As I headed toward the waiting hall, a voice stopped me.
A woman's voice—confident and smooth.
"Amazing," she said, arms folded casually. "Defeating Guo Yue, the 'Wild Bull' himself. Sure, he's only level 70, but when it comes to pure strength, endurance, and defense, he could beat half of us here."
I turned slightly, catching sight of her. She wasn't just strong in voice; her presence was sharp too, standing out among the crowd.
She smirked and added, "Name's Hua Jingyi. I guess Lin Mei or my old man already mentioned me?"
I kept walking past her, a small smile tugging at my lips.
Hua Jingyi...
Her name meant "Quiet Elegance"—fitting, yet it felt like there was a wildness under her calm exterior.
"I'm going out for a bit," I said over my shoulder.
She blinked. "Skipping the rest of the fights?"
"I'm not really interested," I said. "There are better opponents out there. Monsters waiting beyond these walls. Skills I need to sharpen."
Hua Jingyi chuckled lightly, her voice trailing after me. "Suit yourself, warrior."
I didn't look back. My mind was already on the hunt.
As soon as I stepped outside the arena grounds, I didn't waste time.
I ventured straight toward the forest, each step pulling me deeper into the thick, untamed wilds. The trees grew taller here, twisted and ancient, their branches clawing at the sky.
The deeper I went, the quieter it became — no birdsong, no wind. Just a heavy, expectant silence.
I could feel it.
Something was watching.
Then suddenly—
[Ding!]
> [Monster Detected!]
Name: Thornstag
Level: 57
Type: Guardian Beast
Description: A towering forest guardian — part stag, part ancient tree — crowned with massive, thorned antlers. Normally peaceful, but will attack with ferocity if its forest is threatened.
I narrowed my eyes.
There it was — a colossal figure between the trees, its body armored with bark and moss, antlers sharp enough to skewer a bear. The Thornstag radiated a heavy, almost sacred aura, ancient and wrathful.
I crouched low, grabbing a heavy rock from the ground.
Without hesitation, I hurled it straight at the creature.
Thunk!
The rock hit its armored flank.
The Thornstag's head jerked toward me, its glowing green eyes burning with sudden fury.
The earth rumbled slightly as it pawed at the ground, readying a charge.
A slow, eager grin curled across my lips.
"Good," I muttered, tightening my fists.
"I needed another warm up."
The Thornstag reared back, its massive form quivering with rage.
[Skill Activated: Bramble Charge]
Without warning, it rushed forward, the ground ripping apart as sharp thorned vines sprouted from its path, lashing out wildly.
I sidestepped just in time, feeling the slicing air whip past my cheek.
"Tch. Fast for a walking tree," I muttered.
Before I could react further—
[Skill Activated: Nature's Wrath]
The ground exploded beneath me as thick roots and vines surged upward, slamming into me with brutal force.
My body crashed against the dirt, dust and leaves scattering into the air.
I grunted but stayed calm.
Compared to the beatings I'd taken before, this was nothing. My body, trained through countless hardships, was built for this.
I sighed through the sting, pushing myself up.
The vines tried to bind my legs — but I grabbed them first.
With a hard yank, I hooked the thick vines around my arms, locking them in tight.
"Your mistake," I whispered, muscles flexing.
My back arched, muscles swelling and tensing like steel cables.
I pulled with all my strength, dragging the Thornstag toward me.
Its hooves dug into the ground, but it was too late.
Momentum was mine.
I planted my feet firm, coiling my strength like a spring—
and then unleashed it.
"Ragnarok Reel!"
My fist rocketed forward, muscles bursting with raw power.
The air itself seemed to warp around my knuckles as they smashed toward the Thornstag's towering chest, ready to rip through bark, bone, and anything else in the way.
My fist collided with the Thornstag's chest like a cannon blast.
CRACK!
The towering beast flew backward, tearing up the earth beneath its hooves, before it smashed into a massive tree, the trunk splintering under the impact.
Leaves and shards of bark rained down like a storm.
I landed smoothly, backstepping, my muscles still humming from the force of the hit.
Dust and broken branches filled the air between us.
The Thornstag groaned, its massive body sagging against the broken tree.
For a moment, I thought it would stay down.
But no — it forced itself up, staggering, its thorny antlers drooping, its legs trembling.
Then — it began to heal.
Skill Activated: Verdant Renewal
The earth beneath the Thornstag pulsed with energy, sending vines wrapping around its legs, healing the beast as it absorbed power from the soil. Its wounds sealed, and the massive creature stood taller, renewed.
I narrowed my eyes.
"Tch… that skill…" I muttered, smirking.
"That's worth stealing."
My grip tightened on my fists. This wasn't over.
"Alright," I said, a grin creeping onto my face.
"Time to finish this."
The Thornstag, healing steadily from its earlier wounds, roared and lunged toward me once again. Its massive body was powerful, its antlers sharp as ever, and its eyes glinted with a dangerous focus. I could feel the ground tremble as it charged, but I wasn't going to let it have the upper hand this time.
I grinned. This time, it's my turn.
With a surge of energy building in my core, I pulled my body back, preparing for the perfect strike.
Skill Activated: Scorched Requiem
My leg shot out in a blur of fiery speed. The heat radiated from me as I moved—every muscle in my body tensing with purpose. I was a blur of motion, the very air around me crackling with the force of the flames building on my foot.
As the Thornstag closed in, I pivoted on my back foot, raising my other leg with lightning speed. My foot whipped up in a vicious hook kick, and the heat of the fire wrapped around my limb, turning it into a burning extension of fury.
The kick connected squarely with the Thornstag's throat.
WHAM!
The impact echoed like a clap of thunder, and the force of the kick sent the beast's massive head jerking backward. The sound of the blow was followed by a violent burst of flames that erupted around its neck, as if the very air had ignited in an explosion of heat.
The Thornstag let out a strangled roar, its body faltering as the flames from my kick burned deep into its skin. I could feel the power of the impact send shockwaves through the monster's body, rattling its bones.
But I wasn't done.
As the Thornstag staggered, gasping for air, I wasn't about to let it recover. I took a step forward, following the momentum of my fiery attack. I slammed my fist into its throat, the force of my strike magnified by the lingering heat from my kick. The monster's throat buckled under the blow, and the flames from my earlier attack flared up once again, burning the beast's skin as it recoiled in agony.
The Thornstag stumbled backward, clutching its neck, but the fire that scorched its throat refused to relent. The flames curled and twisted, continuing to burn its flesh. The pain was overwhelming.
I stepped back, watching the creature struggle to stay on its feet. Its body writhed and staggered as it fought against the flames and the shock of the impact, but it was clear it had taken a devastating blow.
The Thornstag, weakened and faltering, seemed to recognize the fight was not in its favor.
The Thornstag, its body wracked with pain from the devastating attacks, let out one final roar—a sound of defiance that quickly turned to a gurgled growl as the flames continued to ravage its throat. Its legs buckled beneath it, and with one last shudder, the creature collapsed to the ground, smoke rising from its charred skin.
I stood over it, watching as the creature's life force slowly ebbed away. The air was thick with the scent of burning flesh and earth, and the ground beneath my feet felt as though it was trembling in response to the creature's death.
A sense of satisfaction washed over me, but I didn't allow myself to relax.
I closed my eyes and focused.
Skill Activated: Copy Skill
I could feel the energy of the Thornstag's essence lingering in the air, the connection forming between me and the monster's unique abilities. It was like tapping into a well of energy that had once sustained the beast. The roots of the forest seemed to pulse in time with my own heartbeat as I drew in the power from the creature's final moments.
The Verdant Renewal skill surged through me—a rush of vitality, like an ancient power flowing into my very veins. I could feel the earth beneath me respond to my call, its energy shifting as the healing ability took hold within me. The familiar warmth of the earth's life force embraced me, and I opened my eyes, the knowledge of the skill now embedded in my mind.
I had done it.
The Verdant Renewal skill was now mine.
A healing power that absorbed energy from the very ground beneath my feet, allowing me to heal over time by drawing from the earth's natural energy. The Thornstag had used it to regenerate itself, and now I would wield its strength, using the forest itself to mend my wounds or restore my vitality.
I smirked to myself, feeling the energy already working its way through my body, knitting together any minor injuries I had sustained during the battle. The skill felt powerful, a force of nature that would prove invaluable in the future.
I glanced at the fallen Thornstag, grateful for the opportunity. It had been a worthy opponent, but now its power—its healing power—was mine to command.
As I stood there, basking in the aftermath of the battle, a small, self-satisfied grin spread across my face. The Verdant Renewal skill pulsed within me, and I could already feel its calming effects, healing my bruises and restoring the energy I had expended in the fight.
But just as I was about to turn away from the Thornstag's remains, the ground beneath me seemed to vibrate with a strange energy. A low rumble echoed in the distance, almost like a warning.
I froze, my instincts kicking in.
System Notification: Monster Detected – Rare Class (Tier 2) Monster Name: Bǎi Lóng (白龙) Description: The White Dragon – A fierce, martial arts-trained dragon spirit that manifests in human form, protecting sacred grounds and skilled in hand-to-hand combat.
I quickly scanned the surroundings, every muscle in my body tensing. The air seemed to grow colder, a sharp, biting chill sweeping over the forest as if the very atmosphere had changed in response to the arrival of something ancient and powerful.
I could hear a faint sound, like the whisper of wind moving through trees—but it wasn't the wind. No, this was something far more menacing, a presence that made the very air around me feel charged with an ominous energy.
And then, emerging from the shadows, a figure appeared.
A tall, imposing figure. At first, I thought it was a man, but then I saw the unmistakable glow of scales beneath a flowing white robe. His hair was long and as white as the snow itself, his eyes a piercing, icy blue that seemed to freeze the air around him. His aura was vast—powerful, ancient, and refined.
The Bǎi Lóng, the White Dragon.
The creature's presence sent a shiver down my spine, and I instinctively braced myself. This wasn't just any monster. It was a spirit of legend, a being that seemed as though it belonged to a different time. Its martial arts prowess, the way it moved—everything about it screamed danger.
It stepped forward, and its eyes locked onto mine. There was a moment of silent acknowledgment, as if the creature was sizing me up, weighing my worth in some ancient, otherworldly manner.
And then, in a calm, almost regal voice, it spoke.
"Your strength is notable, human. But you will not leave here unscathed."
The ground beneath us seemed to tremble again, but I didn't flinch. Instead, I felt a rush of adrenaline surge through my veins. The Bǎi Lóng was powerful, but I had my own tricks up my sleeve now, and this dragon would not intimidate me.
I raised my fists, ready to face this new challenge head-on. The fight wasn't over, not yet.
This was only the beginning.
I charged forward, determined to land the first blow. My fist moved like lightning—a powerful hook punch aimed at his head. But the Bǎi Lóng moved with incredible speed, effortlessly dodging to the side. His eyes narrowed in amusement, almost as if he was testing my abilities, but I didn't care. This was a fight for survival.
I didn't let up.
Spinning on my heel, I executed a middle back kick, the heel of my foot aimed squarely at his torso. He blocked it with ease, his arms moving with a fluid, practiced grace. But I wasn't done yet. The momentum from my kick flowed seamlessly into a back elbow, the sharp edge of my elbow heading straight for his jaw.
His reflexes were fast. He dodged the strike just in time, moving like a blur, but I could feel the raw power in his movements. Every attack from him felt like a warning, each dodge and block a testament to his overwhelming experience.
I didn't hesitate.
I went for a straight punch, my fist rocketing forward with precision. But as I closed the distance, his hand shot out like a serpent's strike, slamming into my chest with an immense force. The impact sent a shockwave through my body, and before I could react, I was launched backward, stumbling several steps to regain my footing.
His palm glowed faintly, and with an eerie calmness, he spoke, his voice dripping with ancient wisdom.
"Strength without control is nothing more than a fleeting storm. To master the storm is to wield true power."
The words echoed in my mind as I steadied myself, the power in his strike still reverberating through my chest. I gritted my teeth, frustration beginning to bubble beneath the surface. This dragon wasn't just a physical opponent—he was a master of the mind as well, his words as sharp as his attacks.
I knew then that this fight wouldn't be won with brute force alone. I had to be more calculated, more precise. Every move counted.
I crouched low, my body coiled like a spring ready to snap. The world seemed to slow as I took a moment to center myself. With a sudden shift, I exploded into motion, darting sideways with fluid precision, the quick lateral jump sending me into a rapid, almost graceful movement, like water flowing, no wasted effort.
I landed softly on the balls of my feet, a calculated bounce that kept me light on my toes. The distance between us was still there, but it didn't matter—my focus was razor-sharp, eyes locked on his every movement.
I took a deep breath, my body still and ready, waiting for that fleeting moment when he would strike. It was like the calm before the storm, the anticipation buzzing through my muscles. Every part of me was prepared to move in an instant, no hesitation, no doubt.
Bǎi Lóng's eyes narrowed, sensing the shift in my energy. He was sizing me up, his own posture steady, but I could feel the tension building in the air.
It was like the dance of a martial artist—he with his ancient power, and me, grounded and ready to strike at the perfect moment. I tensed, feeling the force building in my core. Every movement in my body told the same story: Be ready. The fight was far from over, and I was ready to show him the skill and power of my own fighting style.
In that stillness, I was already moving. Ready for anything. Ready to make my next move count.
Just like Bruce Lee would say, "Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own." And this fight was mine to finish.
We locked eyes, the air between us crackling with anticipation. A grin tugged at the corners of my mouth, my heart racing as the tension in the air thickened. Then, without warning, we both moved—exploding toward each other.
I shot forward with Whirlwind Rush, my body a blur as I dashed in, fist flying toward his face. His response was immediate—Dragon Rush, his fist rocketing toward me with terrifying speed. Our fists collided with a sickening crack, the shockwave from the impact rattling through my bones, but neither of us flinched. I immediately followed up, spinning my body with a back fist aimed at his jaw. His arm came up just in time, meeting my strike with a sharp clang.
Before I could even pull back, he was already there—his fist slamming into my ribs with bone-crushing force. I grunted, but I didn't give ground. With a snarl, I drove my knee into his gut, only to be met with a crushing blow to my chest. The force of his palm strike sent me stumbling back, but I kept my balance, my eyes narrowing with focus.
He didn't give me a second to breathe. His next move was brutal—a low, rising punch aimed at my solar plexus. I twisted sideways, narrowly dodging, and countered with a fast jab toward his face. His fist shot up in perfect synchronicity, smashing into mine with a resounding crack, but neither of us stopped.
We were locked in a brutal rhythm, our bodies moving like lightning. My leg snapped forward in a quick roundhouse, aimed at his head. He leaned back just in time, the kick grazing his face as he ducked under and spun around with a devastating backfist. I barely dodged, my foot hitting the ground as I pivoted and launched into a vicious straight punch. He caught my fist mid-air with his own, his grip like iron.
The tension in the air was unbearable. My foot lashed out with a low kick to his knee, but he absorbed the blow with a grunt and retaliated with an elbow that struck my ribs. I staggered back but forced my legs to stay firm. His fist shot forward in a quick jab to my stomach, but I managed to twist away, my own fist coming down in a brutal overhand strike.
Each blow we traded seemed to echo in the empty space, our bodies taking the punishment, but refusing to yield. My leg shot out again, this time with a high kick aimed at his temple. He blocked it with his forearm, the sheer force of the clash sending vibrations up my leg. But I didn't stop there—I followed up with a snap kick to his midsection, but he responded with a fierce jab to my jaw, the force snapping my head back.
We were like two storms clashing—blow after blow, neither of us willing to give in. I threw another punch, my body twisting with power, but his fist met mine in mid-air, both of us pushing with everything we had. The sheer intensity of our attacks reverberated through the air, the force of each strike making the ground beneath us shake.
His body moved like a machine, his fists and feet coming at me from every angle. I ducked, spun, and blocked as best I could, but his attacks were relentless. Then, in the blink of an eye, I saw my opening. I feinted to the left, then snapped a devastating uppercut straight toward his chin. His head jerked back from the blow, but before I could land another, his fist exploded toward my chest. I barely blocked it, the sheer power of his punch driving me back several steps.
We stood there for a second, panting, our chests rising and falling in unison. Sweat poured down our faces, our bodies bruised, but the fire in our eyes never dimmed. We were both breathing heavy, but there was no slowing down. No stopping this fight.
I could feel the pressure building, every fiber of my body screaming for relief, but there was no relief coming. The fight had become pure instinct now—fist against fist, kick against kick, two forces colliding until one of us fell.
And I wasn't about to be the one to fall.