After a short break to catch my breath, I clenched my wrist, feeling the newfound strength coursing through my body. It was undeniable—I had grown stronger than yesterday. My muscles, once weak and untested, now carried a hardened resilience. I was only at the initial stage of the Path of Body, with three more levels ahead: mid, peak, and perfect. Right now, my techniques were still basic, merely laying the foundation. But once I reached the perfect stage, a new world of advanced training would open before me.

I exhaled sharply, exhaustion pressing down on me. The pain from my relentless training clung to my body, a dull ache that refused to fade. But instead of diving straight back into practice, I sat cross-legged and began prāṇāyāma, drawing in slow, controlled breaths to restore my depleted will. My mind wavered between focus and fatigue, but I forced myself to continue. Only when strength returned to my limbs did I rise and resume training.

A Month of Pain and Progress

This grueling cycle continued for an entire month.

Day after day, I pushed past my limits, ignoring hunger, pain, and the crushing silence of isolation. My body trembled under the strain, yet I refused to stop. At times, doubt whispered in my mind.

Was this truly the right path? Could I endure this forever?

Each time, I crushed those thoughts and pressed on.

With each passing day, I could feel my strength becoming more refined. My body adapted to the harsh conditions, my strikes becoming sharper, my footwork steadier. The once unbearable exhaustion became manageable. My breath control, honed through prāṇāyāma, allowed me to endure longer.

Still, my progress began to slow.

Where I once advanced swiftly, now each step forward required twice the effort. If reaching the peak of the initial stage took a month, then the mid-stage might take another month. The next stage… could take twice as long—or longer. The path ahead stretched endlessly, daunting yet irresistible.

But there was something more pressing.

I had to leave.

Leaving the Shelter

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The hollowed tree had served as my shelter, but it was never meant to be a permanent refuge. Beasts lurked outside, their growls and heavy footfalls a constant reminder of the dangers beyond. Some had already tested my defenses, clawing at the entrance, slamming against the fragile cover. More than once, I had to brace the barrier with my own body to keep them out.

My spiritual energy helped reinforce it, but I knew the truth—staying here too long meant becoming prey.

Now, things were different. I was stronger.

A month ago, I struggled against even a low Energy Transformation beast. Now, I could face a mid-stage one without faltering. That alone was proof of my growth.

Determined, I began removing the rocks and pebbles blocking the entrance. As I stepped out of the hollow, the outside world greeted me like a forgotten memory. The sun’s warmth spread across my skin—a stark contrast to the damp cold I had grown used to. My eyes, accustomed to darkness, took a moment to adjust.

The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and rotting leaves. A faint breeze carried the distant cries of unseen creatures. I scanned my surroundings, senses sharp. At the edge of my vision, movement flickered—small beasts, watching, waiting.

None strong enough to challenge me now.

I took a deep breath, letting the untamed energy of the forest seep into my lungs.

It was time to move forward.

Deeper Into the Unknown

Taking one last look at the place that had been both my prison and my refuge, I turned my back on it and ventured deeper into the forest. There had to be more here—something beyond the book that had made the past Guardians strong.

As I walked, I noticed a pattern.

Most of the beasts I encountered were at the peak of the Essence Gathering realm. Occasionally, I spotted Energy Transformation realm beasts from a distance. Using Appraisal, I identified them before they noticed me and swiftly avoided their line of sight.

The deeper I ventured, the stronger the beasts became.

It was as if the land itself dictated that only the strong may advance.

Eventually, I found myself in a territory where every beast I encountered was in the Energy Transformation realm. The air grew dense with spiritual energy, and the surroundings took on an almost mystical quality. Towering trees with luminous vines lined my path, their glow casting eerie shadows across the forest floor. Strange, unseen creatures rustled in the undergrowth, their presence both intriguing and menacing.

The sheer density of energy here made me wonder—what kind of beings lived even deeper?

A Treasure Hidden in the Wild

Then, amidst the thick vegetation, something caught my eye.

Some plants emitted a faint glow, and beasts lingered near them, almost as if guarding a treasure. Curiosity piqued, I activated Appraisal—and the results were revealing:

[10-YEAR-OLD SPIRIT GRASS: A plant that has absorbed the world’s essence for 10 years.]

My breath hitched.

This wasn’t just any herb—this was a treasure. A magical plant capable of accelerating cultivation, valuable to both humans and beasts alike. If refined properly, it could provide a significant boost in strength.

I had stumbled upon something invaluable.

This forest held more than just danger—it held the very resources that had made past Guardians strong. Their growth hadn’t come from the book alone; the land itself had forged them into legends.

But I wasn’t the only one who understood the value of these resources.

As I observed the Spirit Grass, I noticed movement. A shadow passed through the trees, its presence almost imperceptible. My instincts screamed at me to move. Without hesitation, I darted behind a tree, suppressing my breath.

A moment later, the figure emerged.

A beast—larger than any I had encountered so far. Mid-stage Energy Transformation. Its eyes glowed with intelligence, scanning the area as if it sensed my presence.

Guardian beasts…

The realization struck me. These plants weren’t unprotected. The beasts guarded them.

And I was now in their territory.

My pulse steadied as I watched the creature. It wasn’t attacking—yet. I had a choice. I could retreat and return later, better prepared. Or… I could test my strength against a real opponent.

I flexed my fingers, feeling the weight of my training.