The cold wind of the mountain blew softly through the trees.
Fan Lin stood beside the small stream inside the valley where he had just defeated the Shadow Fang Leopard. The body of the powerful demon beast still lay on the ground, its dark fur stained with blood.
But Fan Lin's attention was no longer on the beast.
Instead, his eyes were focused on the system map glowing inside his mind.
A golden light pulsed repeatedly deeper within Black Wolf Mountain.
SYSTEM MAP
New Treasure Detected
Distance: 5.1 km
Treasure Probability: High
Possible Rewards:
• 800-Year Spiritual Ginseng
• Ancient Martial Skill Manual
• Spirit Weapon
Danger Level: Unknown
Fan Lin rubbed his chin.
"An ancient martial manual or spirit weapon…"
Even large sects would fight over treasures like those.
For someone from a declining clan like the Fan Clan, obtaining such items could change their fate.
Fan Lin slung his Iron Hunting Bow over his shoulder and began moving deeper into the forest.
The deeper parts of Black Wolf Mountain were much darker and more dangerous.
Ancient trees twisted toward the sky like giant claws.
Thick vines hung everywhere.
Occasionally strange beast roars echoed across the mountains.
Fan Lin walked cautiously.
Although he had reached Body Tempering Level 6, stronger demon beasts might still exist here.
About an hour later—
The terrain began changing.
Large cliffs appeared around him.
The forest slowly thinned.
Soon Fan Lin arrived at a rocky valley surrounded by tall stone walls.
The air here felt unusually heavy.
Fan Lin narrowed his eyes.
"This place feels strange."
The system map suddenly flashed brighter.
Treasure Location: Nearby
Distance: 50 meters
Fan Lin looked around carefully.
At first glance the valley seemed empty.
Only scattered rocks and weeds covered the ground.
But Fan Lin had the instincts of a hunter.
Something here was wrong.
He slowly approached the cliff wall.
Then suddenly—
He noticed something unusual.
A narrow crack between two large rocks.
Behind the crack…
Darkness.
Fan Lin pushed the rocks aside slightly.
Cold air flowed from the opening.
"A cave?"
He stepped inside cautiously.
The passage was narrow at first but soon widened.
Inside, the air was dry and quiet.
Dust covered the stone floor.
It looked like no one had entered this place for many years.
Fan Lin followed the tunnel deeper.
Soon he reached a large underground chamber.
Moonlight from a crack above illuminated the room faintly.
And there—
At the center of the chamber—
Was a skeleton sitting cross-legged.
Fan Lin stopped.
The skeleton wore old martial robes that had almost turned into dust.
Beside the bones lay a rusty sword and a small wooden box.
Fan Lin's eyes lit up.
"An ancient martial artist…"
The system panel immediately scanned the area.
Ancient Martial Artist Remains
Estimated Age: 200+ Years
Possible Treasure Detected
Fan Lin walked forward respectfully.
Although the person had died long ago, they were still once a powerful martial artist.
He bowed slightly.
"Senior, forgive this junior for disturbing your resting place."
Then he carefully opened the wooden box.
Inside the box were three items.
A small jade scroll.
A dark red pill bottle.
And a silver ring.
The system immediately displayed information.
Wind Shadow Sword Manual
Grade: High Mortal Rank Martial Skill
Description: A fast sword technique focused on speed and precision.
Fan Lin's eyes widened.
"A martial skill manual!"
In this world, martial skills were extremely valuable.
Many clans fought wars over them.
Even the Fan Clan only possessed a few low-grade martial techniques.
But this one was High Mortal Rank.
It was far superior.
Fan Lin quickly stored the manual inside the system inventory.
Then he examined the pill bottle.
Inside were three dark red pills.
Body Tempering Pills
Grade: Mid Tier
Effect: Increase cultivation speed and strengthen muscles.
EXP Gain: 150 each
Fan Lin laughed softly.
"Looks like Senior left quite a gift."
Three pills meant 450 experience.
Enough to push him closer to the next level.
Finally he looked at the silver ring.
The system panel flashed brightly.
Storage Ring
Low Grade Spirit Tool
Function: Store items in a small spatial dimension.
Capacity: 5 cubic meters
Fan Lin froze.
"Storage ring?!"
This was something only wealthy cultivators possessed.
Normally such items cost hundreds of gold.
Fan Lin immediately put the ring on his finger.
With a thought—
The wolf beast cores from his inventory appeared inside the ring.
Fan Lin's smile grew wider.
"This will make traveling much easier."
Just then—
The system voice echoed again.
DING
Hidden Treasure Discovered
Reward:
EXP +200
SP +30
The system panel flashed.
EXP: 550 / 600
SP: 150
Fan Lin exhaled slowly.
"So close to the next level."
He looked again at the skeleton.
"Senior, your treasures will not be wasted."
"I will use them well."
Fan Lin buried the bones respectfully beneath stones inside the cave.
After finishing, he sat down cross-legged.
Then he opened the Wind Shadow Sword Manual.
Strange sword movements filled the pages.
The technique focused on speed like wind.
Fan Lin began studying it carefully.
Soon the system reacted.
DING
New Skill Learned
Wind Shadow Sword Technique Lv1
Fan Lin stood up and grabbed the rusty sword lying beside the skeleton.
Then he practiced the movements.
His body moved like flowing wind.
The sword slashed through the air with surprising speed.
Fan Lin nodded with satisfaction.
"This technique is perfect."
But just as he finished practicing—
The system map suddenly flashed again.
A new red warning symbol appeared.
WARNING
Powerful Lifeform Detected
Distance: 300 meters
Danger Level: High
Fan Lin's eyes narrowed.
Something strong had entered the valley.
Very strong.
A deep roar suddenly echoed outside the cave.
The ground trembled slightly.
Fan Lin gripped his sword tightly.
"Looks like…"
"I'm not the only one searching for treasures tonight."
Slowly, he walked toward the cave entrance.
Outside—
A gigantic shadow moved between the cliffs.
A much more terrifying beast had arrived.
And this time…
The battle would be far more dangerous.