Chapter 71: Offense
Almost simultaneously with Lin Hao’s shout, Wang Hu was already clutching the bird eggs and fleeing to the side. Both had just broken through to the first stage of Qi Condensation, so all their physical abilities had greatly improved—their speed as they ran was far from slow. Yet the azure giant eagle was at the fourth stage of Qi Condensation; its swiftness was simply beyond what Lin Hao and Wang Hu could match.
A piercing screech echoed—the eagle let out an angry cry, its massive form blurring as it swept down on Wang Hu, closing the distance in an instant.
A wretched scream rang out. In his panic, Wang Hu hastily threw out one of the eggs. The eagle’s eyes flashed with fury and alarm; it quickly stirred up a strange gust that swept the egg back onto the mound, then came roaring at the two once again.
“Oh my god…” Wang Hu was frantic. He threw out the other egg and bolted blindly for his life! Lin Hao hesitated, glanced longingly at the egg in his own hand, then gritted his teeth, performed his Qi-drawing technique, and hurled the egg in another direction.
The eagle, upon seeing this, let out a resentful shriek, a venomous look in its eyes. With a thunderous beat of its wings, that strange gale swept Wang Hu’s thrown egg gently back to the mound, while the eagle itself darted off in pursuit of the egg Lin Hao had thrown far away.
As for Lin Hao and Wang Hu, they ran all the way back to their quarters before stopping, gasping for breath.
“It’s just… it’s just an egg, did it really have to be like that? I nearly lost my life there…” Wang Hu collapsed onto the ground, his face pale with lingering fear. Lin Hao shook his head, still a bit shaken. “Beasts that can cultivate… they’re probably just like humans, with intelligence. From now on… we can’t mess around like this again…”
“Hey, what were you two up to? Why are you both so exhausted?” Suddenly, a crisp voice called out. The two looked up to see Zhao Min eyeing them both with a strange expression.
“Nothing.” They answered in unison, like perfectly synchronized brothers.
“There’s just a month left. Don’t neglect your cultivation,” Zhao Min said meaningfully, glancing at Lin Hao before turning and heading inside.
“Hao, do you think Zhao Min likes you?” Wang Hu asked, watching Zhao Min go, then looking at Lin Hao in bewilderment. Lin Hao sighed helplessly, shot Wang Hu a glare, and walked straight back to his room.
“What are those two… up to?” Wang Hu muttered, glancing from Lin Hao to Zhao Min in confusion, then wandered off to his own hut, his mind spinning.
After this incident, Wang Hu grew much more disciplined, spending his days cultivating quietly. Lin Hao as well—throughout the month, he stopped learning new techniques, instead focusing on nurturing the spiritual energy within him. His progress was slow but steady.
Around the middle of the month, both Zhao Min and Wang Hu broke through to the second stage of Qi Condensation. Afterward, they stopped cultivating as intensively, taking on the tasks of hunting and cooking. As for Lin Hao and the others, aside from meals, they spent every moment in cultivation.
Finally, on the last day of the month, Zhang Tuo broke through as well. As for Lin Hao, he still seemed to be a little distance from the second stage of Qi Condensation.
The next morning, when Lin Hao stepped outside, Zhang Tuo and the others were already waiting for him at the door.
“Hao, how’d it go? Did you break through?” Wang Hu asked excitedly. In his mind, Lin Hao’s breakthrough was a sure thing—after all, he was the first among them to reach the first stage, so the second should have been easy. Zhang Tuo looked at Lin Hao with anticipation as well.
Zhao Min, on the other hand, furrowed her brow and hesitated. “You… didn’t break through, did you?”
Lin Hao met their gazes calmly and nodded.
“That… that’s not right…” Wang Hu’s face fell, his brows furrowing in frustration as he muttered to himself. Zhang Tuo and Zhao Min were equally stunned, lost for words.
“It’s fine. There’s always the next Inner Sect competition,” Lin Hao said with a careless smile, trying to reassure them.
“Three at the second stage of Qi Condensation—not bad.” Before Lin Hao’s words had faded, a gentle voice sounded from nearby. Looking over, they saw it was Chen Ping, the one who had brought them all into the sect.
“You three, go pack your things and come with me to the Inner Peak,” Chen Ping instructed, then cast a faint look at Lin Hao, his tone unreadable. “You stay here and wait. Someone from the Outer Peak will be by for you soon.”
Sensing the change in Chen Ping’s attitude, Lin Hao fell silent.
Zhao Min hesitated for a moment, sighed quietly, and went inside. Zhang Tuo followed, saying nothing.
“Immortal, why are you leaving Hao behind?” Even Wang Hu, slow as he was, caught on, looking at Chen Ping in confusion.
“His talent is too poor—he’s not qualified to enter the Inner Peak,” Chen Ping answered coldly. Wang Hu grew anxious, protesting, “But Hao was so close to breaking through! If you give him a couple more days, he’ll definitely make it!”
Chen Ping seemed ready to ignore him, but after a brief, unreadable hesitation, he spoke again: “The three months are up. He still hasn’t broken through.”
“No…” Wang Hu tried to argue, but Chen Ping shot him a cold glare. “Speak again, and you’ll stay here with him.”
“Enough,” Lin Hao intervened, quickly shooting Wang Hu a warning look. He smiled, “It’s just that my talent isn’t enough. You all go to Inner Peak and cultivate well. The Outer Peak’s not so bad, either—maybe I’ll come find you all in a while.”
“But…” Wang Hu started, but Lin Hao cut him off. “Didn’t Uncle Wang tell you to listen to me in all things? Are you going to ignore his words as soon as you leave the house? Go on, stop dawdling.”
“Fine…” Wang Hu hesitated, struggled inwardly, then gritted his teeth. “Wait for me at the Outer Peak. Once I’m settled, I’ll come find you.”
“Alright.” Lin Hao smiled and nodded.
Soon after, the three had packed up and returned. Chen Ping gave Lin Hao a meaningful glance, then swept his sleeve, gathering the three and flying off into the distance.
Watching them go, Lin Hao’s face dimmed. He sighed softly, murmuring to himself, “Is talent really that important…”
“You’re Lin Hao?” Suddenly, a lazy voice sounded. Lin Hao looked up to see a young man approaching, his face full of arrogance and disdain.
“I’m talking to you. Are you mute?” the youth sneered.
Lin Hao’s gaze darkened, but after a moment’s hesitation, he cupped his hands politely. “I am Lin Hao.”
“Come with me,” the young man said, coldly laughing to himself as he headed down a narrow path.
They walked together along a secluded mountain trail, soon arriving at an elegant pavilion. Above its doors hung a massive plaque, the words “Treasure Pavilion” inscribed in bold calligraphy.
Inside, the air was fragrant with the scent of precious woods. The shelves were lined with dazzling items, all radiating a subtle glow, too many to count.
“Well, if it isn’t Senior Brother Zhao. What brings you here today?” A middle-aged man greeted them, his face wreathed in smiles. His gaze lingered on Lin Hao with a fleeting hint of surprise.
“Are you blind?” the youth surnamed Zhao replied lazily, looking down his nose at the man. “This one’s just been promoted to the Outer Sect. I’ve brought him here. Handle his identity token, storage pouch, and treasure—you know what to do.”
With a cold laugh, Zhao turned and left, the middle-aged man quickly escorting him to the door, only returning after watching him disappear into the distance.
“That one must have a powerful background… Best not to cross him in the Outer Peak,” Lin Hao thought to himself as the arrogant youth departed.
The middle-aged man now wore a genial expression. “Junior brother, how should I address you?”
“He’s much friendlier…” Lin Hao thought, then answered with a bow, “Senior brother, I am Lin Hao.”
“Oh? Lin, is it? That’s a fine surname—I share it myself.” The man grinned, then seemed to recall something. “Since we’re both named Lin, let me make an exception and show you a few treasures.”
“Thank you, senior brother.” Lin Hao’s eyes lit up with delight as the man led him to a particular shelf, gazing solemnly at a mottled, rusted mirror that looked like little more than junk.
“This mirror was once the sect’s protective treasure during its heyday centuries ago! Don’t be fooled by its plain, rusty appearance—its luster is merely obscured by dust. With your bearing, junior brother, you’re sure to restore it to its former glory! What do you think?”
Lin Hao was intrigued, but as he stared at the battered old mirror, he couldn’t help but glance skeptically at the earnest middle-aged man, his suspicion growing…
The man noticed Lin Hao’s lack of enthusiasm, a flash of surprise in his eyes. Suddenly, as if recalling something, he beamed and guided Lin Hao to another shelf. “No matter, take a look at this, junior brother.”
“This bead I found after traveling countless miles through a secret realm. It may look ordinary, but legend has it that it harbors a tremendous secret—one that only the truly exceptional can unlock! With your fine features, you must be the destined master of this bead! What do you say?”
Lin Hao eyed the battered stone bead with a wry look. Even a fool could tell what the man was up to—his shameless attempts to foist junk on him were an eye-opener.
Just as he was about to leave, the jade pendant at his waist suddenly pulsed, and a strange feeling surged within him—as though he were about to miss something vital.
The source of that feeling was the stone bead!
Conflicted, Lin Hao looked at the damaged and seemingly useless bead, his heart in turmoil.
The middle-aged man, seeing Lin Hao’s hesitation, smiled even more warmly. “If you want it, just take it. If you find it unsuitable, you can always exchange it for another treasure later…”
“This man is all honeyed words—clearly a liar, not to be trusted. But that sensation just now was real… Forget it,” Lin Hao thought. He bowed slightly. “Then I’ll choose this one.”
“Good, good, glad you like it.” The man laughed, producing an identity token, a set of robes, and a finely crafted pouch. “Drip blood on the token to bind it. The pouch is spatial—stores items, and contains a low-grade spirit stone. Your quarters are the second cave dwelling, south slope, on the west side of the Outer Peak. Go on, now.”
Lin Hao accepted everything and left. It took him about two hours to find his cave dwelling.
Within the Sky Profound Sect, there was the Main Peak, surrounded by the Inner Peaks, with the Outer Peaks encircling them. The Outer Peaks were home to the outer sect disciples. Despite their size, the place was mostly deserted—he passed seven cave dwellings and saw only one youth sitting cross-legged nearby, who happened to live not far from Lin Hao.
“Hey, brother, new here?” the youth called out, opening his eyes with interest. Lin Hao bowed. “Senior brother, I am indeed newly arrived.”
“The Outer Peak is dangerous. Take care,” the youth advised with a smile, then resumed his cultivation. Lin Hao was puzzled, but after a moment’s thought, he bowed again and entered his cave.
The dwelling was small, a single dusty mat lying inside, evidently uninhabited for some time.
With a wave, Lin Hao used a cleansing technique to clear the dust, then sat cross-legged to examine his belongings.
Excitement flickered in his heart as he inspected the delicate pouch. Though it looked tiny, it contained a space a full ten feet wide—clearly a treasure of immortals!
Inside was a pale blue stone of obvious value.
He carefully tied the pouch at his waist, then picked up the token, pricked his finger, and let a drop of blood soak in. A faint white glow flashed, and the words “Outer Sect” appeared on its surface.
“No wonder it’s called an immortal treasure…” Lin Hao murmured, storing it away, then turned his attention to the stone bead that had given him the strange sensation earlier.
He dripped blood onto it, which was instantly absorbed. The bead glowed faintly.
Suddenly, a flash of bright white light erupted from the bead, filling Lin Hao’s vision. When it cleared, he found himself in a scene of hellish carnage!
Blood stained the earth. Agonized screams, slaughter, and roars echoed all around. Lin Hao’s pupils shrank as he watched a giant a hundred feet tall hurl a colossal spear, its aura like heavenly wrath, straight at him—closing in at lightning speed!
In a split second, the spear passed through Lin Hao’s chest and stopped just short of a young man behind him.
Trembling, Lin Hao checked himself and, finding no injury, his terror eased a little. He looked closely—the young man before him held a dagger, silver-white, etched with bloody runes.
“Shatter!” the youth spat. The dagger in his hand trembled, and the massive spear shattered into pieces!
“Heaven’s Execution.” The youth uttered again, and the dagger turned into a pool of silver liquid veined with blood. In a flash, it re-formed as a war halberd in his hand, emitting a terrifying, overwhelming aura of slaughter.
The vision faded. The stone bead in front of Lin Hao had become a floating pool of silver liquid laced with blood, exuding a strange energy…
Lin Hao stared in shock at the mysterious liquid. He had never imagined such an incredible thing could be hidden in a mere stone bead—and, most importantly, that he would obtain it!
After a long time, Lin Hao managed to calm himself and murmured, “This thing… is too dangerous… If I reveal it, I’ll be coveted by all…”
“Heaven’s Execution,” he whispered, sensing a new, subtle connection to the object. At once, a joyful consciousness responded from the liquid!
Surprised, Lin Hao willed it to become a dagger. Instantly, Heaven’s Execution glowed faintly and transformed into a silver dagger streaked with blood-red veins.
“This blood… seems to be mine… I wonder what connection it has to my jade pendant… Could it be linked to my origins?” Lin Hao pondered, feeling the aura emanating from the dagger.
After a while, Heaven’s Execution turned into a streak of light and entered his dantian. Lin Hao set aside his questions and picked up the low-grade spirit stone.
It was wrapped in layers of dense white mist and felt warm and comfortable in his hand. Lin Hao knew it contained vast spiritual energy. After a moment’s hesitation, he began to absorb it.
Soon, a faint cracking sound echoed in his mind. The vortex in his dantian doubled in size—he broke through!
A gush of black impurities poured from his pores. Lin Hao formed a seal, and a gentle breeze swept them away. A faint fragrance spread from his body. Looking at the crimson vortex within and the crushed remains of the spirit stone, Lin Hao shook his head with a wry smile. “If only I’d found this spirit stone sooner…”
“You must be Lin Hao?” A shrill voice called from outside. Lin Hao looked up to see a gaunt man standing at the cave entrance, eyeing him oddly.
“And you are?” Lin Hao asked coolly, puzzled. The man’s eyes gleamed coldly. “Hand over the treasure you took from the Treasure Pavilion today.”
“On what grounds?” Lin Hao’s eyes grew cold, his mind racing. He had never seen this man before, and only the Treasure Pavilion attendant knew his cave’s location—it must have been that man who tipped him off.
“Because Senior Brother Zhao wants it! Are you going to hand it over or not?” The emaciated man barked, stepping forward as a third-stage Qi Condensation aura burst forth!
“Senior Brother Zhao…” Lin Hao pondered. The only Zhao he knew was the youth who’d brought him to the Treasure Pavilion. But he hadn’t offended him—why send someone to rob him?
“Scared, kid? Hand over the treasure now!” The man barked again, as if certain Lin Hao would comply.
“No! This is a sacred sect—do you really dare kill me?” Lin Hao retorted, his palm sweaty.
“Heh…” The gaunt man sneered, drawing a gleaming sword from his storage pouch and lunging at Lin Hao!
“He’s really going to kill me!” Lin Hao’s pupils shrank. He snatched up the mat and threw it at his attacker, but the man sliced it in two with ease, swinging again.
Terrified, Lin Hao performed a Qi-drawing technique, sending the powdered remains of the spirit stone flying into the man’s eyes, then barely dodged the next blow as he fled into the forest.
“Little wretch! I’ll slaughter you!” The man, though he closed his eyes quickly, was left blinded and furious. Spiritual power surged from him as he chased after Lin Hao.
In the woods, Lin Hao fled for his life. Even after breaking through to the second stage, he was no match for a third-stage cultivator—the man quickly closed the gap and hurled his sword!
Lin Hao, too focused on escape to look back, suddenly sensed mortal danger. He dodged sideways on instinct.
A loud crack sounded—the trunk of a thick tree exploded with a gaping hole.
“I never did anything to offend Senior Brother Zhao—why rob me, why try to kill me? Is there no justice in the Sky Profound Sect?” Lin Hao raged, staring at the blasted tree, his eyes bloodshot.
The gaunt man just laughed, looking Lin Hao up and down. “Anything Senior Brother Zhao wants, he gets. Even if I kill you, who would care? You’re just a lowly outer disciple.”
With a contemptuous glance, he recalled his sword and advanced again. Lin Hao scrambled away, but just then, the words the youth had spoken earlier echoed in his mind.
The Outer Peak is dangerous. Take care…
“This man is determined to kill me. I can only run so long—when my qi runs out, I’ll die for sure…” Lin Hao’s face was grim, despair flickering in his eyes. “I have only one choice—kill him first…”
Resolved, Lin Hao’s eyes hardened. He summoned the strange dagger and hurled it at his pursuer!
The man’s eyes widened in shock, but he was quick—he dodged in the nick of time.
“Was that what all this running was for? Just one pathetic throw?” the man jeered, advancing on Lin Hao, his third-stage aura growing oppressive.
“Die!” Lin Hao’s expression was fierce, his eyes ruthless. He performed a seal, and the dagger flew back into his hand, then shot straight for the man’s head!
“You—” The man’s heart lurched as he tried to turn, but it was too late. Something struck the back of his skull. He stared at Lin Hao in disbelief, terror in his eyes.
He had never imagined that, as a third-stage cultivator, he would fall to a mere new disciple…
With a dull thud, his body collapsed. Lin Hao’s own limbs shook uncontrollably.
It was a long time before he regained his composure. His face remained somber, bitterness lurking deep in his eyes. Staring at the cooling corpse, he whispered, “He tried to rob me first, then tried to kill me—I had no choice… My conscience is clear…”
“Well done. That’s a fine treasure you have.” Suddenly, a clear voice called out. Lin Hao looked up to see a handsome young man approaching, a gourd hanging at his waist.
“What are you doing here?” Lin Hao called the dagger to his hand, staring warily at the youth—his neighbor from the cave next door. If he had come during the day, it would be normal, but to show up now meant he had been following Lin Hao. Not knowing his intentions, Lin Hao dared not let his guard down.
“No need to be so tense,” the youth laughed, taking a swig from his gourd. “If I were with them, you wouldn’t have made it this far.”
“Then why are you here?” Lin Hao asked, catching a whiff of wine on the air. The youth shook his head, smiling. “You seem like a good sort—I wanted to make friends.”
“What’s your real purpose?” Normally Lin Hao would have agreed, but after all that had happened—the Zhao youth, the Treasure Pavilion attendant, the gaunt attacker—he was no longer so quick to trust.
“Nothing much. The Outer Peak is dangerous—I just don’t want to die out here with no one to collect my body,” the youth said with a wry smile. “The Sky Profound Sect isn’t as wonderful as it seems. In fact, it’s more like a demon sect.”
Lin Hao stayed silent, waiting for more.
“The one who sent someone after you is called Zhao Long—a fourth-stage cultivator in the Outer Peak.” The youth glanced indifferently at the corpse, then tossed out a small snake. In a flash of heat, the body turned to ash.
“Why is he so arrogant?” Lin Hao asked, watching him.
“He’s backed by Chu Long, the top disciple of the Outer Peak,” the youth replied, shaking the gourd. “Care for a drink?”
Lin Hao nodded, took the gourd, and drank. The wine was sharp, icy on the tongue but burning hot as it slid down, filling him with warmth.
“Excellent!” Lin Hao exclaimed in spite of himself. The youth grinned. “The Outer Peak is dangerous. Aside from Chu Long, there’s also Qin Fan, a fifth-stage cultivator. About twenty others are at the fifth stage, a hundred at the fourth, and hundreds more below that.”
“What stage is Zhao Long? And doesn’t the sect care about all this?” Lin Hao asked.
“Fourth, I think. The cultivation world is crueler than the mundane one. The sect’s resources are limited—they won’t waste them on untalented disciples. The Outer Peak is where the Sky Profound Sect sends its rejects.” The youth’s voice was calm, but Lin Hao caught a deep bitterness in his tone. “When my sister and I were hunted by enemies, we were saved by a passing immortal and brought here. I thought I could finally live in peace, but as soon as I broke through in the menial ranks, Outer Peak disciples targeted my sister.”
“I watched her die before my eyes. Only then did I understand—there’s no safe haven in this world. Only the strong deserve to live. The weak are always at the mercy of others.”
Lin Hao opened his mouth, then fell silent. There was nothing he could say—empty words of comfort were meaningless, and he hadn’t suffered such loss himself.
After a while, the youth laughed softly, shaking his head. “Forgive me, brother. I just got lost in the past.”
“Call me Lin Hao,” Lin Hao said with a sigh, handing the gourd back. The youth drank. “Bai Chou.”
After a long silence, Bai Chou composed himself and looked at Lin Hao. “You killed that man today—things won’t be easy for you now.”
“He tried to kill me first. My conscience is clear. If anyone else comes, I’ll do the same,” Lin Hao said gravely, then, as if realizing something, his eyes brightened. “But Bai, you didn’t just come to make friends, did you?”
“Quite perceptive,” Bai Chou laughed. “Anyone in the Outer Sect has at least average talent. You must have joined recently—your talent is certainly better than mine. I’ll deal with Zhao Long for you and help you break through, but when you reach the fifth stage, you must help me kill Qin Fan.”
“And you’re so sure I’ll agree?” Lin Hao asked, surprised. He guessed Bai Chou was at least fifth stage, maybe higher. Why would he risk going after a sixth-stage cultivator? It must have something to do with his sister…
As Lin Hao pondered, Bai Chou laughed again. “Zhao Long is petty and vengeful. I don’t know how you offended him, but I do know that if he doesn’t see his lackey tomorrow, he’ll come looking for you.”
Lin Hao glanced at the patch of ashes, lost in thought. After a while, he sighed. “I have no real grudge with Zhao Long. Let’s discuss your proposal another time.”
Bai Chou smiled, shaking his head, and handed Lin Hao a jade slip. “If Zhao Long comes tomorrow, crush this, and I’ll handle it.”
With that, Bai Chou left. Lin Hao watched him go, then pocketed the jade slip, rummaged through the ashes for a storage pouch and a sword, and returned to his cave.
“Bai Chou’s story rings true, but I don’t want to become a killer. If Zhao Long comes tomorrow, maybe I can resolve things peacefully. But if he pushes me…”
Inside the cave, Lin Hao’s eyes were bloodshot, his face still clouded. He knew that as a mere second-stage cultivator, Bai Chou had no reason to deceive him. And after his brief encounter with Zhao Long, Lin Hao had a vague sense of what to expect. Still, the thought of killing troubled him…
The night passed quickly. By the next morning, Lin Hao had consolidated his new level and sat quietly, waiting.
Before long, a figure in blue appeared outside his cave. Lin Hao stepped out—it was Zhao Long.
“You killed Mo Yuan?” Zhao Long asked calmly, his face unreadable. Lin Hao hesitated, then bowed. “Senior Brother Zhao, that man tried to rob me in your name, then tried to kill me. I had no choice but to slay him.”
“Oh?” Zhao Long sneered, unleashing a mighty fourth-stage Qi Condensation aura. “Hand over everything—Mo Yuan’s belongings and your own.”
Lin Hao felt the overwhelming pressure and struggled to breathe. The gap between the third and fourth stages was vast!
“Hand it over!” Zhao Long barked, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. Lin Hao, struggling, his eyes bloodshot, managed to choke out, “No.”
“Stubborn, aren’t you?” Zhao Long spat. He formed a seal, and a blazing red snake appeared in his palm, radiating intense heat. Lin Hao was gripped by a sense of deadly peril. Without hesitation, he pulled out the jade slip and crushed it.
“Die!” Zhao Long snarled, flinging the red snake at Lin Hao.
“Condense!” A clear voice rang out, and a faint blue barrier appeared before Lin Hao. The red snake slammed into it, its flames rebounding. Zhao Long leapt back in alarm.
“Bai Chou, do you really want to make an enemy of Senior Brother Chu?” Zhao Long cried, his voice wavering as a figure approached—Bai Chou.
Bai Chou ignored Zhao Long, turning to Lin Hao. “Shall we kill him?”
“Kill!” Lin Hao’s eyes were ruthless. Bai Chou nodded, summoned his sword, and strode toward Zhao Long.
“Bai Chou! I belong to Senior Brother Chu!” Zhao Long shrieked, terror twisting his face.
“Since when has Bai Chou ever been afraid?” Bai Chou laughed, moving in for the kill. Zhao Long hurled another red snake and tried to flee, but Bai Chou’s sword flew after him. A scream rang out—Zhao Long fell lifeless.
After collecting Zhao Long’s storage pouch and burning his body, Bai Chou smiled at Lin Hao. “Was I reliable, Lin?”
“I still don’t understand—why are you helping me? I’m only at the second stage. How could I possibly help you?” Lin Hao asked.
“You…” Bai Chou smiled wryly. “I told you, I just wanted a friend. Why won’t you believe me?”
“You killed a fourth-stage cultivator so easily—you must be at the sixth stage now,” Lin Hao observed.
“I am,” Bai Chou admitted. “I just broke through not long ago. But you should be working on your own advancement.”
“Come with me.” Without waiting for a reply, Bai Chou smiled and led the way down the mountain. Lin Hao hesitated, then followed.
…
On the west side of the Sky Profound Sect’s Outer Peak, two figures walked along a mountain path.
“Where are we going?” Lin Hao asked, glancing at the surrounding immortal scenery, his mood lightening a little. Bai Chou pointed ahead. “There.”
In the distance, a range of dark mountains loomed, their slopes and even trees black as pitch, exuding a faint, unsettling aura.
“What is that place?” Lin Hao asked, unsettled by the sight. Bai Chou explained, “For a cultivator to grow strong, you need techniques, cultivation base, and treasures. In the Outer Peak, aside from the monthly allotment of pills and spirit stones, you can only advance by robbing others or hunting beasts for their cores. That place is teeming with beasts and demon cores—a perfect place to improve your strength.”
“Alright.” Lin Hao nodded, and the two continued on.
After about an hour, they reached a stretch of dense, gloomy woods. The air was chilling, causing Lin Hao to shudder—it felt strangely familiar.
“What’s wrong?” Bai Chou asked. Lin Hao shook his head. “Nothing. I’ve been here before.”
“Oh?” Bai Chou was surprised, but said no more, weaving through the forest.
Every so often, he would stop and think. After winding through the woods for half an hour, they finally came to a clearing beside a pool.
It was a small, rare open space in the forest. Not far from the water stood a thatched hut, silent and still. Bai Chou gazed at the hut, nostalgia in his eyes. “We’re here.”