SpaceMage
Chapter 37 37 - Desolate Astral Forest

As Ximen Wei emerged from the tumultuous chaos, his eyes were immediately drawn to the vista of the battlefield. The vibrant hues that illuminated the area were nothing short of mesmerizing, and Ximen Wei felt a rush of adrenaline as he gazed upon the spectacle. With a determined step, he quickened his pace, eager to immerse himself in the fray once more.

But the red-haired Cultivator, who had been moving with a stride alongside Ximen Wei, suddenly came to a halt. He stood still for a moment, lost in thought as he gazed out at the kaleidoscope of colors before him. His expression was one of contemplation, as if he was weighing the gravity of the situation and considering his next move.

The red-haired Cultivator was a formidable opponent, with an astute and cunning mind. He knew that wherever Ximen Wei went, he would be able to track him with ease. Yet, as Ximen Wei scampered off into the distance, the Cultivator's eyes took on a sinister glint. He slowly turned on his heel, deciding that pursuing a ten-year-old child was beneath his station.

Meanwhile, Ximen Wei was completely unaware of the Cultivator's machinations. He was overjoyed at the realization that his pursuer was no longer in pursuit. With a wide smile spreading across his face, he picked himself up and set his sights on the forest near Green Lotus City, known to many as the Desolate Astral Forest. Ximen Wei wanted to explore the unknown, not knowing the danger that lay ahead in the enigmatic woodland.

One of the reasons the red-haired Cultivator did not chase him was because of this.

...

The Desolate Astral Forest is a compact yet treacherous woodland that lies in close proximity to Green Lotus City. According to local lore, a catastrophic battle between two renowned Qi Experts had forever altered the very fabric of the forest, transforming it into a strange and incomprehensible environment. Over time, the mutated forest became a haven for wildlife and especially Qi Beasts.

Qi Beasts are creatures that, through some unknown means, have gained enlightenment and cultivated their own Qi, becoming beings that exist on a higher plane than regular animals. In the same way that humans shed their mortal coil and attain a higher form when they reach Qi Ascension, Qi Beasts have transcended the limits of their animal nature.

Unfortunately, the Desolate Astral Forest is now nearly overrun by these powerful Qi Beasts, making it a prime destination for Qi Cultivators seeking to harvest Beast Cores and other valuable materials.

Ximen Wei was visible on the fringes of the Desolate Astral Forest, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. He had run for some time, seeking refuge in the solitude of the forest, and now leaned against a sturdy oak tree to recover. Despite the relative peace of his surroundings, the sounds of combat could still be heard in the distance, a reminder of the ongoing conflict between the Immortal Devil Sect Cultivators and the Green Lotus City Cultivators.

The sight of the battle that he witnessed only served to galvanize Ximen Wei's resolve, fueling his desire to become stronger and to attain greater power. With resolution in his eyes, he pushed himself away from the tree and set his sights on the unknown depths of the Desolate Astral Forest.

Ximen Wei's pace was measured and deliberate as he made his way through the dense forest, wary of any potential threats from the Qi Beasts that roamed the area. Despite his combat prowess, he knew that caution was the best approach for now. Each step was taken with care, his senses attuned to the surrounding wilderness as he sought to avoid drawing the attention of any potentially dangerous creatures.

However, Ximen Wei was not without hope. He welcomed the chance to engage with weaker Qi Beasts, as these encounters would provide an opportunity to hone his skills and strengthen his body. The journey ahead was long and uncertain, but he was determined to make it to the other end of the forest.

With his progress slowed by caution, Ximen Wei estimated that it would take him a full week to reach his destination. He was acutely aware of his limited supplies, as he had not thought to bring any food or water with him on his journey. The only possessions he carried were the medallion gifted to him by Long Gen and the Earth Grade Qi Condensation Manual, both of which were of immeasurable value to him.

Thankfully, Ximen Wei's status as a Qi Cultivator meant that he had a different method of sustenance. As he progressed through the ranks, he would eventually be able to nourish himself through the natural energy of Heaven and Earth, negating the need for food altogether. At present, as a Level 1 Qi Trainee, he still required sustenance, although not with the same frequency as a mortal.

Despite the uncertainty of his supplies, Ximen Wei was resourceful. He collected wild blueberries along his journey and stored them in his pockets, ensuring that he would have a small supply of food when necessary. And, during his journey, he would pause to study the teachings in the Earth Grade Qi Condensation Manual, drawing strength from the wisdom contained within its pages.

Ximen Wei's progress was nothing short of impressive. He was making rapid advancements, and he felt that within three months, he would reach a new milestone - breaking through to the second level of Qi Trainee and opening his seventh Extraordinary Meridian. Despite these achievements, Ximen Wei was not satisfied. He frowned, feeling that his progress was not fast enough.

Ximen Wei's journey as a cultivator was filled with challenges and difficulties. The progression from one level to the next grew increasingly difficult with each advancement. Despite his rapid progress, Ximen Wei was aware that it would take years to reach the coveted rank of Rank 1 Qi Expert. And even this was predicated on the assumption that no unexpected obstacles would arise.

The thought of being stuck in a bottleneck during the third level of Qi Trainee was a daunting one. It was a potential outcome that threatened to derail his progress and rob him of the chance to reach Qi Ascension and become an official Qi Cultivator. The stakes were high, and Ximen Wei was keenly aware of the importance of maintaining his momentum and avoiding any pitfalls that might stand in his way.

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