The narrow passage at the entrance of the valley gradually widened, turning into a winding mountain path. Towering cliffs rose all around, reaching toward the clouds like silent and solemn giants guarding this mysterious realm.
Xu Shang's footsteps on the rugged mountain path were steady and powerful, every step exceptionally cautious. He knew that the Duantian Mountain Range was not only treacherous in terrain but might also conceal unknown dangers. He remained vigilant at all times, his ears carefully listening for any unusual movement around him while his eyes scanned the dim light for potential obstacles and traps.
The night wind swept past, bringing the refreshing scent unique to the mountains along with a hint of chill. Xu Shang tightened his collar and pressed on. The light of the torch flickered in the wind, casting a long shadow that shifted along the rock wall with his stride.
After a strenuous climb, Xu Shang reached a relatively flat area. The terrain here was open, and the surrounding cliffs were no longer as steep. He decided to rest here for a moment to store up his energy for the journey ahead. Finding a relatively flat rock, he sat down and took out dry rations and a waterswater from his pack to simply replenish his food and hydration.
During the break, Xu Shang did not let down his guard. He checked his equipment to make sure everything was ready. His gaze swept across the surroundings, observing the environment and searching for potential paths and directions. He knew that the night in the Duantian Mountain Range could be even more dangerous than the day, so he had to remain ready at all times to deal with any sudden situations.
Having eaten and drank his fill, Xu Shang stood up once again, adjusted his pack, and prepared to press on. He knew that the mountain path at night would be even more difficult to travel, but he also knew that only by moving forward continuously could he traverse this mountain range more quickly and embrace new challenges.
The torchlight once again illuminated the path ahead, stretching Xu Shang's figure along the mountain trail. His stride was firm and powerful, every step appearing confident. He knew that no matter how difficult the road ahead might be, he would face it bravely, because his goal was to become a powerhouse capable of protecting Su Biyun and his homeland.
As the night deepened, Xu Shang's torch became the only source of light in the darkness. Illuminated by the firelight, his figure appeared exceptionally solitary yet incomparably resolute. He knew this was the path of his growth, the mandatory road leading to the realm of the strong. And the Duantian Mountain Range was merely the first step in his journey.
Thus, Xu Shang journeyed through the Duantian Mountain Range, his figure intertwined with the firelight and the night, becoming a unique scenery within these mysterious mountains.
Just as Xu Shang was immersed in his longing for the future, a sudden disturbance shattered the tranquility of the night. He halted vigilantly, the torch in his hand trembling slightly and casting a wary silhouette of him upon the cliff face.
The surrounding wind seemed to grow biting, and the air was filled with an indescribable tension. Xu Shang gripped his long sword tightly, his eyes blazing like torches as he searched all around for potential threats. He knew that in a place like the Duantian Mountain Range, the appearance of a Spirit Beast was nothing out of the ordinary, but every encounter could mean a trial of life and death.
Suddenly, a dark shadow flashed across his field of vision, moving with a speed that made it almost impossible to catch. Xu Shang's heartbeat quickened; he knew this must be a Spirit Beast. He quickly adjusted his breathing, preparing to meet the impending challenge.
At that very moment, a Spirit Beast lunged from the shadows. Its form was agile, its fur shimmering with a faint silver light under the illumination of the fire. This was a wolf-like Spirit Beast, its eyes flashing with an eerie, ghostly green glow. Its build was much larger than an ordinary wolf, with strong, powerful limbs and a long, flexible tail, clearly not an easy opponent to deal with.
When the silhouette of the Spirit Beast emerged in the night, Xu Shang felt no panic; instead, a surge of intense fighting spirit rose within him. This sudden skirmish would be an excellent opportunity to test his strength. At this critical juncture, he decided to unleash the divine art he had practiced for a long time—the Demon Lotus Divine Art.
The roar of the Spirit Beast echoed through the valley, its sharp claws and fangs flashing with a cold light in the fire, every pounce filled with lethal power. Xu Shang moved fluidly, skillfully dodging the beast's attacks while silently reciting the incantation of the Demon Lotus Divine Art in his heart, preparing to launch a counterattack.
As Xu Shang's internal energy circulated, a faint glow began to emanate from his entire body, resembling a lotus flower about to bloom. Though soft, this radiance contained immense power. The Spirit Beast seemed to sense the threat of this power, and its attacks grew even more ferocious, attempting to strike Xu Shang down before he could complete his attack.
Yet Xu Shang's footwork was like a ghost, and the Spirit Beast's strikes always grazed past him, unable to touch him by a fraction. Finally, after a deft dodge, Xu Shang found the optimal timing to execute the Demon Lotus Divine Art.
Xu Shang formed seals with both hands and let out a low shout. Instantly, a powerful force erupted from within his body. In the palm of his hand, a lotus flower condensed from internal energy slowly bloomed, every petal radiating a dazzling light that illuminated the surrounding darkness.
With a loud shout, Xu Shang pushed the demon lotus in his hand toward the Spirit Beast. The lotus rapidly expanded in mid-air, transforming into a curtain of light that completely enveloped the Spirit Beast. The beast let out a terrified howl, trying to break free from this restraint, but how could it easily shake off the power of the Demon Lotus Divine Art?
Bound within the light curtain, the Spirit Beast was unable to move. Its roar gradually subsided, finally turning into a low whimper. Xu Shang did not take advantage of the opportunity to harm the beast.
Looking at the Spirit Beast, Xu Shang murmured, "A true powerhouse must not only possess formidable strength, but also a magnanimous heart."
The radiance of the Demon Lotus Divine Art slowly dissipated, and the Spirit Beast regained its freedom, but it had lost the will to continue fighting. It glanced at Xu Shang, its eyes no longer holding hostility, but instead carrying a trace of awe. Then, the beast turned and vanished into the night.
Xu Shang stood quietly in place. In his heart, there was no joy of victory, only a profound understanding of strength and respect for life.
He withdrew his internal energy, and the glow of the Demon Lotus Divine Art faded along with it. Xu Shang took a deep breath.
After the intense battle with the Spirit Beast, Xu Shang felt a trace of exhaustion. He knew that no matter how robust one's physique was, proper rest was necessary to restore stamina and maintain peak condition to continue forward.
Xu Shang found a relatively secluded spot surrounded by several boulders, forming a natural windbreak. After checking the surroundings to confirm there were no other potential hazards, he decided to rest here. Using his long sword, he cleared the debris and weeds from the ground, carving out a flat resting space for himself.
Xu Shang took a thin blanket from his pack, spread it on the ground, and then used his torch to ignite a bonfire. The firelight would not only provide warmth but also keep surrounding wild beasts at bay. He sat beside the bonfire, quietly observing the movement around him while pondering the journey ahead.
As the night deepened, Xu Shang felt a hint of drowsiness. It was time to rest. He lay down on the blanket, wrapping himself tightly in his cloak to ward off the night chill.
Xu Shang closed his eyes, allowing his mind and body to relax completely. His breathing gradually grew steady, his consciousness began to blur, and finally, he drifted off to sleep.
In his dream, Xu Shang saw the scene of his reunion with Su Biyun. They stood together beneath the old locust tree, watching the tree in full bloom, their faces brimming with blissful smiles. That night, Xu Shang slept very soundly.