THE MASTER OF TEN THOUSAND REALMS

Chapter 8: Deep in the Forest

Tirta stood in the middle of the forest, with the lifeless body of the Silver Star Tiger beneath his feet. The smell of blood had begun attracting the attention of other creatures nearby. However, Tirta showed no fear whatsoever.

Ding...

[System: The Host has obtained a Level 4 Beast Crystal. Value: 400 Experience Points.]

Tirta took the crystal from the body of the Silver Star Tiger and placed it inside his storage ring. He opened the status display to check his progress.

[Status Display]

Name: Tirta Handoyo

Cultivation: Earth Realm, Four Stars

Experience Points: 2,780

Available Techniques:

Devouring Technique, Shadow Step, Heaven-Splitting Earth-Cleaving Sword Technique

Inventory:

Flame Ember Sword

1 Level 4 Beast Crystal

2 Level 3 Beast Crystals

Tirta looked at the holographic World Map in front of him, which now displayed the paths within the Ninth Star Forest. This region was divided into several zones, with the danger level increasing the deeper one went.

"I have to reach the central zone," he thought. "There is a high chance of finding a Level 5 Beast Crystal there, or perhaps something even higher."

Tirta's steps began carrying him deeper into the forest. The giant trees around him appeared increasingly darker, while the sounds of beasts became more frequent. Every step he took was filled with vigilance.

It did not take long before he found himself confronted by three Black Wind Wolves. These beasts were Level 3 creatures with incredible speed and often attacked in groups.

Tirta grinned. "Looks like I won't run out of training today."

The wolves leaped at him simultaneously, aiming for his necks. However, with Shadow Step, Tirta's body disappeared, leaving behind only a blurred shadow that deceived his enemies.

"First Stage Sword Technique: Cleaving the Air!"

A swift attack cut through the air, killing one of the wolves in an instant. The other two attacked more fiercely, trying to surround Tirta. However, he moved easily between them, attacking with deadly precision.

Within seconds, all three wolves lay lifeless on the ground.

Ding...

[System: The Host has defeated 3 Black Wind Wolves (Level 3). Experience Points increased by 600.]

Tirta cleaned his sword and continued walking. However, not long afterward, he sensed an enormous energy pressure nearby. He stopped and carefully observed his surroundings.

From behind the trees emerged a Winged Golden Serpent, a Level 5 creature more than 20 meters long. Its scales shimmered like gold beneath the dim light, while a pair of wings flapped gracefully.

"A Level 5 creature," Tirta muttered with a sharp gaze. "Finally, a real challenge."

The serpent released a deafening hiss before attacking at high speed. However, Tirta did not retreat. He activated Shadow Step, his body moving as fast as the wind.

"Second Stage Sword Technique: Cleaving the Mountain!"

His sword attack struck the serpent's body, creating a deep wound across its scales. However, the Winged Golden Serpent was far tougher than he had expected. The wound was not enough to stop the beast.

The serpent launched a counterattack, spitting deadly venom at him. Tirta leaped to the side and quickly dodged, but the venom left a mark on the ground, causing it to crumble and dissolve.

"That venom is dangerous," Tirta thought. "I have to end this quickly."

He gathered his Spiritual Energy and concentrated it into his sword. The air around him trembled, creating tremendous pressure.

"Third Stage Sword Technique: Cleaving the Heavens!"

An extremely bright flash of light shot from his sword, striking the Winged Golden Serpent's head with full force. The attack cleanly severed the serpent's head, causing its massive body to collapse onto the ground with a thunderous sound.

Ding...

[System: The Host has defeated the Winged Golden Serpent (Level 5). Experience Points increased by 1,000.]

Tirta stood atop the serpent's body, his breathing slightly heavy. However, a flash of excitement could be seen in his eyes.

"A Level 5 creature," he muttered as he took the Level 5 Beast Crystal from the serpent's body. "This is only the beginning."

With the additional crystal and newly gained experience, Tirta continued his journey deeper into the Ninth Star Forest. Greater challenges awaited him, and he was ready to face them all.

[Updated Status Display.]

Name: Tirta Handoyo

Cultivation: Earth Realm, Five Stars

Experience Points: 3,180

Available Techniques: Devouring Technique, Shadow Step, Heaven-Splitting Earth-Cleaving Sword Technique

Inventory:

Flame Ember Sword

1 Level 5 Beast Crystal

2 Level 3 Beast Crystals

Tirta stood proudly in the middle of the Ninth Star Forest, looking at his hands, which were now filled with newfound power. The Spiritual Energy within his body circulated more powerfully, a clear sign that he had stepped into the Five-Star Earth Realm.

"This improvement is truly incredible," he muttered with a satisfied smile. "No genius can match my cultivation speed. Even if this can be considered cheating, I don't care!"

The System had given him a shortcut, and he had no shame in taking advantage of it. Tirta knew that in this harsh world, only strength was respected, while those who were not strong would only be trampled upon.

However, his smile slowly faded as he began to think. "Even so, this strength does not come without a price. This world knows no mercy. If I don't take advantage of every opportunity, I'll be the one getting trampled."

Tirta looked around him. This forest was not only filled with beasts, but also adventurers and other cultivators who were just as ambitious. Every step deeper was a step toward greater danger.

Ding...

[System: Warning. The Central Zone contains Level 6 creatures and possible traps. The Host is advised to increase his preparations.]

Tirta frowned. "Level 6 creatures, huh? Looks like this will be a more challenging test. But I'm ready."

He opened his inventory and examined the Flame Ember Sword in his hand, which now appeared to be fading after the battle against the Winged Golden Serpent. "This sword won't be enough to face the next threat. I need a stronger weapon."

Tirta remembered the information on the World Map showing Heavenly Flame Valley, a place filled with fire energy suitable for forging weapons. "Perhaps I should stop there afterward. But first, I have to get through the Central Zone."

With his determination growing stronger, Tirta continued forward. Every movement was filled with vigilance, ready to face whatever threat appeared before him.

In the middle of his journey, he sensed someone's presence watching him. His cold gaze swept across the surroundings, but he found nothing. "Hmph, it seems there is a hunter waiting for its prey."

Tirta smiled faintly. "If they dare approach, I'll make sure they regret testing their luck against me."

On the other side of the Ninth Star Forest, two figures dressed entirely in black moved swiftly among the dense trees. They were mercenary cultivators from a mysterious organization known as Dark Shadow. With black robes concealing their faces, they looked like shadows blending into the forest.

"Our target has entered the Central Zone," one of them spoke in a low but firm voice. "According to the information, he is a cultivator who recently advanced to the Five-Star Earth Realm."

"Is that a problem?" the other asked dismissively. "We're used to hunting people like him. Besides, if he relies on a system, he probably doesn't have any real combat experience yet."

The first one smiled faintly beneath his hood. "Don't underestimate him. Those who possess systems tend to have unpredictable abilities. We have to be careful. If he reaches Heavenly Flame Valley, our mission will become even more difficult."

They stopped on a large tree branch, observing the terrain below. From a distance, the sounds of the battle between Tirta and the Winged Golden Serpent could be heard, the echoes of their tremendous energy clashes reverberating through the forest.

"He has already defeated a Level 5 creature," one of them said while glancing at his companion. "It seems we need to act soon before he becomes even stronger."

The other nodded. "We'll wait for the right moment. There's no point in attacking now. Let him become exhausted first. Besides, the Level 6 creatures in the Central Zone will surely slow him down."

They leaped from one tree to another, carefully following Tirta's trail. They were patient hunters, waiting for the perfect moment to launch a deadly attack.

---

Meanwhile, Tirta began to feel the energy pressure around him increasing. The atmosphere in the Central Zone felt far more dangerous than before. Every tree seemed to conceal a lurking creature.

He stopped in an open area, deciding to rest for a moment. After activating the System, he checked his supplies again.

Ding...

[System: Suggestion. The Host is advised to use the Level 5 Beast Crystal to increase his physical endurance and Spiritual Energy.]

Tirta nodded. "I need every advantage I can get." He took the crystal from his inventory and began absorbing the energy within it. His spiritual aura grew stronger, and his body felt lighter.

However, behind the trees, a pair of sharp eyes watched him. The two Dark Shadow cultivators had arrived nearby, observing his every movement.

"He doesn't know we're here," one of them whispered. "Wait until he finishes absorbing the crystal. His defenses will be slightly weakened then."

The other nodded, taking out a black sword that seemed to radiate a cold aura. "When he lets his guard down, we'll attack. If necessary, we'll activate the combined technique."

They prepared themselves for the perfect moment, unaware that Tirta had already begun sensing their presence. A faint smile appeared on Tirta's face.

"So, you've finally appeared," he muttered softly.