Atticus strolled out to the outer court training ground, where he could already see some of the disciples engaged in their exercises. The training area was bustling with activity; some disciples were sparring with partners, while others focused on solo training. It was a common sight for practitioners in the sect to refine their control over their newly acquired strength after a breakthrough.As Atticus walked further into the training ground, he spotted a cluster of large rocks positioned neatly in one corner. They were meant for disciples to practice their strikes, and Atticus thought it would be the perfect way to test his newfound strength.He approached the rocks, his gaze fixed on them. His physical strength had skyrocketed after his unexpected breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment realm, and he was eager to see just how powerful he had become. He decided to start with some classic punches.With a deep breath, Atticus drew his fist back and launched it forward, striking o
With his victory over Feng Liu still resonating in the air, Atticus approached the four disciples who had once tormented him. They gazed at him with a mixture of astonishment and trepidation, not anticipating Atticus's confrontation."You all remember me, don't you?" Atticus's voice remained calm, but it carried an undercurrent of threat that was hard to ignore.The four disciples exchanged uneasy glances but remained silent.Atticus pressed on, "Come on! You made my life a living hell. The least you can do is respond. How about an apology? Maybe then I'll consider letting you off the hook."One of the disciples, a burly young man with a sneer, mustered the courage to speak. "Don't let your recent victory get to your head, Atticus. You might have defeated Feng Liu, but it doesn't mean you can take all of us."Atticus flexed his fingers, his demeanor taking on a more menacing edge. "I didn't come here to fight all of you at once. That would be too embarrassing for y'all and you probabl
Elder Zhou Mei approached Atticus with a stern expression, his gaze piercing through the lingering shock of the onlookers. The training ground had fallen into an eerie silence as the aftermath of Atticus's brutal victory unfolded."Atticus, your actions go against the principles of our sect. This level of brutality is unacceptable," Elder Zhou Mei declared, his voice echoing across the now somber arena.Atticus met the elder's gaze with steely resolve. "I only did what was necessary to end the challenge, and this was just proof of strength."The elder's stern expression did not waver. "There are rules, Atticus, and you have crossed a line. You will face the consequences of your actions."Atticus sighed, seemingly unfazed. "Consequences? I've faced worse."Elder Zhou Mei's tone grew more severe. "You may have gained a little strength by mysterious means, but true strength is tempered with discipline and restraint! Your actions today have endangered the harmony of our sect.""Harmony?"
A colossal wolf, its fur the color of twilight, stood on its hind legs, its massive form easily dwarfing even the largest of cultivator Atticus have ever come across. Its eyes, two burning orbs of molten gold, fixed on Atticus with a predatory glint. Razor-sharp fangs, dripping with a viscous silver liquid, protruded from its maw, and a low growl rumbled from its chest, resonating through the clearing like an approaching storm.This particular beast is considered the lone wolf of the forest, a Moonshadow Stalker, a creature said to roam the deepest, most ancient parts of the forest as it was a vicious predator that was born to slaughter, its power rivaling even some early stage spirit gathering cultivators. Atticus kept his gaze on the colossal wolf as his heart pounded a frantic rhythm against his ribs, adrenaline coursing through his veins. This wasn't just a hunt anymore; this was a fight for survival as Atticus did not expect to meet such high level beast so quickly...or at all.He
As Atticus delved deeper into the forest, the dense foliage cast heavy shadows around him, obscuring the path ahead. He pressed on, mindful of every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs, his senses heightened by the recent encounter with the Moonshadow Stalker.Suddenly, the air grew thick with the acrid scent of sulfur and smoke. A guttural roar echoed through the trees, alerting Atticus who was close by. He quickened his pace, drawn towards the source of the commotion by an unseen force.Emerging into a clearing, he was met with a scene of utter chaos. Four figures, clad in the familiar blue and white robes of outer court disciples, were locked in a desperate struggle against six monstrous creatures. The beasts resembled giant lizards, their scales shimmering like molten obsidian in the dim light, their eyes burning with an infernal glow. Each lizard stood taller than any man, their razor-sharp claws flashing as they lunged at their prey.The outer disciples, clearly outmatched and ou
Atticus resumed his hunt, his body feeling lighter and stronger after the recent battle. The System had finally registered his complaint and refrained from passively absorbing the core of the beasts he had just slain. He reached into the pouch on his waist where six cores now resided, pulsing orb of fiery energy from the fire breathing lizards he had slaughtered. A smirk played on his lips. These cores would normally be worth a significant amount of contribution points, enough to finally purchase the strengthening pills and several other cultivation resources from the alchemy pavilion in the sect but most of the cores with him will probably be going to the sect in return for not being punished for solitary confinement.Atticus wasn't bothered about this though since he could already feel his body getting stronger and more resilient. The rate at which he absorbed and consolidated qi had increased too, once more pushing his cultivation base to the peak of the 3rd level of foundation e
Atticus, unaware of the brewing storm both amongst the beasts and the cultivators, continued his hunt, his senses heightened by the recent exertion. As he stalked through the dense undergrowth, a strange notification flashed across his mind.[Qi dispersion detected, traces of void energy detected.][Master Atticus, this energy source is very important in the potential upgrading of the system which will also benefit you.]Atticus's brows furrowed in curiosity. Void energy? He had never encountered anything like it before and he wondered what it would look like. The System's message, however, was clear – this energy was crucial. He adjusted his course, following the faint traces of energy like a compass guiding him north.Meanwhile, within the heart of the Forbidden Forest, Gorgon and the other beasts watched with grim satisfaction as the distant sounds of a Qi constantly churning echoed through the trees. Their plan was working. The chaotic spirit qi, generated by the ripening of the f
Panic erupted in the clearing as the disciples, caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the beasts and the horrifying scene of their fellow disciple being devoured by unseen insects, scattered in all directions. The clearing, once bathed in an eerie green glow, descended into chaos, echoing with screams, roars, and the clash of steel against flesh.Atticus, his instincts honed by years of training, remained rooted to the spot for a fleeting moment, assessing the situation. A monstrous wolf lunged at him, its eyes burning with predatory hunger. This beast emanated an aura of power, indicating it was at least in the early stages of the Spirit Gathering realm, far exceeding most of the disciples present.However, Atticus, despite being one cultivation realm lower, felt a surge of confidence. After killing his way through the forbidden forest and having several battles with peak Foundation Establishment and early stage Spirit Gathering beasts, he had regained his confidence. Reincarn