Two days later, dawn's first light painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. I stood at the foot of the western mountains, staring at a hidden path that led to the Forbidden Cave. The entrance loomed ahead, partially concealed by thick vines and ancient formation seals. A shiver of unease crept into my heart.
"System," I whispered, my voice barely a tremor, "confirm the location."
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM RESPONSE ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ • Forbidden Cave entrance confirmed. ║
║ • Warning: High danger detected. ║
║ • Recommendation: Proceed with caution.║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
I took a deep breath and pushed aside the vines. A cold, damp breeze hit my face, carrying the scent of earth and something… ancient.
The tunnel walls were marked with strange, faintly glowing runes. I reached out, brushing my fingers across them. They pulsed with residual energy—wards to keep intruders out, or perhaps to contain whatever lay within.
"Devouring Ability," I muttered, focusing my mind.
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM ACTIVATION ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ • Devouring Ability activated. ║
║ • Absorbing residual Qi from ancient ║
║ formations… ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
A trickle of Qi seeped into my core. My body shivered at the rush of energy, but I welcomed the strength. Every bit counted here.
I pressed deeper, the tunnel narrowing until I had to crouch. The air grew colder, heavy with silence. My heart thundered in my chest, every breath an echo.
A faint glow appeared ahead—a chamber lit by a cluster of crystalline stones. At its center stood a massive stone door covered in ancient seals. My breath caught.
"System," I breathed, "analyze these runes."
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM ANALYSIS ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ • Runes identified: Primordial Seals. ║
║ • Function: To imprison powerful ║
║ entities. ║
║ • Warning: Breaking the seal may ║
║ release unknown dangers. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
Powerful entities? My gut clenched. Was this where the ancient beast dwelled?
A low growl behind me made my blood run cold. I spun around—just in time to see a shape detach itself from the shadows. Glowing red eyes gleamed in the dark. A beast—half-wolf, half-shadow—emerged, its breath a haze of black smoke.
Its aura pressed on me like a mountain—Body Refining Tier 4, at least.
I clenched my fists and activated Wind Shadow Steps.
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM ACTIVATION ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ • Wind Shadow Steps activated. ║
║ • Agility enhanced. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
The beast lunged, claws leaving deep gouges in the stone. I dodged, my body a blur of motion, and countered with Flowing Shadow Fist.
We clashed in a blur of shadows and roars. Each strike echoed like thunder. The beast's fangs dripped with venom.
"System," I gasped, sweat stinging my eyes, "can I devour its Qi?"
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM RESPONSE ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ • Devouring Ability can be activated. ║
║ • Warning: Host's current level may ║
║ struggle to fully contain Tier 4 Qi. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
"Activate it!" I shouted.
A swirl of energy erupted as my pendant glowed, drawing the beast's Qi into me. My entire body trembled, but I refused to let go.
The beast screeched, its form disintegrating into motes of light as its energy was absorbed into my core. I collapsed to one knee, panting.
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM UPDATE ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ • Body Refining Tier 3: Complete ║
║ • Body Refining Tier 4: 20% ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
A rush of power filled me, like a storm that refused to be contained. My body felt stronger, faster—yet the stone door loomed before me, its seals humming with ancient energy.
I stood, wiping the sweat from my brow. Whatever lay beyond this door, I would face it with everything I had.
For my sister. For my father. For myself.
---
🌌 End of Chapter 10
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