"Don't move a muscle," the voice hissed.

Tian Zun's mind raced as he tried to come up with a plan. He had always been quick on his feet, but this situation was different. He couldn't see who was speaking to him, which meant he didn't know who he was dealing with. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart.

"Who are you?" he asked, his voice steady despite the fear that was clawing at his insides.

"That's not important," the voice replied. "What is important is that you hand over all your valuables, and maybe we'll spare your life."

Tian Zun knew he couldn't give in to their demands. He had no valuables on him, and even if he did, he wouldn't give it up without a fight. He slowly took a step back, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement.

"I don't have anything to give you," he said, trying to sound as confident as possible. "Just let me go, and we can forget about this."

The voice laughed, a sound that sent shivers down Tian Zun's spine. "Do you really think it's that easy?" he said. "We know that you're a cultivator. And we want your cultivation technique."

Tian Zun's mind raced. How did they know that he is a cultivator? He had been careful to keep a low profile since arriving on Earth. He tried to think of a way out of this, but his mind was blank.

Tian Zun turned around slowly. And then he saw them - a group of 5 people, all dressed in black, standing in front of him. They were all armed with swords, their eyes fixed on him.

Tian Zun knew he was in trouble. These were clearly not ordinary thieves. They were cultivators, just like him.

“These are… Rank 9 meridian tempering realm cultivators?” Tian Zun murmured.

Tian Zun's mind raced as he faced the group of five cultivators, all of them armed with swords. They were clearly more advanced than him, all being at least rank 9 in the meridian tempering realm. He knew he had to act fast before they made their move.

"I'm just a rank 1 cultivator in the meridian tempering realm," he said, trying to sound confident despite his fear. "You wouldn't gain much by attacking me."

The group seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then one of them stepped forward, a sneer on his face. "We know who you are," he said. "You're the cultivator who just arrived from the outer realm. To be able to breach the barrier of this world you should be quite strong, no? We want to see just how powerful you are."

Tian Zun's heart sank. How had they found out about him so quickly? He was careful to keep a low profile.

Then an idea struck him. He retained a portion of his soul cultivation. Even though he couldn’t use it to attack them, he could use this to his advantage.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, focusing on his soul cultivation. He felt a surge of energy flow through him as he tapped into his soul's power. He opened his eyes, and the cultivators before him staggered back in shock. They could feel the power emanating from him, a power that far surpassed their own.

"You don't want to mess with me," Tian Zun said, his voice echoing with authority. "I may be a rank 1 cultivator in the meridian tempering realm, but my soul cultivation is on par with that of a soul formation realm master.

As the cultivators before him trembled in fear, Tian Zun realized that he now held the advantage.

"Leave now, or face the consequences," he said, his voice cold and unwavering.

The group of cultivators exchanged nervous glances, clearly unsure of what to do. After a moment of hesitation, they sheathed their swords and turned to leave.

Tian Zun watched them go, his heart still pounding with adrenaline. His back was soaked wet from the pressure and stress he went through. He knew that he had been lucky to escape unharmed.

But he also knew that he couldn't let his guard down again. With this occasion, he discovered that cultivators existed on Earth too.

The world of cultivation was full of dangers, and he needed to be prepared for anything that might come his way.

Tian Zun muttered to himself. ‘’I must leave this place immediately. Although they were intimidated by my aura, they will return once they realize that my soul cultivation cannot be used to attack since I am only a cultivator of the meridian tempering realm.’’

Tian Zun's mind raced as he looked around for a safe place to hide. He knew he couldn't go back to his house, but he also couldn't stay out in the open for too long. The cultivators who had just attacked him could easily track him down with their strength and he wouldn't stand a chance against them.

As he ran through the streets, he noticed a small alleyway between two buildings. He quickly darted into it and hid behind a dumpster. From there, he could see the main street, but he was well hidden from view.

He knew he had to come up with a plan. He couldn't stay hidden forever, and he needed to find a way to increase his cultivation realm as fast as possible. But how?

Just then, he remembered hearing about a secluded mountain range that was said to have a powerful spiritual energy that could enhance a cultivator's cultivation. It was a dangerous place, and few dared to venture there, but he didn't have any other choice.

He made up his mind and set out on his journey to the mountain range.

As Tian Zun left the Antique Gate City, he couldn't help but marvel at the massive walls that surrounded the city. They were made of a grey stone that looked ancient and weathered, yet still stood strong and impenetrable. The walls towered high above him, stretching up into the sky and seeming to disappear into the clouds.

As he walked along the road leading away from the city, he glanced back and saw that the city gates were just as impressive. They were made of thick, heavy wood and reinforced with metal bands and studs. It would take a great force to breach them.

Tian Zun couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for the craftsmanship and engineering that had gone into building such a formidable city. He knew that he had a long journey ahead of him, but with the memory of the cultivators that threatened him with his life fresh in his mind, he felt a renewed sense of determination to become stronger to be able to protect himself.

Tian Zun turned around to look back to the city in the distance. In a cold voice he declared, "I will return soon to seek my revenge from you all." As he spoke, an aura exuded from him that was only characteristic of rulers of vast kingdoms.

Although he had lost his cultivation, Tian Zun, the former Eternal Light Monarch, still held onto his pride. He understood the importance of adapting to his current circumstances and knew that he needed to bide his time until he could regain his strength. Only then could he inflict the kind of pain that would make his enemies wish for a quick death.

Tian Zun set off towards the mountain, his eyes scanning the terrain as he walked. The journey was not an easy one, and he had to cross several rivers and climb over rocky terrain. The scorching sun beat down on him, causing him to sweat profusely.

As he walked, he thought about his current situation. He was now a cultivator at the lowest rank, a far cry from his previous status as the Eternal Light Monarch. But he refused to let that deter him. He knew that he had to be patient and work hard to regain his strength.

Hours turned into days as he trekked across the rugged landscape, surviving on only a few meager rations that he had brought with him before leaving the city. The nights were cold, and he had to sleep on the hard ground, but he pushed through, knowing that the mountain was getting closer.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he caught sight of the mountain in the distance. It loomed over the horizon, its peak shrouded in mist. Tian Zun quickened his pace, eager to reach his destination.

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As he approached the mountain, he could see that it was even more imposing up close. Its sheer size was awe-inspiring, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence as he gazed upon it. The mountain was covered in dense forests, and he knew that it would take him some time to explore.

It was a long and treacherous journey, but he finally arrived at the base of the mountain range.

As Tian Zun made his way up the mountain, he couldn't help but be enveloped by the earthy and musky scent of the trees. It was a heady aroma that filled his nostrils, reminding him of the raw power and vitality of nature. With every breath he took, he felt a sense of connection to the forest around him, as though he was inhaling the very essence of life itself.

The breeze that brushed against his skin was cool and refreshing, carrying with it a faint hint of moisture from the nearby streams. It was a welcome relief from the heat of the sun, and Tian Zun found himself slowing down to savour the sensation. The breeze was gentle yet persistent, a constant reminder of the natural rhythms of the world around him.

As he ascended higher up the mountain, the taste of the air changed, becoming crisper and more invigorating. It was as though he was drinking in the very essence of the mountain, with its fresh and pure energy. There was a hint of pine and cedar in the air, mixed with the sweetness of wildflowers and herbs. Tian Zun felt a renewed sense of energy and clarity with every breath he took, as though he was being infused with the natural power of the mountain itself.

As he climbed higher, he noticed the intricate details of the mountain. There were small streams that flowed down its sides, forming waterfalls that cascaded over rocks and boulders. The rocks themselves were an array of colours, ranging from muted greys and browns to vibrant reds and oranges. The soil was rich and fertile, and he could see wildflowers and plants growing in abundance.

Despite the beauty of the mountain, Tian Zun knew that he was here for a purpose. He needed to find a place to increase his cultivation realm as fast as possible, and this mountain seemed like the perfect location. Its natural energy was stronger than the energy in the Antique Gate city, and he could feel it pulsing through the air. He knew that with enough focus and determination, he could tap into this energy and use it to elevate his own cultivation.

He knew he had to be careful, though. The mountain was filled with dangerous creatures and who knows, maybe other cultivators as well. He had to stay focused and avoid any unnecessary confrontations.

As he walked, he noticed the sun beginning to set on the horizon. He knew he had to find a safe place to camp for the night. He scanned the area, searching for a suitable spot. In the distance, he spotted a cave entrance nestled in the side of a rocky cliff.

He approached the cave cautiously, aware of the dangers that could lurk within. As he drew closer, he noticed that the cave was large enough to provide ample shelter for the night. As Tian Zun settled into the cave, his eyes roamed around the space, looking for any potential threats. The darkness of the cave added to his unease, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was lurking in the shadows. He knew that caves like this could be home to dangerous animals such as bears, wolves, or even snakes. The thought of encountering any of these creatures sent a shiver down his spine.

After conducting a thorough investigation, he was happy to conclude that the cave was devoid of any immediate danger or threat.

He made himself comfortable, taking out his equipment and preparing for the night.

“Though the chill wasn't too apparent during the day, I know that surviving the night would be a challenge without a source of warmth. I must find some materials for a fire before nightfall," he thought to himself, scanning his surroundings for any signs of firewood or kindling.

But his concerns didn't stop there. He had depleted all his rations in the last few days and knew he had to hunt for food to survive. As he searched for potential game, he also kept an eye out for any edible plants that could sustain him. He knew that his survival depended on his resourcefulness and ability to adapt to his surroundings.

Having gathered the necessary materials to start a fire, Tian Zun decided it was time to search for some food. He reached for the wooden spear he had fashioned during his journey to the mountains and set out on his hunt. After an hour of tracking, he finally stumbled upon traces of a deer. His stomach growled loudly, reminding him of his hunger. Excitement surged through him as he followed the tracks, hoping to catch a glimpse of his prey. Eventually, he spotted the deer feasting on leaves. This would be his chance. He raised his spear, summoned his qi into his hand and aimed it towards the unsuspecting animal, knowing that this would be his last meal.

The spear sliced through the deer's body with ease, causing it to collapse to the ground with a resounding thump. Tian Zun couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of a satisfying meal after days of meager rations.

Right at this moment though, a muscular young man appeared out of the bushes on the side with a huge frown on his face.

The young man was around the same age as Tian Zun. He carried a hunting rifle and wore rugged clothing. At first, the young man appeared wary of Tian Zun, unsure of what to make of him.

The young man asked in a grave voice, “Who are you?”

Tian Zun racked his brains, and realised this might be a hunter assigned by the government to watch over the forest. Holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. "Hello there," he said. "My name is Tian Zun. I'm just a traveler passing through this area."

The young man eyed him suspiciously. "What are you doing here?" he asked. "This is my hunting ground. I don't take kindly to strangers."

Tian Zun smiled. "I'm just passing through, as I said. I won't be hunting in your area. In fact, I could use some help. I've been living off the land, but I'm not the best hunter. Perhaps you could show me a thing or two?"

The young man considered this for a moment, then nodded. "All right," he said. "But you'll have to earn your keep. You catch your own food, and you help me with the heavy lifting."

Then he added, “My name is Li Wei, I’m a hunter that oversees this forest. You seem to have come here recently. You are lucky to have met me so soon, because if the wolves of this forest were to discover you before I did, you wouldn’t have had a good ending.”

Over the next few months, Tian Zun and the hunter, whose name was Li Wei, became good friends. They hunted together, shared their meals, and talked about their lives. Li Wei was impressed by Tian Zun's tracking and hunting skills, as well as the sheer power his body had. And soon, the two of them were catching enough food to last them for days.

Tian Zun had never felt such a sense of camaraderie before. He was used to being alone, but having someone to share his experiences with was refreshing. He and Li Wei often talked about their dreams and ambitions.

"I've always wanted to be the best hunter in these mountains," Li Wei said one day, as they were sitting by the fire. "But sometimes I wonder if there's more to life than just hunting."

Tian Zun nodded. "I know what you mean. I used to be like you, you know. I wanted to be stronger and be able to protect the ones I care for. In the end, I had power and influence, but I lost it all. Now I'm just trying to find my way again."

Li Wei looked at him in surprise. “You had much power and influence? What was your job before you came to these mountains, brother Zun?”

Tian Zun said, “I used to be a strong cultivator, capable of turning the realm upside down with a flick of my hand!”

Li Wei looked at him in confusion, ‘’You mean something like the cultivators that gather energy from the environment to strengthen their body and gain superpower-like abilities? Just like in the ancient myths?”

Tian Zun chuckled. "Yes, something like that. But it's not just a myth, it's very much real. I was once a powerful cultivator, but I lost it all."

Li Wei looked at him with interest. "How did you lose it all?"

Tian Zun sighed. "It's a long story. Let's just say I made some mistakes and ended up paying for them dearly. But now, I'm trying to regain my strength and find my way back to where I once was."

Li Wei nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. I've made mistakes too and I couldn’t escape the punishment…”

At this point, Li Wei’s eyes shone brightly, and he said, “But if you are a cultivator, things change! You can possess the power to do the things you want to do without having to face the consequences!”

Tian Zun noticed Li Wei's interest in cultivation and decided to teach him a basic technique. He spent several days explaining the principles of cultivation and how to control the flow of Qi in one's body. Li Wei was fascinated by the knowledge and eagerly absorbed everything Tian Zun taught him.

Finally, Tian Zun decided that Li Wei was ready to learn a cultivation technique. He taught him a simple breathing exercise to help him cultivate his Qi. Li Wei practiced diligently, and with Tian Zun's guidance, he gradually became more skilled.

One day, while they were practicing together, Tian Zun noticed that Li Wei was struggling with a particular aspect of the technique. He stepped in to correct his posture and demonstrated a variation of the technique that he had developed himself.

"This variation will help you focus your Qi in your lower abdomen, which will improve your overall control," Tian Zun explained.

Li Wei tried the new variation and immediately felt a difference. His Qi flowed more smoothly, and he felt more relaxed and focused. He was grateful for Tian Zun's teachings and vowed to continue practicing diligently.

Tian Zun smiled at Li Wei's enthusiasm. "Remember, cultivation is not just about gaining power, but also about self-improvement and finding inner peace," he said.

Li Wei nodded, feeling inspired by Tian Zun's words. He was determined to continue his cultivation journey and become a better hunter and person.

As Li Wei immersed himself in cultivation, Tian Zun wasn't idle either. He had progressed to the rank 6 meridian tempering realm cultivator, thanks to his training on the mountain. "I'm grateful I discovered this mountain and chose to cultivate here. Although the natural energy isn't as dense as I'd like it to be, it's still several times denser than what's available in the city," he reflected inwardly.

As the months went on, Tian Zun and Li Wei became closer than ever. They shared everything with each other, from their fears to their hopes for the future.

One day, as they were walking through the forest, Li Wei turned to Tian Zun. "You know, I've been thinking. Maybe we could team up and become the best hunters in these mountains. With your skills and my knowledge of the area, we could make a real name for ourselves."

Tian Zun smiled. "I like the sound of that. We'll need to work hard, but I think we can do it."

As they continued walking, a loud roar suddenly echoed through the forest. They froze, looking around in alarm.

"What was that?" Li Wei asked, gripping his hunting rifle tightly.

Tian Zun's eyes narrowed. "I don't know, but it doesn't sound good. Stay alert, Li Wei."

Just then, a massive creature burst out of the trees, its eyes glowing with a fierce light. Tian Zun and Li Wei stood frozen in terror as the creature lunged towards them.