Encounter in the Night

The city's bustling streets faded into the distance as Jiang Daoming ventured forth, his determination unwavering. With a small pack of food secured from the meager coins he had acquired from the original body, he embarked on his solitary journey towards the fabled sacred land.

The path stretched before him, winding through dense forests and sprawling plains. Each step carried him closer to his ultimate goal, fueling his anticipation for the mysteries that lay ahead.

Night fell, casting an ethereal glow upon the landscape. Seeking a moment of respite, Jiang Daoming found a secluded spot to rest. As he unpacked his meager meal, he savored the simple sustenance that would nourish him on his arduous journey.

Unbeknownst to Jiang Daoming, his presence had caught the attention of a group of individuals nearby. They were followers of a young master, arrogant and brimming with confidence. Spotting Jiang Daoming, an ordinary-looking traveler in their eyes, they sauntered over, their intentions masked by false bravado.

"Hey, you there! What are you doing eating alone in the middle of nowhere?" one of the followers called out, a sneer etched across his face.

Jiang Daoming raised an eyebrow, his indifference hiding the true power that surged within him. He glanced up at the group, his gaze steady and unwavering.

"Just having a meal. What's it to you?" he replied, his voice laced with a hint of aloofness.

The followers exchanged amused glances, believing they had found an easy target for their amusement. They circled around Jiang Daoming, their words dripping with arrogance.

"Well, we're cultivators of the highest caliber, you know. And you? Just a lowly mortal," one of them taunted.

A flicker of amusement danced in Jiang Daoming's eyes, hidden beneath his indifferent demeanor. He knew that appearances could be deceiving, and it was time to reveal a glimpse of his true strength.

Without warning, Jiang Daoming sprang into action, his movements fluid and precise. His fists struck like lightning, his newfound Heavenly Fist technique enhancing each blow. The followers, caught off guard by the sudden display of power, were sent sprawling to the ground, their arrogance shattered.

Jiang Daoming's aura surged, emanating a formidable presence that left the onlookers dumbfounded. In their defeat, he discovered a small pouch hidden among their belongings. Curiosity piqued, he opened it to find not only a handful of coins but also thirty precious spirit stones—a treasure beyond his wildest dreams.

A sense of excitement surged through Jiang Daoming's veins. The legends he had read in novels spoke of the fabled spirit stones, said to possess immense power and value. Holding these middle-level spirit stones in his hands, he realized that his journey was about to take an unexpected turn. With these spirit stones, he could now purchase items and resources specific to cultivators, bypassing the need for ordinary coins. Additionally, the spirit stones could potentially aid him in his travels, as he had heard rumors of a nearby large city where a Gold Core cultivator resided. It was said that this city possessed flying beast-type vehicles that could shorten the time required for long-distance travel.

A smile tugged at the corners of Jiang Daoming's lips. From this moment forward, he would embrace his true name, Jiang Daoming—a name that would resound through the annals of cultivation, a name that would herald his ascent to greatness.

Stuffing the coins and spirit stones securely into his pack, Jiang Daoming continued his solitary trek, renewed with a newfound sense of purpose. The incident had served as a reminder that he must remain vigilant and cautious in a world where strength determined one's fate. He would use every resource at his disposal to overcome the trials that awaited him and emerge triumphant.

As the night carried on, Jiang Daoming disappeared into the darkness. The journey to the sacred land was long,exhausting and dangerous, but he was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.