Chapter 6

At every dawn, Zhi Hao stood tall at the peak of Mount Qianlong, where the air was still untouched by the noise of the world. His right leg was tightly bound to the branch of a cedar tree growing at the edge of a cliff, while his body hovered in the air, relying only on the strength of the rope and his balance. His eyes were closed, his breathing synchronized with the rhythm of the surrounding nature. The mountain wind blew gently, challenging the stability of his body, which was already at the brink of its limits. In the afternoon, after completing a series of physical training exercises prescribed by the Heaven-Destroying Tome, Zhi Hao returned to the same peak. This time, sweat dripped down his tense face, showing the intensity of his training. His left leg was now tied, and he hung upside down, facing the sky that had begun to turn orange as the sun set. Every movement was a struggle, every breath an effort to maintain focus and balance. Zhi Hao bit his lip as the night wind began to blow harder, swaying his body like a leaf tossed about. But his wide-open eyes showed no fear. This was a test he had to endure, a part of a warrior's journey that knew no surrender. He trained not only to refine his body but also to strengthen his mind and resilience in the face of any challenge. Without a master to guide him, relying only on an inherited tome, he kept pushing his body to the limit, fortifying his physique while energy began to form in his chest. Three Energy Nodes were now circulating within him. Days turned into months, and more than a year and a half passed. He focused on improving his cultivation, physical strength, and swordsmanship. A small explosion at the remote training ground caused the earth to tremble briefly. Dust and smoke billowed into the air, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an ancient battlefield. Sitting cross-legged amidst the disturbance, Zhi Hao slowly opened his eyes. A satisfied smile appeared on his handsome face. "I've been training here for quite some time," he murmured softly, reflecting on the long journey he had endured. He glanced at the ancient tome lying beside him—the Heaven-Destroying Tome, a legendary and mysterious artifact. "I've only managed to absorb a quarter of its contents," he continued, his voice filled with both excitement and determination. "But I feel my strength is enough." Zhi Hao stood up, a gentle breeze brushing through his glossy black hair. He adjusted his rough training attire, securing the leather belt around his waist. "I've also reached the Earth Realm now," he said, unable to hide his amazement at his own progress. "This is incredible!" "I don't even know how long I've been here. My face has grown a beard," he muttered, gazing at his reflection in the crystal-clear stream near his residence. "Now, how do I get out of here?" Zhi Hao whispered to himself, his footsteps echoing among the ruins. This place, which he now called Qianlong, felt increasingly mysterious and eerie. Not a single human had he encountered in the past year, only wild beasts that relentlessly challenged him. His days were spent hunting these creatures, sharpening his battle instincts in this merciless environment. "Can I really escape this place?" he called out again, his voice tinged with anticipation and despair. Unexpectedly, a mysterious energy suddenly surrounded his body, and in an instant, he was hurled out of the training grounds that had long trapped him. Zhi Hao found himself standing on an island that was beginning to crack and collapse beneath him. As destruction unfolded, an ancient chest in front of him transformed into a brilliant light, shooting straight toward him. As the radiant glow from the mysterious chest approached, Zhi Hao instinctively raised his hand, preparing for the unexpected. However, what happened next was beyond his imagination; a bracelet materialized around his wrist, changing from light to solid matter in the blink of an eye. "I have no intention of staying here, and don't think I acknowledge you as my master," a firm voice echoed, accompanied by the shimmer of a dragon's head that stared intently at him. The bracelet didn't seem large, yet its intricate details gleamed like jade. "Hah!" Zhi Hao was too shocked to say anything more, the sheer surprise overwhelming him. "No time to think!" Without warning, from the dragon bracelet's mouth, a beam of light shot into the sky, piercing through the void. Instantly, a vortex formed and mercilessly sucked Zhi Hao into it. They emerged above the sky of Wi Village, which was engulfed in chaos and bloodshed. A fierce battle raged below. Amidst the commotion, an unknown figure suddenly plummeted from the sky, his startled scream cutting through the heavens. BAM! A deafening crash echoed as Zhi Hao slammed into the ground. Dust billowed into the air, swirling up to knee height. All eyes turned toward him, silence falling over the battlefield. The intense battle that had been raging moments ago came to an abrupt halt. Both sides retreated, forming new lines with faces full of caution and confusion. Zhi Hao looked around in bewilderment. Suddenly, a voice rang out. "Who are you?" Fu Yao broke the silence, his tone carrying an undercurrent of menace. He was a warrior from the Fu Village, notorious for pillaging settlements like the Wi Clan. "Why are you attacking Wi Village?" Zhi Hao countered, his eyes locking onto his opponent's without a hint of intimidation. "Step aside, boy, or die by my spear!" Fu Yao bellowed, his voice resonating with challenge, filling the air with a nearly tangible pressure. His aura of power radiated intensely, attempting to crush Zhi Hao’s spirit. Yet, Zhi Hao stood firm, unyielding like an ancient tree with deep roots. He did not take a single step back, the setting sun casting a fierce glow upon his fearless figure…