Fengyu spent several minutes walking through the Sanctuary. The mountains glowed faintly under the rich spiritual light. Lakes shimmered, and gentle breezes carried the lovely fragrance of medicinal herbs. Everything felt peaceful.
But the system's panel reminded him he wasn't here on vacation.
[Trial Remaining: 2 years, 364 days]
He had three years of survival. With the Sanctuary, he could last. But he needed to grow stronger, gather people, and eventually create descendants to expand this world.
His mind sharpened.
"System, how do I bring people into the Sanctuary?"
"Host, anyone you touch with the intention of bringing in may be transported here. However, only you and those marked by the Holy Tree may bring others inside."
"And the mark needs 70 favorability?"
"Correct."
Fengyu rubbed his chin.
"So I must build trust first."
"Indeed."
He walked toward the Holy Spring, located in a crystal grotto. The water glowed milky-white, edged with faint golden ripples.
"So this can heal and enhance?"
"Yes, Host. You may use it freely."
He cupped a handful of water and drank.
The effect was immediate.
Warmth flooded his limbs. His meridians cleared. His body shook as hidden impurities burned away.
His muscles tightened; his senses sharpened.
A panel popped up.
[Host's Body Tempering increased: Stage 2 → Stage 4]
[Root Purity increased]
"Damn," Fengyu whispered. "This spring is heaven."
But he couldn't stay inside forever.
He needed food, shelter, and allies outside. The Sanctuary was safe, but he needed to maintain the facade of survival.
"System, if I spend one day inside…?"
"Only two and a half hours pass outside."
He grinned.
"That's perfect."
He exited the Sanctuary.
The dangerous forest returned instantly.
Branches cracked nearby. Fengyu stilled. A low growl came from behind a thicket.
A wolf-like beast, its fur dark and eyes bloodshot, slinked into view.
A Low-Rank Spirit Beast.
Too strong for the original Lin Fengyu—but not for the new one.
Fengyu lifted a sharp stone and breathed deeply.
The beast lunged.
He dodged left, rolled over roots, and struck at its wounded leg. The beast stumbled. Fengyu grabbed a fallen branch, rammed it into its throat, and twisted.
The beast collapsed.
He panted lightly.
Not fear—exhilaration. The Sanctuary's spring had improved him far more than expected.
He looked down at the dead Spirit Beast.
"Good. You'll feed me for days."
He dragged the corpse to a safer hollow and stored it inside the Sanctuary with a touch.
Just like that, the carcass vanished.
"Storage too… this is too good."
He cooked a portion over a small fire. As he ate, he heard rustling—soft, frantic.
A girl's voice.
"Someone… help!"
Fengyu's head snapped up.
A girl, dirt-stained and limping, sprinted toward him. Behind her, two horned boars crashed through the underbrush.
Fengyu acted instantly.
He rushed forward, grabbed the girl's wrist, and pulled her behind him.
"Stay back!"
She gasped. "You… you're Lin Fengyu, right? From the clan?"
"Yes. Hold on."
The boars charged.
Fengyu used a rock to distract one, dodged low, and struck its throat. The second lunged; he kicked its knee sideways, grabbed a broken branch, and stabbed.
The beasts fell.
The girl stared in disbelief.
"You… you killed them alone?"
Fengyu frowned. She looked about his age—maybe sixteen—with long dark hair and bright eyes full of fear.
"What's your name?"
"L–Li Meiyu… I got separated from my group…"
He felt a soft chime.
[Li Meiyu – Favorability +30]
Good.
He helped her sit. "You're safe now."
Her eyes trembled. "Thank you…"
Fengyu exhaled.
This… was the beginning of his hidden clan.
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