The edge of Heavenly Fate Sect's back‑mountain forbidden land was shrouded in thickening mist.
Lin Chen concealed his aura, moving like a ghost through the woods. He activated Traceless Snow Tread to its utmost, his steps silent, his figure flickering in and out of the fog.
This area had been designated dangerous even before the sect's fall. Perpetually veiled in miasma and mist, it harbored vicious beasts and hidden dangers. Precisely for that reason, it had become his perfect refuge to avoid conflict and cultivate in peace.
He did not venture deep, only wandering the outer perimeter. As he went, he familiarized himself with the flow of his true essence at the Middle True Martial Stage, while comprehending the intent of Mountain‑Splitting Fist. The power of the Savage Bull Bloodline flowed gently within him, steadily tempering his physical strength.
"The sect was destroyed for offending a super‑powerful clan. With my current strength, I am not even qualified to seek revenge."
Lin Chen thought to himself, his gaze calm yet heavy.
He knew all too well how terrifying the force that had annihilated Heavenly Fate Sect truly was. To them, his current Middle True Martial Stage cultivation was no different from an ant. Only by growing endlessly stronger could he one day face that blood feud.
As he passed through a twisted ancient forest, a faint, unique fragrance drifted to his nose. Unlike ordinary vegetation, it carried an ancient, mellow spiritual energy.
"Hmm?"
Lin Chen paused and followed the scent.
Deep within the mist stood an ancient vine roughly ten feet tall. Its trunk was dark gold, its leaves emerald‑green, and several translucent red fruits hung from its tendrils—the source of the fragrance.
Strangely, the mist around the vine seemed purified, and spiritual energy was so dense it was almost tangible.
[Ding! Detected ancient spiritual plant: Blood Spirit Vine. Sign‑in available at this location!]
The system's voice suddenly echoed.
A hint of joy flashed in Lin Chen's eyes.
Ancient spiritual plants were far rarer than ordinary herbs. A sign‑in here would surely yield extraordinary rewards.
"Sign‑in!"
[Ding! Sign‑in successful!]
[Congratulations, Host! Rewards obtained: Blood Spirit Fruit ×2, Mid‑grade Profound Rank technique Blood Shadow Art, permanent 10% increase in physical strength!]
Three rewards appeared.
Blood Spirit Fruits contained pure life‑force, capable of rapidly healing wounds and nourishing the body.
Blood Shadow Art, a mid‑grade Profound Rank technique, allowed the practitioner to condense blood‑shadow true essence, conceal aura, and boost speed—perfectly complementing Traceless Snow Tread.
The permanent physical enhancement was a solid, fundamental improvement.
Satisfied, Lin Chen carefully plucked the two Blood Spirit Fruits and stored them away.
He did not immediately practice Blood Shadow Art. Despite its seclusion, the area remained dangerous.
All around, mist swirled, and low roars of beasts echoed faintly. Clearly, deeper within lay countless perils.
"This is not a safe place to linger."
Lin Chen turned to leave.
But at that moment, hurried footsteps and gasping breaths came from the other side of the mist, accompanied by panicked shouts.
"Hurry! Hold it off! Don't let it catch us!"
"It's an Early True Martial beast! We can't fight it!"
Their voices trembled with pure terror.
Lin Chen frowned and hid behind a tree, peering through the mist.
Three youths in tattered outer‑sect robes were fleeing in panic. Behind them, a ten‑foot‑tall black‑furred wolf gave chase, its eyes blood‑red and aura ferocious. It was clearly an Early True Martial beast—a Black Wind Wolf.
All three were only at the Body Tempering Realm. Against an Early True Martial beast, they stood no chance and were moments from being torn apart.
Lin Chen's expression remained calm. He did not act immediately.
These three were surviving outer‑sect disciples of the fallen Heavenly Fate Sect. He did not know them.
Yet, even in ruin, they were still from the same sect.
The Black Wind Wolf was strong, but only Early True Martial. At Middle True Martial, Lin Chen could kill it easily.
"Fine."
With a soft sigh, he moved.
Whoosh!
His figure shot forward like lightning, instantly blocking the path before the three youths.
"Huh?"
The survivors froze. A tall, steady figure had appeared out of nowhere, and his calm aura somehow reassured them.
Enraged at being blocked, the Black Wind Wolf roared and lunged, its claws slicing through the air with a stench of blood.
Lin Chen did not flinch. He clenched his right fist, and the power of Mountain‑Splitting Fist erupted.
No fancy moves—only pure, unadulterated force.
Boom!
His fist struck the wolf's skull.
The Early True Martial beast crashed to the ground, twitched twice, and went still.
One‑hit kill.
The three survivors stared dumbfounded at Lin Chen's back, utterly shocked.
"A… a True Martial expert?"
Lin Chen ignored their astonishment. He turned to them, his voice cold.
"The forbidden land is dangerous. Leave at once."
Without another word, he vanished back into the mist.
The three youths stood frozen, staring after him for a long time.
Lin Chen, however, was already gone. His heart remained unmoved.
It had been nothing more than slaying a beast and saving a few strangers.
The road ahead was still long. His strength was still insufficient.
Only by continuing to lie low and quietly accumulate power could he one day face the true blood feud that awaited.