The forest became quiet once again.
Only the sound of the wind moved through the trees.
Lin Tian slowly lowered his sword.
His arms were shaking.
His first real battle was over.
He had survived.
The young woman walked toward him.
“You fought well.” Lin Tian looked surprised.
“I almost lost.” She nodded.
“You did.” “But you stayed calm.” “Many beginners panic during their first fight.” “You didn’t.” Lin Tian scratched the back of his head.
“I was scared.” “I still am.” The young woman smiled faintly.
“Being afraid isn’t weakness.” “Letting fear control you is.” The old man’s voice echoed in Lin Tian’s mind.
“She has a good understanding of cultivation.” “Remember her words.” Lin Tian silently nodded.
He looked at the girl.
“You saved my life.” She shook her head.
“No.” “You saved yourself.” “I only stopped the stronger enemies.” Lin Tian was about to speak again when his stomach growled loudly.
The sound echoed through the cave.
For a moment…
Neither of them spoke.
Then the young woman laughed.
It was the first time Lin Tian had seen her smile.
“You haven’t eaten today.” Lin Tian smiled awkwardly.
“I’ve been a little busy.” She opened a small storage pouch hanging from her waist.
Lin Tian’s eyes widened.
The pouch looked tiny.
Yet she pulled out bread, dried meat, fruit, and a water flask.
“How…” She noticed his expression.
“This is a Storage Pouch.” “It contains a small independent space.” Lin Tian stared in amazement.
“So treasures like this really exist.” She handed him some bread.
“Eat first.” “Questions later.” Lin Tian accepted it.
“Thank you.” The two of them sat near the fire inside the cave.
For a while…
Neither of them spoke.
After finishing the bread, Lin Tian finally asked, “You still haven’t told me your name.” The young woman looked into the flames.
“My name is…” “Yue Qingxue.” Lin Tian repeated it quietly.
“Yue Qingxue…” “It’s a beautiful name.” A faint blush appeared on her face.
“Thank you.” She looked at him.
“And you’re Lin Tian.” He froze.
“How do you know my name?” “I was in Windfall City.” “I watched the Spiritual Root Awakening Ceremony.” Lin Tian lowered his head.
“So…” “You saw everything.” “I did.” “You must think I’m cursed too.” Yue Qingxue looked him directly in the eyes.
“No.” “I don’t.” Lin Tian looked surprised.
“Why?” She remained silent for a moment before answering.
“Because when everyone else saw fear…” “I saw opportunity.” “The Heaven-Forbidden Root isn’t ordinary.” “I don’t know what it truly is.” “But I know one thing.” “It isn’t weak.” Before Lin Tian could respond…
The old man’s voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
“Interesting.” “She has sharp instincts.” Yue Qingxue stood up.
“We should leave before sunrise.” “The Blood Shadow Hall will return with reinforcements.” Lin Tian nodded.
“Where do we go?” She pointed toward the distant mountains.
“To the Azure Cloud Sect.” Lin Tian blinked.
“The Azure Cloud Sect?” She nodded.
“The entrance examination begins in seven days.” “Cultivators from all over the Azure Empire will gather there.” “If you want to become stronger…” “That’s where your journey begins.” Lin Tian looked toward the horizon.
The first rays of sunlight slowly appeared above the mountains.
Only yesterday…
He had been thrown out of the Lin Clan.
Now…
A new path was opening before him.
He tightened his grip on his sword.
A determined smile appeared on his face.
“Azure Cloud Sect…” “I’m coming.” Far away…
Hidden on a distant mountain peak…
A man dressed in crimson robes watched them leave.
A black mask covered his face.
He smiled coldly.
“So…” “The Heaven-Forbidden Root has finally appeared.” He turned around.
“It’s time to report this to the Hall Master.” His figure disappeared into the morning mist.
Unaware of the danger growing behind him…
Lin Tian took his first steps toward a future that would shake the Nine Continents.
End of Chapter 4