Two days passed inside the Sanctuary—only five hours outside.
Li Meiyu adapted quickly. Her steps grew light, her movements steadier. The Holy Spring purified her meridians, smoothing her breathing techniques, and Fengyu guided her through foundational martial forms.
When she practiced in the open clearing, sweat glistening under violet skies, Fengyu noted every improvement with quiet satisfaction.
But he also knew something important:
He couldn't stay inside forever.
The outside world still demanded survival.
And the trial was far from over.
"Meiyu," he called, as she finished another form. "I'm going out to scout the nearby area. I might return with someone—or alone. Either way, don't open the Sanctuary for anyone without checking them yourself."
She nodded with solemn seriousness. "I'll protect the Sanctuary."
Her earnestness warmed him, but he hid it behind a measured nod.
"Good. I'll return soon."
With a thought, he exited the Sanctuary.
— — —
The oppressive wilderness returned instantly.
Humidity clung to his skin; insects buzzed in the dense underbrush. Fengyu inhaled sharply. The contrast between Sanctuary and reality felt like stepping out of paradise into chaos.
He gripped a stone blade he had fashioned earlier. In truth, he felt stronger now—Body Tempering Stage 4 was a massive improvement over the original owner's feeble stage.
He moved carefully, retracing the direction he had heard distant water days ago. Rivers attracted beasts… but also people.
And people were what he needed.
Not all—some would cause trouble—but those he saved early would be the foundation of his clan.
After nearly an hour of travel, he reached a small river cutting through the forest. The water sparkled under sunlight, but the metallic scent of blood drifted through the air.
Fengyu tightened his grip.
Something—or someone—was here.
As he crept closer, he saw her.
A girl—no older than fifteen—slumped against a tree, her black hair soaked, her robes drenched and torn. Her breathing was shallow, her lips pale. A thin trail of blood smeared across the ground beside her.
Beside her lay the corpse of a two-tailed water serpent, its body still twitching.
She had fought that?
Fengyu approached slowly. Her fingers twitched toward a dagger, but she was too weak to lift it.
"Don't worry," Fengyu said gently. "I'm not an enemy."
Her eyes—bright amber under the grime—narrowed weakly. "Stay… away. I don't trust—"
Her body spasmed with a cough.
Fengyu knelt beside her without hesitation. "You're injured. Let me help."
"No… I—" She attempted to push him away, but collapsed into his chest instead.
She weighed almost nothing.
A soft chime echoed.
[Unknown Girl – Favorability +30]
Good. She wasn't hostile by nature—just scared and wounded.
Holding her steady, Fengyu checked her wounds.
A deep serpent bite on her thigh. Venom already creeping purple along her veins.
Poison.
Dangerous. Rapid.
"Damn it," he whispered. "You won't last ten minutes like this."
She blinked at him faintly, confusion replacing panic. "Why… help…?"
He met her gaze calmly. "Because if I don't, you'll die."
Her breath shook. She no longer resisted, leaning into him as though he were the last stable thing in this cruel world.
"System," he murmured. "Can I bring someone in without her consent if she's unconscious?"
"Yes, Host. Intent to save her is enough."
He didn't hesitate.
Fengyu placed a hand on her back and activated the Sanctuary.
Warm light consumed them.
— — —
They appeared inside the Sanctuary near the Holy Spring.
Li Meiyu looked up from tending herbs and gasped. "Fengyu! What happened?"
"Poisoned," Fengyu said, lowering the injured girl gently beside the spring. "A water serpent got her. The venom spread fast."
Li Meiyu hurried over, her healer's instincts kicking in. "Quick—get her into the spring!"
Fengyu lifted the girl and eased her into the glowing waters. Her body trembled, the venom pulsing dark beneath her skin. The Holy Spring enveloped her like mist made of warmth.
Within moments, the venom receded. Purple veins lightened back to natural color. Her breathing stabilized, deepened, steadied.
Li Meiyu exhaled with relief. "She'll live."
Fengyu nodded, feeling tension lift from his shoulders. The spring was a blessing beyond measure.
A panel appeared in front of him.
[Unknown Girl – Poison Removed]
[Unknown Girl – Injuries Stabilized]
[Holy Spring Boost: Root Impurities Cleansed 14%]
[Favorability +10 → Total: 40]
Good progress.
Li Meiyu watched Fengyu quietly, her gaze softening. "You saved her exactly the way you saved me."
He gave a faint smile. "If we want to build strength, we start by saving people worth saving."
Meiyu's eyes glimmered with something deeper—admiration.
Meanwhile, the injured girl stirred.
Her lashes fluttered. She opened her eyes—slowly, as if waking from a long nightmare. Her golden-amber irises widened at the sight of them.
"Wh… where am I?"
"In a safe place," Fengyu said gently. "You're injured, but you're going to recover."
Her fingers tightened around his sleeve—a ghost of fear still trembling beneath the surface. "You… saved me?"
"Yes."
Her lips parted. A single tear slid down her cheek, mingling with the Holy Spring's glow.
"For the first time," she whispered, voice cracking, "someone… helped me."
Another notification flickered.
[Favorability +10 → Total: 50]
Reward Unlocked: Minor Cultivation Boost
She curled inward slightly. "My name… is Yan Lingxin. I… I don't have a clan anymore. They all… died. I… I've been alone."
Fengyu's heart tightened.
A young girl grieving, alone in a world designed to kill her.
Not anymore.
"Yan Lingxin," he said softly, "this place is called the Sanctuary. You're safe here. No one will hurt you again."
Li Meiyu placed a comforting hand on the girl's back. Lingxin's body trembled, then slowly relaxed.
Fengyu stood and looked at the Holy Tree.
Soon, Lingxin would reach 70 favorability.
Soon, another mark would be granted.
Another seed planted.
Another life saved.
Another future descendant for his clan.
The Sanctuary hummed gently around him, as though approving every step he took.
Fengyu whispered to himself, voice steady:
"This is only the beginning."