Calm Before the Storm

In the dead of night, low growls outside seemed to come from the distant mountains, yet also felt as if they were right beside Lin Yun's ear. He tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. Rising, he opened the window, letting the cool night breeze brush against his face. The shadows of the distant forest looked especially mysterious under the moonlight.

At dawn, Lin Yun got up early and walked through the village to Elder Ling Feng's residence. Ling Feng was already waiting at the door, his brow slightly furrowed.

"Starting today, I will teach you some cultivation methods," Ling Feng's voice was low and steady.

Lin Yun nodded and followed Ling Feng to an open area outside the village. The vegetation here was lush, and the air was fresh. Ling Feng gestured for Lin Yun to sit and began explaining the basic principles and methods of cultivation. Lin Yun listened intently, committing every word to memory.

"The most important aspects of cultivation are your mental state and willpower. Only with inner peace can you feel the power within you," Ling Feng explained.

Lin Yun closed his eyes and tried to enter a meditative state. Sunlight filtered through the tree branches, casting a warm glow on him. A gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, creating a soothing sound. Gradually, he felt the spiritual energy in his body flowing slowly, like a cool stream.

Time passed quietly as Lin Yun's breathing became long and steady. He felt a connection with the world around him, as if everything was becoming clearer.

Suddenly, light footsteps broke his concentration. Lin Yun opened his eyes to see Chen Hao standing nearby, looking anxious.

"Lin Yun, there are strange tracks outside the village again. Come and take a look," Chen Hao called.

Lin Yun stood up and followed Chen Hao to the woods outside the village. The dense vegetation was littered with unusual tracks. Lin Yun crouched down, examining the tracks closely, his brow furrowed.

"These tracks look like they were left by a beast," he murmured.

Chen Hao's face changed. "Do you think the beast is still nearby?"

Lin Yun didn't answer, his eyes scanning the forest. His fingers lightly traced the tracks, feeling the lingering aura. The place seemed to have an uneasy atmosphere, with a faint scent of blood in the air.

"We should go back. It's not safe here," Lin Yun said, standing up and heading back to the village.

Returning to the village, Lin Yun reported the situation to Ling Feng. Ling Feng's expression grew serious as he listened.

"It seems the danger outside the village is greater than we thought. Stay vigilant and don't let your guard down," Ling Feng warned.

Lin Yun nodded silently, his gaze firm. He didn't say much, instead returning to his place to continue practicing the cultivation methods Ling Feng had taught him. In the bamboo forest, his movements were as fluid as ever, each detail reflecting an unspoken determination.

As night fell, Lin Yun sat alone in the bamboo forest, gazing at the starry sky. The sound of wind rustling through the bamboo leaves and occasional insect chirps filled the air. The shadows of the bamboo seemed to be whispering secrets.

The wind outside grew stronger, hinting at an impending storm. Lin Yun returned to his small house, extinguished the oil lamp, and lay down, his eyes glinting in the darkness.

A low growl suddenly broke the night's silence, coming from a distance. Lin Yun sat up, his gaze turning to the window. The sound seemed to originate from deep within the mountains, carrying a sense of foreboding.

He gently pushed open the window, letting the cool, damp night air wash over him. Lin Yun stood by the window, gazing out at the dark forest, the low growl echoing in his ears, speaking of the danger that lay ahead.