Chapter 5: first challenge.

Kai continued daily, drawing on the power of the heavenly body to refine his spirit and becoming a true master of saber. He worked on his cultivation techniques daily, pushing himself to his limit.

But there was one more thing that made Kai's heart race, and that was Mei, Master Wu's daughter, who had been teaching him alongside her father, who had caught his eye from the very beginning. As they trained together daily, Kai began to feel something more than respect for her. He started growing feelings for her.

He couldn't help but glance at her as they practiced, admiring her grace and skill. He longed to get to know her better, but he didn't dare reveal his feelings. He knew that romance could distract from his training, and he couldn't afford any distractions.

So he buried his feelings deep inside, focusing on his training and goals. But Mei remained a constant source of inspiration for him, spurring him to work harder and become stronger.

And so nine years pass while Kai does nothing but train.

Kai stood before Master Wu with confidence and strength that belied his young age. At 18 years old, he was already a skilled warrior, honed by years of Training and discipline.

He wore a traditional ancient robe, deep red and embroidered with gold thread. The fabric draped loosely over his muscular frame, billowing slightly in the breeze.

His long black hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail revealing his strong jawline and sharp cheekbones. His deep brown eyes were focused and unyielding, showing a fierce determination that shone through every aspect of his being.

He wore his saber proudly on his back, the weapon a physical manifestation of his dedication to his craft. Though heavy, he barely felt its weight as he stood at attention before his master.

Master Wu looked at Kai with a stern expression. "You have shown great progress in your training, but it's time to put your skills to the test. And now that you have broken through the first stage of your cultivation, you must venture into the world on your own; you will go through the Demonic forest and face its danger alone".

Kai felt a thrill of excitement mixed with fear. He had heard stories of the forest, filled with demonic beasts that could tear apart even the most skilled warriors. But he was determined to prove himself worthy of his master's teaching. Therefore he decided to go through the forest and enter the world of cultivation and make his name ring out through the whole realm.

Master Wu flew away, leaving only Kai and Mei alone at the entrance to the demonic forest.

Kai looked at Mei; her beauty was not overt but rather a subtle and understated grace that caught the eye of anyone who looked at her honestly. Her features were sharp and angular, with high cheekbones, giving her a regal air. Her almond-shaped eyes were deep and dark, holding a quiet intensity that made one feel like they were seen through. Her skin was smooth and precise, with a healthy glow expressing her physical prowess and inner strength. But it was the way she carried herself, her straight posture and confident stride, that truly set her apart.

Kai stood before Mei, his heart pounding with emotion. He had trained with her for years, honing his skills and growing strength. Now, he was ready to venture into the demonic forest, to face untold dangers and carve out a name for himself in the cultivation world.

But before he left, Kai needed to express his feelings to Mei. She was not just his master's daughter; she was his closest friend and confidante. He could not leave without letting her know how he felt.

"Mei," he said softly, taking her hand." There's something I need to tell you."

Mei looked up at him, her eyes shining with curiosity and concern. "What is it, Kai?"

"I'm leaving for the outside world," Kai said, his voice trembling slightly. "I need to test myself to see if I have what it takes to make a name for myself in the cultivation world. But I don't want to leave without telling you how I feel".

Mei's brow furrowed in confusion. "How do you feel, Kai?"

Kai took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "I love you, Mei," he said, his gaze locked with hers. "From the moment I met you, I knew you were special. You've been my guiding star, my inspiration all these years. And now, as I prepare to venture into the unknown, I need you to wait for me. Please wait for me to return to you, strong enough to protect you and offer you the life you deserve.

Mei's eyes widened with surprise, and a blush crept up her cheeks. "Kai, I…I don't know what to say."

"Just say you'll wait for me," Kai said, his grip on her hand tightening. "Say that you'll be here when I return so that we can build a future together. I know it won't be easy, but I swear to you, Mei, I will come back to you. Stronger, wiser, and ready to face whatever challenges come our way".

Mei nodded slowly, a tear sliding down her cheek. "I'll wait for you, Kai," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I believe in you, and I love you too. Come back to me soon".

Kai squeezed her hand once more before releasing it and turning to leave. As he walked towards the gateway to the demonic forest, he felt a fierce determination rising within him. He would make a name for himself, he would become the strongest cultivator in the land, and he would return to Mei's side, ready to face whatever lay ahead. For she was his beacon, his hope, and his love, and nothing would stop him from coming back to her.

Kai entered the demonic forest without looking back; as he started going deeper into the demonic forest, he felt himself becoming more alert and focused.

Kai had been wandering for hours through the forest, his heart beating fast with fear. The trees were twisted and gnarled, the ground uneven and treacherous. The air was thick with an otherworldly fog that made it hard to see more than a few feet in front of him.

Suddenly, he heard a low growl; his heart raced as he listened to the low growl coming from the shadows in the demonic forest. He gripped his saber tightly, ready for whatever monster came his way.

And then it appeared. The beast was massive, with fur as black as night and eyes glowed with an eerie red light. Its jaw hung open, revealing razor-sharp teeth that dripped with saliva.

Kai didn't hesitate. He lunged forward, his saber held high, and the beast charged toward him with a ferocious roar. As they clashed in the middle of the dark forest, Kai could feel the weight of every blow he landed and the heat of every breath the beast exhaled.

He dodged and weaved; his movements were fluid and precise as he sought to find a weakness in the beast's defenses. But the creature was strong, and Kai soon found himself on the defensive, blocking attack after attack with his saber.

As the struggle continued, Kai's muscles ached and burned with exhaustion, but he refused to give up. He locked eyes with the beast, each daring the other to make the final strike.

And then it happened. The beast leaped towards Kai, its claws extended and its jaws gaping wide. But Kai was ready. With a swift motion, he plunged his saber into the beast's heart, its body collapsing with a sickening thud.

Kai stood there, breathing hard, as he surveyed the carnage around him. The demonic forest was a place of unspeakable horrors, but this time, Kai had emerged victorious.

Kai could now see the demonic beast clearly, and he realized he just fought an ordinary beast of the mortal realm, which is a "shadow fang tiger."

He realized many of his shortcomings in battle because fighting the common-level beast of the mortal realm shouldn't have posed many problems for him. Still, he lacked battle experience, so he made up his mind to fight the beast in the demonic forest so that he could gain more battle experience.

Kai continues his journey; while he fights the beast during the day, he trains his saber art and cultivation art at night, which goes on for a month until Kai emerges on the other side of the forest.

And in front of him is the cultivation world; he knew his journey was far from over, but he also knew that he had to fight whatever challenges with courage and determination.