Fox Bear

As Alex stepped out of the academy gate. Seeing no one around, he immediately sprinted, utilizing the shadow steps he had practiced for the past two months, heading towards the forest.

The mountains behind the city weren't just small peaks; they served as an entrance to a vast mountain range. This range held numerous treasures, spiritual medicines that had been growing for thousands of years, ferocious beasts, and various other elements that could easily spark greed in people's hearts. However, it also posed countless dangers.

In the preceding two months, Alex visited the market near the mountain range three times and purchased a map detailing the habitats of various monsters in the forest.

Continuing to channel mana into the meridians of his legs, with each step, Alex found himself able to cover several meters on the ground.

In this world, cultivation manuals and battle skills are categorized into Human, Earth, King, Heaven, Emperor, and finally Holy Ranks.

The shadow steps Alex is currently practicing belong to the Human Rank battle skill category, requiring at least the strength of Foundation Establishment 2nd level. This is because possessing sufficient mana is crucial for unleashing the full potential of a battle skill.

Insufficient mana would render even the most powerful Holy battle skill merely decorative, emphasizing the importance of both strength and adequate mana.

So it's essential for individuals to focus not only on mastering battle skills but also on advancing their cultivation. This dual emphasis ensures they can unleash their maximum potential by combining skill proficiency with heightened strength.

After a brief run on the narrow path, Alex entered the forest's periphery. Eager to test his strength, he looked around and found a large rock, over 5 feet in length and 2 feet in width.

Inhaling deeply, he drew his sword and executed the Human Rank technique 'lightning slash.'

A seamless connection formed between his body and the sword, enabling precise mana manipulation.

In an instant, a small shockwave rippled through the area, cleanly splitting the massive rock into two halves. Alex wore a pleased expression, sensing an improvement in his sword technique proficiency.

Notably, there exists a substantial power gap between the third and fourth levels of the Foundation Establishment stage. At the third level, one could only manage to shatter a small portion of a rock in front of him.

Suddenly, Alex heard faint footsteps of a monster, prompting him to swiftly turn around and scan his surroundings.

If this had occurred yesterday, he might not have been able to discern the sound, but after reaching the 4th level, his heightened senses, particularly hearing, proved remarkably clear.

Although the footsteps were barely audible, drawing from Alex's past experiences and knowledge passed down by his grandfather, it resembled the sound of a large monster. Despite the familiarity, an inexplicable sense of danger made him cautious.

As the branches and leaves rustled, a blue hand extended forward, revealing a two-meter-tall blue bear lurking behind the branches.

The faint sense of crisis that Alex felt earlier now seemed correct, urging him not to underestimate the situation.

As the blue hand emerged through the parted branches and leaves, revealing a two-meter-tall blue bear, Alex's gaze carefully swept over the creature. Upon noticing the distinctive fox-like ears, a delighted expression replaced his initial caution.

This formidable beast was no ordinary bear; it was a Fox Bear, a notorious creature in the forest periphery known for combining the strength of a bear with the cunning and agility of a fox.

Eager to test his skills, Alex crouched and calmly faced his opponent. The Fox Bear held a cultivation level of General Rank 3rd Tier, equivalent to Foundation Establishment 3rd level.

However, being a monster, it posed a challenge suitable for a cultivator at least at the Foundation Establishment 4th stage. The unique combination of strength and agility made the Fox Bear a formidable adversary not to be underestimated.

Unfazed, Alex faced the Fox Bear confidently, drawing from his past experiences in battling monsters within the Black Forest.

The Fox Bear, seemingly aware that Alex was not an easily provoked opponent, refrained from an immediate attack. Instead, it opted to slowly circle around him.

Observing the creature's clumsy and deliberate movements, Alex couldn't help but scoff inwardly. He understood the deceptive tactics of the monster in front of him.

Initially mimicking the slow pace of an ordinary bear, it aimed to let its opponent relax his guard.

The craftiness of the Fox Bear had the potential to catch those facing it for the first time off guard, leading to significant consequences if one were to relax their guard prematurely.

However having already read about the Fox Bear's deceptive tactics in the monster archive book in the academy library, Alex remained composed despite the creature's circling antics.

After completing five rounds, the bear, sensing hunger and perhaps losing patience, abruptly charged toward Alex. Despite underestimating Alex's strength, the Fox Bear felt an unmistakable and dangerous aura emanating from him.

Hungry and impatient, the massive creature lunged with its thick bear palms, aiming to crush Alex into pieces.

However, Alex, unfazed, calmly avoided the attacks using the shadow steps. Simultaneously, he channeled all his mana into his sword through the meridians of his hands.

In the fierce clash between the two, Alex swiftly severed one of the Fox Bear's hands, prompting a haunting roar filled with anguish and fear that echoed through the forest.

"Roaaar!"

The bear's cry held a primal intensity, and its advancing steps towards Alex abruptly ceased. No longer exuding the imposing mountain pressure, the Fox Bear swiftly retreated with lightning speed, movements as nimble as a fox.

Unyielding, Alex pursued, catching up in an instant and slashing his sword across the bear's body. Despite the bear's pained growls, Alex persisted, recognizing the need to conclude the confrontation swiftly to avoid attracting other beasts with the Fox Bear's roars.

As Alex intensified his efforts, he poured more mana into each strike against the huge monster. The creature continued to evade and resist, relying on its monstrous physical strength. In the midst of the clash, both of them received injures but his injuries are very light compared to it.

Alex discerned that the Fox Bear was in its final throes. Desperately trying to escape his sword strikes, the creature abandoned any intention of counterattacking, focusing solely on dodging Alex's relentless onslaught.