Cold wind swept through the narrow valley.
The faint golden glow of the 500-Year Wild Ginseng illuminated the dark rocks beneath the cliff wall. The spiritual herb swayed gently as if breathing, releasing a refreshing fragrance into the night air.
But between Fan Lin and the treasure stood a terrifying guardian.
The Shadow Fang Leopard.
Its body was sleek and muscular, covered in dark fur that blended perfectly with the night. Two glowing yellow eyes stared at Fan Lin like a hunter studying prey.
The atmosphere became tense.
Fan Lin slowly raised his Iron Hunting Bow.
The leopard lowered its body.
Both sides understood one thing.
Only one of them would leave this valley alive.
The First Exchange
The leopard moved first.
In a blur of black shadows, it rushed toward Fan Lin with incredible speed.
Fan Lin reacted instantly.
His body had already reached Body Tempering Level 5, greatly improving his agility.
He rolled sideways.
WHOOSH!
The leopard's claws sliced through the air where he had been standing.
Fan Lin quickly drew an arrow and fired.
TWANG!
The arrow shot forward like lightning.
But the leopard twisted midair and avoided the attack with terrifying flexibility.
It landed silently on a rock.
Its tail flicked slowly.
The beast was intelligent.
Very intelligent.
Fan Lin narrowed his eyes.
"This one won't be easy."
The Predator's Speed
The Shadow Fang Leopard attacked again.
This time it used the surrounding rocks as stepping points.
It bounced from stone to stone like a black phantom.
Fan Lin fired another arrow.
TWANG!
The arrow barely grazed the leopard's shoulder.
A thin line of blood appeared.
The leopard roared angrily.
Its movements became even faster.
In an instant it appeared beside Fan Lin.
SLASH!
Its claws tore across Fan Lin's sleeve.
Fan Lin jumped backward and barely avoided a deeper wound.
His heartbeat quickened.
"This beast is at least twice as fast as those wolves."
But Fan Lin was not afraid.
In his previous life he had hunted dangerous predators before.
He knew the key to defeating them.
Patience.
And precision.
The Trap
Fan Lin deliberately retreated toward a group of large rocks.
The leopard followed cautiously.
Its golden eyes locked onto Fan Lin's every movement.
Fan Lin suddenly fired an arrow.
TWANG!
The leopard dodged easily.
Then another arrow flew.
TWANG!
Again the leopard avoided it.
But the arrows were not aimed to kill.
They were aimed at the ground.
The arrows embedded themselves between the rocks.
The leopard hesitated slightly.
Fan Lin smiled.
Because the arrows had thin ropes tied to them.
A simple hunter's trick.
When the leopard charged again—
Its leg became tangled between the ropes.
ROAR!
The beast stumbled.
For a split second its movement slowed.
And that was all Fan Lin needed.
The Killing Shot
Fan Lin drew a final arrow.
He pulled the bowstring to its limit.
His breathing became calm.
The world seemed to freeze.
Only the leopard's eye remained in his vision.
TWANG!
The arrow flew.
Straight.
Precise.
Deadly.
CRUNCH!
The arrow pierced deep into the leopard's skull.
The beast roared violently and thrashed around the valley.
Fan Lin grabbed a nearby rock and smashed it onto the leopard's head.
BANG!
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Finally the massive beast collapsed.
The valley returned to silence.
Fan Lin exhaled deeply.
"Strong… but not strong enough."
Then the familiar system voice echoed in his mind.
DING
Shadow Fang Leopard killed
EXP +350
SP +20
The system panel flashed brightly.
EXP: 550 / 500
LEVEL UP!
Realm: Body Tempering Level 6
Strength: 27
Agility: 25
Spirit: 20
SP Total: 120
A powerful surge of energy exploded inside Fan Lin's body.
His muscles tightened.
His bones cracked slightly as his body strengthened.
Even the air around him seemed clearer.
Fan Lin clenched his fists.
"So this is Level 6…"
His strength had grown tremendously again.
Now even that leopard would not have been a threat if he fought it again.
Harvesting the Treasure
Fan Lin finally turned his attention to the glowing herb.
The 500-Year Wild Ginseng.
Its roots looked like a tiny human figure clinging to the soil.
Spiritual energy flowed gently from it.
Fan Lin carefully dug around the plant to avoid damaging the roots.
Moments later he lifted it from the ground.
The fragrance became even stronger.
The system panel displayed its information.
500-Year Wild Ginseng
Grade: Rare Heavenly Treasure
Effects:
• +300 EXP when consumed
• Strengthens body and meridians
• Increases cultivation foundation
Market Value: 120 Gold
Fan Lin's eyes lit up.
"Three hundred experience…"
"That's almost another level."
Without hesitation he sat cross-legged beside the stream.
Then he began eating the ginseng.
The taste was slightly bitter but quickly turned sweet.
Warm energy flowed through his body like a river.
Moments later—
The system rang again.
DING
Heavenly Treasure Consumed
EXP +300
EXP: 350 / 600
Fan Lin slowly opened his eyes.
His body felt refreshed.
Every muscle felt stronger.
He smiled.
"Tonight's harvest is unbelievable."
But just as he stood up—
The system map suddenly flashed again.
A new golden mark appeared deeper in the mountains.
NEW TREASURE DETECTED
Distance: 5 km
Treasure Probability: HIGH
Possible Items:
• 800-Year Ginseng
• Ancient Martial Manual
• Spirit Weapon
Danger Level: UNKNOWN
Fan Lin's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"A bigger treasure…"
He looked deeper into the endless mountains.
Black Wolf Mountain was far larger than people thought.
Countless secrets were hidden inside.
Fan Lin slung the bow across his back.
Then he began walking deeper into the darkness.
The hunter's journey had only just begun.
And somewhere far ahead…
A destiny-changing treasure was waiting.