C19 Experience

The Misty Forest, situated over ten miles from Thunderfall City, was teeming with dire beasts. Legends spoke of Core Formation and even Nascent Infant stage dire beasts lurking in its depths, though none had been found. Despite the dangers, many mages ventured into the forest seeking adventure and resources for cultivation, as wealthy cultivators were rare and independent mages needed to gather resources for their practice.

The forest's outskirts served as a training ground for the disciples of the Four Great Families from Thunderfall City, though they were restricted to the peripheral areas. At night, the Misty Forest fell into an eerie silence.

Lin Hao was making his way deeper into the forest, intent on avoiding the outskirts to prevent encounters with others. Suddenly, a crisp shout echoed through the forest depths: "Fireball!" Several fireballs converged from all directions, targeting a towering tree. With a thunderous bang, wood splinters scattered, and spiderweb cracks spread out. The tree crashed down with a resounding snap.

"This Fireball technique is extraordinary; it's no surprise it could destroy Lin Bao's low-grade magic weapon," Lin Hao whispered to himself. That very night, eager to test its power, he cast Fireball. Since his narrow victory in the family competition, he had been curious about the technique's unique properties.

Satisfied with the day's results, Lin Hao decided to call it a night. "I'll start battling dire beasts tomorrow, aiming for an early breakthrough," he resolved. He found another large tree, hollowed it out, and prepared to spend the night within its shelter.

With a sigh, Lin Hao wiped the sweat from his brow and placed a sixth-level Qi Refining dire beast core into his jasper bracelet. "That makes two for today," he mused.

From the second day onward, Lin Hao embarked on his arduous training. Ten days passed, yet he remained at the fifth level of Qi Refining without a breakthrough. However, his combat experience had grown immensely. Initially, he sought out fourth-level dire beasts, progressing to the fifth level, and now he could barely defeat sixth-level Qi Refining dire beasts.

Lin Hao's progress was unmistakable.

With only ten days left until the competition, Lin Hao hadn't achieved his breakthrough. "It seems I'm still not under enough pressure," he mused.

In truth, Lin Hao had felt on the verge of a breakthrough during his encounter with a sixth-level dire beast, yet something was still lacking.

Determined, Lin Hao resolved to venture deeper into the Misty Forest in search of more formidable dire beasts, hoping to advance to the sixth level of Qi Refining.

Despite the perils of the forest's inner reaches, Lin Hao was confident that with caution, he could navigate them safely, especially with the crystal ball given to him by the white-browed elder, which could alert him to danger or the presence of advanced dire beasts.

By noon, the relentless sun beat down on Lin Hao's face, but he remained unfazed, his lean features set with resolve.

Having penetrated deep into the Misty Forest, Lin Hao had faced and evaded dangers, sustaining minor injuries that scarcely affected him. Yet he had not encountered any seventh-level dire beasts, only those at the foundation-building level, which were beyond his capability to defeat.

While on the move, Lin Hao suddenly overheard a conversation ahead. With a swift motion, he concealed himself beneath a large tree.

"What! A Core Formation mage is here?" Lin Hao's heart raced as the crystal ball he carried glowed a fiery red.

Deciding to assess the situation before proceeding, Lin Hao waited for the opportunity to slip away unnoticed, aware that discovery could lead to dire consequences in the ruthless world of mages.

"Zhou Min, just come along quietly. Our Evil God is quite fond of you," a voice said in the forest's depths, where a man and a woman were engaged in dialogue.

"An adversary," Lin Hao whispered to himself, staying hidden to avoid becoming a target for elimination.

"Hmph! You think you can intimidate me? Zhao Qiang, after all the years I've supported you, you turn out to be a traitor. And you're merely a Core Formation mage. Do you really think I'd be scared of you?" Zhou Min retorted with scorn.

"Hahaha... I must say, I'm impressed with the Evil God. Even on his departure, he managed to poison you, causing your cultivation to plummet!" Zhao Qiang chuckled. "There's no escaping for you this time!"

Zhao Qiang went on, "We've seen the light and abandoned the darkness! Following the Evil God is the true path. Your father is nothing but a weakling! I won't bother with pleasantries. If you don't hand it over willingly, I'll take it by force. Don't blame me for not being gentle!"

"Hmph! Today, I shall avenge my father and eliminate you," Zhou Min retorted with a cold snort, her expression hardening.

"We'll see if you're up to the task!"

With a low shout of "Go!" from Zhao Qiang, dozens of sword shadows burst forth, zooming directly toward Zhou Min.

"Child's play," Zhou Min declared, standing her ground. With a swift motion of her hands, she conjured a barrier of earth before her, effectively blocking the incoming sword shadows.

Zhao Qiang's face darkened upon seeing his attack fail. He produced a small flag, heavy with ominous energy.

"This Banner of a Hundred Souls, forged from the souls of hundreds, possesses immense power. I'd like to see how you'll evade this!" he taunted.

Clapping his hands together, Zhao Qiang swung the Banner of a Hundred Souls with all his might. As he did, the banner released a blinding green light, and hundreds of souls threatened to burst forth, aiming straight for Zhou Min!

Zhou Min's face grew somber at the sight of the Banner of a Hundred Souls. She drew her Soulsword, gripping it firmly.

"Go!" Zhao Qiang bellowed, unleashing the horde of ghastly souls upon Zhou Min, their faces twisted in malice, a truly terrifying sight.

Zhou Min held her Soulsword steadfastly, her hands moving swiftly to fend off each soul that approached. Despite her efforts, she began to feel the strain as her spiritual energy rapidly depleted, on the verge of running out.

Without her spiritual energy, she knew she would surely be defeated by Zhao Qiang today.

If she were captured by the Evil God, he would use her as leverage against her father. That would be disastrous.

"I absolutely cannot be captured by the Evil God!" Zhou Min declared with determination.

Her eyes darted around, betraying a fierce internal battle, before she finally made up her mind.

Upon seeing Zhou Min's disheveled appearance, Zhao Qiang couldn't help but smirk.

"I don't understand why the Demon Lord warned me to be cautious. Hmph, you're merely at the Foundation Building stage now. I used to fear you, but now, as a mage of the Core Formation stage, capturing you will be effortless," Zhao Qiang boasted with confidence.

"What!"

Zhao Qiang's gaze fixed on her in disbelief.

Zhou Min had expended the last of her spiritual energy to launch her most powerful strike!

One with the Sword!

The technique of One with the Sword was said to unleash an attack with quadruple the power.

Zhou Min's body appeared to fuse with her flying sword, propelling her forward to deliver a devastating blow to Zhao Qiang.

"What! One with the Sword!" Lin Hao exclaimed in shock, then quickly silenced himself.

Lin Hao had only heard of One with the Sword in tales and had believed it to be mere legend.

The technique required stringent conditions: a deep bond with the flying sword, enough to turn it into one's Soulbound Artifact, and the possession of a single-element Spiritual Root.

The repercussions were dire, ranging from severe injury to death.

Zhao Qiang's pupils constricted as he hastily retreated.

"Ah!"

A scream escaped him as Zhao Qiang was sent flying several meters, crashing to the ground with his chest impaled!

After unleashing that fearsome attack, Zhou Min let out a bitter laugh before collapsing, motionless.

Lin Hao, witnessing their fall, hesitated to emerge, uncertain of his own safety.

Judging by their clash, even the weakest among them was a peak Foundation Building mage. Injured or not, Lin Hao knew he was no match for them.

So, he waited a moment longer before venturing out to investigate.

Approaching Zhao Qiang, Lin Hao found him with a body riddled with holes, his features beyond recognition.

Lin Hao approached Zhou Min once again.

"Quite beautiful," he remarked upon seeing Zhou Min's visage, genuinely impressed. She was even more beautiful than Lin Wen.

Shaking his head with a sigh, Lin Hao lamented, "Such a pity, to have died like this."

"You're the one who's dead! I'm not going down that easily," Zhou Min retorted sharply.