During the past month, Mu Chen had been training in his father’s private cultivation chamber. It was an isolated stone room, which could conveniently be sealed up using a formation to prevent any external interruptions. It also had a qi gathering formation which helped to increase the density of spiritual qi in the chamber.

Mu Chen’s cultivation had skyrocketed during this one month period, increasing three entire levels to to the sixth level of the Mortal realm thanks to his arduous training regime and the abundant resources provided by his father. Even to Mu Chen, who once stood at the peak of the world and had seen all there was to see, this speed really was quite ridiculous.

However, the largest contributor to his massive progress was most definitely the [Nameless Cultivation Technique] from the stone tablet. It allowed him to absorb and refine spiritual qi at an insane rate that he never thought was possible. The end result was six qi springs that were at least ten times larger than a typical one spinning around in his dantian, all filled with supreme spiritual qi.

He could feel boundless energy coursing through every fiber of his body, giving him the feeling like he could split a mountain in one strike. Even Mu Chen himself did not know how strong he truly was now. By his estimation, he could probably beat a peak Mortal realm cultivator, but this was by the standard he had seen so far. He completely outclassed everyone around him in terms of spiritual qi quality and quantity, as well as martial techniques.

Aside from the [Nameless Cultivation Technique], Mu Chen’s insane cultivation speed could also be partially attributed to his tireless efforts. He literally did nothing except train and cultivate every single day for the entire month. Most individuals in the younger generation would not be able to keep this up for a week, much less an entire month. This was of course no issue for the man who was once the strongest.

In a perfect world, he would much prefer to keep training like this but unfortunately, the resources he had been given were limited and had finally been used up today. Without those resources, his cultivation speed would slow significantly. For him, that would not do. In this new life, he was once again a tiny ant that could be easily crushed. He needed to become stronger and keep a low profile as much as possible.

The amount of energy that the stone tablet required was way too much for him to sustain his cultivation speed. He needed resources, much more. Truthfully, in his past life, those resources his father gave him could have allowed him to easily reach the peak Mortal realm, and even enter the next realm, the Sea Forming realm!

Sighing in reluctance, Mu Chen deactivated the formation sealing the chamber and walked out. He directly went to the study to find his father, who was thrilled to see the progress he had made over the past month.

“Chen’er, you have already broken through to the fifth level of the Mortal realm?” Mu Lin’s eyes almost popped out of their sockets. He did not expect Mu Chen to improve by two entire levels in just a single month. In the best case scenario, he was expecting Mu Chen’s cultivation to increase by just one level. Jumping two levels in one month was unheard of.

Mu Chen had actually hid his true cultivation level which was actually at the sixth level of the Mortal realm, by using a secret technique to suppress it to the fifth level. Hiding his strength was a useful trick as it could be used to drop the enemy's guard and allow him to turn the tables. He had lost count how many times he had used this same trick to kill unsuspecting foes.

Though he trusted Mu Lin not to say anything, it was still safer to ensure no one knew his true cultivation level except for himself. His many years of experience in the harsh world of cultivation was his greatest strength and most trusted companion.

“Yes father. It was all thanks to the resources you provided that have allowed me to improve my strength by such a large amount. I am grateful.” Mu Chen bowed his head slightly.

“Chen’er, although your cultivation has improved greatly, you must make sure that your foundation is solid. Remember, an unstable foundation can cause the entire building to collapse!” Mu Lin sternly advised with eyes of concern.

“I understand father. I will definitely remember your words.”

“Mmm. Good.” Mu Lin nodded happily. “By the way, how much of the resources I gave you did you finish using?” He asked.

“All of it.”

“Hmm? What did you say?” Mu Lin turned his head toward Mu Chen. Did he perhaps mishear something?

“I’ve used it all up.” Mu Chen said matter-of-factly.

“U-u-used it all up? All of it?” Mu Lin stammered with a dumbstruck expression.

Mu Chen nodded in response.

Mu Lin could feel his legs turning to jelly. Used them all up? Those resources were meant to last for three years! Yes, for three entire years! His son had used up three year’s worth of resources in a month! He slowly sat down on a chair, still in disbelief at what he had just heard.

“Father, I’ve decided to go to the Thousand Beast Forest to experience hands-on combat with some beasts in order to temper my skills.” Mu Chen pretended not to notice his father’s actions and continued speaking.

He had already decided on his next course of action. To experience actual combat and find out how strong he was right now. In order to fight at the highest level possible, he first needed to completely understand his own strength. The only way to do so was through battle. The closest place he knew he would find demonic beasts was Thousand Beast Forest!

With that said, Mu Chen promptly turned and left, leaving Mu Lin who was still murmuring away, his mind still trying to process the loss of three years worth of resources in a single month.

After instructing Xiao Rou to gather up some basic supplies, Mu Chen went searching for a decent weapon. He eventually settled on a high quality iron sword he had found lying around in his father’s residence. A weapon was not essential, but good to have, especially when he intended to fight against demonic beasts.

There was also another thing he was worried about. He still had not found out who had poisoned the original owner of the body, leading to his eventual demise. There was a constant danger looming overhead. Who knew when that person might make another attempt on his life? Him defeating Mu Mantian had also likely exacerbated the hatred the other party had for him, but he had no other choice.

According to Mu Chen’s analysis, there were only a few possible suspects. The prime suspect was his uncle Mu Wang. The person could also be someone who was on Mu Wang’s side.

The poison that had been used on him was some second rate poison, created from combining a few poisonous herbs. It would not be able to kill a Sea Forming realm cultivator, but a Mortal realm cultivator like him would die if no one helped him. It would act slowly, causing him to suffer over a long period of time as it gradually spread throughout his entire body, eventually killing him, making it seem like a disease or illness of some kind. Upon death, the poison would dissipate. That was when Wang Kang took over, becoming the new Mu Chen.

The culprit did indeed accomplish his goal of killing the previous Mu Chen, but unfortunately for them, their actions had inadvertently allowed the new Mu Chen to take over.

“Mu Chen, do not worry, this old man will avenge you. Wherever you are, you can rest assured.” Mu Chen muttered as he looked up at the sky.

After a change of clothes to something more rugged and slinging a small bag of supplies over his shoulder with a sword on his back, he exited the Mu residence and quickly disappeared into the sea of people milling through the streets.

As Skywind City was a major trading hub, many exquisite storefronts lined the streets, selling all sorts of goods. Clothes, weapons and even cultivation resources could be found here. There were also numerous roadside stalls selling food and other random knick knacks.

As usual, the street was full of people. There were also a good amount of cultivators around, though most of them preferred to keep a low profile. Despite their efforts to avoid detection Mu Chen could easily identify who they were thanks to his high sensitivity to spiritual qi.

After making several detours to ensure he was not being followed, Mu Chen left the city. He had picked up a thick hooded cloak along the way to hide his identity. As the famous profligate son of the Mu clan, he was easily identified and thus had to keep a low profile.

An hour later, he found himself standing at the entrance of a large wooded area, with massive trees stretching as far as he could see, along with some mountains in the distance. He had finally arrived at Thousand Beast Forest.