when I do, they'll see what I'm capable of."

But first, he had to survive.

Lin Fan spent the night in the cave, recovering from the battle and adjusting to the changes in his body. The spiritual core's energy had merged with his own, forming the foundation of his cultivation. He could feel it within him—a blazing ember that pulsed with power, waiting to be kindled into a roaring flame.

He sat cross-legged on the cave floor, his breathing steady as he focused inward. He didn't have any cultivation techniques or guidance, but the energy within him seemed to flow naturally, as if it were guiding him instead.

As Lin Fan meditated, faint strands of spiritual energy from the surrounding environment began to spiral toward him, drawn by the ember within. The energy was weak and scattered, but it was a start. Lin Fan could feel his body growing stronger, his senses sharpening as the energy settled into his core.

Hours passed in silence, broken only by the faint sound of the wind howling outside the cave. When Lin Fan finally opened his eyes, they gleamed with a newfound clarity.

"This is the first step," he said to himself, a small smile tugging at his lips.

The next morning, Lin Fan left the cave and began his journey deeper into the Desolate Mountains. Though his cultivation was still in its infancy, he could already feel a difference in his body. His movements were lighter, his stamina greater, and his instincts sharper.

The mountains were a dangerous place, filled with spirit beasts and treacherous terrain, but Lin Fan welcomed the challenge. Every step he took, every obstacle he overcame, was a step closer to his goal.

As he climbed higher into the mountains, Lin Fan began to notice signs of spiritual energy in the environment. The air was denser here, the rocks and plants faintly glowing with a soft, ethereal light. This was a place rich in resources, a place where cultivators could grow stronger—if they were strong enough to survive.

Lin Fan's eyes narrowed as he spotted a small, glowing herb growing in the shadow of a boulder. Its leaves shimmered with a faint golden light, and the air around it carried a sweet, invigorating scent.

"A Golden Spirit Grass," Lin Fan muttered, recognizing the herb from the stories he had heard. It was a rare plant, prized for its ability to enhance a cultivator's spiritual energy.

Lin Fan approached the herb cautiously, his senses on high alert. Rare treasures like this rarely went unguarded, and the Desolate Mountains were no exception.

His instincts proved correct. As he reached for the herb, the ground beneath him trembled, and a low growl echoed through the air. Lin Fan leapt back just as a massive, clawed paw slammed into the spot where he had been standing.

From behind the boulder emerged a spirit beast—a crimson-furred tiger with glowing eyes and razor-sharp fangs. Its body radiated an aura of spiritual energy, and its gaze locked onto Lin Fan with predatory intent.

Lin Fan's heart raced, but he didn't hesitate. This wasn't the first time he had faced death, and he wasn't the same powerless boy he had been before.

The tiger roared, its body coiling before it lunged at Lin Fan with terrifying speed. Lin Fan sidestepped the attack, his movements faster and more precise than before. The spiritual energy in his body surged, sharpening his reflexes and lending him strength.

Lin Fan struck out with his fist, channeling the faint embers of energy within him. His fist connected with the tiger's side, and though the blow wasn't enough to seriously injure the beast, it sent it stumbling back with a surprised growl.

The tiger turned to face Lin Fan again, its eyes narrowing as if reassessing its prey. Lin Fan didn't give it a chance to strike. He pressed the attack, using his agility to dodge the tiger's claws and teeth while landing precise blows.

The battle was intense, and Lin Fan could feel the strain on his body. The tiger was stronger and faster than him, but he refused to back down. Every strike, every dodge, every moment of pain was a step toward honing his newfound strength.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Lin Fan saw an opening. The tiger lunged, its claws aimed for his chest, but Lin Fan sidestepped and delivered a decisive blow to its head. The beast collapsed to the ground, its body twitching before going still.

Lin Fan stood over the fallen tiger, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. Blood dripped from a shallow cut on his arm, but he paid it no mind. He had won.

Without wasting any time, Lin Fan turned his attention back to the Golden Spirit Grass. He carefully harvested the herb, its faint golden glow reflecting in his eyes.

"This will help me grow stronger," he said, his voice firm.

The battle had been grueling, but it had also shown Lin Fan just how far he had come—and how far he still had to go.

As the sun set over the Desolate Mountains, Lin Fan found a small, sheltered alcove and sat down to rest. The Golden Spirit Grass lay in his hands, its energy radiating warmth. Lin Fan closed his eyes and began to absorb the herb's energy, letting it merge with the ember within him.

As the energy flowed through his body, Lin Fan felt his cultivation grow stronger. It was a slow process, but with each passing moment, he could feel himself taking another step forward.

"I will survive," Lin Fan whispered to himself. "No matter what it takes, I will become strong."

The days ahead would be long and filled with challenges, but Lin Fan was ready. The wheel of destiny had turned, and there was no going back.