Chapter 11: Chapter 11: First Glimpse of the Path
Zhang Hao stood atop the mountain, the cold wind slicing through like a sharp blade, yet his body stood as firm and unyielding as an ancient pine. He closed his eyes and, following the guidance of the mysterious little boy, began to feel the power within his body. His body, once that of Bi Gan, a frail scholar, was now being tempered to become strong.
He focused his attention between the skin and flesh, sensing every contraction and relaxation of his muscles. This was the first layer of the Body Refinement stage, the foundation of strengthening the physique. He knew that only when the body was strong enough could it bear deeper levels of power.
As time passed, Zhang Hao felt his skin becoming tougher and his muscles more powerful. His body, like a weapon reforged, gradually revealed a keen edge.
He opened his eyes, a flicker of determination in them. He knew this was just the beginning; his goal was to reach the fifth layer of the Body Refinement stage, where he would be able to resonate preliminarily with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
During breaks in his cultivation, Zhang Hao's thoughts inevitably turned to the two female leads. First was Daji, the woman renowned for her beauty, whose figure always carried an indescribable allure in his mind. Her body was voluptuous, her curves alluring, and every time he thought of her, Zhang Hao felt a primal urge. He knew Daji's power lay not only in her appearance but also in her unfathomable heart.
The other was Gu's clan, his childhood sweetheart, whose figure represented a different charm. She was gentle as water, quiet and reserved, her body not as voluptuous as Daji's but possessing a quiet, delicate beauty. Whenever he thought of her, Zhang Hao's heart was filled with warmth and tranquility.
Zhang Hao knew his strength was not only for self-preservation but also for protecting those he loved. His resolve firmed during his cultivation, determined to become a strong contender in this world, for himself and for his loved ones.
As night fell, Zhang Hao continued his cultivation on the mountaintop. His body, drenched in sweat under the cover of darkness, yet his will grew more resolute. His physique, after a day of training, had become stronger, his muscles gleaming with a healthy luster under the moonlight.
He closed his eyes and continued to cultivate. His body was like a colossal furnace, constantly tempering every inch of flesh. He could feel each breath syncing with the world's pulse, his power growing incessantly.
In his cultivation, Zhang Hao did not forget to reflect. He understood that cultivation was not just about enhancing strength but also deepening self-awareness. He began to ponder his identity and his place in this world.
He recalled his life before transmigration, the ordinary male college student, and compared it to the Zhang Hao now with the potential for cultivation, understanding the connections and differences between them. He began to comprehend that transmigration was not a coincidence but a destiny arranged.
As the night deepened, Zhang Hao's cultivation session came to a temporary end. He sat cross-legged on the mountaintop, gazing at the distant starry sky, his mind filled with memories since his transmigration. A few months ago, he was an ordinary college student; now, he had become a part of this world, Bi Gan, a figure who would leave a name in the Investiture of the Gods.
He recalled a banquet in the palace where music played melodiously and dancers twirled gracefully. In that moment of interplay between light and shadow, he thought he caught a glimpse of Daji's fox ears in the reflection of a mirror. That instant filled his heart with shock and doubt. Could this Daji truly be, as in the television series of Investiture of the Gods, a fox spirit transformed into a human?
This realization sparked a deep curiosity about Daji's identity within Zhang Hao. He knew that throughout history, Daji had always been an enigmatic figure, and in this world, her existence seemed even more mysterious. Her beauty, her intelligence, her power, and the inhuman traits she inadvertently revealed all led Zhang Hao to wonder if she was indeed the legendary fox spirit.
Zhang Hao's thoughts were not only focused on Daji; his heart also harbored aspirations for other divine figures. He thought of the heroes celebrated in stories, such as Guanyin, Er Lang Shen, and Nezha, whose images seemed more vivid in this world. He imagined Nezha's indomitable valor, Guanyin's compassionate visage, and Er Lang Shen's mighty demeanor, and wondered if they too harbored secrets unknown to others.
He remembered that in the world before his transmigration, these divine figures were enshrined in temples and revered. But in this world, they seemed more real, closer to people's lives. Their presence imbued this world with an aura of mystery and the unknown.
Zhang Hao knew that his path of cultivation had only just begun, and his power was still weak. But as he gradually uncovered the secrets of this world, he believed that one day, he would find traces of those divine figures, perhaps even fighting alongside them.
He took a deep breath, setting aside his doubts and expectations for the moment. What he needed to do now was to continue cultivating and enhancing his strength. Only by becoming stronger could he lift the veil of mystery from this world, find traces of those divine figures, and understand their true whereabouts.
In the night breeze, Zhang Hao's figure appeared more resolute. He knew this was a long journey, but he was ready. He would use his own power to explore this world filled with mystery and the unknown.