The Invincible Sect Leader

The Blackwood Mountains a region feared by commoners and respected even by cultivators. It was a land of towering cliffs, dense forests, and mist-covered valleys. Demonic beasts lurked within, preying on the weak.

For Chan Li, this was the perfect place to begin his journey.

As he stepped onto the ancient, overgrown path leading into the mountains, he remained calm. His years of study had prepared him for this moment. He knew that the true cultivation world was not the polished halls of a sect but the cruel and unforgiving wilderness.

He moved swiftly, avoiding unnecessary confrontations. His eyes scanned the landscape, analyzing everything the patterns of beast tracks, the density of spiritual energy in the air, the subtle fluctuations in the ground that hinted at hidden formations.

Hours passed, and the deeper he ventured, the more intense the aura of the region became.

Then, a sudden rustling in the underbrush.

A pair of glowing red eyes emerged from the darkness.

A Shadowfang Wolf a vicious demonic beast at the peak of Qi Refining. Its jet-black fur absorbed the moonlight, making it nearly invisible. Its fangs dripped with venom, and its sharp claws could tear through steel.

Any ordinary cultivator at Chan Li's level would have turned and fled.

But he was different.

His mind raced, recalling the countless books he had studied.

"Shadowfang Wolves have weak points behind the eyes and under the ribs. They rely on speed and venom. Their fatal flaw? Their attacks follow predictable patterns."

The beast lunged.

Chan Li did not retreat.

Instead, he sidestepped at the perfect moment, his hand moving with precision. With a sharp strike to its weak point, his fingers jabbed into the soft spot behind the wolf's eyes.

The beast yelped, its body convulsing before collapsing to the ground dead.

Chan Li stood over the corpse, his expression unchanged.

"Knowledge outweighs brute strength."

He took the beast's core a small, glowing orb of condensed spiritual energy and continued forward. This was only the beginning.

As he moved deeper into the mountains, he finally reached his destination.

A massive stone gateway stood before him, covered in ancient runes and surrounded by an invisible formation barrier.

The ruins of the ancient formation master.

A thrill ran through Chan Li's mind.

If he could unlock the secrets hidden within, he would take his first true step toward power.

Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand and touched the barrier.

The ruins recognized his presence.

And the gates slowly began to open.