Northern Wildlands

He headed towards the northern wildlands forest, a vast and untamed expanse divided into four distinct zones: the Periphery Forest, the Outer Zone, the Inner Zone, and the Core Zone.

Each zone presented escalating levels of danger and opportunity, making it an ideal training ground for any cultivator.

In the Periphery Forest, there were no demonic beasts, as they lived deeper in the forest, starting from the Outer Zone.

The Outer Zone was the territory of demonic beasts equivalent to the Qi Refining Realm, making it a treacherous area for those unprepared.

The Inner Zone was even more perilous, with beasts at the Foundation Establishment Realm, while the Core Zone housed powerful beasts comparable to the Core Formation Realm, making it a region even the strongest from the Huoyuan city dread.

When Ling Tian was injured in the forest last time and regained his memories, he had been at the Periphery Forest.

Here, there were nearly no demonic beasts, and the qi was abundant but gentle, perfect for initial training and acclimatization.

As he entered the Periphery Forest again, the canopy of trees cast dappled shadows on the ground, creating a serene yet eerie atmosphere.

The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, mingling with the subtle fragrance of wildflowers.

He felt the pulse of life all around him, from the rustling leaves to the distant calls of unseen animals.

Ling Tian moved silently through the forest, his senses heightened.

He could hear the faint trickle of a stream nearby and the occasional rustle of small animals moving through the underbrush.

The forest was alive with activity, yet it felt tranquil compared to the bustling city he had just left behind.

He paused by a small clearing, kneeling to examine the vibrant moss covering the ground.

He placed a hand on it, feeling the gentle hum of energy beneath his fingertips. "This place hasn't changed," he murmured to himself.

A small smile playing on his lips as he remembered the day when he was here together with his sister.

The Periphery Forest held a special place in his heart; it was here that he had begun to reclaim his past life's memories and strength.

After spending a few days acclimating and setting up a small camp near a clear, flowing stream, Ling Tian felt ready to push further.

He knew that to sharpen himself truly, he needed to venture into the Outer Zone.

This area was where beasts started to thrive, ranging from the first level to the ninth level of the Qi Refining Realm.

"The Outer Zone," Ling Tian mused as he packed his belongings and prepared to move deeper into the forest. "It's time to test my skills and see how far I've come."

With a firm resolve, Ling Tian entered the Outer Zone.

The atmosphere changed almost immediately.

The air was thicker with qi, and the sounds of the forest were louder, filled with the growls and roars of various beasts.

Here, the terrain was more challenging, with dense underbrush and uneven ground, making every step a test of agility and awareness.

Ling Tian paused for a moment, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, allowing the thick, qi-laden air to fill his lungs.

He could feel the energy invigorating his body, sharpening his mind.

This was what he had been preparing for—an opportunity to put his skills to the test in a real-life setting.

As he ventured deeper, the forest seemed to close in around him, the trees towering like ancient guardians.

He could hear the distant roar of a beast, a reminder of the dangers that lurked within the shadows.

But rather than instill fear, it ignited a fire within him.

This was his path to becoming stronger, to honing his abilities and overcoming the past.

His first encounter was with a low-level demonic beast, a Flame-tail Fox at the first level of the Qi Refining Realm.

The beast, with its fiery red tail and sharp, cunning eyes, spotted Ling Tian and lunged at him.

Ling Tian stood his ground, punching with practiced ease.

The fight was swift and easy, and Ling Tian emerged victorious, his skills honed by years of diligent practice.

"Not bad," he murmured, examining the beast's core before storing it away. "I need the blood, bones, tendons and other parts of beast for making stuff as well. But I need to face stronger opponents to get better materials. I need high level blood to get started on the body refining path as well."

Ling Tian looked down at the sword hanging at his waist, its sleek, polished blade reflecting the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy.

It was a finely crafted weapon, its hilt adorned with intricate carvings of ancient symbols and runes that seemed to hum with latent power.

The blade itself was forged from a rare metal that shimmered with a subtle, ethereal glow, marking it as a treasure of peak Qi Refining level.

He recalled the day his father, Yuan Wei, had given him the sword.

It was a moment etched deeply into his memory, a blend of pride, warmth, and the heavy weight of responsibility.

...

It had been a clear, crisp morning in Huoyuan City. Ling Tian had just completed a rigorous training session when his father called him into the family hall.

Yuan Wei stood with a solemn expression, holding a long, wrapped object in his hands.

"Tian'er," he began, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. "You have grown immensely, both in strength and wisdom. Your dedication to cultivation and your unwavering spirit have made me proud. Today, I want to bestow upon you a gift that has been in our family for generations."

With reverence, Yuan Wei unwrapped the bundle, revealing the magnificent sword.

Ling Tian's eyes filled with emotion as he looked at his father, he knew what significance the sword held for his father as it was the ancestral treasure of their humble household.

He can make dozens of such swords after reaching the peak of the qi refining realm so he didn't put it in his eyes, but what he did care about was the meaning behind the sword.

"This is the Tianwu Sword," Yuan Wei explained, handing the weapon to Ling Tian. "This sword was forged by our ancestors to protect our family with a rare material, It has degraded from its original level."

He looked at the sword with nostalgia as he continued,

"It was a core condensation treasure during its peak, now it has degraded to peak qi refining realm treasure. It has seen many battles and protected our family for centuries. Now, it is yours. May it serve you well in your journey of dominance "

Ling Tian accepted the sword with both hands, feeling its weight and the energy coursing through it. He bowed deeply to his father, his heart swelling with gratitude and resolve.

"Thank you, Father," he said earnestly. "I will honor our ancestors and use this sword to fight my enemies and make you proud."

He decided to upgrade the sword by himself after getting some materials when he left the home for training.

His father's eyes softened with pride. "I know you will, Tian'er. Remember, the strength of the sword lies not just in its blade, but in the heart of the one who wields it. Let it be a reminder of your heritage and the legacy you carry."

...

Back in the forest, Ling Tian tightened his grip on the Tianwu Sword.

The memory of his father's words echoed in his mind, fueling his determination.

The Flame-tail Fox had been a mere taste of what lay ahead.

He knew that to truly test his mettle and rise to greater heights, he needed to face stronger opponents, conquer greater challenges, and explore the depths of his potential.