Chapter 12: Fierce Struggles.
As Reon made his way out of the Inner Section of Frost Mountain Cave, the biting cold nipped at his skin, but his focus remained unwavering.
Each step was calculated, careful to avoid drawing attention from the hidden frost beasts lurking in the shadows.
From time to time, lesser beasts—Ordinary Frost Beasts—emerged, their strength resembling that of a Low-Stage Qi Refining Realm cultivator.
With a swift surge of spiritual energy, Reon dispatched them effortlessly, their bodies dissolving into frosty mist.
But deeper in the cave, the presence of far more dangerous creatures lingered—beasts with an aura so heavy, it nearly suffocated the air.
These Demonic Beasts, capable of slaying even Peak Qi Solidification cultivators, silently prowled the depths.
Reon could feel their eyes on him, but he chose to slip past them, death never far behind.
As he neared the exit, the cold grew thicker, suffocating.
Suddenly—
GRRRH!
A low growl echoed in the distance, sending a chill down his spine.
From the shadows, a wolf emerged, its white fur gleaming like frost under the dim light.
Its piercing eyes locked onto Reon, hunger burning in them.
Reon's instincts kicked in as he swiftly activated his skill.
.
"Identify"
[Name: Glacier Fang Wolf.
Rank: Mid-Ranked Fierce Beast.
Description: The Glacier Fang Wolf is a formidable and agile creature, known for its razor-sharp fangs and speed that rivals the wind. Ferocious in battle, it strikes with deadly precision, using its agility to outmaneuver opponents before delivering crushing blows. With an unyielding will and a relentless hunger for victory, it is a fearsome foe.]
.
Reon's heart skipped a beat.
Mid-Ranked… Fierce Beast?
His mind flashed back to the classifications of Demonic Beasts:
Ordinary Beast, Fierce Beast, Demonic Beast, Demonic Soldier, Demonic General, Demonic Commander, Demonic Lord, Demonic King, Demonic Emperor, and finally, the Demonic Sovereign.
These beasts are further categorized into Low-Ranked, Mid-Ranked, and High-Ranked, with the half-stage before the next realm beast referred to as Peak-Ranked.
This creature—powerful enough to rival a High-Stage Qi Refining cultivator.
His pulse quickened, realization dawning.
This would not be an easy fight.
GROWL!
The wolf let out a bone-chilling howl, its body surrounded by swirling frost.
WHOOSH!
It lunged with terrifying speed, its claws gleaming like icy daggers.
Reon reacted in an instant, summoning his Bull Stopping Shield.
CLATTER!
The shield materialized, absorbing the wolf's strike with a deafening crash. The force of the blow sent shards of ice flying, but the shield held firm.
Before Reon could even catch his breath, the wolf struck again, its fangs bared, ready to tear into him.
CLATTER!
Reon summoned the shield once more, deflecting the deadly bite—but this time, the shield flickered and vanished, its energy depleted.
With no protection left, Reon braced for the worst.
His spiritual energy surged through him, and in a flash, he struck at the wolf's left side.
GARGH!
The beast howled in pain, but it wasn't enough to bring it down.
It swiftly corrected its stance and retaliated, its fangs aiming for Reon's throat.
"Ugh!"
Reon barely dodged the strike, his heart racing.
"Hah! Hah!"
His breath was heavy, but his eyes blazed with unyielding determination.
"If you think you can kill me," Reon spat, his voice low and dangerous,
"you're mistaken. I'm the one who's walking away."
WHOOSH!
The wolf lunged again, a blur of white fury.
Reon dodged, but this time, his movements were effortless—his body flowing with the instinct of battle.
His eyes locked onto an opening.
There!
He struck at the beast's exposed side, forcing it back.
But the wolf was relentless.
This fight was no longer about power—it was a test of Endurance.
The cave echoed with the clash of ice and energy, the sharp crack of claws against stone, the heavy breaths of predator and prey locked in a deadly dance.
Minutes stretched into eternity.
Dodging. Striking. Countering.
For half an hour, they fought, their strength slowly waning.
Then—
SWOOSH!
With a final, desperate strike, Reon unleashed everything he had.
His attack landed with crushing force, sending the wolf staggering.
GROOOWL!
It let out one last, mournful howl—its cry of defeat reverberating through the cave—before its massive body collapsed, motionless.
Silence followed.
Reon stood there, chest heaving, his hands trembling from exhaustion.
At last...
It was over.
The exit was in sight. Safety.
He sighed in relief, his muscles finally relaxing. The dangers of the Inner Section lifted, replaced by a wave of triumph.
With a swift motion, he stored the wolf's body in his ring and stepped into the light.
His heart swelled. He had survived. He had won.
The Outer Sect lay ahead, and for the first time in his life, Reon felt like a True Warrior.
With each step, a quiet pride swelled within him—this was more than just a victory.
In this second life, he had accomplished something truly monumental.