Into the Unknown

Chapter 8: Into the Unknown

The morning sun barely touched the horizon when the group set out.

Xu Liang walked at the back of the procession, his eyes scanning the dense forest ahead. The path to Spirit Beast Valley was not an easy one—poisonous mist, lurking beasts, and rival cultivators lay in wait.

But for Xu Liang, this was an opportunity.

More challenges meant more power.

Zhao Wei, leading at the front, turned to address the group. "Once we reach the valley, we split into smaller teams. If you're too weak to survive alone, group up. If you want more rewards, hunt on your own."

Some cultivators laughed confidently. Others hesitated.

Xu Liang remained silent.

His plan was clear—he would hunt alone.

Danger on the Road

Hours passed as they navigated through the dense wilderness.

Then—

A sudden shift in the air.

Xu Liang felt it before anyone else. The Qi around them fluctuated unnaturally.

He stopped.

A low growl echoed from the trees.

Then, from the shadows, they emerged.

Crimson-Clawed Apes.

Beasts covered in thick fur, their claws glowing with a faint red light—enhanced by Qi. Each one stood at least two meters tall, their eyes gleaming with violent intelligence.

A mid-tier Qi Condensation beast.

Xu Liang exhaled slowly.

A true test had arrived.

Zhao Wei grinned. "Looks like we've got some company."

The cultivators drew their weapons, forming loose battle stances. Some backed away, eyes filled with hesitation.

Xu Liang?

He stepped forward.

The apes charged.

The first leaped toward him, claws flashing—fast, but not enough.

Xu Liang twisted his body, avoiding the attack by inches. His muscles reacted on instinct, refined through countless battles.

Then, he countered.

A Qi-infused palm strike to its chest.

Boom!

The ape staggered, eyes wide with shock. It had never expected a human to match its brute force.

Xu Liang didn't stop.

His footwork shifted, dodging the next attack as he struck again—this time at its throat.

A sickening crack.

The beast collapsed.

One move.

Silence spread across the battlefield. Even Zhao Wei looked surprised.

Then—

The other apes roared in fury.

More were coming.

This battle was far from over.

End:

Crimson-Clawed Apes, new mid-tier Qi Condensation beasts.

Xu Liang's refined combat skills, showing his growth.