Mu bingyun

As the eager participants rushed into the forest, their enthusiasm filled the air. Among them, Li Tian quietly followed, observing the scene unfolding before him. Groups formed naturally, friends sticking together and seeking out the strongest contestants they knew from their three years of schooling. Yet, Li Tian remained an outsider, ignored and friendless. He preferred it that way, for he was a lone wolf at heart. He had  already lived one live and was now living the second so In his eyes, these participants were like children compared to him.

Silently maneuvering through the forest, Li Tian soon heard the booming sounds of battle echoing from all directions. The fights had begun, and he was merely a spectator. He traversed the forest, observing different individuals engaged in combat and studying the peculiarities of this world's fighting methods and bloodline manipulation.

As he continued his exploration, an epiphany struck him—these bloodline abilities held immense potential for cultivation. If thoroughly explored, they could lead one to greatness, provided they survived the trials. Li Tian absorbed this knowledge, filing it away for future reference.

During his wanderings, he encountered numerous individuals in peril and selflessly extended his aid. However, he had no interest in claiming first place. With the backing of the system, he knew he could obtain anything he lacked. Thus, when he assisted others in slaying the demonic beasts, he made no effort to contest for the beast cores. He understood that even a single core would be sufficient to pass, so he spared himself the needless trouble.

Moments later, Li Tian encountered a rank one beast. With his superior strength, it stood no chance against him. He swiftly approached the creature, delivering a devastating punch that ended its life instantaneously. Retrieving the beast core, he remained at the site, patiently waiting for the aroma of blood to attract more demonic beasts.

Sure enough, two more rank one beasts appeared, but they posed no challenge for Li Tian. He dispatched them with ease, his skills honed through his two lifetimes of experience. He knew that it was only a matter of time before a stronger foe emerged. The scent of blood in the area had yet to attract a rank two beast, but he bided his time, prepared for the challenge.

Half an hour later, a piercing scream pierced the air, originating from a nearby section of the forest. The sound propelled Li Tian into action, urging him to investigate. He sprinted towards the source, his speed unmatched. As he drew closer, he caught sight of a girl engaged in battle with a rank two beast. The girl possessed an otherworldly beauty, her snow-white hair and cold countenance captivating his gaze. He felt a strange aura emanating from her—an icy chill that hinted at her formidable power. She had already reached the xiantian realm, refining her Qi to attain greater strength.

Li Tian observed the battle, realizing that the girl's injuries were likely caused by a momentary lapse in her focus rather than a genuine threat. She effortlessly dispatched the beast, confirming his suspicions. After collecting the beast core, she turned to face Li Tian, her gaze cold and piercing.

"You've been watching me for a while now, fellow daoist. Is there something I can assist you with?" Her voice was as cold as her stare.

Flustered, Li Tian stumbled over his words, trying to explain himself. "Uh, no. I heard someone cry out earlier and came to help. I didn't realize you had the situation under control, and I certainly didn't mean to stare."

"Fellow daoist, can you tell me your name?"

The girl studied him for a few seconds, her expression unreadable. Without another word, she turned and walked away, disappearing into the forest. However, just before vanishing from sight, she responded to his unasked question.

"Mu Bingyun."

Li Tian committed the name to memory, his thoughts lingering on the encounter even minutes after she had departed. He eventually snapped back to reality and resumed his position, returning to the area he had previously occupied. To his surprise, he discovered a group of ten rank one beasts congregating there. He wasted no time, launching an assault and swiftly eliminating them.

Two hours passed, and a hissing sound cut through the ambient noise. Li Tian remained calm, prepared for the arrival of a formidable opponent. Emerging from the forest was a giant black snake, a sentient rank two demonic black python. Cunning and dangerous, it stared at Li Tian with calculating eyes.

This was the first rank two beast he had encountered since entering the forest, and it posed a genuine challenge.