Virtual Reality Cultivator

Ethan gripped his sword tighter, staring at the man named Shadow Blade warily.

The man appeared relaxed, but the aura around him radiated an undeniable pressure. The black robe he wore fluttered slightly as the wind blew, and the long sword on his back seemed to have been used in many battles.

[Player: Shadow Blade – Mortal Level 3]

Ethan swallowed. If his opponent's rank was higher, it meant this man had gathered more Qi and was likely to have stronger techniques than him.

Shadow Blade grinned. "Don't worry. I won't kill you right away. I'm just curious… how strong is a beginner cultivator like you?"

Without warning, he moved!

Swoosh!

In the blink of an eye, Shadow Blade was right in front of Ethan, his sword slashing with high speed in a diagonal strike!

Ethan's reflexes kicked in as he kicked his body backward, narrowly avoiding the slash. However, the gust of wind from the attack still brushed against his cheek.

"Fast," Ethan squinted his eyes.

But he couldn't just defend. If he wanted to win, he had to fight back!

Activating the Breath of Soul Technique, he felt his body lighten. He immediately attacked with a Swift Slash!

Clang!

Their swords collided, sparks flying from the metal impact. Shadow Blade smiled in satisfaction.

"Not bad. But still too slow!"

Suddenly, the man twirled his sword and launched a horizontal strike to Ethan's side!

-20 HP

Ethan staggered backward, feeling a sharp pain in his shoulder. Digital blood flowed from the small wound on his body.

"Damn... he's stronger than I thought," Ethan thought.

But he couldn't give up now!

Taking a deep breath, he changed his strategy. If Shadow Blade was faster, then he had to use his full strength!

Ethan raised his sword high and launched a Heavy Slash!

BOOM!

The sword hit with tremendous force, pushing Shadow Blade back several steps!

-25 HP to Shadow Blade

For the first time, the man looked slightly surprised.

"Oh? You're not a bad opponent."

However, before Ethan could react, Shadow Blade suddenly vanished!

"Shadow Step Technique?!"

In an instant, the man appeared behind Ethan and swung his sword in a deadly arc!

Ethan had only one choice.

He immediately used Sword Cry, combining a series of rapid slashes to block his opponent's attack!

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The sound of clashing swords echoed through the forest as the two players fought with high intensity.

But Ethan was beginning to feel exhausted. His Qi was running low, and every movement was getting heavier.

"Damn… I'm not used to prolonged battles."

Shadow Blade noticed Ethan's fatigue and grinned.

"It seems you're getting tired. How about we end it here?"

The man swung his sword for a final attack.

Ethan gritted his teeth. "No! I'm not done yet!"

At the last second, he channeled all his remaining Qi into his sword and unleashed a final Heavy Slash with all his might!

BOOM!

The strike hit Shadow Blade hard, forcing him back several meters.

The man stopped and chuckled. "Hahaha! I like your spirit."

He patted his robe and sheathed his sword.

"Alright, that's enough for today. I just wanted to see how long you could last. And it turns out, you're stronger than I thought."

Ethan was still standing, panting heavily, his sword slightly trembling in his hand.

"So… you don't want to kill me?" he asked suspiciously.

Shadow Blade shook his head. "I'm not the type of player who kills beginners. Besides, I prefer to see how far you can grow."

Ethan continued to watch him warily, but he started to relax a little.

"Who are you, really?"

Shadow Blade smiled. "I'm just a wanderer looking for strong opponents. And you... maybe one day you'll be an interesting challenge."

He turned around, preparing to leave.

"Oh, one more thing," he added. "If you want to get stronger, go to the Valley of a Thousand Trials. It's a testing ground for beginner cultivators. Maybe you'll find something useful there."

Before Ethan could ask any more questions, Shadow Blade vanished into the forest.

Ethan stood where he was, contemplating what had just happened.

He had just experienced his hardest battle so far. But he had survived.

He smiled.

"Alright. The Valley of a Thousand Trials, huh? That sounds like the next destination."

With renewed determination, Ethan prepared for the next stage of his adventure.

This world was getting even more interesting.