Volume One, Chapter 18: Through Perils Untold, the Sacred Herb Comes into My Embrace
Lin Fan coughed up a mouthful of blood, the metallic scent spreading through his mouth. Yet, the fire burning in his eyes was not pain, but desire.
The spirit herb radiated a faint, shimmering glow, as if calling to him, summoning him toward his destiny. He gritted his teeth against the agony, his trembling legs heavy as if filled with lead, yet he slowly rose, step by painstaking step.
The giant ape lying on the ground let out a low, guttural roar, its massive body trembling slightly as it struggled to rise again. Both man and beast were at their limits, but neither gave up.
The tension hung thick in the air, the wind itself seeming to freeze; only the heavy breaths of the two echoed through the valley.
Lin Fan was the first to break the stalemate.
He staggered toward the giant ape, each step like treading on a blade’s edge, but he showed no hesitation. Summoning the last vestiges of his wood spirit energy, he formed a sharp wooden thorn, its verdant light flickering as if infused with endless vitality, yet tinged with resolute killing intent.
“Roar!” The giant ape bellowed in fury, slamming its enormous claws into the ground, attempting to leverage itself up.
Seizing the moment, Lin Fan drove the wooden thorn fiercely into the ape.
The thorn sliced through the air with a piercing whistle, puncturing the ape’s claw with pinpoint accuracy.
“Pfft!” A muffled sound followed as black blood gushed from the wound, splattering Lin Fan’s face—warm and rank.
The giant ape howled in pain, its colossal body collapsing once more.
Lin Fan staggered back several steps, his wooden thorn shattering bit by bit, dissipating into specks of green light in the air.
His face was pale as paper, lips cracked, breath ragged, yet his gaze remained fixed on the ape, eyes shining with unyielding determination.
The giant ape struggled, attempting one last attack, but its claw was pierced and unable to support its massive frame.
With a reluctant roar, it slowly toppled, stirring a cloud of dust.
Lin Fan exhaled deeply for the first time.
He turned toward the spirit herb, trembling hands reaching out to the glowing plant...
“Lin Fan...” a weak voice sounded behind him.
He staggered toward the herb, each step more agonizing than the last.
The wounds on his body reopened from the intense exertion, blood seeping through the bandages and staining his clothes—a sticky, warm mess that made him uncomfortable.
Dizziness washed over him; the world spun, and a buzzing filled his ears like a swarm of bees.
Clenching his teeth, he fought through the pain—he had to endure, for himself, and for...
His fingers touched the softly glowing leaves of the spirit herb, a cool sensation spreading through his body like a fresh stream revitalizing him.
A strange fragrance filled his nostrils, refreshing and pure, clearing his mind.
At that moment, the giant ape on the ground let out a low, rumbling roar, struggling to rise again.
Lin Fan’s heart tightened; he felt the crushing pressure anew.
The giant ape wobbled to its feet, its enormous form casting a shadow that enveloped Lin Fan.
Flames of fury burned in its eyes—it would tear apart the human who dared challenge its authority!
Despair gripped Lin Fan; his spiritual energy was spent, leaving him powerless.
He closed his eyes, bracing for death.
Just as the ape’s massive claw was about to strike, a sudden surge of power erupted within Lin Fan!
Like a volcanic eruption, the force swept through his entire body.
He felt strength coursing through him, as if capable of annihilating all!
“Roar!” The ape shrieked in terror, sensing the dreadful power and instinctively recoiling.
Lin Fan opened his eyes, golden light blazing like twin burning stars.
Clenching his fists, he marveled at the surging power within, overwhelmed by shock and joy.
“This... this is...” Lin Fan stared at his hands in disbelief; never before had he felt such might.
The ape looked at him in horror, unaccustomed to such strength; fear overtook it—it wanted to flee!
“Roar!” The ape roared in defiance and turned to escape...
“Think you can run? Too late!” a cold voice rang out across the valley.
Lin Fan embraced the roaring power within; golden light danced in his eyes. Like a war god reborn from flames, his momentum was unstoppable.
Without hesitation, he surged forward, racing after the fleeing giant ape.
The wind howled past his ears, the air tearing with a stinging sensation, but he was fearless.
His fist surged with golden flames, burning fiercely.
He struck the ape’s back with a mighty blow.
The ape emitted a piercing wail, its massive body sent flying several meters before crashing heavily to the ground, shaking the earth beneath.
Dust billowed, stones tumbled; the ape struggled briefly but could no longer rise.
Lin Fan approached slowly, looking down upon the beast that had once posed such a formidable threat.
Its breath grew faint, finally fading entirely.
Everything around seemed to freeze; only the gentle whisper of wind brushed by, bringing a trace of coolness.
Sunlight broke through the clouds, bathing Lin Fan in a golden glow, making him shine brilliantly.
He felt the surging power within, his heart swelling with indescribable excitement—he had succeeded!
He had overcome himself and the mighty guardian beast.
He had crossed a tremendous barrier; now, he stood at a new beginning in life.
Turning again to the spirit herb, its glow burned even brighter, like a tempting treasure awaiting his harvest.
He stepped forward cautiously, fingertip brushing the smooth leaf.
A cool sensation instantly spread throughout his body; fatigue and pain seemed to dissipate considerably.
Gently applying force, he plucked the spirit herb.
The herb emitted a faint, refreshing fragrance.
He raised it to examine carefully, joy filling his heart.
For this spirit herb, he had endured countless life-and-death trials; now, his wish was fulfilled.
His efforts had not been in vain; his perseverance had been rewarded.
He believed that with this herb, he would grow stronger still—he could become the academy’s hero.
Clutching the herb tightly, his heart brimmed with hope for the future.
At that moment, a voice sounded nearby.
“You... actually... really...”
Lin Fan carefully placed the spirit herb into a specially crafted jade box, sealing the lid.
A faint fragrance still escaped from the seams, invigorating him.
He exhaled deeply; his taut nerves finally relaxed, and he felt every ache in his battered body.
He staggered to his feet and looked around.
The valley was a chaotic mess; the giant ape’s massive form lay sprawled, silently recounting the fierce battle.
He inhaled deeply; the mountain air was fresh, tinged with earth and greenery, refreshing his spirit.
He stretched his limbs; though badly wounded, his spiritual energy pulsed vibrantly, as if rejoicing.
Looking up, sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground, everything serene and peaceful.
Lin Fan began his journey home.
The rugged mountain path wound ahead, soft earth and fallen leaves crunching beneath his feet.
Each step brought pain, but he paid it no mind, his heart alive with joy and achievement.
He had conquered the guardian beast and secured the spirit herb—a monumental breakthrough and a vital milestone in his cultivation journey.
He passed through dense woods, sunlight dancing through leaves like flickering notes.
A gentle breeze stirred the leaves, whispering cheers.
He crossed a crystal-clear stream, its babbling melody like a graceful tune.
He climbed steep peaks, the mountain wind sharp and cool, invigorating his spirit.
Beneath the shining sun, his figure seemed towering—like a hero triumphant.
Step by resolute step, he walked onward, each footfall firm and powerful.
He seemed to tread a path leading straight to success, a future brimming with endless possibilities.
At last, the outline of the academy appeared—the towering structures solemn and sacred, as if welcoming his return.
He quickened his pace, heart full of anticipation, eager to share this great news.
With the spirit herb in hand, how much sensation would his return cause?
And what new challenges awaited him next?