Chapter 18: Lin Yuan's Journey

The misty mountain path stretched endlessly before Lin Yuan, a narrow trail winding through dense forests and sharp cliffs. The cool breeze carried the scent of pine and wet earth, while the distant chirping of birds created a serene yet mysterious atmosphere.

Lin Yuan walked at a steady pace, his figure blending into the mist. His robes fluttered slightly, and faint silver arcs of lightning occasionally crackled around his fingertips, a constant reminder of the Heavenly Thunder Physique he now possessed. He had chosen to travel, leaving the familiar lands of the Broken Sky Sect far behind. It was not just to broaden his horizons, but also to temper his strength and test the mysterious orb's abilities in real combat.

As he descended a narrow slope, his senses sharpened. The orb within his dantian pulsed gently, alerting him to a trace of energy nearby. Cautious but curious, Lin Yuan concealed his aura and moved silently toward the source.

A small clearing appeared before him. At its center, an ancient tree stood tall, its twisted roots digging deep into the earth. Beneath the tree lay a faintly glowing herb, its silvery leaves shimmering in the mist.

'Silver Spirit Grass... a rare herb that enhances spiritual sense,' Lin Yuan recognized it instantly. But before he could move, a rustling sound came from the bushes. Two figures emerged—a tall, burly man with a scar across his cheek and a slender woman with sharp, predatory eyes.

"Hehe, looks like the rumors were true. The Silver Spirit Grass is real," the man chuckled, his voice rough.

"And it's all ours," the woman added, her fingers twisting to reveal a thin dagger. They stepped forward, greed burning in their eyes.

Lin Yuan remained hidden, observing. He had no interest in senseless conflict, but he also would not allow such treasures to fall into the hands of others because it will also help him increasing his strength.

The moment the two reached for the herb, Lin Yuan acted. A faint silver flash streaked across the clearing, and the woman's dagger shattered. The two froze, their eyes wide with shock.

"Who's there?!" the scarred man roared, his hand moving to a heavy axe on his back.

Lin Yuan stepped forward calmly, his expression indifferent. "This herb does not belong to you. Leave now."

The woman's gaze darkened. "You dare interfere? Do you know who we are?"

Lin Yuan's response was a flick of his finger. A thin arc of silver lightning flashed out, striking the ground before them. The earth scorched instantly, leaving a blackened mark.

Fear filled their eyes. The scarred man hesitated, then grabbed the woman's arm. "Let's go!"

As they fled, Lin Yuan approached the Silver Spirit Grass. With a gentle motion, he carefully plucked it, set up a defensive and illusion array and began to absorb the Silver Spirit Grass.

[Orb Notification: Silver Spirit Grass Absorbed. Spiritual Sense +10%. Lightning Affinity Enhanced.]

A slight smile appeared on his face. 'Even in the wild, treasures find their way to me.'

Continuing his journey, Lin Yuan encountered towering cliffs, deep valleys, and sparkling rivers. He meditated beneath waterfalls, absorbed the essence of rare herbs, and even fought off fierce beasts that challenged him. Each encounter enriched his combat skills and strengthened his foundation.

But as he ventured deeper into the wilderness, he also encountered signs of darkness. Villages with empty streets, strange symbols carved into rocks, and whispers of a shadowy cult spreading fear in the region.

One evening, as Lin Yuan rested beside a campfire, he overheard two passing travelers whispering in fear.

"Another village was taken…" one whispered.

"That cursed Shadow Veil Cult. They kidnap anyone they can, especially young cultivators," the other replied.

Lin Yuan's eyes narrowed. A sense of unease settled in his heart. 'A cult that preys on innocent lives... I cannot ignore this.'

Rising to his feet, he stared into the dark forest ahead. Lightning crackled faintly around his fingertips. His journey was just beginning, but it seemed that darkness would always be one step ahead of him.

But for those who thrived in darkness, a storm was coming.

Farther along his journey, Lin Yuan encountered treacherous mountain paths, crossing deep valleys and towering cliffs. His strength grew, and his lightning powers became sharper. At a hidden cave, he discovered an ancient formation plate, its inscriptions complex and mysterious.

[Orb Notification: Ancient Formation Plate Absorbed. Formation Mastery Enhanced.]

Days turned to weeks, but each encounter was a test, a trial that tempered his skills. Yet darkness always lingered, with rumors of the Shadow Veil Cult growing more sinister.

Now, Lin Yuan's journey led him to the outskirts of a bustling mountain town. Here, he noticed a strange tension. The townsfolk whispered about missing travelers, and fearful glances were exchanged as night approached. Curious, Lin Yuan followed the rumors to a desolate forest nearby.

There, hidden under the roots of an ancient tree, was an underground passage. A foul stench wafted from within, and muffled cries echoed faintly. Without hesitation, Lin Yuan descended.

Inside, the darkness pressed close, but his lightning crackled faintly, illuminating the twisted path. At the end, a wide chamber appeared, filled with eerie green light. Hooded figures surrounded an altar, chanting sinister incantations. Bound villagers trembled in fear.

'Shadow Veil Cult,' Lin Yuan's gaze turned cold.

Without hesitation, he stepped forward. Lightning burst forth, striking one cultist, who fell with a scream. Chaos erupted, but Lin Yuan's figure danced like a thunderstorm, arcs of silver lightning sweeping through the chamber.

In moments, the cultists lay defeated, their shadows scattering.

[Orb Notification: Demonic Essence Absorbed. Lightning Affinity Enhanced. Body Tempered.]

Lin Yuan freed the villagers and sealed the cave with a formation. Stepping back into the moonlight, he felt his strength surge, but a cold determination settled in his heart.

'Evil hides in the shadows. But I will be the lightning that shatters darkness.'