Chapter 12: Fierce Struggles

As Reon made his way out of the Inner Section of Frost Mountain Cave, the frigid air bit at his skin, but his focus remained sharp. His steps were light, each one carefully placed to avoid drawing unwanted attention from the powerful frost beasts lurking in the shadows.

Occasionally, a lesser Ordinary Frost Beast would emerge, its cultivation and spiritual Qi akin to that of a Low Stage Qi Refining Realm cultivator. With fur glistening in an icy sheen, it would lunge at him from the dark recesses of the cave.

With swift precision, Reon unleashed his spiritual energy, cutting them down effortlessly, their cold bodies crumbling to the ground in a haze of frosty mist.

Yet, every now and then, he could sense the presence of much more dangerous creatures—their auras heavy, almost suffocating, lurking in the deeper shadows.

These Demonic Beasts, powerful enough to kill even Peak-Stage Qi Solidification Realm Cultivators, prowled the cave silently, their glowing eyes watching.

Reon felt the chill of their power and quickly slipped past, moving with stealth and caution. He knew that facing such beings would be a death sentence.

With every step forward, he navigated the maze of danger with increasing skill, battling weaker foes and slipping past stronger ones, his senses heightened by the cold intensity of the cave.

As Reon approached the exit of the Inner Section of Frost Mountain Cave, he felt the frigid air grow thick and heavy. A low, menacing growl echoed off the icy walls, sending a chill down his spine.

From the shadows emerged a Glacier Fang Wolf, its white fur glistening with frost and its cold, piercing eyes fixed intently on him.

Demonic beasts are categorized into various ranks: Ordinary Beast, Fierce Beast, Demonic Beast, Demonic Soldier Rank, Demonic General Rank, Demonic Commander Rank, Demonic Lord Rank, Demonic King Rank, Demonic Emperor Rank, and Demonic Sovereign Rank.

This Fierce Beast, known for its agility and ferocity, possessed strength comparable to that of a High-Stage Qi Refining Realm cultivator. Reon's heart raced as he grasped the imminent danger he was in.

The Glacier Fang Wolf let out a bone-chilling howl, frost swirling around its massive frame. Its sharp, ice-encrusted fangs gleamed in the dim light as it prepared to strike.

Reon hurriedly summoned his Bull Stopping Shield, the artifact glowing faintly in his hands. He knew he only had two uses left, and the shield was capable of blocking attacks from a Mid-Stage Qi Solidification Realm cultivator.

But the Glacier Fang Wolf was no ordinary opponent; even with his newfound strength, this would be a battle of survival.

The wolf lunged with terrifying speed, its claws extended like icy blades aimed directly at Reon. With a surge of determination, Reon activated the Bull Stopping Shield, bracing himself.

The shield materialized in the air, absorbing the first powerful strike with a thunderous impact. The force of the blow sent icy shards scattering across the cave floor, but the shield held strong, shimmering with spiritual energy.

Before he could catch his breath, the Glacier Fang Wolf attacked again, this time with its fangs aimed at his throat. Reon, now more focused, activated the shield a second time, barely managing to deflect the savage bite.

The shield flickered and vanished, its power depleted. He was now without its protection.

The wolf circled him, its eyes glowing with a predatory hunger, and Reon knew he had no choice but to rely on his own strength. With his spiritual energy surging through him, he steadied his breathing and prepared for the next move.

In a desperate gamble, Reon gathered his energy and unleashed a powerful strike, aiming for the wolf's exposed side. The Glacier Fang Wolf, momentarily caught off guard, let out a pained growl as the strike connected, but it wasn't enough to take it down.

"If you think you can kill me, you're mistaken," Reon said, his eyes locking fiercely onto the Glacier Fang Wolf. "I'll be the one to end you and walk away alive."

The wolf retaliated, lunging at him again, but this time Reon moved with more agility, dodging the attack with mere inches to spare.

His body moved instinctively now, his heightened senses from the Foundation Stabilizing Pill guiding his actions. He knew this fight would be decided by his ability to outlast the wolf's relentless strikes.

The cave echoed with the sounds of battle, the clash of ice and energy, until finally, with one final burst of power, Reon delivered a decisive blow, striking the wolf with enough force to stagger it. The Glacier Fang Wolf let out a final, piercing howl before collapsing onto the frozen ground, its body still.

Breathing heavily, Reon looked down at the fallen beast, feeling the weight of exhaustion wash over him. He had survived, barely—but the exit to the cave was now in sight, and with it, the promise of safety.

He let out a long, shuddering sigh of relief, the tension in his muscles finally easing. The weight of the treacherous Inner Section of Frost Mountain Cave lifted from his shoulders, replaced by a profound sense of liberation.

With a swift motion of his hand, he stored the body of the Glacier Fang Wolf in his storage ring.

As he stepped into the dim light beyond the cave's icy grasp, a warm rush of gratitude washed over him. The chilling echoes of growls and the suffocating cold faded into distant memories, and he could almost feel the lingering frost melting away from his spirit.

Reon's heart swelled with triumph; he had faced the depths of danger and emerged unscathed, a testament to his resilience and determination.

He walked toward the Outer Sect with pride, feeling as if he had achieved something monumental for the first time in his life.