The morning sun filtered through the dense canopy, painting the forest floor in golden streaks. Xu Lan lay on the ground, muscles screaming in protest, chest rising and falling like a bellows. The remnants of the massive beast he had defeated yesterday still radiated faint energy, flowing gently into him as if acknowledging him as its successor.
He sat up slowly, feeling every movement sharpened by the beast essence coursing through him. His first advanced combat technique—the spinning, golden-infused strike—had been born in the chaos of battle. But now, in the stillness of the forest, Xu Lan realized that technique was only a glimpse of his potential.
"I need control," he muttered, flexing his fingers. "Raw power isn't enough. I have to direct it… master it."
He rose and began a series of controlled movements, channeling the golden essence through his entire body. Each punch, each kick, each defensive stance was an experiment, a refinement of his instincts. The energy no longer felt alien—it was part of him.
Hours passed as Xu Lan practiced, sweat glistening on his skin, leaves and dust stirred around him by the force of his movements. His body became a conduit for the beast essence, flowing naturally, harmoniously. He discovered he could absorb small amounts of ambient energy from the environment, further enhancing his speed and reflexes.
But mastery came with a realization: the beast essence was powerful, yes, but it had limits. Xu Lan felt it burning like fire when overused, and he knew that relying solely on absorption without strategy could drain him entirely in a single confrontation.
Exhaling deeply, he leaned against a tree. His mind wandered to the forest beyond the mountains. Other beasts, more dangerous than the ones he had faced, awaited. Perhaps even humans who would seek this power for their own purposes.
A sudden rustle broke his concentration. Xu Lan immediately went on alert, golden essence flaring around his fists. But it wasn't a beast. A shadow detached itself from the treeline: a mysterious figure cloaked in dark robes, face obscured.
"You survived," the figure said calmly, voice cutting through the forest like a knife. "Few do… but surviving alone doesn't mean you're ready."
Xu Lan's pulse quickened, but he didn't lower his guard. "Who are you?" he demanded.
The figure chuckled softly, stepping closer. "I am someone who has been watching. Your power… it grows quickly, but you are still naive. Strength is more than absorption or force—it is understanding. And understanding… comes at a cost."
Before Xu Lan could respond, the figure vanished as suddenly as it appeared, leaving only a faint trace of golden energy in the air—a warning, a challenge, and a promise.
Xu Lan's fists clenched. He understood immediately: his journey was far from over. The beast essence had given him power, but true mastery required wisdom, discipline, and facing dangers far beyond raw combat.
Sitting alone in the quiet of the forest, Xu Lan began to sketch a new plan in his mind:
Refine his spinning strike into a formal technique, usable repeatedly without overexertion.
Experiment with absorbing environmental energy to maintain stamina in prolonged battles.
Train both body and mind, because raw power alone would attract enemies far stronger than him.
As the sun sank behind the mountains, Xu Lan whispered, almost to himself:
"If survival is the first test… mastery is the next."
And somewhere in the distance, the golden trace of the mysterious figure glimmered faintly in the shadows, a silent reminder that Xu Lan's path was only just beginning