The two then entered the cave together.
The interior left Ling Feng wide-eyed with surprise. Glowstones flickered faintly in the corners, casting soft light over a small wooden table scattered with faded pages. At the center lay a red meditation rug, worn with age.
"This place was something I stumbled across a few days ago. Most likely it belonged to an ancient practitioner," Chu Qing Han said, chuckling at Ling Feng's awestruck expression.
"An ancient practitioner? Like the mighty demonic spiritualists of today?" Ling Feng asked, eyes gleaming as he looked around.
"Like today's?" Chu Qing Han chuckled inwardly. The spiritualists of Glory City were indeed strong—but compared to the realms he had once walked, they were nothing more than fledglings.
"You could say that!" he replied casually, not ready to delve into the truth just yet.
While Ling Feng admired the surroundings, Chu Qing Han quietly assessed the cave. Judging from the decay of the documents and the distinct, ancient scent that permeated the air, this place had likely remained untouched for over a thousand years. More importantly, he noticed a faint energy-gathering formation beneath the meditation rug—something most people wouldn't even detect.
But he wasn't most people.
After thoroughly inspecting every corner and confirming that there were no traps or hidden passages, Chu Qing Han finally spoke.
"This place will do for now. We'll stay here until next month. We can hunt rabbits or other mild beasts for food, there's a nearby lake for bathing, and the forest is large enough for privacy."
"Wow! This is way better than that dark alley!" Ling Feng said, beaming. "Brother Qin, I really don't regret following you!"
Chu Qing Han smiled at him before stepping outside the cave to look around.
Though there was a small opening on the cliffside, it would be nearly impossible to notice unless someone intentionally approached. He felt confident that they wouldn't be found here.
'I should begin my cultivation today… Time is running short.' Chu Qing Han looked up; through the leaves he could see the sun high in the sky—just past noon.
'I should also pass a technique on to him,' he thought with a soft smile. Even though they hadn't been together for long, he already felt a genuine warmth toward the boy.
With that, he left Ling Feng in the cave and made his way deeper into the forest. Their money had run out, and for now, they'd have to rely on hunting small animals.
'My soul force is still around fifteen or sixteen—but with my past experience, it's more than enough to handle surprises.' Once he resumed cultivation using his original technique, it wouldn't take long for his soul force to grow rapidly.
He was just about a hundred meters from the forest's edge when he spotted several small animals scurrying nearby.
Landing silently atop a sturdy tree, Chu Qing Han scanned the area with practiced caution. Only after confirming that all was calm did he descend and head toward the concentration of prey.
Suddenly, he froze. A menacing gaze locked onto his back.
The sensation was sharp and precise—his perception, though weaker than in his previous life, was still far beyond ordinary. He couldn't pinpoint the exact nature of the presence, but he sensed its position clearly:
South. Thirty meters. Slightly left. Behind a green tree about the width of two men standing side by side.
He narrowed his eyes. A wolf?
It was a solid guess. Only wolves had that kind of cunning—silent, patient, waiting for the perfect moment to ambush.
He channeled energy into his body, preparing to lure the beast out before it could alert others.
Picking up a stone, Chu Qing Han infused it with spiritual energy and hurled it at the hidden stalker.
Whoosh!
The stone sliced through the air.
Bang! Crack!
It collided with the tree trunk, sending a sharp noise echoing through the woods.
At that exact moment, a large shadow leapt out, snarling as it charged at Chu Qing Han.
"A snow wolf?" he muttered, eyes narrowing.
It wasn't the largest—barely three feet tall—but with a body broader than a buffalo's, fighting it head-on in his current condition would be dangerous.
If he were in peak form, taking down a whole pack wouldn't be a problem. But now, he had to rely on skill and strategy.
Even so, his expression didn't falter.
As the beast approached, its bloodstained jaws open wide, Chu Qing Han subtly picked up another stone, concealing it in his right hand.
He planned to use it as a hidden weapon—catch the wolf off guard and take it out in one move.
The wolf lunged.
No time to dodge.
Chu Qing Han unleashed Fortifying Fast Fist, retreating as his energy surged.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Three sharp, metallic cracks rang out as his fist collided with the beast's skull.
"So tough!" he muttered, springing back.
Yet after that first exchange, Chu Qing Han's hesitation vanished.
In its place… excitement.
He was ready to fight.