For the next three days, Bai Yu and Elder Jian wandered deeper into the Wugong Forest, though still remaining within the designated outer regions suitable for Qi Refining cultivators. True to Elder Jian's word, Bai Yu faced countless encounters with early Grade 2 magical beasts. He battled packs of Shadow Cats known for their stealth, sturdy Rock Beetles with thick carapaces, and swift Wind Raptors that attacked from the air. Each fight was a learning experience, forcing him to adapt his Flowing River Saber Arts and Azure Cloud Steps under pressure.
At night, while Elder Jian kept watch or meditated, Bai Yu wouldn't rest. He would either diligently sit and train his Qi, feeling his Dantian steadily filling and his Qi becoming denser, or he would ponder the techniques he used that day, replaying battles in his mind, analyzing his mistakes, and refining his understanding of the saber forms. His progress was tangible, his movements becoming smoother, his Qi control finer with each passing day.
On the morning of the fourth day, as they navigated a particularly dense patch of woods thick with ancient, gnarled trees, a loud snort echoed nearby, followed by the sound of heavy undergrowth being trampled. Stepping into a small clearing before them was a new type of beast. It was massive, easily twice the size of the wolves, built like a muscular battering ram. Its hide was a dark, greyish-black, looking incredibly thick and tough, almost like plates of dark iron. Two wicked-looking tusks curved upwards from its snout.
"An Iron-Hide Boar," Elder Jian identified it immediately, his expression becoming more serious. "Mid-Grade 2 magical beast. Extremely dangerous up close. As the name suggests, they are renowned for their incredibly tough skin, difficult to pierce even with Qi-infused weapons. And they possess tremendous charging force. Be careful, Young Master." He glanced at Bai Yu. "Are you ready to fight it? This is a significant step up from the wolves and cats. I will intervene if you struggle too hard."
Bai Yu felt a thrill of anticipation mixed with caution. This was the challenge he needed. He unsheathed his saber, its blade seeming inadequate against the boar's sheer bulk. "Don't worry, Elder," Bai Yu said, his golden eyes fixed on the beast. "I will try my best."
The Iron-Hide Boar spotted them, its small, beady eyes fixing on Bai Yu. Lowering its head, it let out an enraged squealing roar – a surprisingly high-pitched sound for such a large creature – and charged. The ground seemed to tremble slightly under its pounding hooves.
Bai Yu didn't flinch. He breathed slowly, calming his mind, focusing his Qi. As the boar barrelled towards him, tusks aimed low like deadly spears, Bai Yu stood his ground until the last possible second. Then, instead of dodging laterally, he executed the River Reversal Counter.
As the boar's massive head and tusks were about to slam into him, Bai Yu didn't try to block directly. He angled his saber, using its flat side combined with a precise application of Qi and a twisting motion of his body. He smoothly deflected the boar's charging momentum, not stopping it, but redirecting its immense force slightly off course. The boar stumbled, carried forward by its own momentum, momentarily off balance – which created the perfect opening Bai Yu needed.
Instantly pivoting, he used the Meandering Stream Cut. His saber flashed in a swift arc, initially appearing to aim for the boar's thick flank as it stumbled past. But as the slash was just before reaching the boar's side, he flicked his wrist, channeling Qi into the blade's edge, and the swing curved sharply upwards, directly aimed for the boar's throat – a known potential weak spot even on tough beasts. This was it, the goal was to kill the boar in one decisive strike.
CLANG!
The sound was jarring, as if metal had struck solid metal. Bai Yu's saber connected precisely where he intended, on the thick folds of the boar's neck. But instead of slicing deep, the blade skidded, only leaving a small, shallow wound on the incredibly tough hide. A trickle of blood appeared, but it was nowhere near a fatal blow. The boar squealed again, more in fury than pain, shaking its massive head.
Bai Yu's eyes widened slightly in surprise at the sheer resilience of the boar's hide. Realizing his surprise attack had failed and the enraged beast was recovering its balance, Bai Yu quickly used the Azure Cloud Steps, retreating rapidly to build up some distance, putting space between himself and the infuriated Iron-Hide Boar. This fight was going to be much harder than he anticipated.