14 Chapter: 14 Hunting, Slaughtering, and Leveling Up

...

HEAVENLY PIT

It had been several days since Di Tian hatched and emerged as a True Dragon, in these few days, Di Tian had acclimated to his life as a dragon. He had also utilized his skills and abilities to hunt down powerful creatures that resided in HEAVENLY PIT.

To hunt mid-sized creatures, Di Tian found that his basic skills, such as biting and slashing, were more than sufficient. However, when it came to the apex predators in the forest, he relied on his innate abilities like Dragon Claws, which allowed him to hold his own in battles.

He also leveled up, increasing his already impressive stats, and continued to utilize his hunting and combat abilities to take down a variety of creatures in the HEAVENLY PIT. The materials he gathered from these hunts were put to good use, as he used them to decorate his cave dwelling and make it more comfortable.

<Ding! Host's Current Status>

[Name: Long Di Tian]

[Species: True Dragon]

[Spirit Coins: 0]

[Missions: None]

[Inventory: None]

[Shop: Available Items for Purchase]

[Enhancement Points: 10]

[Level: 2]

[Stats:

Vitality: 600

Stamina: 550

Agility: 420

Attack Power: 400

Strength: 400 (+50)

Defense: 500 (+50)]

[Skills:

- Enhanced Senses (1)

- Bite (1)

- Dragon Tail (1)

- Slash (1)]

[Initiate Abilities:

- Flight (1)

- Dragon Scales (1)

- Dragon Claw (1)

- Dragon Breath (1)

- Super Strength (1)]

[Unique Skills:

- Wise One (Unknown)

- Son of the Dragon Emperor (Unknown)

- Inherited Memory (Unknown)]

[Remarks: A True Dragon, that was unexpected. Who would have thought a cry-baby weakling who resorted to hiding before anything would become a dragon.]

This is how his status screen appears.

After each level up, Long Di Tian gained an additional hundred points to all his parameters, along with 5 enhancement points. He was unsure of their full use as <Wise One> had only provided him with basic information that these points could enhance his skills, initiate abilities, techniques, and more.

For the time being, Long Di Tian refrained from enhancing any of his abilities or skills. He knew that with each enhancement, the cost of using them would increase, and he didn't want to risk losing his advantage in battles.

Due to the dormant state of the world's spiritual energy, Di Tian is currently unable to utilize it to execute his skills. In most cases, this would render him unable to use his skills altogether, but the system has provided a workaround by allowing him to substitute his stamina for spiritual energy. This temporary solution enables him to continue using his skills and abilities, albeit with a greater strain on his physical stamina.

While using stamina instead of spiritual energy allows Di Tian to still use his skills, it comes with its own downsides. Using stamina for skill execution can quickly drain his energy, leaving him exhausted and vulnerable in battle. Additionally, his stamina is finite and takes time to replenish, whereas spiritual energy is a limitless resource that can be quickly restored with meditation or rest. This means that in prolonged battles or situations where he needs to use his skills frequently, relying solely on stamina can put him at a disadvantage.

In these past few days Di Tian had also decorated his cave abode with materials he found. He used the sturdy branches of a nearby tree to create a large frame for his bed, which he then filled with soft leaves and grasses, making it comfortable enough for him to sleep on.

On the walls of the cave, he hung the pelts and skins of the creatures he had hunted, giving the cave a rustic and wild feel.

As he looked around his new abode, Di Tian felt content with his work. He had managed to create a comfortable and cozy living space that reflected his connection to nature and the creatures he had killed. It was a place he could call home, and he felt grateful for having found it.

…

Long Di Tian slowly opened his eyes, feeling refreshed and energized after a long sleep. He stretched his body, his powerful muscles flexing under his black scales as he took a deep breath and let out a low roar.

As he rose to his feet, his tail swept over the leaf-made bed, sending a gentle rustling through the air. He walked towards the entrance of his cave abode, feeling the soft dirt beneath his paws, and the gentle trickle of water from the nearby stream.

The light filtering in from the small crevices in the ceiling illuminated his cave in a warm glow, and the bioluminescent moss along the walls added a soft and calming light that complemented the natural light. He took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air fill his lungs, and then walked outside to enjoy the early morning breeze.

After leveling up, Di Tian's body had undergone significant growth, and he now measured more than two meters in length.

After reaching a new level, Di Tian noticed a significant change in the way he leveled up. He was no longer able to instantly level up on the spot like before. Instead, he had to sleep for a certain period until the level up process was completed.

This change in the leveling process was unexpected, but Di Tian accepted it without complaint. He knew that with every level, his body would continue to grow and develop, making him even stronger than before.

"It's a good day for hunting," Di Tian said, casting a quick glance at the sun as he spread his serpentine body and took to the sky. He soared effortlessly through the air and headed towards a particular location.

As Di Tian soared through the sky, he scanned the surrounding landscape with his sharp eyes, searching for prey. It didn't take long for him to spot a group of deer grazing peacefully near a small lake. With careful precision, he circled above them, studying their movements and selecting the best approach to take.

During one of his previous hunting sessions, Di Tian had discovered the small lake located just a few hundred meters away from his cave. Despite the short distance, the area was teeming with life and provided ample hunting opportunities. The lake was surrounded by vibrant greenery and the water was so clear that it reflected the sunlight in a mesmerizing, sparkling effect.

It was no surprise that this particular spot was a favored location for a herd of deer. With a determined look in his eyes, Di Tian began his descent towards his prey, confident in his abilities as a skilled hunter.

As Di Tian surveyed the herd of deer, his keen eyes locked on to one that had strayed from the group. It was grazing on some nearby grass, oblivious to the impending danger. With calculated precision, Di Tian began his descent, body spread wide and claws at the ready.

The deer sensed danger and started to flee, but it was too late. Di Tian's immense speed and agility made short work of its attempted escape. In a swift and fluid motion, he swooped down and sunk his sharp claws into the deer's flesh, bringing it down to the ground with ease. The prey was no match for Di Tian's deadly hunting skills.

<Ding! + 700 Exp>

As the deer died, Di Tian felt a rush of excitement and satisfaction. He heard a faint ding sound and noticed that his experience points had increased by 700. It was a small but meaningful step towards becoming stronger. He continued to scan the deer herd for another opportunity to hunt, his instincts driving him forward.

After devouring his first catch, Di Tian looked around the area and spotted a few more deer grazing nearby. He slithered through the lush greenery with swift movements, his serpentine body gliding effortlessly through the dense vegetation.

As he approached the herd, he focused his attention on a young fawn that had wandered a bit away from the others. The baby eastern dragon pounced on the unsuspecting prey with lightning speed, its sharp teeth sinking into the soft flesh of the fawn's neck.

<Ding! +350 Exp>

Once again, Di Tian could feel the surge of energy and experience points as he devoured his second meal, as the creature was young the exp it provided was less compared to the first deer.

As a baby True Dragon, Di Tian's appetite had increased significantly after his transformation. He now required a large amount of nutritious meat every day to sustain his growth and energy levels. This droves him to hunt even more than before.

If he found suitable prey, he would devour it on the spot instead of waiting to hunt more. Di Tian's body was adapted for quick digestion, and he could consume large amounts of meat without feeling weighed down or sluggish.

This insatiable hunger was both a blessing and a curse for Di Tian. On the one hand, it fueled his growth and development as a dragon. On the other hand, it meant that he had to hunt relentlessly to satisfy his appetite.

As Di Tian emerged from his hiding place, he could see the deers in the distance, their heads raised, and their ears twitching as they detected his presence. He knew that any further attempts at stealth would be futile, so he abandoned the tactic and launched himself towards the herd in a high-profile manner.

With fierce determination, he used his razor-sharp claws and fangs to take down the unsuspecting deer. He utilized every trick in the book to make quick work of his prey. He sliced through the air with his claws, using his serpentine body to slither and dodge the panicked animals.

The sound of flesh being ripped apart and bones cracking echoed across the clearing as Di Tian made his way through the herd, taking down one deer after another with ruthless efficiency. His appetite had increased significantly since his transformation into a dragon, and he could feel his hunger growing with every kill.

<Ding! +350 Exp>

<Ding! +500 Exp>

<Ding! +700 Exp>

<Ding! +800 Exp>

<Ding! +350 Exp>

<Ding! +450 Exp>

The system notifications sounded with every kill.

He didn't waste any time devouring his prey, tearing into the flesh with his powerful jaws and savoring the taste of fresh meat. The sun was beginning to set, and he knew that he had to make the most of the remaining daylight hours to hunt as much as he could.

As he continued to hunt, his movements became more fluid and graceful, like a dance of death with each kill. He felt alive, powerful, and unstoppable. The satisfaction of a successful hunt fueled his spirit, and he relished the thrill of the chase.

As the night began to fall, and the moon rose high in the sky, Di Tian returned to his cave with a full belly and a sense of accomplishment. He had managed to kill enough to last him for the day. Despite not leveling up this time, he wasn't discouraged. As a True Dragon, he knew that with each level up, his strength would reach a new height. But he also knew that he needed a whole lot of exp to level up, and that meant he needed to keep hunting and fighting to gain more experience points.

As he finished killing and devouring, Di Tian stretched his muscles and prepared to take flight once again.

The forest was painted with hues of orange and red. Di Tian realized that it was time for him to return to his cave. He had hunted enough for the day, and his stomach was full. He scanned the area one last time, making sure that there was no other potential prey nearby.

Satisfied with his surroundings, he flew towards the direction of his cave. Along the way, he encountered a few animals like wild goats and wild boars, but he wasn't interested in them for now, and not far away from the cave there was a mountain filled with small trees, weeds, and bushes.

As he neared his cave, he could feel a sense of comfort wash over him. It was his home. Once he entered the cave, he made sure to do a quick scan of his surroundings. Everything was in place, and there were no signs of any unwanted visitors. He made his way towards his bed, curled up in a comfortable position, and closed his eyes.

…

In the dense jungle, the rustling of leaves and the sounds of scurrying animals could be heard as they fled from an unknown predator. Suddenly, a long shadow appeared on the ground, stretching over the trees and the fleeing creatures. The shadow belonged to a creature measuring 2 meters in length, gliding swiftly through the air with a serpentine body.

Despite its intimidating appearance, the creature did not seem to be in a hurry or showing any signs of aggression. It was merely flying through the sky, observing its surroundings with a keen eye.

It was none other than Di Tian. Today he had ventured further away from his cave than usual, hoping not to scare away the prey with his frequent hunting in the same area.

Di Tian continued to fly low over the jungle, his keen eyes scanning the area for any potential prey. He had become quite skilled in the art of hunting and was always on the lookout for a good meal. His serpentine body allowed him to move swiftly through the air, making it easy for him to spot his targets.

As he flew, the sound of rustling leaves caught his attention. Di Tian immediately zeroed in on the source of the noise and spotted a small group of rabbits foraging in the underbrush below. Without hesitation, he swooped down towards them, his sharp claws extended and ready to strike.

The rabbits were quick to scatter in all directions, but Di Tian was faster. He deftly grabbed one in his jaws and made short work of it. Satisfied with his meal, he continued his flight, searching for more prey.

...

Di Tian's eyes gleamed with excitement as he spotted the ripe fruits hanging from the trees in his surroundings. His sharp senses had led him to this part of the jungle where he could find some delectable treats. The colorful fruits looked juicy and delicious, and he couldn't resist the temptation to try them.

He landed on the ground and approached one of the trees, examining the fruits carefully. He plucked one of them from the tree and sniffed it, relishing the fruity aroma. Without hesitation, he took a bite, savoring the sweet and tangy taste.

As he walked closer to a cluster of trees with ripe fruits, he failed to notice a group of mischievous monkeys hidden among the leaves.

Suddenly, a small fruit came flying out of nowhere, striking Di Tian on the side of his head. Surprised and momentarily stunned, he tripped.

"Ayaayaa!!"

The sudden scream allowed him to know who the culprit of his trip was.

The monkeys in the trees began to chatter and laugh, throwing more fruit at the bewildered dragon. Di Tian shook his head to clear it and regained his composure.

There were about 29 to 30 monkeys in the group jumping and tossing on the trees

Di Tian growled in annoyance at the cheeky monkeys who had interrupted his fun. He glared up at them, baring his sharp teeth, but the monkeys only laughed and continued to pelt him with fruit.

Di Tian snarled, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the group of monkeys. He knew that he couldn't let them get away with disrespecting him like this. With a powerful flap of his serpentine body, he soared upwards towards the trees.

The monkeys were surprised that the creature they provoked could fly scattered at the sight of him, but Di Tian was fast. He lunged towards one of the nearest trees, his claws slashing through the leaves and branches as he reached for the first monkey he saw.

The monkey squealed in fear, trying to scramble away, but Di Tian had already caught it in his jaws. With a quick snap of his head, he broke its neck, killing it instantly.

<Ding! +500 Exp>

"This is the price of disturbing my fun and blatantly disrespecting me, who's next!!!"

The other monkeys screeched and chattered in panic as they witnessed their comrade's demise. They started throwing more fruit and branches at Di Tian in an attempt to fend him off.

"Hump, you think feeble fruits and branches would be able to harm a True Dragon" Di Tian was unfazed. He continued his assault, leaping from tree to tree, killing monkeys left and right with his sharp claws and powerful jaws.

<Ding! +600 Exp>

<Ding! +650 Exp>

He even used <Slash> while attacking, blood spattered everywhere as he fought, his dragon instincts taking over.

The monkeys fought back fiercely, using their agility and intelligence to dodge and counterattack. They threw stones, branches, and even feces at Di Tian, trying to distract and injure him.

But Di Tian was relentless, the things they threw were all useless in front of his tough dragon scales. He was determined to show these monkeys who were the boss and who they had offended. He continued to pursue them, his attacks becoming more precise and deadly with each passing moment.

Finally, after ten minutes, Di Tian emerged victorious. The monkeys lay dead or dying on the ground, their bodies torn and battered. Di Tian stood calmly over them, his serpentine body covered in their blood.

<Ding! +500 Exp>

<Ding! You Have accumulated the required amount of Experience points>

<Please find a safe place for level up>

A notification chimed in Di Tian's mind, indicating he had accumulated the required amount of experience points to level up. He looked around to find a safe place to undergo the process. After scouting the area, Di Tian found a suitable spot in the clearing and lay down.

"Begin the level up process!"

<Wise One> spoke [Right Away...] as De Tian closed his eyes as he began to feel the effects of his level up. As he drifted off into a deep sleep, his body began to undergo a transformation.

His scales began to grow thicker and tougher, providing him with greater protection against potential threats. The jet-black sheen of his scales intensified, while the golden runes etched across them glowed with an eerie light. His hands morphed into deadly weapons, with razor-sharp claws capable of tearing apart even the toughest of foes.

Di Tian's hand was unlike that of a typical dragon's, which usually had eagle-like talons. Instead, his hand had a more humanoid structure, with four fingers and a thumb. Despite this, the tips of his fingers were equipped with sharp, deadly claws, similar to those of an eagle's.

His serpentine body elongated, growing larger and more powerful with each passing moment. The length of his tail doubled, allowing him greater balance and maneuverability in the air. The small horns on his forehead grew more imposing, adding to his already formidable appearance.

As he slept, his breathing became slow and even, indicating that the level up process was reaching its final stages. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, revealing an intense, piercing gaze that seemed to emanate from within.

<Ding! You have Leveled Up>

<Ding! You have obtained 5 Enhancement points>

<Current Level 3>

After leveling up, Di Tian gazed down at his body with a sense of pride. It now measured an impressive 3 meters in length, towering over most of the general trees in the vicinity. He marveled at his newfound size and strength, his muscles rippling under his sleek, jet-black scales. As he moved, the golden runes etched across his scales shimmered in the sunlight, lending an otherworldly quality to his appearance. His razor-sharp claws gleamed menacingly in the light.

"System, display my status," Di Tian called out, and a blue curtain materialized in front of him.

<Ding! Host's Current Status>

[Name: Long Di Tian]

[Species: True Dragon]

[Spirit Coins: 0]

[Missions: None]

[Inventory: None]

[Shop: Available Items for Purchase]

[Enhancement Points: 15]

[Level: 3]

[Stats:

Vitality: 700

Stamina: 650

Agility: 520

Attack Power: 500

Strength: 500 (+50)

Defense: 600 (+50)]

[Skills:

- Enhanced Senses (1)

- Bite (1)

- Dragon Tail (1)

- Slash (1)]

[Initiate Abilities:

- Flight (1)

- Dragon Scales (1)

- Dragon Claw (1)

- Dragon Breath (1)

- Super Strength (1)]

[Unique Skills:

- Wise One (Unknown)

- Son of the Dragon Emperor (Unknown)

- Inherited Memory (Unknown)]

[Remarks: A True Dragon, that was unexpected. Who would have thought a cry-baby weakling who resorted to hiding before anything would become a dragon.]

As he perused the information, he heard the <Wise One's> voice in his mind, [After this level up, you will be able to last longer in battles, and you can now use your initiate abilities multiple times.]

The news filled Di Tian with joy and excitement. He had been looking forward to increasing his fighting prowess and being able to use his initiate abilities more frequently his only weakness when facing apex predator was that he will have to use his initiate abilities to fight them, and he won't last long in battle as every one of those abilities took a lot of stamina points to execute. With this upgrade, he knew that he would be able to take on those powerful creatures and might even emerge victorious.

___________

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