The next morning was surprisingly bright and clear, as he stirred from his meditation. His injuries were nonexistent now, the strong salve and his increased natural healing from cultivation having worked their magic.

Outside of the grotto was alive with the sound of chirping birds and the rustle of leaves a far cry from the previous day's solemnity.

Jiang Tao took a moment to admire the beautiful landscape, the mists had cleared he could finally appreciate the natural beauty of the place. From his place by the mountainside, he could see the vast expanse of the valley, a sea of green dotted with rising spires and winding rivers.

In better circumstances, he’d really like being here but they weren't.

“Zhang Yuhan! Zhou Yixing! Zhang Xinyu!” he called out again, scanning the area for any sign of his fellow sect members.

It was hopeless, silence was the only response he got unless the startled flights of the birds in the vicinity counted.

“Looks like I'm on my own out here,” he said to himself.

He hoped the others were alright, but he wouldn't be surprised if something bad happened, he thought grimly.

It made sense they'd been dropped from super high up, each with different trajectories. They likely separated by vast distances unless they were lucky, which didn't seem to be the case for him.

The loud growls from his stomach snapped him out of his stupor. He hadn't had something to eat for over 24 hours. He could go for longer periods without food with his current cultivation base but after yesterday's events, he desperately needed some refueling.

Deciding to explore further, Jiang Tao ventured down into the valley taking a running leap off the cliffside. His descent was far more controlled this time, he felt like an Airbender the way he glided easily down to the forest floor.

The valley down below was lush and humid, He had never been in a rainforest before but this was what he imagined it to be like, a thick canopy overhead, dense undergrowth, and teeming with life.

He was glad he was a cultivator cause this would be hell for an average person. His heightened senses took it all in, noting the various herbs and plants he had been taught in alchemy classes. This place was a natural treasure trove which meant it was probably also dangerous.

He began his exploration with caution, keeping his eyes peeled for anything out of place. Food and water were the priorities.

It took about an hour of exploring before his search was fruitful and he stumbled upon a sparkling brook. Its clear waters rushing over the smooth stones. Kneeling, Jiang Tao cupped his hands and drank deeply, savoring the cool, refreshing taste.

After quenching his thirst, he took a moment to fill a small flask from his storage ring, ensuring he had a supply for later.

Food was next on the agenda, the forest was teeming with plant life and lots of unfamiliar fruit but he wasn't sure he wanted to take that risk yet. He was barely halfway through qi awakening, he wasn't going to try his chances with natural poisons just yet.

The plants he did recognize weren't particularly known for their caloric value and he needed something substantial to fuel him for the next couple of days. Which meant meat.

He’d never hunted before, but first time for everything right?

It took a little trek further in before he found his quarry. He unhooked the ornamental dagger by his waist and eyed the target, a young deer like creature.

He crouched low before springing forward in an impressive burst of speed that would've had him breaking many records back on earth.

He closed the distance between himself and the deer-like creature with a deft leap. His dagger flashed in the dappled sunlight as he aimed for a swift, clean kill.

The deer-like creature sensed danger too late, its head jerking up in alarm as Jiang Tao closed the distance. The creature uttered a startled cry as his blade found its mark.

Breathing heavily, Jiang Tao knelt beside the fallen animal, his hands steady as he began the process of butchering it.

With practiced efficiency, he extracted usable meat from the creature, ensuring to leave behind enough for scavengers to feed on.

With a moment of silent gratitude for the creature's sacrifice, he turned back towards the brook to clean himself and the dagger.

He made a small campfire that took him an embarrassing amount of tries to get lit. he roasted thin strips of meat over the flames, savoring the warm, savory aroma that filled the air as the sun reached its zenith in the sky.

Now what? He thought as he chewed the gamey meat.

More exploring? The thought didn't seem appealing but he couldn't afford to stay idle.

Extinguishing the campfire he quickly finished his meal and replenished his water supply from the brook, then ventured deeper in.

The scenery changed subtly as he moved further in, the trees got larger and larger, the undergrowth sparser and sparser.

He heard them before he saw them raucous howls that echoed through the forest.

The sounds stilled him, and moving with practiced stealth, he went closer to investigate. The howls seemed to come from a nearby clearing, and Jiang Tao approached it with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Pushing through a final scrub, he emerged into a wide open space where the sight before him caused him to freeze in place.

A pack of large, wolf-like beasts prowled the clearing, their fur a mottled blend of grey and brown. Their eyes glowed with an unnatural luminescence, and their jaws dripped with saliva as they snapped and snarled at one another.

They were clearly agitated, and the reason for their agitation lay at the center of the clearing—a half-eaten carcass of a deer-like creature, similar to the one Jiang Tao had hunted earlier.

Spirit Beasts… Just when things couldn't get any worse.

Tao's mind raced. Engaging them was out of the question; he was outnumbered and unfamiliar with their capabilities.

Stealth and strategy would be his allies here. He began to slowly back away, making sure not to draw the wolves' attention. Each step was deliberate, his movements measured to avoid snapping any twigs or rustling the underbrush.

Just as he was about to slip back into the cover of the trees, one of the wolves lifted its head, sniffing the air. Its ears pricked up, and it let out a low growl.

He froze, his heart pounding a mile a minute.

I'm screwed.

The wolf's glowing eyes locked onto his position, and with a sudden, guttural bark, the entire pack turned their attention toward him.

Time seemed to slow as the wolves charged, their powerful legs propelling them forward with alarming speed.

He was running before he knew it, weaving through the forest with agility born of desperation. The howls of the wolves echoed behind him, closing the distance.

Higher ground, he needed to find higher ground, somewhere defensible where he could turn the tide of this pursuit. His eyes scanned the terrain, searching for anything that could give him an advantage.

Ahead, a large, gnarled tree stood out, its massive roots forming a natural barrier.

With a final burst of speed, Jiang Tao reached the tree and scrambled up the roots, his fingers gripping the rough bark. He pulled himself up onto a thick branch just as the first of the wolves reached the base of the tree, snapping its jaws inches from his leg.

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With a moderate burst of air, he was up in the branches.

From his perch, he could see the entire pack circling below, their eyes fixed on him with a predatory hunger. He knew he couldn't stay up there indefinitely; he needed a plan.

Eat this you stupid dogs. He thought vindictively

He extended his hand, feeling the flow of air respond to his will. With a sweeping motion, he unleashed a powerful gust of wind, sending a wave of force down toward the wolves.

The sudden blast knocked several of them back, momentarily disrupting their coordination.

Taking advantage of the momentary confusion, Jiang Tao leaped from the tree, landing with a controlled roll.

He sprinted towards a narrow ravine he had noticed earlier, hoping to use the terrain to his advantage.

The wolves, recovering quickly, resumed their pursuit. The pack was persistent, but he was determined not to become their next meal.

As he reached the edge of the ravine, Jiang Tao turned to face the oncoming pack. He planted his feet firmly and focused his qi, channeling it into his hands. The air around him crackled with energy as he prepared to unleash another wave of wind.

The first of the wolves lunged at him, and with a powerful thrust of his hands, he released the built-up energy.

The resulting shockwave blasted the lead wolf back into its packmates, the force scattering them like leaves in a storm.

Several wolves yelped in pain, their bodies thrown against the trees. Jiang Tao didn't wait for them to recover.

He turned and cleared the chasm, stumbling but landing on his feet on the other side. The wolves howled, clearly enraged at his escape.

He blew a raspberry at them, failing to contain the childish taunt. The wolves growled in frustration, their glowing eyes narrowing as they paced along the ravine's edge, unable to pursue.

“Later, suckers!” he said before bursting into a jog, putting distance between himself and the enraged pack.

The howling gradually faded as he put more distance between himself and the enraged pack.

After what felt like an eternity of running, Jiang Tao finally slowed his pace, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

He found a secluded spot under the cover of thick foliage, leaning against a tree trunk to catch his breath. His whole body trembled with exhaustion and lingering adrenaline from the encounter with the spirit beasts.

Sweat soaked his brow as he took stock of his situation.

The chase had taken him deeper into the valley, away from the immediate danger of the pack but also farther from any semblance of safety. Bye Bye to that perfect grotto.

Advance or die. That’s the motto from here on out, it seems. He mused.

The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows that danced among the trees. Nightfall in the wilderness was fast approaching.

"I need to find higher ground," Jiang Tao muttered to himself, wiping dirt and sweat from his face. Higher ground would offer a better vantage point to survey the area and maybe even his sect members.

With renewed determination, Tao pushed himself up from his resting spot and began to climb.

The forest was dense with vegetation, offering plenty of handholds and footholds for his ascent. He moved carefully, his senses alert for any signs of danger or opportunity.

After what felt like a strenuous climb, he finally reached a sturdy tree with branches that extended above the canopy. He climbed onto one of the higher branches and balanced himself, surveying the landscape around him.

The Howling Valley Territory sprawled out beneath him, a sea of boring green. Mist still hung in some areas.

From his elevated position, Tao scanned the horizon. He strained his eyes, searching for any signs of movement or landmarks that could guide him.

The valley seemed vast and largely uninhabited, with no immediate signs of human presence.

"Zhou Yixing! Zhang Yuhan!" he called out again, his voice echoing faintly through the trees. There was no response, no indication that his companions were nearby. It was a little disheartening.

Deciding to focus on practicality, Jiang Tao continued his visual sweep of the area. He spotted a distant mountain range to the east, its peaks shrouded in mist. It seemed like a plausible destination, a natural landmark that could potentially offer shelter or a higher perspective.

"That's my target," Jiang Tao murmured to himself, setting his course mentally.

It would take him a pretty long time to get there but it was the tallest peak around, he just hoped everyone else had the same idea.

With the sun dipping low it was time to find somewhere to hole up and just cultivate, he felt he could unblock another meridian. Scanning the horizon, he spotted a small mountain nearby.

Perfect, that would do.

He jumped down easily, hands over his face to shield it from the dense foliage, and landed with a thump the underbrush around him swaying from the impact.

He took a moment to gather his bearings, glancing around to ensure he hadn’t attracted any unwanted attention.

The terrain gradually changed as he approached the mountain, the undergrowth thinning out and giving way to larger rocks and scattered boulders. It was a rugged landscape, but it offered better visibility and held potential refuge for the night.

As he climbed the slopes of the mountain, Jiang Tao kept his senses sharp, wary of any potential dangers lurking in the shadows. The setting sun cast long shadows across the rocky terrain, creating a pretty stark contrast.

As he ascended, he could feel his muscles burning, but he welcomed the challenge. It kept his mind sharp and focused.

Reaching a suitable spot near the summit, Jiang Tao found a small alcove nestled between two large boulders. It provided partial shelter from the elements and offered a clear view of the surrounding valley below. It wasn't luxurious, but it was defensible—the only thing that mattered at that moment.

Jiang Tao stepped inside and set about making the cave more hospitable. He gathered some dry leaves and twigs from outside to use as tinder, then arranged a small pile of rocks to serve as a fire pit. With a spark of qi, he ignited the twigs, the small flame casting flickering shadows on the cave walls.

Once the fire was crackling merrily, He shucked off his robes and retrieved the stormsong manuscript from his storage ring.

“Best not get these soiled,” He muttered.

He settled down cross-legged near the fire, the warmth comforting after the coolness of the evening air. Closing his eyes, he centered himself, allowing his mind to enter a state of deep concentration.

With practiced ease, he began to circulate his qi according to the techniques outlined in the manuscript. Each movement and breath was deliberate, synchronized to harmonize with the natural flow of energy around him.

He started to direct his qi to the blocked meridian, feeling it out and slowly putting more and more pressure.

The cave was filled with the soft crackling of the fire and the occasional rustle of leaves outside. Jiang Tao maintained his concentration, his mind attuned to the internal and external energies converging within him.

He visualized the path of his qi, envisioning it like a river finding its course through an obstructed channel.

Hours passed, marked by the steady progression of his cultivation. He could feel the meridian resisting at first, the blockage stubborn and persistent. But with each cycle of qi, it slowly yielded.

A surge of exhilaration washed over him as he sensed the meridian starting to open. Encouraged by this progress, Jiang Tao intensified his efforts, pouring more qi into the meridian with precise control.

Eventually, as the first hints of dawn colored the horizon, Jiang Tao sensed a breakthrough.

At long last, a sensation akin to a dam breaking surged through him. The blocked meridian yielded to his efforts, qi flowed through the now newly cleared pathway.

Euphoria mixed with relief washed over him. He had succeeded. Not that there was any doubt but advancing always felt great.

With a deep breath, Jiang Tao slowly opened his eyes, his gaze calm yet bright with accomplishment. He was covered in the blacked impurities that followed the clearing of blocked meridians but he'd long gotten used to the after-effects advancement.

The light that streamed into the cave was that of an overhead sun. It looked like he’d cultivated for longer than he'd expected if it was noon.

He strolled out of the cave, his form still bare.

I need to find a river or a stream to wash this gunk off. He thought looking down at his filthy form.

Surveying the terrain from his vantage point on the mountainside, he spotted a glimmer of water not far off, catching the sunlight like a silver ribbon snaking through the forest.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Jiang Tao descended the slope carefully, his bare feet finding purchase on the rocky ground.

The path was rugged but manageable, and he navigated with the agility of someone attuned to the natural world around him.

After a short walk, the path opened up to a breathtaking sight—a cascading waterfall nestled between two cliffs, its crystal-clear waters tumbling down into a serene pool below. Jiang Tao's eyes widened in delight at the discovery.

Wasting no time, he quickly dove into the cool waters. Cleansing himself of the accumulated residue from his cultivation session.

Emerging refreshed and rejuvenated, he floated on his back for a moment, letting the tranquility of the waterfall seep into his senses.

Suddenly, a formidable aura descended, pressing down on him like a weighty mountain. He flailed helplessly in the water struggling against the unseen coercion.

Sinking like a rock as he desperately tried fighting off the pressure. Just as he thought he might black out, the crushing sensation abruptly ceased.

Jiang Tao floated to the surface, coughing and sputtering as he gulped in lungfuls of air. He struggled to orient himself, scanning his surroundings for any sign of what had attacked him.

From the tree line emerged a figure, stepping lightly onto the mossy rocks by the water's edge.

Clad in simple, yet finely crafted robes that billowed gently in the breeze, the newcomer exuded an air of calm authority. Long hair, tied back in a loose knot, framed a face marked by years of wisdom and experience.

Ah crud, caught with my pants down. He thought wryly. Literally.

"Who dares disturb the tranquility of these waters?" The voice was deep and resonant, carrying a strong note of command.