The dense coastal forest stretched endlessly ahead, its atmosphere darker than before. Thick mist curled between the ancient trees, and strange beast cries echoed from deep within the woods.
Feng Kail walked at the front, his steps steady. His aura had changed completely after reaching the Spirit Realm—now even his presence slightly distorted the air around him.
Behind him, the villagers followed carefully. Xu Guifei stayed close to the center, protecting the weaker ones while occasionally glancing at Feng Kail.
Egneel, now perched on Feng Kail's shoulder in small phoenix form, muttered,
"Why does every place you go feel like a disaster waiting to happen?"
Feng Kail replied calmly,
"This forest is not dangerous… only unfamiliar."
Xu Guifei stepped closer and asked softly,
"Are you sure this is the safe place you mentioned?"
Feng Kail nodded.
"Yes. Deep inside this forest, there is a hidden valley filled with pure qi. It's protected by natural formations. No clan controls it. That is where we will rebuild."
The villagers exchanged uncertain looks, but they had no other choice.
They continued walking.
Strange Silence in the Forest
After a few minutes, something unusual happened.
The forest became completely silent.
No birds.
No beasts.
Not even wind.
Xu Guifei immediately became alert.
"This silence… it's unnatural."
Feng Kail slowed his steps.
"Yes. Something strong is watching us."
Egneel suddenly flapped his wings and said,
"Above!!"
Before anyone could react, a massive shadow dropped from the trees.
A black-striped forest tiger, nearly three times larger than normal beasts, lunged directly toward Xu Guifei.
Its speed was terrifying.
Xu Guifei froze for a split second—she couldn't react in time.
But Feng Kail moved.
In a blur, he appeared in front of her.
One hand raised.
Bang!
A single Spirit Realm pressure burst outward.
The tiger was slammed to the ground before it could even touch them.
The entire forest shook.
Egneel landed beside it and snorted.
"Pathetic."
Xu Guifei looked at Feng Kail, shocked again by how effortlessly he handled danger.
"You… didn't even draw your sword."
Feng Kail replied,
"There was no need."
Moving Deeper
They continued deeper until Feng Kail finally stopped.
In front of them was a massive cliffside valley hidden by mist. At its center was a glowing lake, shimmering with silver-blue energy.
Villagers gasped.
"This… this is the place?"
Feng Kail nodded.
"Yes. This is where we rebuild."
The air here was rich with qi. Even normal people could feel their bodies becoming lighter.
Xu Guifei whispered,
"It feels like breathing is easier here…"
Feng Kail looked at the lake.
"This is only the outer edge. Deeper inside, the energy is much stronger. But before we settle, you all must understand the cultivation system of this world."
He raised his hand slightly.
A floating energy screen formed in the air—compressed qi forming readable symbols.
Even Egneel tilted his head.
"You learned THIS too?"
Feng Kail ignored him.
"This is the cultivation system I have observed so far.
Cultivation System of This World
The glowing chart appeared clearly in front of everyone:
1. Qi Profunding Stage
2. Qi Enlightenment Stage
3. Spirit Realm Stage
4. Earth Realm
5. King realm
6 . Half emperor
7. True emperor
Near-legendary level
Can alter natural laws slightly in battle.
Only ancient clans possess such experts.
Feng Kail lowered his hand.
"This is the path. Most cultivators never pass Earth Realm."
The villagers stared in shock.
Xu Guifei clenched her fists.
"So… we are all at the bottom…"
Feng Kail nodded calmly.
"Yes. But now we have a place to grow."
Building the New Village.
Feng Kail turned toward the lake valley.
"We will build here."
The villagers immediately began setting up temporary shelters. Even weak cultivators started using basic qi techniques to clear land.
Xu Guifei approached Feng Kail.
"You are planning something more than just survival… aren't you?"
Feng Kail didn't deny it.
"Yes."
A pause.
"I will create a force strong enough to stand against the clans… and the demons."
Xu Guifei looked at him carefully.
"You are gathering people for war."
Feng Kail replied,
"I am gathering people for survival."
Egneel suddenly flew above them.
"And maybe revenge, right?"
Feng Kail didn't answer.
But his silence said everything.