The Dark Forest was silent.
Too silent.
Li Hao moved carefully, every step measured.
He had no martial soul.
No power.
Only his body—and his will.
A low growl echoed.
A Spirit Pup lunged from the shadows.
Li Hao didn't hesitate.
He stepped forward.
Dodged.
And drove his blade into its throat.
Blood spilled.
The beast struggled—then fell still.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then—
The corpse dissolved into strands of light.
They rushed into Li Hao's body.
Agony exploded through him.
His veins burned.
His bones trembled.
Something was being created.
Not given.
Made.