Infinite simulation in soul land

Chapter 3: The Second Simulation Begins

The first rays of dawn broke through the dense canopy of the Star Dou Forest, bathing the world in a warm golden light. Long Tian stirred awake, his mind still buzzing with the memories of his first simulation. The rewards he had gained filled him with confidence, but he knew this was just the beginning.

Sitting cross-legged on the stone floor of the cave, Long Tian opened the system interface. The translucent panel floated before him, its cold, mechanical voice breaking the silence.

> "Cooldown period has ended. Would you like to initiate the second simulation?"

Long Tian nodded without hesitation. "Yes, let's begin."

> "Simulation parameters loading... Simulation #2 initiating..."

The world around him dissolved in an instant, replaced by the swirling void of the simulation space. A new window appeared before him.

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> [Simulation #2]

Objective: Survive the Spirit Beast Hunt and acquire a ten-thousand-year spirit ring.

Scenario: You are sent to participate in a spirit master expedition deep within the forest. You will encounter spirit beasts, rival hunters, and unknown dangers. Achieve your objective within the time limit.

Time Limit: 6 months

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Long Tian's surroundings shifted again, and he found himself standing on a well-trodden forest path, surrounded by a group of fellow spirit masters. Unlike his first simulation, this one thrust him into a more social environment.

The group consisted of seven individuals, ranging from Spirit Elders to Spirit Kings. Their leader, a tall, imposing man with a battle axe as his martial spirit, turned to address the group.

"Listen up!" he barked, his voice commanding. "Our mission is simple: venture into the depths of the Star Dou Forest, locate a ten-thousand-year spirit beast, and secure its spirit ring. Stick together, and don't let your guard down. The forest is unforgiving."

Long Tian quickly assessed the group. Most seemed competent, though a few cast wary glances his way. He recognized this dynamic—strength earned respect, and he was still a Spirit Elder in this simulation. He'd have to prove himself quickly.

---

The first few days were relatively uneventful. The group encountered weaker spirit beasts, which were easily dispatched. Long Tian used the opportunity to observe his companions and test the limits of his martial spirit within the simulation.

The Celestial Flame Dragon Technique was as powerful here as in reality, and its destructive flames earned him a mix of admiration and jealousy from the others.

"Not bad for a Spirit Elder," one of the Spirit Kings remarked, his tone laced with faint disdain. "But don't get cocky. A ten-thousand-year beast is a different story."

Long Tian didn't respond, choosing instead to focus on his goal. He wasn't here to impress anyone—he was here to grow stronger.

---

As the group ventured deeper into the forest, the atmosphere grew tense. The air was thick with the presence of powerful spirit beasts, and every shadow seemed to hide danger.

It wasn't long before they encountered their first major challenge: a Blazing Thunder Tiger, a fearsome ten-thousand-year beast with crackling lightning dancing across its fiery fur.

The Spirit King leading the group stepped forward. "Form a perimeter! Keep it contained!"

The battle was fierce. The tiger's speed and power were overwhelming, and it took all their combined efforts to weaken it. Long Tian, however, noticed a flaw in its movements—its left hind leg was slightly slower than the rest of its body.

"Focus on its left side!" he shouted, thrusting his spear forward and unleashing a torrent of flames. The tiger roared in pain, stumbling under the combined assault.

His quick thinking turned the tide of the battle. After a grueling fight, the group managed to bring the beast down.

---

As the leader prepared to absorb the spirit ring, a system notification appeared in Long Tian's vision.

> "Alternate Path Detected: Steal the spirit ring to claim its power. Success will grant additional rewards."

Long Tian's eyes narrowed. He could feel the tiger's energy lingering in the air, its spirit ring glowing faintly. It was a tempting opportunity, but the risk was high—betraying the group would make him an enemy, and they weren't pushovers.

"I'll wait," he decided, letting the leader take the ring. This was a simulation, but he wanted to explore every option and test his limits without unnecessary hostility.

---

The group continued their hunt, and over the next few months, Long Tian grew stronger through constant battles. He honed his spear techniques, mastered the Celestial Flame Dragon Technique, and even devised new strategies for fighting in a group.

Finally, the moment he had been waiting for arrived. They stumbled upon a Skyshadow Panther, a rare and elusive ten-thousand-year beast known for its incredible speed and deadly shadow techniques.

This time, Long Tian took the lead. Using his experience from the simulations, he coordinated the group's attacks, predicting the panther's movements and forcing it into a corner.

When the beast was finally subdued, the leader turned to Long Tian. "You've proven yourself, kid. Take the spirit ring—it's yours."

Long Tian's heart raced as he stepped forward. The dark purple ring floated before him, radiating an aura of immense power. He sat down, calming his mind as he began the absorption process.

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> "Simulation Complete!"

Rewards:

1. Skyshadow Panther Spirit Ring (Ten-Thousand-Year, Integrated)

2. Shadowstep Technique (Evasion Skill)

3. Spirit Power Boost: +2 Ranks

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When Long Tian opened his eyes, he was back in the cave. His body trembled with newfound strength as the ten-thousand-year spirit ring merged seamlessly with his martial spirit. The system's rewards had pushed him to Rank 41, officially making him a Spirit Ancestor.

His spear now glowed with a faint shadowy aura, and he instinctively knew how to use the Shadowstep Technique, a movement skill that would allow him to evade attacks with supernatural speed.

"This... this power," he whispered, clenching his fists. "It's only the beginning."

Long Tian stood, determination burning in his eyes. The Infinite Simulation System was a treasure beyond comprehension, and he would use it to carve his path to the pinnacle of Soul Land.

Far away, in the depths of the Star Dou Forest, an ancient presence stirred, its attention drawn to the faint echoes of power resonating from Long Tian's actions. The path he had chosen would not only lead him to greatness but also to dangers that would test him to his very core.

But Long Tian was ready. With infinite chances, he would overcome anything that stood in his way.