C18 Preparation

"Where am I?"

Lin Hao opened his eyes, which were clouded with grogginess, and realized he was lying in bed, prompting him to ask the question.

"Brother Lin Hao, you're awake. Please, try not to move," Lin Wen urged as she saw Lin Hao attempting to rise.

Lin Hao had emerged victorious from the family competition the previous day, albeit with serious injuries. Lin Wen had volunteered to look after him.

"Lin Wen?" Lin Hao shook his head, striving to clear the fog from his mind.

"Did I win yesterday? Am I able to compete in next month's tournament?" Lin Hao inquired.

Lin Wen nodded eagerly, confirming, "Yes, you defeated Lin Bao and can now represent our family in the competition. But you're quite injured and need to heal properly. If you're not recovered within a month, you won't be able to compete."

"Recover in a month?" Lin Hao pondered internally.

In reality, Lin Hao knew that recovering from his injuries in a month wasn't an issue. His main concern wasn't about recovery; it was about how much he could enhance his strength in that time frame.

That was the crucial point!

To defeat Wang Ping, Lin Hao would need to significantly improve his current abilities. Wang Ping's skills would surely advance over the next month.

Unless Lin Hao could elevate his power to the sixth or even the seventh level of Qi Refining, victory was far from assured.

On the outside, Lin Hao maintained a calm demeanor, reassuring Lin Wen, "I'm fine. A few days of rest and I'll be back on my feet. Don't worry, I'm certain to win."

"That's a relief. We can discuss the competition later. Just focus on your recovery," Lin Wen responded.

Lin Hao offered a wry smile, "I'll rest up over the next few days. I really appreciate your care."

"It's no trouble at all, as long as you heal quickly," Lin Wen replied.

"Okay, but I'm starting to feel quite hungry. Could I possibly..." Lin Hao trailed off.

"I'll go get you something to eat right away."

...

Thanks to Lin Wen's attentive care, Lin Hao made a swift recovery.

With only twenty days remaining until the competition, Lin Hao decided it was time to return to his own place and begin his cultivation in earnest.

Having spent the past few days in Lin Wen's room, Lin Hao hadn't been able to access the jasper bracelet to check on the panacea seeds he had planted to see if they had germinated.

After parting ways with Lin Wen, Lin Hao quickly made his way to his room. With a mere thought, he activated his Divine Sense and found himself within the jasper bracelet. He looked around, only to be met with a wave of disappointment. The majority of the panacea seeds he had planted were dead, with only a few resilient sprouts clinging to life in the spirit field.

Lin Hao approached the surviving spirit grass and examined them closely. After a short while, he sighed and shook his head, unable to discern why only these few had managed to survive. "Could I have gotten the planting method wrong?" he pondered.

He was familiar with the basics of cultivating panacea: tilling the soil, planting the seeds, and so on. Lin Hao had followed these steps, but the reason for his failure eluded him.

Deciding to put the matter aside for now, Lin Hao shifted his focus to the more pressing issue of enhancing his cultivation. Currently at the fifth level of Qi Refining, he was determined to use the next twenty days to advance his skills. The most effective way to do so was through rigorous training and combat, as intense battles could unleash the spiritual energy stored within him and propel him to the next level.

Resolved to take action, Lin Hao planned to venture back into the Misty Forest, aiming to stay there for twenty days or until he achieved a breakthrough, ready to risk it all.

He wondered briefly whether to inform Lin Wen of his plans but ultimately decided against it. He didn't want to cause her unnecessary worry, nor did he want Lin Xiong to catch wind of his intentions, which could potentially work against him.

"This trip requires preparation. I need to purchase some essentials," Lin Hao reminded himself. The Misty Forest was fraught with danger, ranging from severe injuries to the threat of death. He knew he had to be well-equipped.

Lin Hao also recalled that during his time of unconsciousness, Lin Wen had mentioned that the white-browed elder from the library had paid him a visit, bringing along some healing pills.

Before departing, Lin Hao decided to make a trip to the library to pay a visit to the white-browed elder.

Additionally, due to the early onset of the family competition and a bridal kidnapping incident, Lin Hao had yet to return the "Petrification" tome he had borrowed. His visit was also to return this book.

Lin Hao's intuition told him that the white-browed elder was no ordinary man.

The elder also possessed knowledge about Lin Hao's parents, making it essential to cultivate a strong rapport with him.

Upon arriving at the library in haste, Lin Hao found the white-browed elder engrossed in a book.

Thus, Lin Hao opted to wait in silence until the elder finished his reading.

After two hours.

The white-browed elder looked up and said, "You're here to return the book, aren't you? Just place it on the table."

Lin Hao set the "Petrification" volume on the table, stepped back, and gave the white-browed elder a deep bow.

"Thank you for the panacea, Senior. I have fully recovered," he expressed.

The white-browed elder nodded, acknowledging, "I was aware of your recovery upon your arrival. Your ability to wait in silence for two hours shows a serene mind. Well done, indeed."

"Senior flatters me. There is actually another reason for my visit," Lin Hao conveyed to the elder.

"What matter brings you here? Are you in some kind of trouble?" inquired the white-browed elder.

Lin Hao explained, "No, it's not that. I plan to venture into the Misty Forest to train and see if I can enhance my cultivation. My current level is too low, and the likelihood of defeating Wang Ping is still slim."

"Oh, the Misty Forest?" the white-browed elder mused, tapping the table lightly.

"Training is beneficial, but the Misty Forest is fraught with danger. There are areas there that even I dare not tread. If you do go, be sure not to venture too far."

Lin Hao responded with respect, "I understand, Senior. I will be cautious not to delve too deeply."

Sensing a need for additional precautions, the white-browed elder produced a crystal ball and handed it to Lin Hao, advising, "Take this with you—it's called a spiritual energy detector. Keep it on you in the Misty Forest. If it turns red, you must immediately distance yourself from that area. It's perilous, with the potential presence of Core Formation mages and dire beasts."

Lin Hao accepted the crystal ball with both hands and gratefully said, "Thank you, Elder. I promise to return it to you once I'm back."

The white-browed elder chuckled and replied, "No need to return it. Keep it with you. It will help you sense danger in the future."

Lin Hao offered another deep bow and said, "Then I must take my leave. If anyone inquires, I hope you can keep my departure a secret."

"Don't worry. I'll just say you're in deep cultivation here. No one will dare to pry further," the white-browed elder assured him with confidence.

"Thank you so much..." Lin Hao expressed his gratitude.

He swiftly exited the library and hurried to his residence, planning to depart under the cover of night to avoid detection.

Watching Lin Hao's retreating figure, the white-browed elder mused to himself, "Lin Hao has a good heart and decent talent. I hope he matures quickly..."

"It's unfortunate you were coerced, but it's Lin Hao who suffers," the elder sighed with a hint of sadness.

Today, Lin Hao refrained from asking about his parents again, knowing the elder would not divulge any information.

He understood that only by rapidly advancing his cultivation could he uncover the truth about his parents.

Thus, the necessity of enduring the trials in the Misty Forest was undeniable for Lin Hao's own growth and quest for answers.