THE RULER OF MAP

The clearing blazed with crimson and golden light as Zhang Xin and Jiang Ren faced off. The oppressive aura of the Blood King was like a suffocating shroud, threatening to crush Zhang Xin entirely. Despite his injuries, Zhang Xin's will burned stronger than ever. The Soulfire Essence within him ignited, and his Light Attribute power flickered to life.

Jiang Ren smirked, his blood-red energy twisting around him like serpents. "Let's see how long you can last, boy."

The Blood King's Techniques:

1. Crimson Chains – Jiang Ren raised his hand, and tendrils of blood energy shot toward Zhang Xin like living chains, attempting to bind him.

2. Bloodstorm Sphere – Jiang Ren summoned a vortex of crimson energy, condensing it into a swirling sphere that could explode with deadly force.

3. Soul Piercing Talon – A technique that allowed Jiang Ren to form razor-sharp claws of blood energy capable of tearing through defenses.

Zhang Xin's Counter:

Zhang Xin, wielding his Light Attribute, summoned his flames. The golden fire danced around his fists as he roared, unleashing his techniques to counter Jiang Ren's dark powers.

1. Radiant Flame Burst – Zhang Xin shot waves of golden flames to clash with the Crimson Chains, burning through them before they could bind him.

2. Blinding Light Shield – Summoning a dome of light energy, Zhang Xin protected himself when Jiang Ren's Bloodstorm Sphere exploded, the impact sending shockwaves across the grove.

3. Flame Fist – Zhang Xin charged his fist with Soulfire Essence and delivered a direct blow at Jiang Ren, breaking through his defenses and forcing him back.

The battle raged on, the grove quaking beneath their feet. Jiang Ren's power was overwhelming, his techniques relentless, but Zhang Xin's tenacity and mastery over the Soulfire Essence and Light Attribute allowed him to hold his ground.

Jiang Ren's claws raked through the air, grazing Zhang Xin's side and drawing blood. Zhang Xin retaliated, his Heavenly Flame Fist colliding with Jiang Ren's chest and forcing him to stumble back a step.

Jiang Ren paused, his eyes narrowing. He raised a hand to his chest where Zhang Xin's punch had landed, and a faint crackle of light energy lingered there. He sneered.

"You've managed to make me step back," Jiang Ren said coldly, his voice laced with both amusement and irritation. "I'll admit, you're stronger than I thought, but you are not ready yet."

Zhang Xin panted heavily, his strength nearly spent. Jiang Ren's aura pulsed again, but instead of attacking, he smirked.

"I'll come for you again, Zhang Xin," Jiang Ren said ominously. "The Soulfire Essence and Moonlight Dew will be mine. Train hard, young warrior. Next time, you won't be so lucky."

Before Zhang Xin could react, Jiang Ren's figure dissolved into a wisp of crimson mist, vanishing into the shadows.

Retreat and Cultivation

Zhang Xin collapsed to his knees, his body screaming with pain. Blood trickled down his lips, and his vision swam. The fight had drained him completely.

"This... wasn't easy," he murmured, clutching his side. He needed rest. With his remaining energy, Zhang Xin opened the entrance to his Stone Realm, a hidden sanctuary where he could safely cultivate.

Inside the stone realm, Zhang Xin sank into a meditative state. The tranquil energy of the space enveloped him as he focused on healing his injuries and restoring his strength.

Hours passed, and Zhang Xin's breathing steadied as his wounds slowly closed.

An Unexpected Encounter

Zhang Xin's eyes snapped open when he heard faint footsteps approaching. Emerging from the shadows were two men.

The first man, clad in flowing robes, exuded a sharp, cutting aura. Zhang Xin immediately recognized him as a Wind Master Level 4 cultivator. The second man, shrouded in darkness, radiated a sinister power—he was a Dark Master Level 5.

The Wind Master sneered, "It seems the young warrior is injured. How unfortunate."

The Dark Master's cold voice followed. "He possesses treasures that don't belong to him. Let's take them."

Zhang Xin struggled to his feet, his face pale. "What do you want?"

The two men stepped closer, their intent clear. The Wind Master's aura began to stir like a sharp gale, while the Dark Master's shadow energy oozed menacingly.

"You already know," the Wind Master said with a smirk.

They lunged at Zhang Xin, their combined attacks tearing through the stone realm's air. Zhang Xin gritted his teeth, trying to summon his power, but his energy was spent—he had nothing left to fight.

Just as the attacks were about to strike him.

A blinding light erupted, and an overwhelming pressure swept through the realm. The attacks shattered mid-air, and the two men were flung backward.

From the shadows emerged a woman with long silver hair, her presence regal and terrifying. Her power radiated like moonlight, and Zhang Xin could barely breathe under her aura.

The two men staggered back in fear. "Silver Moon Master…" the Dark Master murmured.

"Yes," the woman said coldly. "Leave now, or I'll make you regret it."

The men exchanged fearful glances and, without another word, fled into the shadows.

The Mysterious Woman

Zhang Xin looked at the woman in shock. She stood tall, her silver hair cascading down her back like liquid moonlight. Her eyes were calm, yet her strength was undeniable.

"Who are you?" Zhang Xin asked weakly.

The woman smiled faintly. "I am Yue Qian, the Silver Moon Master, Level 6."

Zhang Xin bowed his head. "Thank you for saving me."

Yue Qian shook her head. "I didn't save you for free." She raised her right hand, revealing an injury etched with a faint black mark. "This wound can only be healed with pure Light Attribute energy, and you possess it. That's why I helped you."

Zhang Xin hesitated but nodded. "I'll help you."

He placed his hands over Yue Qian's wound, summoning his Light Attribute power. A gentle golden glow enveloped her arm, purifying the darkness and sealing the injury. Yue Qian watched silently, her gaze thoughtful.

When the wound was healed, Yue Qian flexed her fingers and smiled. "You've done well, Zhang Xin."

She handed him a silver jade pendant and a scroll. "Take these. The jade is a token of my appreciation, and the scroll contains techniques that may help you in the future."

Before Zhang Xin could say more, Yue Qian turned and disappeared, leaving only her lingering moonlit aura.

A New Resolve

Zhang Xin sank back to the ground, holding the silver jade and scroll. He murmured to himself:

"Master Han Lingxiu said to find the Soulfire Essence, Moonlight Dew, and the Dragonroot Herb. I have two. The last one, the Dragonroot Herb, grows only in the deepest part of the Pathway of Treasures."

Zhang Xin clenched his fists, determination shining in his eyes.

"First, I need to regain my strength. Then I'll head to the deepest part to find the Dragonroot Herb… No matter what it takes."

He sat cross-legged, his energy slowly replenishing, as the shadows of new dangers loomed ahead.