The path leading out of the sect felt longer than it should have. Maybe it was because, for the first time, I was truly walking it alone.
I tightened my grip on the mission scroll.
Harvest Spirit Marrow Grass from the edges of the Falling Moon Forest… Easy enough, right?
The road was quiet, the only sounds coming from the rustling leaves and the occasional chirp of spirit birds hidden among the trees. When I reached the outskirts of the forest, the air shifted. It was thicker here, laced with the faint aura of wild beasts.
I advanced carefully, keeping my senses sharp.
The Spirit Marrow Grass was said to grow in damp, shaded areas near ancient stones. I scanned the surroundings, moving cautiously through the uneven terrain.
It didn't take long to find it.
A small cluster of silver grass swayed gently near a moss-covered boulder, their faint glow pulsing in the dim light beneath the thick canopy. Their refreshing scent was hard to miss.
Just as I stepped forward—
Growl.
A low, guttural sound rumbled from the nearby thicket.
I turned sharply. A beast emerged—a Steel-Tusk Boar—its massive tusks gleaming with a metallic sheen. Its crimson eyes locked onto me, its heavy breaths steaming in the cool forest air.
I clenched my fists, my muscles tightening instinctively.
I'm only in the Body Tempering Realm, Bone Tempering Stage. But I can't run. I need those spirit stones. I need to win.
The boar charged, the ground trembling beneath its weight.
I barely dodged, rolling to the side as its tusks sliced through the air where I had just stood. The beast skidded to a halt and turned with surprising agility for its size.
I didn't hesitate.
I channeled the Heaven Reversion Law, circulating it through my limbs, forcing my body to push beyond its limits. My fist smashed into the boar's side, but its hide was thick—it only flinched and charged again.
It's not enough. I need to aim for its weak points.
I ducked and rolled again, using the boar's momentum to my advantage, landing blows on its legs, ribs, and finally locking onto its eye.
My body screamed in protest, but I drove all my strength into one final strike, slamming my fist into the boar's eye as it lunged.
Crack!
The beast let out a final roar before collapsing to the ground, unmoving.
Panting heavily, I carefully circled the beast to confirm it was dead.
But the fight wasn't over.
Survival wasn't just about killing—it was about making every battle count.
I pulled out my hunting knife and began harvesting the beast's valuable parts. The Steel-Tusk Boar's tusks and hide were worth good spirit stones back at the sect market. I worked quickly but carefully, storing the tusks and strips of hide in my pouch.
Once I was finished, I turned my attention to the Spirit Marrow Grass.
I gently plucked the shimmering stalks, wrapping them securely in cloth.
Mission complete.
As I walked back toward the sect, my mind replayed the battle over and over.
My first kill.
My first reward.
My first step on the path of cultivation.
There was no one to cheer for me. No one to guide me.
Just me, the long road ahead, and the faint weight of those silver grass blades in my pouch.
There's no turning back now.