Morning arrived, painting the room in soft hues as the first rays of sun filtered through the window. Wang Zifan stirred, slowly waking from a peaceful slumber. "I slept so soundly," he murmured, stretching contentedly.
Then, a sudden realization struck him – today was the day he was to embark on his journey into the mountains for intensive training.
He quickly rose, a mix of anticipation and determination filling him. He changed into comfortable traveling clothes, then picked up his small satchel, carefully checking its important contents: a cultivation manual, some basic provisions, and a cherished family heirloom. Stepping out of his room, the cool, crisp morning air brushed against his face.
He took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh scent of dawn. "I have no idea what this journey holds," he pondered, "but I'm absolutely certain I'll emerge much stronger after it. This is my destiny."
With a determined stride, he began his ascent towards the distant, majestic mountains. His path led him through a quaint village, where some villagers were already diligently working in their fields. "Wow, what a wonderful environment!" Wang Zifan exclaimed, feeling a surge of contentment.
He continued walking, his spirits lifted by the pleasant surroundings. After a short while, he reached the imposing entrance to the mountains.
To his surprise, a long, winding line of people stretched out before him. Wang Zifan observed the scene, a perplexed expression on his face.
"What in the world is going on here?" he wondered aloud.
He approached a nearby individual, an older man with a weathered face, and politely inquired,
"Excuse me, what's happening here? Why are people queuing up like this?"
The man turned. "Child, are you new here? The Yun Sect has occupied this place for the past month."
"But why is the line so long?" Wang Zifan pressed.
"Are you truly new here?" the man repeated, a hint of weariness in his tone.
"Yes, I just arrived today," Wang Zifan confirmed. "But what exactly happened?"
"About two months ago, the Yun Sect took over this entire area," the man explained, his voice tinged with resignation. "Now, they charge us money to enter the mountains.
Those who don't have the funds simply can't go. Many tried to resist, but the Yun Sect members killed them all in front of everyone as a warning."
"Are the Yun Sect members truly that strong?" Wang Zifan questioned, a hint of awe and trepidation in his voice.
"Absolutely," the man affirmed. "The Yun sect leader is at the late stage of the Core Formation Realm, and I've heard the Yun sect ancestor is at the very peak of the Core Formation Realm. They are not to be trifled with."
Wang Zifan absorbed this information, understanding the gravity of the situation. He thanked the man, handing him a silver coin as a token of gratitude, and then joined the end of the long queue.
Approximately thirty minutes later, it was Wang Zifan's turn. He observed the person in front of him being charged five silver coins by the Yun Sect guards. Without thinking much, Wang Zifan also offered five silver coins. But to his dismay, the burly guard merely smirked and demanded twenty.
"You only charged the person before me five coins," Wang Zifan protested, his voice firm.
"Why are you asking for twenty from me?"
The guard's smirk vanished, replaced by a scowl. "Just pay the money, boy, or get out of here!" he barked, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his Axe.
Having no other choice, and unwilling to cause a scene, Wang Zifan reluctantly handed over the twenty coins. He suppressed his indignation, knowing that open defiance would only lead to trouble.
He then continued forward, and what he saw next startled him – the staircase leading up the mountain was incredibly long, winding its way upward like a serpent towards the sky.
Wang Zifan began his arduous ascent, climbing step after agonizing step. His muscles burned with effort, but his focus remained unwavering.
As he continued, the day slowly transitioned into evening, the golden light of the setting sun casting long shadows across the rugged terrain. He climbed for hours, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
Finally, as twilight deepened, he reached the summit of the mountains. He collapsed onto a flat rock, his body aching, but his spirit soaring.
Wang Zifan looked around, taking in the breathtaking view. "The spiritual energy here is incredibly dense and pure," he mused, a sense of wonder filling him. "If anyone cultivates here, they would gain immense benefits. This is a perfect spot for my training."
He slowly rose, his limbs protesting, and began to move forward, exploring his new surroundings. Soon, he spotted a magnificent waterfall in the distance, its waters cascading down a sheer rock face, glimmering under the faint moonlight.
He gazed up at its peak, captivated by its grandeur, the sound of the rushing water a soothing symphony in the quiet evening.
"I'll rest for a while now," Wang Zifan decided, finding a relatively flat and secluded spot near the waterfall. "And then I'll arrange for some dinner. I'm famished."
After a brief but much-needed respite, Wang Zifan began walking towards the waterfall. As he approached, he noticed several fish, their scales shimmering, leaping and frolicking in the crystal-clear water at the base of the falls.
"Tonight, I'll enjoy some delicious fish!" he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up.
He then cautiously looked down from the top of the waterfall, a shiver running down his spine.
"If I accidentally fall down, I'll be in serious trouble," he muttered, the sheer drop a stark reminder of his precarious position.
He began catching the fish one by one, his movements swift and precise. The fish tried desperately to escape, but Wang Zifan wouldn't let them.
After catching enough fish, he gathered some dry branches and tinder, built a small, crackling fire, and began to cook them, the aroma of grilling fish filling the night air. Soon, he was settling down to enjoy his well-earned meal.
A short while later, as he was finishing his last piece of fish, Wang Zifan heard something rustling in the bushes nearby. The sound was distinct, not the gentle whisper of the wind, but something heavier, more deliberate.
He immediately became alert,"Who's behind those bushes?" he called out, his voice firm and clear.
There was no response, only the continued rustling, growing closer. Wang Zifan's instincts flared, screaming a silent warning.
"Something is amiss," he thought, his senses heightened. The silence that followed his question was unsettling.
He cautiously approached the bushes, his gaze fixed on the source of the disturbance.
Just as he reached the thick foliage, a sudden, powerful roar erupted, and a beast, sleek and muscular, suddenly lunged out and attacked him! Wang Zifan, reacting on pure instinct, narrowly managed to dodge the attack, rolling swiftly to the side.
He quickly regained his footing, his eyes locking onto the creature. "It's a White Tiger Beast!" he exclaimed, recognizing the creature. "And it's only Level 1." Despite its low level, its raw power was undeniable.
Knowing he couldn't engage it directly with his bare hands, Wang Zifan quickly formed his fingers into the precise shape of a sword, channeling a small amount of spiritual energy. He executed a 'Profound Slash' at the beast.
Then, without waiting to see the effect, he immediately turned and began to run, seeking to create distance.
However, to his shock, the slash seemed to have absolutely no effect on the beast; it merely roared in frustration. In a flash, with astonishing speed and agility, it leaped and landed directly in front of Wang Zifan, blocking his escape route.
The White Tiger Beast began to lash out with its incredibly sharp claws, attacking Wang Zifan relentlessly. Wang Zifan, with remarkable agility, desperately dodged the attacks, narrowly avoiding each swipe, his heart pounding in his chest.
He moved with the grace of a dancer, but the beast was relentless. While evading one particularly ferocious attack, he found himself pushed right to the very edge of the waterfall, its roaring cascade now directly behind him.
He took a small, cautious step back, but suddenly, a section of the ground beneath him crumbled and fell into the deep chasm below, sending a spray of water upwards.
"What do I do now?" Wang Zifan cried out, his voice laced with desperation, the cold spray of the waterfall hitting his face. He was trapped. "I can't go back; there's such a deep abyss behind me!"
He was on the brink of despair when the beast, seeing its opportunity, attacked him again, aiming for a finishing blow. What could poor Wang Zifan do? He was cornered.
With a final, desperate surge of courage, and no other option, he closed his eyes and leaped. He jumped into the deep, churning water below, hoping against hope that the plunge would not be his end.
The White Tiger Beast, momentarily stunned by Wang Zifan's unexpected move, watched, its predatory eyes fixed on the spot where he had vanished.
Water splash... The sound echoed ominously from the bottom of the waterfall, swallowed by the roaring torrent.