The following days passed in quiet diligence. Yang Haoxuan devoted himself entirely to training, immersing himself in cultivation as if possessed. However, he quickly discovered that leveling up had become significantly slower. Even so, his progress was still far better than most.
It took him a full week to reach level 9, though his martial cultivation only advanced to the fourth tier of the Warrior Realm. Another month passed, and while he still hadn't broken through to level 10, his cultivation had stepped into the fifth tier. It was during this month of relentless effort that Yang Haoxuan came to a realization—this was the first time he was truly cultivating. Everything before had been a joke in comparison.
He shut himself in for over a month, never stepping outside the Yang residence, which stirred much gossip across the capital of Great Yan. This infamous troublemaker, who once roamed the streets every day flanked by guards, bullying merchants and molesting women, had suddenly gone quiet? It was unheard of.
Some speculated that he was desperately trying to restore his shattered dantian, training like mad behind closed doors. Most, however, scoffed at the idea. To them, Yang Haoxuan was already seventeen—his public cultivation was only at the second tier of the Warrior Realm. Even if he managed to push it to the third tier in a month, what difference would that make in the long run?
One Month Later
Yang Haoxuan sat cross-legged on his bed, his breath calm and subtle. A light sheen of sweat coated his brow, evidence of the intense effort he had poured into cultivation. Slowly, he exhaled a long breath, opened his eyes, and smiled with quiet satisfaction.
He climbed out of bed, changed into a black martial outfit, strapped his war blade to his back, and tightened his belt. Today was no ordinary day—it was the Yang family's official combat trial.
In the world of Tianhe Continent, great clans like the Yangs survived by cultivating strength. Their true power lay in the younger generation—the disciples they painstakingly trained and groomed. Events like this trial were critical, designed to hone real-world combat skills. To Yang Haoxuan, it was no different from the exams back on Earth—only here, they could be fatal.
The trial was to be held near the outer perimeter of the Great Yan Mountains, in a place known as Redleaf Lake. The name was misleading; it wasn't an actual lake, but a vast valley encircled by maple trees with crimson leaves. From above, the fiery red canopy made the valley look like a burning lake of autumn fire.
It was early morning. The air was crisp, and the skies were clear—perfect weather for bloodshed.
A flat clearing near Redleaf Lake was already filled with Yang family disciples. Dozens of young men stood shoulder to shoulder in matching battle gear. Each one tall and fit, trained for years, standing in neat rows with a serious, disciplined aura.
Yang Haoxuan stood among them, blending into the formation.
The drill instructor was a towering man with a barrel chest and arms like tree trunks. He paced in front of the group, voice booming like thunder. "You are the pride of the Yang family—the elite we've nurtured for seventeen years. Next year is your coming-of-age ceremony. That means today's trial won't be like the ones you're used to. This time, it's dangerous. Very dangerous."
He paused, eyes sweeping over their faces before continuing.
"You will enter the deeper regions of the Great Yan Mountains. Your task is simple—hunt wild beasts. Collect their left ears. Twenty ears will count as passing. You all know how deadly the inner mountains are. I don't want to lose anyone—but if someone dies out there, that's reality. You'd best work in teams."
His voice dropped an octave, cold and hard.
"And no matter what happens, return before sundown. I don't want another missing person on my watch."
That final remark made several people glance at Yang Haoxuan, amusement flickering in their eyes. Everyone knew the story—how the infamous young master had gone missing once before. Some even used him as a mental crutch: I'm not the worst here. Yang Haoxuan's still worse than me.
But Yang Haoxuan merely shrugged, unfazed. If anything, he was excited. This was his first real chance to test his strength. Aside from hurling two fireballs at that ninth princess weeks ago, he had yet to face any true combat. And now? Now he had a battlefield.
"And one more thing," the instructor added, holding up a small white pill. "Whoever performs best today will receive this—one Qi-Gathering Pill!"
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
A real alchemic pill—true, refined medicine! Everyone knew how precious these were. A single Qi-Gathering Pill could accelerate cultivation dramatically. Even seasoned warriors had to fight for the chance to get one.
Yang Haoxuan's eyes sparkled. He recalled seeing this item in his system's database: a Grade-1 Pill that could grant +654 EXP. That was exactly what he needed to break through to level 10 and unlock life skills like alchemy and potion crafting.
"All right! Check your equipment and provisions—you have five minutes!"
The disciples erupted into action, checking their blades, adjusting armor, strapping supplies. Yang Haoxuan simply gave his war blade a quick spin, satisfied.
Then came a voice like nails on a chalkboard. "Hey, Yang Haoxuan! Did you manage to crawl from Tier Two all the way to Tier Six yet?"
He didn't need to look to know who it was—Yang Ying, the resident fly. Still a tier above him.
Yang Haoxuan smirked, not even turning his head. "Buzz off. You're blocking my air."
But Yang Ying didn't bite. On the contrary, he looked smugger than ever. Today, he had the upper hand. Everyone knew the Great Yan Mountains were crawling with vicious beasts. Even Tier Two warriors could kill a lone wolf—but twenty wolves? And some came in packs.
Yang Ying chuckled, crossing his arms. "No need to get snippy. Tell you what—you beg me, and I'll let you join my team. I'll even protect you."
Laughter rippled through the crowd. Several nearby disciples chuckled, enjoying the show. Only Yang Ruo Lan, standing at the edge, watched Yang Haoxuan quietly. Something about him seemed different lately. Still arrogant—but no longer empty inside.
Yang Haoxuan didn't respond. That silence only emboldened Yang Ying further.
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" Yang Ying sneered. "Afraid? Come on, beg. You know I'm winning that pill today, no contest. Stick with me and you might make it out alive."
On the side, Yang Ruo Lan looked thoughtful. Yang Peng, meanwhile, was clearly enjoying the drama.
Thankfully, before things escalated further—
"All right, time's up. Head out!"
The instructor's bark cut through the noise, and the tension broke. The disciples began marching toward the mountains in small groups, weapons at the ready, spirits high.
Yang Haoxuan stayed behind a moment, crouched by the lake to splash cold water on his face. Born and raised in a concrete jungle, this wild, vibrant world held an irresistible pull for him. Nature here wasn't just beautiful—it was alive.
By the time he stepped into the forest, the others had already spread out.
Soon, he was alone.
And that was exactly what he wanted.