A Night of Danger
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the forest, Master Zhi and Li Xuehua decided to make camp for the night. They knew it would take another five hours of travel before they reached the outskirts of Wulong City. Master Zhi began setting up the tent, while Li Xuehua looked for ways to assist.
Her small hand reached out towards Master Zhi's tent, intending to lend a helping hand. However, Master Zhi stopped her with a gentle smile. "No need to help, Li Xuehua," he said, pointing towards a stack of wood. "Just build the fire over there."
Unbeknownst to Master Zhi, Li Xuehua possessed the Fiery Path cultivation, a fire-based attribute. She approached the wood, her finger shooting out a small flame to ignite it. Master Zhi, preoccupied with the tent, hadn't noticed her use magic. Instead, he marveled at how quickly the fire was lit, unaware that Li Xuehua was already proficient in such skills.
Li Xuehua took out sausages from her sack and began cooking over the fire. Once the tent was complete, she handed a cooked sausage to Master Zhi. "This tastes delicious," she remarked.
After finishing their meal, Master Zhi instructed Li Xuehua to sleep while he kept watch. Li Xuehua hesitated, feeling a sense of responsibility to protect as well. Master Zhi gently patted her head, assuring her that he was used to such tasks, having been a mercenary before becoming the village chief. With his reassurance, Li Xuehua entered the tent and settled in to sleep.
In the middle of the night, Li Xuehua's eyes fluttered open, sensing an imminent danger. She realized that a monster was approaching, about five kilometers away. Master Zhi, unable to detect the danger, initially dismissed her concerns as a dream. However, as the monster rapidly closed in, reaching a distance of three kilometers, Master Zhi's astonishment grew. He stared at Li Xuehua, wanting to ask how she knew, but he know now is not the right time since the monster is rapidly approaching.
Preparing his weapons, Master Zhi asked Li Xuehua to climb a nearby tree and hide. The monster, a bear-like creature, arrived at their camp, and Master Zhi recognized the formidable opponent. This monster required a party to defeat, and Master Zhi wasn't sure if he alone possessed enough strength.
The monster lunged at Master Zhi, his intermediate stage level 1 of Titan's Embodiment cultivation unable to pierce the creature's high defense. Just as the monster's paw was about to slice through Master Zhi, a fire attack suddenly struck from the tree. The bear staggered, momentarily losing its balance. Master Zhi seized the opportunity and sliced at its eyes, causing the creature to roar in pain.
But the bear monster was far from defeated. With a resounding howl, it rose to its feet, ready to attack Master Zhi once more. However, to its surprise, Li Xuehua emerged from behind, unleashing her fire slashes upon the beast. The bear howled in agony, attempting to retaliate, but it was too late. Li Xuehua summoned her fiercest attack at her current level: the Fiery Bomb.
A wave of intense fire engulfed the bear, scorching it until it finally fell to the ground, defeated. Master Zhi stood in awe, realizing the extent of Li Xuehua's power.
Gently patting Li Xuehua's shoulder, Master Zhi commended her. "You have shown incredible skill and bravery, Li Xuehua," he praised.
Li Xuehua, her heart still racing from the encounter, nodded with satisfaction. Together, they extinguished the fire and prepared to continue their journey.