Chapter 21: Into the Forest of Dawn
Morning sunlight filtered gently through the canopy, bathing the clearing in a golden hue. Dew still clung to the grass, and a faint mist curled along the forest floor. Alex and Lily, fresh from completing their morning routines, stood ready with their packs slung over their shoulders.
Harvis stood nearby, arms crossed, his expression stern. Liz quietly handed them small leather pouches filled with dried food and clean water.
Harvis spoke, his voice calm but layered with seriousness. "You're both going into the Forest of Dawn to collect resources. This will be your first real test—not just of your cultivation, but of your instincts, discipline, and awareness."
Alex nodded. "We're ready."
Lily gave a small smile, trying to mask the flutter of nervousness in her chest. "We've trained for this."
Harvis stepped forward and gestured for them to listen closely. "Let me remind you of the dangers. This forest may appear peaceful, but it's filled with beasts—each more dangerous than the last. Most of the forest is home to Demon Beasts, ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 4. We're currently in the outer ring, so at worst, you'll face Grade 2s. But that doesn't mean you can let your guard down."
Lily asked, "How can we tell the beast's grade?"
Harvis replied, "By observing the flow of energy around them. A Grade 1 beast will feel strong and primal—fast, vicious, instinctive. Grade 2s start to manifest elemental traits—like fire-breathing, poisonous claws, or even frost-coated hides. If you see signs of those, retreat unless you're certain you can escape or hide."
He paused, letting the information sink in. "And remember—resources are rarely unguarded. Most high-quality herbs or minerals attract beasts that nest nearby, drawing energy from them."
Liz approached and handed them a folded map. "I've marked several areas where body refinement herbs grow. Avoid the deeper zones."
Alex opened the map briefly, scanning the red markings. "Got it."
Harvis turned, waving a hand through the air. A diagram materialized midair—a shimmering outline of the Beast Cultivation Grades.
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Beast Cultivation Grades:
Demon Beast (Grades 1–4) – Instinct-driven physical evolution.
Grade 1: Basic qi absorption, heightened senses.
Grade 2: Elemental affinity appears—fire breath, venom, frost coating, etc.
Grade 3: Core formation begins, minor spiritual resistance.
Grade 4: Energy armor, peak physical reinforcement.
Spirit Beast (Grades 5–7) – Intelligence awakening.
Sacred Beast (Grades 8–9) – Law comprehension.
Ancient Beast (Grade 10+): Unity with the Dao.
---
Harvis dispelled the diagram. "You're not ready for anything above Grade 2. If you even sense something stronger, you run. Understood?"
Alex and Lily nodded together. "Understood."
Harvis smiled slightly. "Good. Then go. And return before sunset."
They turned and began walking into the forest, the sound of birdsong and rustling leaves greeting them. As the trees thickened and the light dimmed, the peaceful ambiance was replaced with an underlying tension. Every snapping twig and distant growl kept them alert.
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A List of Cultivation Herbs Sought for Body Refinement:
1. Ironroot Grass – Strengthens muscle fibers. Common near rocky patches.
2. Red Vein Lotus – Boosts blood flow and stamina. Grows in shallow ponds.
3. Earthpine Resin – Harden bones and joints. Found in cracked pine bark.
4. Windleaf Fern – Enhances agility and balance. Only grows near cliffs or ridges.
5. Stoneblossom Petals – Contains dense energy, ideal for initial tempering.
6. Bitter Flame Moss – Mild fire energy; can assist in internal energy stimulation.
---
They stopped near a patch of overgrown stone where the first signs of Ironroot Grass were visible. Alex crouched and used his short blade to carefully cut the base of the plant, placing it gently into a small box lined with dry leaves.
"Got it," he whispered. "First one."
Lily nodded, keeping an eye out. "I'll check for Red Vein Lotus by the stream nearby."
They moved quietly, collecting herbs and checking the map between stops. They were deep into the forest now, with a soft haze of energy lingering in the air. It was faint, but noticeable—a sign that they were entering a more qi-rich area.
Just as Lily knelt beside a pond to harvest Red Vein Lotus, the bushes nearby rustled.
Alex stepped forward, motioning for her to back up slowly. "Something's coming."
A low growl emerged from the foliage. A hulking wolf-like creature stepped out—its eyes glowing faintly green, saliva dripping from its fanged mouth. Its fur rippled with a faint shimmer of frost.
"Grade 2," Alex muttered. "Frost affinity."
Lily gripped her dagger, but Alex raised a hand. "I'll distract it. You circle around and look for a weakness."
They moved in practiced coordination—Lily vanished into the trees, and Alex hurled a stone toward the beast. The creature lunged forward, and the ground it passed over began to shimmer with frost. Alex narrowly dodged, drawing the beast further away from the pond.
From behind, Lily dashed in and slashed at the hind legs. The beast yelped and staggered, but twisted unnaturally fast, claws lashing toward her.
Alex tackled it sideways before the claws hit. Together, they managed to injure it enough for it to retreat, limping into the underbrush.
Breathing heavily, Lily dropped to her knees. "That... was close."
Alex sat down beside her, wiping blood from a scratch on his arm. "We need to be more careful."
They patched themselves up with basic salves and continued gathering. Over the next few hours, they collected Earthpine Resin and Bitter Flame Moss, carefully packed and stored in containers Harvis had prepared for them.
As the sun began to dip, casting long shadows across the forest, they sat on a flat stone, eating a few dried fruits and water. The golden rays of sunset filtered through the trees, illuminating the sweat on their brows and the dirt on their arms.
"You think this is enough?" Lily asked, tired but content.
Alex looked over their haul. "It's enough to temper our bodies and prepare for the next Layer. But we should be more cautious next time."
"Still…" Lily smiled faintly, "we handled a Grade 2 beast. That's something."
Alex smiled back. "Yeah. That's something."
---
By the time they returned to the clearing, night had fallen. Harvis and Liz were already waiting near the fire. Harvis stood up as they approached.
"You're late," he said, but his tone wasn't scolding.
Alex dropped the pouch filled with herbs in front of him. "We got everything you marked."
Harvis opened the pouch and nodded in approval. "You encountered something, didn't you?"
Lily spoke, "A Grade 2 frost wolf."
Liz's eyes widened. "You fought it?"
"We didn't have a choice," Alex said. "It was guarding the lotus pond."
Harvis laughed lightly. "Well, you survived. That's already better than most first-time cultivators. But be warned—success breeds confidence, and confidence often leads to recklessness. Don't let your first victory get to your head."
Alex nodded seriously. "We won't."
Harvis gestured for them to sit. "You've earned a proper meal."
As Liz handed them warm bowls of stew, Harvis turned back toward the fire, staring into the flames. He didn't say it aloud, but there was a flicker of pride in his eyes.
These two, whom he'd taken in on a whim, were walking paths once thought impossible for those without a powerful clan or deep legacy. And they were surviving.
More than that—they were growing.