Chapter 4: The First Trial

The forest was silent once more, save for the soft rustling of leaves carried by a gentle breeze. Azazel stood alone, his breath steadying after the intense trial of will that had nearly shattered his mind and body. The Iron Soul inside him now burned with a low, steady heat—powerful and untamed.

The system's voice, though calm, carried an undeniable weight.

Host: The first trial has been completed, but the journey ahead will not be easy. You must continue to hone your strength and unlock the Iron Soul's potential. The first step toward that goal is to advance in your cultivation. To do so, you must seek out more trials—real battles that will test your body, mind, and will.

Azazel's gaze flickered toward the horizon. The world was vast and full of dangers, and for all his newfound strength, he knew that surviving here meant overcoming countless challenges. The Iron Soul system had already proven to be an invaluable guide, but it was clear that only by facing trials in the real world could he continue to grow.

Host: Your immediate goal is to reach the Qi Condensation Stage. This will solidify your foundation and unlock more advanced techniques. To achieve this, you must find a martial arts sect or a master capable of guiding your growth. Seek out those who can challenge you, those who can push you beyond your limits.

Azazel didn't hesitate. Jiang Xian's memories had left him with some knowledge of the world—its power structures, its sects, and the various martial traditions that flourished here. The nearest city, Longhua, was known for its prestigious martial arts academy, the Phoenix Sect. If there was any place where he could find both knowledge and competition, it would be there.

With that decision made, Azazel set off toward the city, leaving the familiar forest behind. His feet carried him across rugged terrain, through valleys and hills, the landscape changing as he traveled farther from the forest. The air began to grow warmer, and the scent of the forest gave way to the faint aroma of distant markets and the bustle of life.

Host: Your progress is commendable, but remember—your body is still weak. There are dangers on the road. Be prepared to defend yourself at any time.

Azazel's hand instinctively rested on the hilt of the sword at his side. He had learned the basics of martial combat from Jiang Xian's memories, but even with his newfound strength, he knew he was far from invincible. His cultivation needed time to mature before he could confidently take on more experienced opponents.

As he approached a small village on the outskirts of Longhua, a flicker of motion caught his eye. A figure dashed through the trees on the edge of the road, moving too quickly for an ordinary person. Azazel narrowed his eyes, his instincts kicking in. A martial artist?

Suddenly, a pair of men appeared from behind the trees, blocking his path. They were dressed in rough clothing, and their expressions were hard—hungry, almost predatory. One of them was tall, with a broad build, while the other was shorter but wiry, with sharp eyes and quick hands.

"You look like an easy target," the tall one said, his voice low and gravelly. "Hand over your belongings, and we'll let you go."

Azazel's heart skipped a beat. Robbers. These men had clearly made a habit of preying on travelers. But they were mistaken if they thought he would submit to their demands.

Azazel's hand tightened on the sword hilt. He had dealt with the beast in the forest, but these men—while they lacked the ferocity of the wolf—were skilled in their own right. He could feel their Qi, rough and untamed, surging through their bodies, but it was far less refined than his own.

Host: These men are at the Qi Gathering Stage. They are not a significant threat, but they may still pose danger. Your best course of action is to neutralize them quickly. Use your Qi to enhance your attacks.

Azazel nodded slightly, his mind sharpening. He would need to control the situation quickly. The system's guidance was invaluable, and with his Qi flowing steadily, he was no longer the inexperienced martial artist he had once been.

The tall man sneered, his hand reaching for a dagger at his belt. "You don't seem like much, but I'll make sure you don't leave here with your life."

Azazel didn't wait for the man to make the first move. With a quick burst of Qi, he shot forward, closing the distance in an instant. His sword was a blur of motion, the sharp edge cutting through the air. The tall man's eyes widened in surprise as he raised his dagger to block, but Azazel's strike was too fast. The blade struck with a sickening crack, shattering the man's weapon and slicing into his arm.

The man howled in pain, stumbling back as blood poured from the wound.

"Impossible!" the shorter man shouted. He lunged forward, hoping to catch Azazel off guard. But Azazel had already anticipated the move. With a quick flick of his wrist, he deflected the man's strike and swept his legs out from under him with a well-placed kick. The shorter man crashed to the ground, winded and stunned.

Azazel stood over them, his sword raised. The two robbers were alive, but they were defeated—humbled by the speed and precision of his attack. He took a step back, his Qi humming beneath his skin.

Host: You have successfully neutralized two opponents. Your control over your Qi is growing stronger. However, be cautious. Many who roam these lands are more dangerous than they appear.

Azazel looked down at the two men, their faces contorted in pain and fear. They had come for him, but now they were the ones on the ground. With a final glance, he turned and began to walk away.

Before he could take more than a few steps, however, the tall man let out a strained laugh. "You... you don't belong here, do you? You're stronger than any of us, and that means trouble... for both of us."

Azazel paused, his hand still resting on his sword hilt. He had a sense this was more than a simple robbery. These men weren't just common criminals—they were likely scouts for something larger. A band of rogue cultivators, perhaps, or even a criminal faction that had ties to the darker corners of the martial world.

But he didn't have time to entertain their threats. He had a mission, and he had just gained valuable experience in combat. His Qi was still young, but with each fight, he grew stronger. The trials ahead would only get harder.

As the two robbers watched him leave, their hatred burning in their eyes, Azazel's mind returned to the words of the system.

Host: Your journey is only beginning. Seek out the Phoenix Sect in Longhua. There, you will find not only your next trial, but the true test of your will. Strength is not simply a matter of power—it is about control, adaptability, and resilience.

Azazel nodded silently to himself, his resolve firm. He had passed his first test. But there were many more to come. Each challenge would be another step on the path to unlocking the true power of the Iron Soul. And he was ready for whatever came next.