The forest loomed ahead like a wall of shadows. Branches clawed the sky, roots coiled across the earth, and unseen eyes glimmered faintly in the underbrush.
Long Chen walked steadily, the Iron Fang Blade strapped to his back. His breath was calm, but every sense was sharpened. For the first time since awakening in this world, he walked without anyone behind him. The silence was heavy, yet liberating.
As he moved deeper, Long Chen practiced the Iron Body Tempering Manual. Each step matched his breath, drawing Qi from the environment into his meridians. The burning sensation in his bones spread, like fire forging steel.
Hours passed. His shirt clung with sweat, but his muscles grew denser, his heartbeat heavier, like a drum echoing within his chest.
The System's prompt shimmered faintly in his vision:
[ Progress Updated ]
Iron Body Tempering: 11% → 16%
Strength: +2
Vitality: +1
He exhaled sharply, mist rising in the cool dawn air. "Still… too slow."
But he was not impatient. A dragon's path was not built in a day.
By the third day of travel, the trees thinned slightly, revealing an old stone path. Moss crept between cracks, and faint tracks showed travelers had passed through recently.
Long Chen paused. His golden eyes narrowed. The forest was too quiet.
Then it came—three figures leaping from the shadows, blades flashing coldly.
"Kill him!"
Their movements were rough but deadly. Rogue cultivators—men who had stepped onto the path but refused sect law. Their robes were tattered, eyes bloodshot with greed.
Long Chen swung his blade in a sweeping arc. Sparks erupted as steel met steel. His body jolted back from the impact, but his footing held.
The leader sneered. "Not bad for a brat. But that blade of yours… worth a fortune."
The second lunged, dagger aimed at Long Chen's ribs. He twisted, striking with his elbow. Bone cracked; the man howled, stumbling back.
The third slashed from behind. Long Chen's senses flared, dragon bloodline whispering warnings. He pivoted, Iron Fang Blade carving through the air, deflecting the strike with brutal force.
🐉 Devour Awakens
The leader spat blood, then charged with a roar, Qi gathering along his sword.
Long Chen's gaze sharpened. He met the strike head-on, their blades locking in a screech of iron. Muscles burned, but his veins surged with fire.
System—Devour!
[ Devour Activated ]
Consumed: Rogue cultivator's Qi essence (fragmented).
Conversion: +1 Strength, +1 Spirit.
Bloodline Progress: 20.5% → 22.1%
The rogue's eyes widened in horror as his Qi drained into Long Chen's veins. His strike weakened, his body trembling.
Long Chen's blade cleaved across his chest, sending him sprawling into the dirt, gasping.
The other two froze, fear dawning. "This… this brat is a monster!"
They fled into the forest without another word.
Long Chen exhaled, blood dripping from a shallow cut across his shoulder. He looked down at the half-dead leader, whose eyes burned with unwillingness.
Long Chen's voice was calm. "You killed and stole from travelers. You won't rise again."
The Iron Fang Blade descended, ending the man's struggle.
Long Chen stood in silence, the forest wind tugging at his hair. His chest rose and fell steadily, but inside, his spirit stirred.
Human foes… beasts… all the same. Strength rules. If I had been weaker, I would lie dead instead.
The System chimed again.
[ Quest Complete ]
Survive Ambush in the Wilds
Reward: +2 Strength, Rogue's Pouch (Loot).
Bloodline Progress: 22.1% → 23.0%
He opened the pouch. Inside lay scattered spirit stones, dried pills of questionable quality, and a jade slip etched with faded characters.
[ Item Acquired: Jade Slip (Unknown Technique) ]
Condition: Damaged
Contents: Partial movement technique, "Shadow Steps"
Effect: Increases agility during combat.
Long Chen's lips curved faintly. "A step forward."
By dusk, the forest gave way to a ridge. From its peak, Long Chen saw it: a sprawling valley dotted with countless tiled roofs. Beyond, rising like a mountain piercing the clouds, was a colossal palace draped in azure banners—Azure Cloud Sect.
Even from here, its majesty was undeniable. Qi flowed visibly in the air, forming faint rivers of light across the mountain. Disciples in blue robes walked along suspended bridges, their laughter carrying faintly on the wind.
Long Chen's golden eyes narrowed.
That sect… the ones who sent their disciples to trample mortals. I will enter, not to bow, but to climb higher.
He tightened the strap on his blade, then stepped down the ridge.
Behind him, the forest whispered. Ahead, destiny awaited.