Lin Chen traveled through the forest, deliberately avoiding the more populated main paths and choosing only the remote trails.
Boosted by his cultivation at the Middle True Martial Stage, his speed and perception had risen to a new level. The wind whistled past his ears, and even the slightest movements of grass and crawling insects nearby were clearly discernible.
He did not rush forward. Instead, he familiarized himself with the surging true essence within his body while silently circulating the newly comprehended intent of the Mountain‑Splitting Fist. Every step he took subtly aligned with the principles of the fist technique, allowing his physical body and true essence to merge more harmoniously.
"The System's sign‑in rewards depend on favorable timing and location. The more dangerous and spiritually abundant a place is, the richer the rewards will be."
Lin Chen's gaze swept across his surroundings as he thought to himself.
Earlier, signing‑in amid mountains of corpses and seas of blood had yielded a demon core and Green Spirit Grass. Slaying powerful enemies had directly elevated his realm. This reinforced his belief that the System favored bestowing gifts in desperate situations and places of opportunity.
After traveling for about an hour, the trees ahead grew denser, and the air gradually filled with a warm, fresh aura mixed with a faint fragrance of grass and trees.
The spiritual energy concentration far exceeded that of the outside world!
Lin Chen's eyes flickered. He slowed his pace and quietly approached the source of the spiritual energy.
Passing through a thick thicket of bushes, the scene before him suddenly opened up.
A pool of water about a zhang in diameter lay nestled in the center of the valley. The water was clear to the bottom, shimmering with a faint white glow. Pure spiritual energy continuously rose from the bottom of the pool—it was a rare natural Spirit Spring!
"A Spirit Spring?"
A hint of joy appeared in Lin Chen's heart.
A Spirit Spring was a place where the world's spiritual veins converged. Not only was it rich in spiritual energy, but long‑term immersion could nourish the physical body, cleanse the meridians, and greatly benefit a martial artist's cultivation.
More importantly—
[Ding! An unknown spiritual land detected. Trigger sign‑in?]
The System's notification arrived as expected.
Lin Chen's lips curled upward slightly. Without hesitation, he said, "Sign‑in!"
[Ding! Sign‑in successful!]
[Congratulations, Host, for obtaining rewards: Marrow Cleansing Pills ×3, Low‑grade Profound Rank Movement Skill "Traceless Snow Tread", Exclusive Spirit Spring Buff (Cultivation efficiency increased by 50% continuously)!]
Three rewards appeared.
Marrow Cleansing Pills could expel residual impurities from the body and strengthen the foundation;
"Traceless Snow Tread", a Profound Rank movement skill, allowed the user to move erratically and leave no trace, far superior to ordinary footwork;
As for the cultivation buff, it was a most welcome gift!
Satisfaction flashed in Lin Chen's eyes.
Movement skills had always been his weakness. Now, with "Traceless Snow Tread", he would have a better chance of surviving even if he encountered someone he could not defeat.
Without further hesitation, he leaped into the Spirit Spring.
The warm water enveloped his entire body, and pure spiritual energy poured into him like a gentle stream. With the 50% efficiency boost, his true essence circulated at an accelerated rate. The intent of the Mountain‑Splitting Fist and the power of the Savage Bull Bloodline became more condensed under the washing of spiritual energy.
He sat cross‑legged at the bottom of the pool, closed his eyes to adjust his breathing, and devoted himself entirely to cultivation.
Time passed slowly.
After an unknown duration, Lin Chen suddenly opened his eyes, and two sharp glints flashed briefly.
The true essence within him had become thicker and more condensed, and his foundation had become extremely solid due to the medicinal power of the Marrow Cleansing Pills. His realm at the Middle True Martial Stage was completely stabilized!
"Unfortunately, as good as the Spirit Spring is, this is not a place to stay for long."
Lin Chen stood up and shook off the water droplets.
This place was rich in spiritual energy and would surely attract other martial artists. With his current strength at the Middle True Martial Stage, he could protect himself, but if he encountered a large group from Heavenly Fate Sect or Blackwind Academy, it would still be dangerous.
He stored the Marrow Cleansing Pills away, imprinted the techniques of "Traceless Snow Tread" into his mind, and moved.
Whoosh!
His figure darted out like a ghost, light and silent beneath his feet, appearing several zhang away in an instant—truly swift and agile.
"It is time to find a place to fully digest the gains of these past few days."
Lin Chen's gaze looked far into the distance. Having fixed his direction, his figure once again vanished into the depths of the dense forest.
Lying low was not cowardice.
It was preparation for a sharper strike the next time.