Chapter 2 – The Beginning of the Journey to Immortality

Dark clouds rolled across the night sky of the Ghost Mountain Range, shrouding the valley where the legend of the "Life and Death Herb" grew with a mystical aura. Amidst the ruins of ancient rocks and trees, a fierce battle was taking place. Amidst the roar of energy and the clash of weapons, the sounds of geniuses arguing and competing with each other could be heard.

On the west side of the valley, Wang Xu of the Eternal Sword Sect drew his gleaming long sword. With a sharp gaze, he shouted:

Wang Xu:

"Nine Heavens Sword Light!"

In an instant, a golden sword wave erupted, slicing through the air and slashing at the shadow of the opponent that tried to approach. The sword light split the night wind, creating an effect like a small hurricane that shook the bottom of the valley. The surrounding rocks were blown away, and leaves fell from the tremendous energy pressure.

Not far away, Zhen Wei Lin of the Undying Corpse Sect laughed sinisterly with a cold grin. His laughter echoed through the ruins:

Zhen Wei Lin:

"You think that light can defeat the soul force shadow? Try the 'Soul-Devouring Ghost Claw'!"

With a swift movement, Zhen Wei Lin's hands clenched his fingers. From around him, terrifying black shadows gathered, forming a giant claw that crept closer. The surrounding temperature dropped drastically, and a foul stench filled the air. Every movement of the shadow implied death; the black claws threatened to tear apart anyone caught in its path.

On the other side of the field, Qui Lang of the Heavenly Tiger Fist Sect stood firm, his eyes burning with wild fervor. His burly body and muscles seemed as if they were made of steel. With a hoarse, thunderous voice, he announced:

Qui Lang:

"Time to experience the 'Tiger King's Devastating Fist'! Feel the wrath of nature that destroys everything!"

Without waiting for a response, Qui Lang's body shot forward at a terrifying speed. His right fist swung out, releasing a shockwave that shook the ground. Loud crashing sounds could be heard as the waves crashed into the surrounding enemies, knocking them over like blades of grass before a storm.

Amidst the chaos of battle, disciples from each sect shouted at each other, trying to provide support and instructions to their seniors. Rapid, adrenaline-filled voices filled the night air:

Eternal Sword Sect disciple (shouting):

"Senior, don't let them get close! Hold your ground!"

Undying Corpse Sect disciple (hoarsely):

"Join us, let our shadows devour those enemies!"

Heavenly Tiger Fist Sect disciple (shouting):

"Come, unleash all your strength! Turn these opponents into dust before our might!"

The atmosphere grew increasingly heated as the shouts of the geniuses and disciples competed with the roars of qi energy. Behind the shouts and battles, the forces of nature seemed to respond: the wind howled, the rain began to fall, and lightning occasionally flashed amidst the dark clouds.

Wang Xu approached an opponent from another sect with determined steps. With determined eyes, he brandished his sword:

Wang Xu:

"You, a little slave who tries to seize the honor of the Eternal Sword Sect, prepare to experience the true majesty of the 'Nine Heavens Sword Light'!"

As he spoke, his sword light grew brighter, as if gathering all the energy of the heavens. A wave of energy shot forward, striking a shocked challenger. His friend from another sect immediately gathered his courage and replied:

Challenger (with a trembling voice):

"I... I won't give up so easily!"

The voice of resistance seemed to be swallowed up by the intensity of the clash of energies that occurred. Small debris scattered, and blood began to flow on the valley floor.

Not far away, Zhen Wei Lin was facing an expert from another shadow sect. With slow but sure steps, he moved both hands, summoning a shadow from the darkness:

Zhen Wei Lin:

"Taste the power of the 'Soul-Devouring Ghost Claw'! Let the souls of the enemies be lost in eternal darkness!"

The black shadow that struck the enemy made him fall. In an instant, a scream of pain was heard, as if the enemy's soul was about to be sucked into eternal darkness. The surrounding disciples fell silent for a moment, watching the supernatural power being emitted.

In the midst of the battle, Qui Lang looked up at the sky, as if searching for something. In his heart, he shouted:

Qui Lang (in an angry tone):

"Revive the spirit of the tigers, so that my anger can destroy everything that stands in our way!"

Then, he dashed towards the group of opponents, swinging his fists with full force. Every punch seemed like a storm wave that destroyed everything it touched.

The roar of battle grew louder, and amidst the clamor, there was a whisper that was inaudible to ordinary human ears—a whisper that came from a cave in the corner of the valley.

On the side of a quiet valley, far from the chaos of battle, lay an ancient cave whose walls were decorated with natural crystals that reflected a faint light. Inside this cave, Bai Xieye sat cross-legged with an intense gaze. In front of him, the Life and Death Herb—the legendary plant that was the key to his awakening—trembled softly, emitting a mixed aura of life and death.

Bai Xieye raised his right hand slowly, as if feeling the essence emanating from the plant. Every hiss of energy that flowed through his hand was accompanied by a sharp pain, but also the promise of a power he had never felt before.

Bai Xieye (whispering in his heart):

"This is my turning point... Now, I must build a new power in this body. Every drop of blood that flows is part of my sacrifice to rise again."

Inside the cave, silence reigned, a stark contrast to the din of battle outside. However, in the silence, a loud inner dialogue could be heard. Bai Xieye recalled Shen Xi's life of suffering, a body that was once looked down upon and treated like trash. But now, with a soul filled with determination and hatred, he vowed to no longer submit to fate.

Bai Xieye (in a tone full of anger):

"Those who once mocked me, those who once belittled me... all of that I will recover with the fire of vengeance. Not only will I rise, I will surpass human limits and rule this entire world!"

Outside the cave, the battle in the valley reached its peak. The dialogue between the geniuses and the disciples continued:

Wang Xu (to his disciple):

"Remember, every move is a statement of Eternal Sword Sect's strength. Do not let weakness rule you!"

A disciple quickly replied:

Eternal Sword Sect disciple:

"Yes, Senior! I will show that we are worthy of holding this honor!"

On the other side, Zhen Wei Lin approached a disciple who seemed hesitant. In a cold yet persuasive voice, he said:

Zhen Wei Lin:

"Never doubt the power of the shadow. Let the 'Soul-Devouring Ghost Claw' guide you, and remember—the enemy's soul will become part of our strength."

Meanwhile, from the west of the valley, a huge explosion shook the ground. Qui Lang had launched his ultimate attack on the overly bold group of opponents. With great enthusiasm, he shouted:

Qui Lang:

"Taste the fury of the 'Tiger King's Devastating Fist'! Shatter all obstacles, reduce them to dust before me!"

The sound of loud crashes and groans of pain filled the air. The defeated warriors were thrown into the air, as if struck by an endless storm. The dialogue on the battlefield never stopped, as if every word spoken was fused with the surging qi power.

Meanwhile, inside the cave, Bai Xieye felt a great change. The first stream of qi that flowed through his body conveyed a clear message—he had crossed the threshold between fragility and strength. However, this process was not easy. His body struggled, as if refusing to accept the new power flowing from the Life and Death Herb. Every fiber of his muscles screamed in pain, but his will was stronger than the pain.

Bai Xieye (whispering while squeezing his hands):

"Every wound, every pain… I will turn into strength. This is the beginning of a true awakening."

In his mind, an internal dialogue continued to play. He recalled his past as the leader of the Demonic Destruction Sect—an era where he ruled two worlds with power conquered through blood and betrayal. However, now, in Shen Xi's body, all of that had to start over.

Bai Xieye (with burning determination):

"I have been given a second chance. And this time, I will not waste it. I will master every aspect of this body and soul, so that my enemies will bow in fear."

On the battlefield, the intensity grew as a young genius from the Eternal Sword Sect approached Wang Xu with courage radiating from his eyes.

Young Genius (with a firm voice):

"Senior Wang Xu, I sense an unusual power in the shadow. Are you sure we have mastered everything?"

Wang Xu stared intently, as if trying to read his disciple's heart.

Wang Xu (with a tone full of conviction):

"Confidence is our best weapon. Don't let doubts ruin your concentration. Remember, 'Nine Heavens Sword Light' is not just a technique, but a symbol of the greatness of the Eternal Sword Sect. The opponent may be strong, but we are superior."

Not far away, in the shadow, Zhen Wei Lin spoke to a disciple who looked frightened by the cold heat that enveloped the battlefield.

Zhen Wei Lin (comforting):

"Calm down. With the 'Soul-Devouring Ghost Claw', you will feel the true power of the shadow. Let the darkness flow, and remember—every fallen enemy is a source of strength for us."

The disciple nodded, though doubts still lingered in his eyes. Elsewhere, the clamor of Qui Lang's attacks grew louder. A disciple from the Heavenly Tiger Fist Sect seemed overwhelmed by the attacks of his opponents, but he heard his senior's booming voice:

Senior from the Heavenly Tiger Fist Sect:

"Don't let weakness get the better of you! Remember, the 'Tiger King's Devastating Fist' flows in our blood. Show courage, and destroy those enemies!"

These dialogues increasingly blended with the roar of battle, as if every word spoken amplified the waves of energy sweeping across the valley.

Meanwhile, outside the battlefield, in the silence of the cave, Bai Xieye felt the peak of transformation. The energy vibrations from the Life and Death Herb grew stronger. Drop after drop of nature essence poured into his body, bringing with it pain as well as the promise of immense power.

With a face contorted with concentration, he began to chant an ancient cultivation mantra—a chant he had learned in his previous life. The sound of the mantra echoed through the cave, seemingly permeating every crevice of the rock and the air.

Bai Xieye (voice deep and loud):

"By the ancient blood and the burning will of my spirit, let the cycle of death and rebirth commence! May the Life and Death Herb awaken the dormant qi within me and restore my true potential!"

Every word he uttered seemed to ignite sparks of energy around him. The ethereal light from the crystals on the cave walls merged with the black aura that began to surround his body. In a few seconds that felt like an eternity, the transformation occurred.

His previously dull hair now shone with a mysterious light. The wounds on his body slowly closed, and the previously obstructed flow of qi began to flow freely through the newly opened meridians. Though the pain was still there, beneath it was a wicked smile of determination.

Bai Xieye (in his heart, with conviction):

"I have risen from the ashes. Now, I am no longer a shadow of my weak past. I will rebuild my strength—stronger, sharper, and more unstoppable than ever!"

Outside the cave, the geniuses of their respective sects were still engaged in an increasingly intense battle. However, in their minds, whispers of rumors began to be heard—a mysterious figure had entered the cave, and his presence seemed to bring with it an aura of death and renewal. The conversations among the disciples began to mention something unusual:

Undying Corpse Sect disciple (whispering to his friend):

"Did you hear? It is said that there is a creature inside the cave whose voice seems to come from eternal darkness. I am not sure, but... its aura is different from anything I have ever seen before."

Heavenly Tiger Fist Sect disciple (contending in surprise):

"It could be just a rumor. But if it is true, then we must be on guard. No one knows what will happen if that figure truly awakens."

In the midst of the battle, amidst the explosions of energy and the roar of weapons, the atmosphere of the valley became increasingly turbulent. Every cry and movement of the genius

es seemed to form a thrilling symphony of battle. However, behind all the madness, no one realized that deep in the cave, a secret was being revealed.