After gathering enough branches and dry wood, Xiao Chen tied them tightly with strips of tree bark—two bundles instead of one, to make them sturdier. This was no difficult task for him; he had spent almost every day collecting firewood for Lu Feng.The bundles rested easily on his shoulders, light in his hands—perhaps because he was already used to the work.But after only five steps, a pack of more than a dozen wolves appeared, blocking his way. Their eyes glinted sharply, and saliva dripped onto the ground, as if they had just found a fresh prey.Even though he had plenty of experience living in the forest, Xiao Chen still felt fear. But running was not an option—he knew well he would be caught instantly. Most of the time, the only animals he encountered while gathering firewood were wild dogs, and even then, never more than one or two.He set the bundle down, picked up two branches that were thick and heavy enough to swing as weapons."If you want to eat me, come on then!" he shout

The man, more than a hundred years old, hurried out of the cave. His eyes widened as he looked up and saw the moon glowing a deep crimson.“What kind of phenomenon is this? Why has the moonlight turned red like blood?” he murmured to himself.Moments later, the crimson light from the moon narrowed into a concentrated beam and shot downward at the speed of light.Zhang Wei was stunned. He suddenly remembered—the point where the red moonlight was falling was exactly where Xiao Chen was meditating to awaken the power within his body.Not wanting anything to happen to the only disciple he had ever trained, Zhang Wei called Benggala to accompany him to the waterfall where Xiao Chen was meditating.The two of them darted into the darkness of night. Despite being twice the size of an ordinary wolf, Benggala’s running speed surpassed even the finest horse.In addition, Benggala’s ability to see in the dark was another great advantage—a natural gift for a nocturnal hunter.About an hour later,

Zhang Wei believed it was time for Xiao Chen to step into the harsh world of martial arts. The arrival of warriors seeking the sacred weapon was the perfect opportunity for his only disciple to experience the brutal reality that awaited him once he left the Thousand Ghost Hill.Yet, he also wondered whether his disciple was ready to fight, given that he had only just regained consciousness.“This place has never been touched by outsiders, Xiao Chen. Are you sure you’re ready for battle? Remember, you’ve never fought anyone before. Your movements will still be stiff,” Zhang Wei warned.“Who said I’ve never fought?” Xiao Chen replied with a mysterious smile, glancing toward Benggala, who was sitting by the cave entrance.Zhang Wei immediately understood the meaning of that glance. “You sparred with him?”Xiao Chen smiled again and nodded slightly. “We’ve sparred many times, Grandpa. Though we never went all out, Benggala’s claws have scratched my chest before.”Xiao Chen loosened his cl

Scarface felt there was no need to hand the sacred weapon over to his father—he would use it for himself. With it, his power would grow rapidly, and he could overthrow his father from his position as leader of the Mountain Eagle Sect.In a single breath, the son of the Mountain Eagle Sect leader lunged at Xiao Chen with incredible speed. His fingers, shaped like claws, slashed continuously toward his opponent. Xiao Chen immediately felt that this opponent was slightly tougher than the three he had already defeated.“Mountain Eagle Hunter!”Scarface moved as if possessed by the spirit of an eagle. His body darted and leapt at Xiao Chen, who kept evading his strikes. The curly-haired man gave Xiao Chen no chance to counterattack, launching blow after blow as if tireless.Feeling mocked by the young man’s constant evasions, Scarface grew increasingly agitated. His strikes either met Xiao Chen’s defense or sliced through empty air.“Stop dodging, you brat—attack me!” he shouted furiously.

Mo Lin was shocked by Qian Hao’s words. A sense of disbelief gripped him, for he couldn’t feel any extraordinary power radiating from the sword held by the young man who had already severed his right arm.“Are you certain that sword is the one we’ve been searching for?” Mo Lin asked.Qian Hao nodded firmly.“But why can’t I sense any great power from it?” Mo Lin pressed again.“Because that boy hasn’t yet mastered the full strength of the sword. Now go, quickly find a safe place!” Qian Hao ordered as he stood and helped his companion to his feet.Mo Lin hurriedly moved far away. Not only to avoid further injury should a stray strike come his way, but also to secure the chance to flee if Qian Hao were to lose.“Hey, Qian Hao, are you two done talking? If so, let’s fight,” Xiao Chen said while struggling to hold back the smile tugging at his lips.Qian Hao snorted. He knew the young man was suppressing his laughter. To him, that was an insult to his short and stocky build.“Once again y