Chapter 3: Trials of the Misty Mountains
Shu embarked on his journey, leaving behind his humble village. The Misty Mountains were treacherous, with sheer cliffs and creatures that defied mortal comprehension. Shu relied on his instincts and newfound powers, which manifested unpredictably.
One night, while resting in a cave, Shu was ambushed by a shadow panther, its eyes glowing crimson. Cornered, he felt the rune on his palm activate. A spear of light emerged, striking the beast. Though victorious, Shu collapsed, his energy drained.
The next morning, Shu encountered a young girl, Lian Hua, who claimed to be a wandering cultivator. Petite but sharp-tongued, she reluctantly healed his wounds after seeing his rune. "You’re an anomaly," she said. "That power… it’s raw but divine."
Despite her skepticism, Lian Hua agreed to guide Shu to the Spirit Pavilion, intrigued by his strange heritage.
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Chapter 4: Spirit Pavilion’s Secrets
The Spirit Pavilion was a sprawling temple complex carved into a mountain. Its gates shimmered with energy, guarded by cultivators. Lian Hua vouched for Shu, and he was granted entry.
Inside, Shu met Master Tian, a wise yet stern elder. Tian examined Shu’s rune, his expression grim. "You bear the mark of the World God, but your powers are untamed. If left unchecked, they’ll destroy you."
Tian offered Shu a choice: to train and learn control or leave the cultivation world entirely. Shu, determined to uncover his identity, chose to stay. Thus began his grueling training.
Shu struggled initially. His bad luck persisted, with training dummies collapsing and spiritual artifacts malfunctioning. Yet, he persevered, earning the respect of peers and even the stoic Master Tian.
-end of chapter 3-4