C13 Outside the City Forest

"Of course I've thought about it. Who wouldn't? But getting into Asden Academy is no easy feat; the selection process is rigorous and changes every year. I'm not even sure if I'll make the cut," Murong Wan said with a sense of resignation.

After a moment's hesitation, Zhang Nan handed her a golden token and explained, "Take this token. Given your current strength, the trials might be too much for you. If you're at risk of being eliminated, just present this token and you'll pass the examination."

Murong Wan was taken aback, hardly believing that Zhang Nan would part with such an item. "Are you serious about giving me the token? But what about you?"

"I'm strong enough that failing the exam isn't a concern for me. The token is of no use to me, so you might as well have it. You're not as strong, and without something to fall back on, what will you do if you fail?" Zhang Nan said with a reassuring grin.

Murong Wan couldn't help but smile, though a spark of indignation quickly followed as she retorted, "Weak? For your information, I am a ninth level Qi Refining expert, thank you very much."

"Sure, a ninth level Qi Refining expert who can't even win a fight," Zhang Nan said, nodding in mock agreement.

Frustrated, Murong Wan pointed at him and countered, "I can fight; I just choose not to. What if I cause serious harm?"

"You're not afraid of fighting; you just don't know how. Tell you what, come with me tomorrow, and I'll show you how it's done," Zhang Nan offered with a chuckle.

"You're going to teach me? In your condition?" Murong Wan asked skeptically, eyeing Zhang Nan who seemed to need support just to walk.

Zhang Nan laughed off the concern, "Don't worry, my recovery is incredibly fast. I'll be up and about by tomorrow."

Convinced, Murong Wan nodded and left the dormitory. Once alone, Zhang Nan set about his cultivation practice. His injuries were quite severe, but thanks to the healing properties of the Heavenly Fate Spell, they were not as debilitating as they appeared.

After completing a cycle of the Heavenly Fate Spell, Zhang Nan opened his eyes, feeling a surge of excitement as he sensed the changes in his body.

"I've finally reached the Foundation Building stage, even if it's just the first level," Zhang Nan said, his voice tinged with exhilaration.

He then closed his eyes once more, taking a moment to steady his racing heart before resuming his cultivation.

Early the next morning, Zhang Nan emerged from his meditative state and opened the door, only to be startled by Murong Wan standing there. "Why are you just standing at the door? Why didn't you knock?" he asked.

"You got angry with me last time I knocked, and I was afraid you'd be angry again, so I waited here," Murong Wan replied.

Recalling his past irritation, Zhang Nan gave an awkward smile and said, "I didn't mean to snap at you. Let's get going, or we won't make it back before nightfall."

They left the Martial Academy, and as they did, a man also departed from the academy's entrance.

In the forest, Zhang Nan explained to Murong Wan, "This is the domain of spirit animals. You'll encounter many, both large and small. Today, your teacher isn't me, but these creatures. Learning to fight them will help you overcome any fear of battling people."

Reflecting on his own training, Zhang Nan remembered surviving in the woods outside the city for a month, a time when he barely slept.

Murong Wan frowned and protested, "Killing spirit animals? But they're all innocent little creatures. That doesn't seem right."

Zhang Nan shook his head in resignation and countered, "Who said that small animals are always gentle? There are plenty of ferocious spirit animals, like the Black Earth Bear, the Sawtooth Tiger, the Spirit Spot Leopard, and many others."

"Fine, I'll stop talking and go hunt them," Murong Wan conceded.

Zhang Nan gave a nod of approval.

"You're talking about creatures that live deep in the wilderness. How could such spirit animals be here? If you want me to hunt them, just say so. There's no need to scare me with tales of notorious beasts. Hmph, do you think I'm unaware?"

Murong Wan whispered under her breath.

Zhang Nan gave an awkward smile. He hadn't expected Murong Wan to be so knowledgeable about the classifications of spirit animals.

They continued their trek through the forest.

Before long, a deep black Fellbeast with spikes on its back emerged before them.

"This Thornhide Boar is at the fifth level of the Qi Refining Stage, which is just right for a beginner like you. Consider it your new teacher," Zhang Nan said, grinning.

Murong Wan nodded reluctantly and asked, "Got it. So, what's my next move?"

Zhang Nan chuckled and replied, "Try to flip it over; its underbelly is its weak spot."

"Flip it over? You've got to be joking. How is that even possible?" Murong Wan responded, exasperated.

Yet, the Thornhide Boar was already charging at Murong Wan, who instinctively dodged the attack.

Meanwhile, at the Soong family estate.

"They've gone to the forest outside the city?" Soong Xingtian asked the guard before him, his voice icy.

The guard confirmed with a nod.

"Good, another opportunity presents itself. Notify the Blood Guard immediately to assassinate Zhang Nan in the forest," Soong Xingtian instructed.

The guard nodded and departed swiftly.

He returned shortly after and reported, "Master, the leader of the Blood Guard has declined the task of assassinating Zhang Nan. They've also advised against any action towards Zhang Nan, citing his significant connections."

"What do you mean they've declined the mission to assassinate Zhang Nan? They're an assassin organization; how can they refuse a mission? The Blood Guard, what a joke. They fail once and now they're too scared to act? Useless cowards, telling me to back off from Zhang Nan," Soong Xingtian bellowed in rage.

The guard hesitated, unsure whether to leave, when Soong Jie entered and addressed Soong Xingtian, "Father, what's got you so enraged?"

"It's the Blood Guard. They couldn't even take out a Qi Refining Stage cultivator and now they're making excuses about Zhang Nan's 'strong background' and warning me off. Zhang Nan is a mere commoner; what kind of background could he possibly have? They must be terrified of him, scared out of their wits."

Soong Xingtian bellowed in fury.

Soong Jie gestured dismissively for the guard to depart.

With a grateful glance at Soong Jie, the guard hastened away. It was well-known that when the family head was enraged, the lives of guards were often at stake.