The journey to the Wugong Forest took three full days. Bai Yu traveled alongside Elder Jian, mostly on foot to build stamina, occasionally riding sturdy mounts provided by the clan for longer stretches. During those three days, Elder Jian proved to be more than just a silent guardian. He shared invaluable knowledge, recounting tales of his own experiences hunting beasts in the forest during his youth, offering practical tips on tracking, identifying medicinal herbs, recognizing danger signs, and even sharing insights gleaned from some of his memorable battles. Bai Yu listened intently, absorbing every piece of wisdom from the seasoned Martial Master.
When they finally arrived at the border of the Wugong Forest, it was a hive of activity. A distinct line seemed drawn between the civilized outskirts of Water Court City's influence and the wild, untamed expanse of the ancient woods. Many martial artists milled about – some lone figures radiating caution, others in boisterous groups preparing for expeditions. Their cultivation levels varied widely, mostly ranging from the Qi Refining Realm like Bai Yu, up to some grim-faced individuals clearly at the Martial Master Realm. Before the forest entrance, several makeshift stalls run by opportunistic merchants sold essential supplies: basic weapons, healing medicine, various low-grade enhancement pills, and maps of dubious accuracy.
As they prepared to enter, Elder Jian paused. "Remember, Young Master, the beasts within have their own hierarchy. Magical Beasts are typically classified into 9 Grades, each grade roughly corresponding to one of the nine cultivation stages of martial artists. A Grade 1 magical beast possesses strength equivalent to the Body Refining Realm, Grade 2 matches Qi Refining, Grade 3 Martial Master, and so on. While strength isn't everything – some beasts have potent venom or cunning tactics – it's a reliable baseline."
Bai Yu nodded, committing this crucial information to memory. With a final check of his saber and supplies, they entered the forest. The air immediately felt different – cooler, carrying the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, underlain with a subtle tension, the feeling of being watched by unseen eyes. They walked for about 30 minutes, deeper into the woods, leaving the noise of the entrance behind, the trees growing denser, the path less distinct.
Suddenly, Elder Jian held up a hand, signaling Bai Yu to stop. A low growl echoed through the trees ahead. From the undergrowth emerged three wolves. They were larger than normal wolves, with mangy fur the colour of dried blood and dark, metallic-looking patches like rust on their hides. Their eyes glowed with feral hunger, and saliva dripped from maws filled with unnaturally long, sharp teeth.
"Blood-Rust Wolves," Elder Jian identified them calmly. "Grade 2 magical beasts. Tough hides, surprisingly fast. Their fangs can pierce stone and remain lethally sharp for decades after death, making them valuable crafting components. Three of them... a good first test for you, Young Master." With surprising agility for his age, Elder Jian leaped silently up into the branches of a large, nearby tree, settling himself comfortably ready to watch Bai Yu's performance, intervening only if absolutely necessary.
Left alone on the forest floor, Bai Yu unsheathed his saber, its blade gleaming faintly in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. The three wolves fanned out, surrounding him warily, low growls rumbling in their chests, like predators eying their cornered prey.
It happened in an instant. With perfect coordination born of pack instinct, all three wolves lunged simultaneously from different angles, aiming to overwhelm him with speed and numbers.
Bai Yu's senses flared. He focused, pushing his Qi into his legs, and executed the Azure Cloud Steps. With a series of swift, unpredictable movements, he evaded the initial pounce, the wolves snapping at empty air where he had been fractions of a second before.
Creating a sliver of distance, he directly slashed his saber horizontally against the flank of the nearest wolf as it recovered from its lunge. The blade connected, but the wolf merely yelped, shaking its head as it defended instinctively against the blow with its tough hide, leaving only a shallow mark on its rust-patched body.
"So normal attacks barely scratch them," Bai Yu thought quickly. "Their Grade 2 bodies are tougher than I expected. I need to use techniques, and aim for weaker points."
He dodged the incoming attacks from the other two wolves, using his footwork to stay mobile, the saber flashing defensively to parry snapping jaws. He readied himself to use a technique. As he parried a lunge from one wolf and sidestepped another, the third wolf, having circled around, leaped silently from behind, aiming for his exposed back.
Bai Yu's enhanced senses caught the faint sound of its movement. Reacting purely on instinct, faster than he thought possible, he twisted his body low to the ground, simultaneously bringing his leg up in a powerful, rising arc. He performed the Crescent Moon Kick.
Instead of aiming forward, the kick connected explosively with the underside of the leaping wolf's jaw. There was a sickening crunch as bone gave way. The wolf's momentum carried its now-limp body tumbling past Bai Yu, its head shattered by the force of the Qi-infused kick.