Rui and Ning Xiao moved through the jungle for what felt like days, making their way towards the mountainous region.
The beasts they had encountered were powerful, and most of the time it wasn’t worth fighting them since they would waste too much energy, putting themselves at risk.
As Rui and Ning Xiao finally emerged from the dense jungle, the landscape shifted dramatically. The thick canopy gave way to towering peaks, their jagged edges cutting into the sky like the teeth of a colossal beast. The air grew cooler and crisper, and the oppressive energy that had weighed them down in the jungle seemed to thin slightly, replaced by a different, more focused intensity.
The mountainous region was vast, with cliffs, deep ravines, and narrow paths that wound precariously along the edges. It was a harsh, unforgiving environment, but Rui felt a strange relief. The open space allowed for better visibility, and the higher altitude might offer an advantage in adapting to the realm's energy.
Ning Xiao, walking beside him, scanned the area with her sharp eyes. "We should be careful," she cautioned. "This region is likely to be home to even more dangerous creatures. But it's also where the best treasures are found."
Rui nodded in agreement. "I need to get stronger," he said with determination. "If I can harness the energy here, it might be enough to push me to the next level."
Ning Xiao glanced at him, her expression unreadable.
“Careful with what you seek... Not everyone is meant for greatness; that’s a truth that I learned the hard way. I guess you’re probably very important to your low-ranking world since you managed to get here.”
Rui’s jaw tightened at Ning Xiao's words. He knew she was right—this realm was not a place for the faint of heart. But he also knew that he had no choice. If he wanted to protect his world from the Federation, he needed to become stronger, no matter the cost.
As they moved deeper into the mountainous region, the terrain became more treacherous. Loose rocks crumbled underfoot, threatening to send them tumbling into the abyss below. The wind howled through the narrow passes, carrying with it the distant roars of unseen creatures.
"We need to find a place to set up camp," Ning Xiao suggested, her voice barely audible over the wind. "The higher we go, the more dangerous it will become, especially at night."
Rui nodded, scanning the cliffs for a suitable spot. He spotted a small, sheltered ledge jutting out from the side of the mountain, partially hidden by an overhang of rock. "There," he pointed. "That should provide some cover."
They carefully made their way to the ledge, and once they arrived, Rui called out to Yue through their spiritual contract, making sure Ning Xiao didn't notice.
"Yue," Rui began, his tone serious. "I need your help."
The artifact pulsed slightly as if acknowledging his request. Yue had been mostly silent since they entered the realm, its power limited by the constraints of the environment. But Rui knew that even in its weakened state, Yue could still be useful.
“What do you require of me, master?” Yue’s voice was calm, though there was an undercurrent of hopefulness in it, as if eager to prove its worth.
Rui paused, considering Yue’s words. He knew that Yue's abilities were limited, especially in this treacherous environment. But he also knew that every advantage, no matter how small, could make a difference here.
"I need you to scan the area. Remember every detail and relay anything that you might find interesting, such as energy signatures or creatures.”
Yue pulsed in response, a soft glow emanating from the artifact.
"Understood, master. I will do what I can."
As Yue began its scan, Rui glanced at Ning Xiao, who was busy setting up a makeshift camp.
Her words from earlier still lingered in his mind—her caution about seeking greatness and about the dangers that lay ahead. Rui wasn’t one to dismiss such warnings lightly, but he couldn’t afford to be deterred either. He had made a promise to himself and to his world, and he intended to keep it.
Ning Xiao looked up from her task, her gaze meeting Rui’s. “You’re awfully quiet,” she observed. “You wouldn’t shut up when I was teaching you things, but now you’re acting cold.”
Rui offered a faint smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes.
“I’ve learned that silence often speaks louder than words,” he replied. “Besides, it’s the cautious ones who survive in places like this.”
Ning Xiao tilted her head slightly, studying him.
“Is that what you think? That you’re being cautious?”
Rui shrugged, turning his attention back to the landscape.
“Caution and ambition aren’t mutually exclusive. I know what I’m getting into, and I know the risks. But I also know that staying still is not an option for me.”
The wind howled around them, carrying with it a chill that seemed to seep into the very bones. Rui and Ning Xiao worked in silence, setting up their camp on the precarious ledge. The small fire they managed to start crackled weakly against the wind, casting flickering shadows on the rugged rock face.
As the evening settled in, the sky above them transformed into a tapestry of deep purples and fiery oranges, the colors reflecting off the jagged peaks around them. The high altitude offered a breathtaking view, but Rui's focus remained on the task at hand. He was too worn out from the journey to fully appreciate the scenery.
Yue’s scanning process continued, its soft glow casting a faint luminescence on Rui’s face as he sat cross-legged, meditating to regain his strength. He could feel the subtle fluctuations of energy around him, a sign that Yue was actively working. Now and then, the artifact emitted a faint pulse, signaling that it had detected something of note.
Ning Xiao, sitting across the fire, seemed lost in thought. She stared into the flames, her expression distant. Occasionally, her gaze would flicker toward Rui, as if she were contemplating something significant.
“There are many who come to this realm,” she said suddenly, breaking the silence. “Some come seeking power, others search for knowledge, and a few are driven by more personal motives. But the ones who survive are the ones who adapt and make use of every advantage they can find.”
Rui glanced at her, noting the thoughtful tone in her voice.
“And what about you? What drives you?”
Ning Xiao's eyes met his; her expression was inscrutable. “Curiosity and ambition,” she said simply. “I seek to understand the limits of my power and to explore the unknown. This realm is a place where both can be tested.”
Her words resonated with Rui. He understood the allure of pushing boundaries and discovering new potential. It was part of why he had come here—to grow stronger, to become more than he was.
Suddenly, Yue’s pulse intensified, drawing Rui’s attention. Yue’s voice rang out softly,
“Master, I’ve detected several energy signatures approaching our location. They’re coming from different directions and appear to be converging.”
Rui’s heart skipped a beat.
“How many?”
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
“Three distinct signatures,” Yue responded. “They seem to be moving in a coordinated manner.”
“Beasts or other travelers?”
“It’s hard to say with certainty,” Yue replied. “But given the nature of this realm, I would advise caution.”
Rui quickly rose to his feet, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. He grabbed his sword and checked the surroundings. The mountainous terrain provided both advantages and disadvantages: while it offered some cover, it also made it easy for ambushers to approach without being seen.
“I’m surprised you also sensed the energy signatures. Well, at least we are both prepared now.
Ning Xiao chuckled and made fun of him, though her demeanor shifted from casual to focused in an instant. She readied herself, her movements precise and fluid as if she had anticipated the possibility of danger all along.
The fire’s light flickered and danced, casting eerie shadows on the rocks. The tension in the air was palpable as they awaited the arrival of whatever or whoever was approaching. Rui's mind raced, considering their options. They could potentially use the terrain to their advantage, but they needed to be prepared for anything.
Moments later, the first of the energy signatures came into view—a creature that resembled a cross between a mountain lion and a serpentine dragon. Its scales gleamed with a metallic sheen, and its eyes glowed with a malevolent light. It moved with a grace that belied its size, slinking along the edge of the cliff.
Rui and Ning Xiao watched in tense silence as it approached, its head swiveling as if searching for them. The creature’s presence was imposing, and its aura was heavy with hostility.
A second signature followed—a hulking, gorilla-like beast with fur as black as night and eyes that burned with a fiery intensity. It roared, the sound reverberating through the mountains, causing loose rocks to tumble down the slopes.
The third entity was less visible but no less intimidating—a shadowy figure that seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding darkness. Its presence was unnerving; a palpable sense of dread emanated from it.
Rui’s grip tightened around [Sun Cutter] as he and Ning Xiao observed the approaching creatures. The mountain lion-dragon hybrid, the gorilla-like beast, and the shadowy figure formed a formidable and unsettling trio. He could feel the oppressive energy from each of them.
Ning Xiao’s eyes flickered with a mix of anticipation and calculation. She glanced at Rui, her expression unreadable. “We have to be strategic about this,” she said quietly. “If we engage recklessly, we might be overwhelmed.”
Rui nodded, his mind racing. The combination of beasts and the enigmatic figure meant they were up against a well-coordinated threat.
“Let’s use the terrain to our advantage. We’ll fight defensively and try to separate them if we can.”
Ning Xiao’s lips curled into a faint smile.
“Agreed. I’ll handle the Shadow Daemon. You focus on the other two. The mountain lion-dragon and the gorilla will be our immediate concerns.”
The creatures closed in, their presence growing more intense. The mountain lion-dragon hybrid’s eyes locked onto Rui, its metallic scales catching the faint light from the fire. The gorilla-like beast roared again, its eyes fixed on Ning Xiao. The shadowy figure, shrouded in darkness, seemed to merge with the night, but its malevolent aura was unmistakable.
Rui braced himself, channeling his energy into activating [Heaven's Shielding Barrier] and [Heaven's Eternal Lotus]. The mountain lion-dragon leaped forward with surprising agility, its claws extending towards Rui. The attack reached the barrier, only to be deflected back.
Screaming in horror, the beast took the brunt of its attack, its metallic scales seeming to absorb and redirect some of the force. The creature let out a furious snarl, its eyes blazing with anger. It lunged again, but Rui’s agility allowed him to stay just out of reach, using the jagged rocks to create obstacles between them.
Meanwhile, Ning Xiao faced the gorilla-like beast. Its fiery eyes locked onto her, and with a powerful roar, it charged. Ning Xiao moved with fluid grace, her form a blur of motion as she evaded the beast’s ferocious attacks. She struck with precision; her strikes were aimed at the creature’s weak points, but the gorilla-like beast’s thick fur absorbed some of the impact, making it harder to inflict significant damage.
The shadowy figure remained hidden in the darkness, its presence a constant, unsettling force. Ning Xiao occasionally glanced towards it, sensing its malicious intent. She knew that dealing with this entity would require a different approach, one that involved more than brute force.
As Rui continued to fight the mountain lion-dragon hybrid, he noticed that its movements were becoming more erratic. The creature was wounded; its once fluid motions were now marred by pain and frustration. Rui took advantage of this, launching a series of quick, precise strikes aimed at weakening it further. [Heaven's Devastation Slash], along with [Dimensional Slash], were enough to fight it off.
Suddenly, the shadowy figure materialized behind him, its form coalescing into a humanoid shape. Rui’s instincts kicked in, and he spun around just in time to see a dark, clawed hand reaching towards him. He barely managed to block the barrier skills, but the force of the blow sent him staggering backward.
The shadowy figure’s eyes glowed with an eerie light, and it seemed to radiate an aura of fear and despair. Rui could feel the weight of its presence pressing down on him, sapping his strength and making it harder to concentrate.
Ning Xiao’s attention shifted to the new threat. She moved with a sudden burst of speed, her form a blur as she engaged the shadowy figure. Her strikes were precise and calculated, aimed at disrupting the figure’s concentration and breaking through its defenses.
With Ning Xiao’s intervention, the shadowy figure seemed to falter, its dark aura flickering and wavering. It let out a soundless wail; its form was momentarily unstable. Ning Xiao pressed her advantage; her attacks were relentless.
Rui, using the brief respite provided by Ning Xiao’s actions, refocused on the mountain lion-dragon hybrid. The creature was visibly weakened, its movements sluggish, and its snarls less frequent. Rui saw an opportunity and pressed the attack, his strikes more determined than ever.
With a final, powerful blow, Rui drove his sword into the creature’s side, striking a vital area. The mountain lion-dragon hybrid let out a pained roar, its body convulsing before collapsing to the ground, defeated.
The gorilla-like beast, seeing the fall of its ally, roared in frustration and redoubled its efforts against Ning Xiao. But she remained focused, her movements precise, and her attacks more effective. Finally, with a well-placed strike, she managed to land a critical hit, and the beast fell, its massive form hitting the ground with a thud.
The shadowy figure, now left alone, seemed to waver and lose cohesion. It emitted a final, ghostly wail before dissipating into the night, its form vanishing into the darkness.
Breathing heavily, Rui and Ning Xiao took a moment to catch their breath. The battle had been fierce, but they had managed to overcome the threats. The area around them was littered with the remains of the defeated creatures, and the firelight flickered weakly against the encroaching darkness.
Ning Xiao’s eyes met Rui’s; a look of respect mingled with exhaustion in her gaze. “You handled yourself well,” she said, her tone more sincere than before. “We make a good team.”
Rui nodded, his breath still coming in ragged gasps. He hadn’t used any of his true abilities in this battle since he didn’t want to show his trump cards to Ning Xiao, but it still took a lot of effort to kill the beasts.
“We did what we had to do. But we need to stay alert. This realm isn’t done with us yet.”
Ning Xiao agreed, her expression growing serious.
“We should search the area for anything valuable and then move on. There are likely more dangers ahead, and we need to be prepared.”
Rui and Ning Xiao began to search the remains of the defeated creatures, hoping to find anything useful. The mountain lion-dragon hybrid's metallic scales were particularly intriguing; they were a shimmering, iridescent blue that reflected the firelight in strange patterns.
Ning Xiao examined the scales with a practiced eye. “These could be useful,” she said, her tone thoughtful. “The scales might have properties that enhance defensive abilities or even possess unique energy signatures.”
Rui nodded, taking a few samples of the scales and placing them inside his inventory. He still couldn’t understand how R.A.I. had yet to answer him, but the system worked just fine. He continued his search around the gorilla-like beast's remains, finding a set of massive claws that, despite their appearance, seemed to pulse with a faint energy.
“This might be a good material for crafting,” Rui mused. “If we can find a blacksmith or enchanter, these claws could be turned into something formidable.”
Ning Xiao glanced over, raising an eyebrow. “You’re quite the optimist. Most of what we find in this realm is beyond our current capabilities. But it’s always worth taking a closer look.”
The shadowy figure’s disappearance left little to find. There was no tangible residue, just a faint sense of dread that seemed to linger in the air. Rui and Ning Xiao turned their attention back to their surroundings, assessing the area for any other potential threats or advantages.
After collecting what they could, Ning Xiao pointed towards the higher slopes. “We should move. This ledge is a temporary solution. The higher we go, the better our chances of finding a safer place and encountering fewer aggressive creatures.”
Rui agreed, his body still tense from the recent battle. “Let’s make sure we don’t leave any tracks. We don’t want to draw more attention to ourselves.”
With their newly acquired materials stowed away, Rui and Ning Xiao began their ascent. The mountain paths were narrow and treacherous, requiring careful footing. As they climbed higher, the air grew thinner, and the temperature dropped further. Rui could feel the weight of exhaustion on his shoulders, but the need to press on kept him moving.
His inability to fly in the realm had impacted him, making everything much harder.
The landscape became even more rugged as they climbed, with towering rock formations and sheer cliffs making every step a challenge. Yet, despite the harsh conditions, Rui felt a growing sense of anticipation. This realm, with all its dangers, was pushing him to his limits—and beyond.
Ning Xiao led the way with confidence, her movements precise and sure. Despite her earlier aloofness, Rui could sense her underlying respect for the challenges they faced. Her eyes were sharp, constantly scanning their surroundings for any signs of trouble.
After several hours of climbing, they finally came upon a secluded plateau, sheltered from the harsh winds by the surrounding cliffs. The area was surprisingly serene, with a small, clear pool of water and patches of hardy vegetation clinging to the rocky ground.
“This should do for now,” Ning Xiao said, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet. “We can set up a more secure camp here.”