Two days had passed since Xiao Feng slew the Shadow Claw Wolf.
Since then, he had hunted a few weaker beasts—nothing beyond Rank 1—and focused on training in real combat. Every movement, every attack, every kill sharpened his instincts.
He didn't seek power through shortcuts. Every step forward was earned.
Now, he stood before a small ravine nestled between rocky hills, its sides lined with clawed tree trunks and broken bones. The air was heavy—oppressive. Birds were absent. Even insects kept their distance.
He crouched, brushing aside some brush with narrowed eyes.
Large claw marks raked across stone. Massive ones.
> Something big lives here.
He should've turned back.
But something kept him still. Calm. Focused.
It wasn't arrogance—just the steady cold confidence that he could survive. No matter what.
Suddenly, a deep growl echoed from the ravine.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
The ground trembled as a towering beast emerged from the dark.
Standing over four meters tall, it had coarse, iron-colored fur and crimson eyes. Its front limbs were thick like tree trunks, each ending in claws capable of ripping apart boulders.
> Name: Ironhide Bear
Class: Rank 2 Magical Beast
Traits: High defense, immense strength, slow movement
Estimated Strength: Comparable to 1–2-Star Dou Shi
Xiao Feng's grip tightened on Stormedge.
> "That thing could crush me in a single hit. One mistake, and it's over."
He could flee with Wind and Thunder Wings.
But he didn't.
Not yet.
The bear roared, earth shaking beneath its feet, and charged.
Xiao Feng dodged sideways, Swift Leaf Steps barely keeping ahead. The bear's claws smashed the ground where he'd stood, shattering stone into dust.
Fast reaction. Too close.
He danced around the beast, slashing at its legs and sides—but the blade only left shallow marks.
> Its hide is too thick. Regular attacks won't work.
He kept moving, his Dou Qi flaring, pushing his footwork to its limit.
The bear swept its arm sideways.
Xiao Feng ducked—but not fast enough. The air pressure alone blasted him off his feet. He hit a tree hard, chest throbbing.
Blood dripped from his lip.
> That's enough. Time to go.
He poured Dou Qi into his back.
Wind and Thunder Wings—Activate!
Crack! Whoosh!
Wings of wind and lightning burst from his shoulders, and he shot into the air just as the bear roared beneath him, leaping upward—
But it fell short.
Xiao Feng hovered midair, eyes narrowed, breathing ragged.
He looked down at the beast below. It paced, growling, confused by its prey suddenly flying like a bird.
> "I can't beat it. Not now. But I'll remember this one."
He turned and soared deeper into the forest, letting the wind carry him high above the trees. The burn in his chest reminded him of something important.
He was strong.
But not invincible.
---
Hours later, he landed in a quiet glade far from the bear's territory. He popped a healing pill, sat cross-legged, and began circulating his Dou Qi.
> "A Rank 2 beast… that was a real enemy."
> "I need more power."
His goal remained clear—become strong enough that he wouldn't need to run next time.