The sun had barely risen when I made my way to the sect's library—a massive structure carved into the mountainside. Its ancient wooden doors creaked open, revealing rows upon rows of shelves filled with dusty scrolls and tattered tomes.
I needed information. If I was going to survive the Forbidden Cave, I had to know what awaited me.
The librarian—a stern-faced elder with bushy eyebrows—glanced up from a scroll as I entered. "What brings you here so early, disciple?"
"I need information on the Forbidden Cave," I said, my voice steady despite my racing heart.
His eyes narrowed. "The Forbidden Cave? That place is sealed for a reason. Many who entered never returned."
I bowed deeply. "Please, Elder. I must know."
He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Very well. Follow me."
He led me to a corner of the library where old maps and forbidden texts were stored. Dust clung to the air like a curse. The elder selected a brittle scroll and handed it to me.
"Read carefully," he warned. "And remember: knowledge alone will not save you."
I unrolled the scroll with trembling hands.
> 'The Forbidden Cave was sealed centuries ago by the founders of the Cloud Mist Sect. It was said to house an ancient beast, a remnant of the Primordial Era. Some claimed it was the lair of a rogue cultivator who sought immortality through forbidden arts.'
> 'Rumors persist of a treasure hidden within—an artifact or technique that could change the fate of any who obtain it. But none who entered have ever emerged unscathed.'
A chill ran down my spine. An ancient beast? Forbidden arts? This mission was more dangerous than I'd imagined.
"System," I whispered in my mind, "any advice?"
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM RESPONSE ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ • Warning: Host's current cultivation ║
║ level is insufficient for direct ║
║ confrontation with high-level beasts.║
║ • Recommendation: ║
║ - Gather additional resources. ║
║ - Train movement and defensive skills.║
║ - Seek allies if possible. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
Allies? I thought of Lin Chen, but quickly dismissed the idea. He'd sooner leave me to die than help me. No, I'd have to rely on myself.
I left the library and made my way to the marketplace. Disciples bustled about, exchanging spirit stones for weapons, pills, and talismans. I approached a stall run by a young woman with bright eyes and a quick smile.
"Looking for supplies?" she asked.
"Yeah," I said, scanning her wares. "I need Qi-replenishing pills, defensive talismans—anything to help me survive the wilderness."
She nodded and began packing a small pouch with items. "Going on a dangerous journey, are you?"
"You could say that," I replied.
She winked. "Well, I hope you make it back. There's always a shortage of brave cultivators in this world."
I thanked her and paid with the last of my spirit stones. The weight of the pouch felt oddly comforting—a small reassurance against the unknown.
As I left the marketplace, the sun had climbed higher in the sky. I found a quiet clearing near the edge of the sect grounds and began practicing Wind Shadow Steps and Flowing Shadow Fist over and over, sweat streaming down my face.
If I couldn't rely on brute strength, I'd rely on speed and precision.
"System," I gasped between strikes, "how long until I must depart?"
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM RESPONSE ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ • Time remaining: 2 days ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
Two days. The countdown had begun.
I gritted my teeth and struck again, the wind whistling past my fist. The Forbidden Cave waited. And whatever lay within—I would face it head-on.
For my sister. For my father. For myself.
---
🌌 End of Chapter 9