The sun filtered through thick canopies as Su Yang entered the Spirit Forest. A damp mist clung to the leaves, and the scent of herbs—both medicinal and poisonous—filled the air. Every step he took brought him deeper into the heart of wild cultivation territory.
Max padded quietly beside him, his nose twitching with interest. Su Yang took a deep breath, tightening his fists.
> "This is where I sharpen myself. No shortcuts."
Suddenly, the ground trembled.
A sharp roar echoed through the forest, sending birds scattering from the treetops. Crashing through the underbrush, a massive Spirit Bear burst into view, its brown fur scarred from previous battles and its crimson eyes burning with fury.
It was a Level 3 Spirit Beast, but Su Yang felt its pressure—it was nearly on par with a Level 4. And worse: this one was mad.
"Perfect," Su Yang muttered with a grin. He set Max down gently behind him. "Stay back. I'm handling this without world energy. No techniques either."
Max tilted his head, slightly surprised, but barked once and sat calmly, watching with silent trust.
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The Battle Begins
The bear roared and lunged—its claws gleaming as they slashed through the air.
Su Yang stepped sideways, narrowly dodging. He twisted his hips and drove a fist into the beast's ribs with full physical force.
Thud.
It felt like punching a wall of iron. The bear staggered slightly but turned with a thunderous backhand.
Su Yang ducked under it, sweat already forming on his brow.
> "Its hide is thick… and its raw strength is monstrous. If I had used my energy, this would be over—but I need this."
The bear lunged again, this time feinting before swiping at Su Yang's legs. He jumped, barely avoiding the attack, and retaliated with a rapid jab to its throat—then a hook to the jaw.
Blood sprayed from the beast's mouth.
The bear roared louder now, not just with anger, but pain. It charged blindly.
Su Yang's eyes narrowed. He rolled beneath the charge, dug his feet into the earth, and waited.
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The Finishing Blow
> "One punch. I need one clean hit. All power in one strike."
He twisted his body, channeled all his strength from his legs to his fist, and leapt forward.
"HAAAAA!!"
CRACK!
His fist collided with the bear's extended claw. For a second, time froze—then a loud boom echoed through the trees. The Spirit Bear was sent tumbling backward, its massive form crashing into a tree, snapping it like a twig.
It tried to rise, but blood gushed from its mouth and chest. It groaned once… and went still.
Silence returned to the forest.
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Reflection and Growth
Max trotted over, tail wagging as if nothing had happened.
Su Yang wiped sweat from his brow, his chest rising and falling from exertion.
> "That... was intense. No energy, no techniques—just strength and skill." He exhaled slowly. "But I held my ground. Barely."
Max barked proudly.
Su Yang chuckled, "What, you want to eat him now?"
Max barked again.
"Alright, but leave the claws. I might be able to use them to forge something later."
Without hesitation, Max sank his teeth into the bear. His jaw strength was unbelievable—he tore through muscle and bone like warm bread. Within minutes, the once-giant beast was nothing but scraps.
Su Yang watched in awe. "You're a bottomless pit... or maybe a divine beast in disguise."
When Max finished, he let out a satisfied burp and collapsed at Su Yang's feet, eyes already closing.
Knowing the process, Su Yang picked him up gently.
"You're digesting again, huh? Go rest."
He stored Max inside his Spirit Land, where the little beast could sleep and absorb the nutrients.
Su Yang stood alone now, surrounded by silence and the scent of blood.
> "I need more of this. More fights. More danger. This is how I'll master my body… not just my qi."
He looked toward the deeper part of the forest, where stronger beasts lurked—and his next trial waited.
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