I am the Dao Ancestor

Six months had passed since Ling Hao's arrival at Peach Blossom Peak, and the young disciple had transformed. His body, once frail and untested, had become the solid foundation of his cultivation journey. Standing now at the peak of the Body Refinement Realm, his body had tempered under the harsh training provided by his master, Yue Ling, whose unorthodox methods tested both his body and spirit.

Ling Hao stood in a meditative stance, breath even, beneath the ancient peach blossoms of his peak. The environment hummed with Qi—the perfect place to connect with the spiritual energy of the world around him. Every movement felt like the deep resonance of nature itself, each step on the mountain solidifying his foundation in the Body Refinement Realm. The surrounding Qi surged as it connected with his body, intertwining with every muscle and bone, circulating with perfect harmony. His vision blurred as he focused on the flow of the energy, aware of every movement, every pulse.

At the very core of his being, the Qi felt like a fire, flickering brighter and stronger. The power, though still growing, was steady. Ling Hao smiled to himself as a soft whisper in his mind spoke to him.

It's time.

The breakthrough had been approaching for a while. Ling Hao placed a hand gently over his chest, his heart steady but filled with anticipation. Under his master's stern gaze, he channeled his Qi deeper into his meridians. Like a controlled river, he guided the flow through his body. Energy sparked as his core began to stabilize. It was as though the heavens themselves offered their blessings to him. But it wasn't enough to rely solely on the energy flowing within; he needed to push beyond what he had learned and to build upon his strength.

Foundation Establishment Realm.

He could feel it—it was like a distant, warm glow, lying just beyond his reach. With every breath, the glow grew clearer, more tangible. He focused on building a stronger, firmer core within. This wasn't about burning through stages with force; this was about creation, forging something within. With a final breath, the deep stirring within his body became more intense.

His heart raced as he felt his body transcend its previous limitations.

The flow of Qi shifted. The foundation was set—his body forged and prepared—his breakthrough occurred with an explosive surge of energy. The ground under his feet cracked as his cultivation reached a new realm. Ling Hao stumbled slightly, catching himself on the stone wall nearby. But the smile on his face betrayed his effort.

"I did it," he murmured, watching as the Qi he'd gathered hovered, ready for flight.

Yue Ling, who had been watching from a distance, clapped her hands once, an amused look in her eyes. "About time, child. Don't look so proud of yourself. You're still a long way from mastering this realm. If you want to get anywhere with your sword technique, don't stop here."

Ling Hao turned, wiping his sweat-drenched brow. His chest was still heaving slightly, the tremendous exertion of the breakthrough lingering in his veins.

"I'll make you proud, Master."

"You'd better. You've only scratched the surface of true cultivation. This next stage will separate those who make it into the Immortal Paths from those who are cast aside," Yue Ling replied with a trace of seriousness, though it was tempered by her usual grin. "Flying is something only Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators can manage at will. You've passed that milestone. Now, show me your progress with the sword."

Ling Hao nodded, focusing on the familiar sword resting on the ground. The metal's edge glittered under the sunlight. He reached down, his fingers brushing over the hilt as he channeled a burst of Qi into it. Immediately, the sword began to hum in resonance with his energy, vibrating with excitement. In that moment, Ling Hao gathered his energy and willed the sword into the air.

It was his first real attempt at sword flight. As he lifted off from the stone ground, his heart raced as the power surged through him, but his footing faltered, and he found himself jerking awkwardly. Quickly steadying himself with the sword's hilt, Ling Hao released a deep breath. A laugh bubbled up from his chest despite the minor mishap.

"I did it, Master," he called out to Yue Ling, hovering a few feet off the ground, the sword steady beneath him.

Yue Ling's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Good. But not nearly good enough for what comes next."

Ling Hao felt her sharp gaze examining him, but he couldn't stop grinning. Her praise was all he'd sought for the past few months. Flying had seemed like a far-off goal, but now it was within reach—he had passed another barrier on his path to power.

"You'll get more opportunities soon enough. For now, go down to the main hall. You have to begin your tasks as a disciple. Take this chance to step out of your cozy little world on Peach Blossom Peak." Yue Ling waved him off dismissively, already turning back to her wine jug.

Ling Hao bowed deeply before making his way down the path, his heart full of determination, excitement, and apprehension. There was still so much left to be done.

---

The Task Pavilion

The main hall of the Azure Sky Sect was always bustling. It had a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the ambition of all who passed through it, from lowly initiates to elders of immense power. Ling Hao's footsteps were filled with purpose as he walked through the hallways, passing several buildings and taking in the energy of the disciples he passed by. His breath was still steady from his flight practice, yet he felt an intensity brewing within.

Before long, he arrived at the Task Pavilion. The building was grand and full of purpose, resting between two majestic peaks as if a testament to the strength of Azure Sky Sect. Inside, incense lingered in the air, and shelves upon shelves of parchment filled the open space, each scroll a mission waiting to be taken.

Behind the large counter, a stocky man with broad shoulders, Zhao Wu, was scanning through a pile of requests. Zhao Wu's attention didn't shift when Ling Hao entered, but he already seemed to expect the young disciple's presence.

"Looking for a task, kid?" Zhao Wu grunted, lifting his eyes to take note of Ling Hao.

Ling Hao nodded respectfully, walking toward the counter. "Yes, I was sent by my master to take my first task."

Zhao Wu's gaze deepened as he appraised the disciple in front of him. He tossed a thick scroll toward Ling Hao, the parchment making a soft landing on the counter.

"A demon-slaying mission for you. You're still new, so this'll be a good challenge to begin your journey. The mission requires you to eliminate a Demon Claw Boar in the Crimson Wood Forest—it's a third-stage demon beast." Zhao Wu scowled, clearly not one to sugarcoat things. "It has been terrorizing the villages nearby. The families here are desperate. If you succeed, you'll be well on your way to proving your worth."

Ling Hao's brow furrowed as he read the mission details. The Demon Claw Boar was a fearsome beast. Larger and stronger than regular boars, it had claws sharp enough to cleave through rocks, and a roar that sent shivers down the spine. Its physical prowess surpassed most cultivators of the Foundation Establishment Realm. This wouldn't be easy, but the very nature of this mission thrilled him. The opportunity to prove himself had arrived.

"I'll take it," Ling Hao declared.

Zhao Wu gave a nod of approval. "Good. But be careful. That beast won't hesitate to tear you to shreds if you make a mistake."

---

The Crimson Wood Forest: A Blood-Soaked Challenge

Ling Hao's journey to the Crimson Wood Forest took two days, each one filled with anticipation. The vibrant city life gave way to the shadowy darkness of the wilds as he traveled toward the treacherous forest that would become his battlefield. As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, the towering trees began to blot out the sky, casting shadows across the path.

By the time Ling Hao reached the border of the forest, dusk had settled, and the air seemed unnaturally heavy, carrying an eerie, suffocating stillness. The Crimson Wood Forest, so named for the strange red-tinted leaves that perpetually fluttered to the ground, felt alive in ways that didn't sit well with him. Ling Hao had his sword strapped tightly to his back and his senses on full alert, scanning every movement and rustling in the underbrush.

As his steps grew quieter, he instinctively slowed, coming to a crouch. The earth beneath him seemed alive with hidden energy. Ling Hao's pulse quickened when he felt the presence of the Demon Claw Boar. Through the dense trees, he caught a glimpse of the enormous beast—a hulking, beastly shape that seemed to move with unnatural speed and grace despite its heavy frame.

Ling Hao knew he would need all of his strength to bring this demon beast down, but it was also the first step in proving to himself that he was ready for the true challenges awaiting him. He inhaled deeply and drew his sword, already sending a rush of energy into it. The blade hummed in the air, vibrated with power.

This was his moment.