Log Entry: Day 1, Verdant Embrace


    Crimson sand… good riddance. The desert was a barren teat, finally dry. Foundation Establishment is a fickle beast. The breakthrough was… messy, but now my meridians thrum with a nascent power. The crimson sands no longer hold profit; the insects and trade routes there are spent.


    The dense, suffocating humidity of this jungle is a stark contrast. The air is thick with the stench of decaying vegetation, but also potential. I can feel the stirrings of elemental energies far stronger than anything readily available in the desert. The potential wealth buried in the earth beneath this canopy… it is intoxicating. I have taken refuge in a temporary cave system I created with a few earth manipulation formations. Its camouflaged well. Better than nothing for the time being. I will spend the first few days studying the area.


    Log Entry: Day 7, Whispers of the Wild


    The jungle has its rhythms. Strange, chirping creatures and the hushed rustle of unseen things. I''ve spent the last week observing. There are several minor spirit beast trails near these caves, and a significant one that leads towards a waterfall a few miles away. I will investigate that tomorrow. I can sense the presence of some medicinal herbs, these are low quality but they are a start. The most important thing is to find a place of high concentration of spiritual Qi. I will use the waterfall as my starting point. I’ve also noted the general absence of large cultivators in this region. Good. Less bother. I also experimented with creating basic Qi gathering formations. I''m going to set a few around my cave. Even this jungle air will be enhanced by it.


    Log Entry: Day 15, Trade and Treasure


    The waterfall is... promising. The flow of water seems to enhance the ambient spiritual Qi, a natural formation in itself. There are a few herbs of decent quality growing near its mist. I have also observed some small cultivators, none of which pose a threat. They seem to be collecting common mushrooms and berries. I will observe them.


    I have decided to set up a temporary stall near the outskirts of a small logging village I found along a tributary. I offer a few simple protection talismans, and some basic spiritual incense in exchange for spirit stones. The fools think they are safe with such trinkets. I am making a killing off their ignorance. They come for protection and offer their resources freely. This is far more efficient than scavenging.


    Log Entry: Day 30, A Hint of Power


    My gains have been substantial. The logging village is a steady stream of naive clients. The spirit stones I have accumulated are enough to purchase some basic cultivation pills. My cultivation is progressing, albeit slowly. I am now at the early stages of Foundation Establishment, a solid foundation. This jungle holds more potential than I imagined. I did see some young disciples of some unknown sect exploring in the depths of the forest today. Likely looking for treasure. I will stay away from them. I have no need to get involved in sect rivalries. The best path is the one that ensures I am left undisturbed.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Log Entry: Day 45, Sanguine Harvest


    I have observed the logging village for a while now, It is clear they are not going to yield much more. I have exhausted their reserves and my demand has outstripped supply. The villagers are starting to be suspicious and I overheard of a caravan coming to trade with the village. That could be a good source of resources. I used a very basic illusion formation to disguise myself and I have left the village. I am following the caravan and will look for an opportunity to take what I want.


    The caravan has some rudimentary defensive formations, easily dismantled. Tonight I will set an ambush. The fools are traveling in the dark through a narrow pass. The forest will make a perfect natural trap. I will use my formations to amplify the sound of the forest, making them lose their bearings. It should be very easy to take them by surprise. I am starting to be annoyed with these weaklings.


    Log Entry: Day 46, Another Step


    The caravan is no more. They fought pathetically. There was an overseer who was a cultivator. He was barely at Qi condensation level 8. He was the only one that posed any challenge worth mentioning. His blood stained the earth, and his spirit stones are now mine. The caravan was carrying a decent batch of spiritual herbs and some weapons. The herbs are useful for my cultivation, and the weapons will be useful in trading. I have destroyed the bodies and removed any trace of my involvement. I am moving deeper into the jungle.


    I have discovered a hidden cave system with a source of concentrated spirit Qi. It''s close to the waterfall, but hidden behind a layer of rock. The perfect place to cultivate without interference. I will be setting up a more permanent residence here, and focus on my cultivation, and plan my next move.


    Log Entry: Day 60, Whispers of Core Formation


    The dense spiritual Qi in this cavern is a boon. My cultivation progresses far more quickly now. I have created a complex array of formations to constantly draw in the energy of the surrounding area. I have been consuming the herbs and using the remaining spirit stones to refine my Qi.


    I can feel the pressure building in my dantian. Core Formation is not far. But I must be patient. I will not rush this. The foundation must be perfect, lest the process fail. I will spend the next few weeks honing my control over Qi. I have also been working on a few new formations. This time, I will focus on offensive formations. I will need them for the future. I have noticed that there are rumours among the weaker cultivators in the nearby villages about a powerful cultivator terrorising the area. I need to be more careful with my movements.


    Log Entry: Day 90, Focused Fury


    Another month, another step closer. My control over Qi is reaching a new level. I can subtly manipulate the natural energies of the jungle. The concentration of spiritual Qi in this cave is palpable. I spend each day training and meditating, refining my dantian. I have also been experimenting with some new formations that will amplify my power. I will need to be ready for the next stage of my cultivation.


    I have stopped interacting with the nearby villages. The rumours have grown too strong, and the attention is unwanted. I will focus on my training and continue to cultivate in this secluded spot. I’m starting to get restless. It will not be long until the Core Formation stage is within my reach. Then, my real work can begin. I can feel the power building in my dantian. I will be ready when the time comes.


    Log Entry: Day 120, Looming Change


    The signs are undeniable. My dantian burns with the fire of nascent power. The energies are swirling with such intensity that I can feel my very bones trembling. The boundary of Core Formation is thin now, and I can almost see it. The concentration in my cave is no more than a gentle breeze, I am now using most of the ambient Qi to sustain the power growing within myself. I will initiate the breakthrough soon and set up my array of defensive formation around myself.