《Cultivation is Creation [World-Hopping & Plant-Based Xianxia]》


 Chapter 1: Death and Rebirth

    Chapter 1: Death and Rebirth


    You know what''s funny? Death wasn''t anything like I expected. No tunnel of light, no past memories flashing before my eyes, no choir of angels¡ªjust the abrupt sensation of my face meeting concrete at terminal velocity after tripping on my own shoelaces. Yeah, I know. Pathetic way to go.


    I''d always imagined my death would be more... dignified. Maybe heroically saving someone from a burning building, or peacefully passing away in my sleep after living a full life. Instead, I died because I couldn''t be bothered to tie my shoes properly while rushing to my morning classes. The last thing I heard was the screech of brakes and someone yelling "Oh shit!" before everything went black.


    Then came the void.


    I floated in absolute nothingness for what felt like both an eternity and a mere instant. No sight, no sound, no sensation¡ªjust the awareness of my own consciousness suspended in infinite darkness. It was peaceful in a terrifying sort of way, like being wrapped in a blanket of existential horror.


    "Well," I remember thinking, "this is anticlimactic."


    But then something changed. A gentle tugging sensation, as if someone had tied a string to my soul and decided to go fishing. The void began to spin, or maybe I was the one spinning¡ªit''s hard to tell when you''re just a disembodied consciousness. The peaceful horror transformed into what I can only describe as cosmic vertigo.


    And then, without warning or fanfare, I was breathing again.


    The first breath felt like inhaling fire. My lungs expanded painfully, and my entire body tingled as if I''d been hit by lightning. My face was pressed against something gritty and warm¡ªdirt? I could feel it against my cheeks, taste it on my lips. For a moment, I thought I was back at the scene of my accident, face-down on the sidewalk.


    But the air smelled different. Wrong. Or maybe right, just... not like anything I''d ever smelled before. Clean, with hints of unfamiliar flowers and herbs.


    "Young man!" a concerned voice called out. "Young Ke Yin!"


    Hands gripped my shoulders, gently turning me over. I opened my eyes and found myself staring up at... an impossibly blue sky? What happened to the concrete buildings? The traffic lights? The urban sprawl?


    An elderly man with a long white beard leaned over me with a worried look on his face. He wore elaborate red robes and a jade-topped staff lay on the ground beside him. Behind him, I could make out two younger men in simpler robes, hovering anxiously.


    "The fever¡ª" one of them started.


    "Has broken," the old man interrupted, pressing a hand to my forehead. "His spiritual pathways have stabilized. It seems the emergency technique worked, though not quite as expected."


    I tried to sit up, and the old man helped me. That''s when I noticed my hands¡ªwhich weren''t my hands at all. They were smaller, the fingers longer and more elegant than my old stubby digits. The skin was paler too, with a strange, almost luminous quality to it.


    "I..." My voice came out different¡ªyounger, smoother. "What happened?"


    What. The. Hell.


    The words emerged in a language that wasn''t English, but which I somehow understood perfectly.


    The old man¡ªMaster Wei, a name that suddenly appeared in my mind¡ªhelped me to my feet.


    "You collapsed with fever during our journey," he explained. "I feared we might lose you, but your spirit proved stronger than expected."


    Yeah, about that...


    My brain¡ªor whatever brain I was currently borrowing¡ªshort-circuited.


    You know that feeling when you wake up in a strange place and for a split second can''t remember where you are? Yeah, multiply that by about a thousand. Different body, different language, and maybe even a different world.


    I was either having the mother of all out-of-body experiences, or the universe had a seriously twisted sense of humor.


    Okay, Kane, I told myself, trying to stay calm. Let''s assess the situation.


    One: I died. That much was certain unless this was some extremely vivid hallucination brought on by massive head trauma.


    Two: I was now apparently inhabiting someone else''s body.


    Three: I was surrounded by people who looked like they''d stepped straight out of a wuxia drama.


    Memories that weren''t mine began filtering in, like water seeping through cracks in a dam.


    This body belonged to¡ªhad belonged to?¡ªa young man named Ke Yin, the son of a tailor in a small town called Floating Reed Village. He had been chosen by the visiting Immortal Masters to join their sect as an Outer Disciple, a rare honor that came once every few decades.


    Master Wei, one of the sect''s talent scouts, had tested hundreds of young people in the region before selecting young Ke Yin for his exceptional spiritual sensitivity. The two men behind us were his disciples, responsible for carrying supplies and protecting us on the journey to the sect.


    But the original Ke Yin had been pushing himself too hard on the journey, hiding a burning fever that had finally overwhelmed him. Master Wei had attempted an emergency spiritual technique to save his life, but instead of preserving Ke Yin''s failing body, the technique had inadvertently created a perfect conduit for my wandering consciousness to slip in just as the original soul departed.


    Great. Not only was I a body-snatcher, but I was also apparently headed to some kind of mystical kungfu school. If this was the afterlife''s idea of a joke, I wasn''t laughing.


    "We should reach the outer gates of the Azure Peak Sect by nightfall," Master Wei announced, interrupting my existential crisis. "Young Ke Yin, I trust you remember the basic courtesies we discussed?"


    More borrowed memories bubbled up. Bow three times when meeting senior disciples. Address all inner disciples as ''Senior Brother'' or ''Senior Sister.'' Never look directly at the Elders unless given permission to speak. Keep your eyes down and your mouth shut unless spoken to.


    "Yes, Master Wei," I replied automatically, grateful for the dead boy''s memories. The last thing I needed was to offend someone in a world where people could apparently perform "spiritual techniques."


    We walked in silence for several hours, giving me time to sort through the jumble of memories and information in my head. The original Ke Yin had been seventeen, a few years younger than I had been when I died. He''d lived a relatively peaceful life helping at his father''s shop, until Master Wei had visited their town and tested all the young people for some kind of spiritual potential.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    The test had involved holding a mysterious jade pendant and circulating one''s breath in a specific pattern. Most of the teenagers had failed to produce any reaction, but when young Ke Yin had tried, the pendant had glowed with a soft blue light. That glow had sealed his fate¡ªand now, apparently, mine as well.


    The landscape gradually changed as we walked, the gentle hills giving way to increasingly steep terrain. In the distance, I could see mountains rising into the clouds, their peaks shrouded in mist. The air grew noticeably thinner, and I found myself having to take deeper breaths.


    "The sacred peaks of our sect," Master Wei said, noticing my attention. "What you see is merely the mortal face of Azure Peak. Its true glory lies in the higher realms, hidden from mundane eyes."


    I nodded, trying to look appropriately awed while internally wondering what the hell that meant. Higher realms? Mundane eyes? Every answer I got only raised more questions.


    The sun was indeed setting by the time we reached what Master Wei had called the outer gates. To call them gates seemed like an understatement¡ªthey were more like walls, stretching up at least fifty feet and carved directly into the mountain face. The stone was a peculiar shade of blue-gray, and strange symbols had been carved into its surface in intricate patterns.


    Two figures stood guard, wearing robes similar to Master Wei''s but less elaborate. They straightened as we approached, offering respectful bows to the old master.


    "Master Wei returns," one of them intoned formally. "We trust your search was fruitful?"


    "Indeed," Master Wei replied. "One suitable candidate, showing promise in the Azure Path."


    The guards nodded and made some kind of gesture with their hands. The massive gates began to swing open silently, despite their apparent weight. I tried not to gawk too obviously. Either these people had some incredibly well-oiled hinges, or something decidedly non-mechanical was at work here.


    Beyond the gates lay a sprawling complex of buildings that seemed to defy gravity, perched on impossible cliffs and connected by delicate-looking bridges that swayed in the wind. Everything was built in that same distinctive blue-gray stone, with swooping roofs and delicate spires that pierced the clouds above.


    "Welcome," Master Wei said, "to the Azure Peak Sect, your new home."


    Home. The word hit me like a physical blow. Everything I''d been trying not to think about¡ªmy death, my family, my friends, my entire world¡ªcame crashing back. They would find my broken body on the university steps, call my parents, hold a funeral. Would they cry? Would they miss me? Did time even flow the same way between worlds?


    "Young Ke Yin?" Master Wei''s voice snapped me back to reality. "Are you unwell?"


    I realized I had stopped walking, my borrowed body trembling slightly. "I... it''s just overwhelming," I managed to say, which wasn''t exactly a lie.


    The old master''s expression softened slightly. "It is natural to feel thus when first beholding the sacred peaks. Many young disciples find themselves overcome. Take a moment to compose yourself, then we shall proceed to the Outer Disciples'' quarter for your registration and assignment."


    I took a deep breath, forcing down the panic and grief that threatened to overwhelm me. I could have my existential crisis later, preferably in private. Right now, I needed to focus on survival. I was in a strange world with strange rules, and something told me that showing weakness here would be a very bad idea.


    We crossed one of those seemingly fragile bridges, which thankfully proved more stable than it looked. The view was simultaneously breathtaking and terrifying¡ªclouds swirled below us, and the wind carried whispers that seemed almost like voices. Every now and then, I caught glimpses of figures moving through the air in the distance, as if gravity was merely a suggestion rather than a law.


    The Outer Disciples'' quarter turned out to be a cluster of simple but elegant buildings near the base of one of the smaller peaks. Young men and women in plain blue robes hurried about their business, some carrying books or strange implements I couldn''t identify. They all had the same careful way of moving, as if constantly aware of some invisible protocol.


    Master Wei led me to a building marked with the character for "Registration" while his two disciples waited outside. Inside, an elderly woman sat at a desk covered in scrolls and what looked like jade tablets. She didn''t look up as we entered.


    "Name?" she asked in a bored tone.


    "Ke Yin of Floating Reed Village," Master Wei answered for me. "Showing affinity for the Azure Path, recommended for general studies until his aptitude becomes clear."


    The woman finally looked up, her eyes sharp despite her apparent age. She studied me for a long moment, then nodded and began writing on one of the scrolls with practiced efficiency.


    "Dormitory Three, Cell Twelve," she said, handling me a jade tablet similar to the ones on her desk. "This is your identification token. Do not lose it. Your sect robes and basic cultivation materials will be provided by the quartermaster. Morning assembly is at dawn in the Outer Disciples'' Square. Do not be late."


    I accepted the tablet, noting how it felt warm to the touch despite being made of stone. More memories from the original Ke Yin filtered in¡ªbeing late to morning assembly was apparently a serious offense, punishable by physical discipline and loss of privileges.


    "I will leave you here," Master Wei said. "From this point forward, you must walk your own path. Remember what we discussed during our journey¡ªmaintain your dignity as a disciple of Azure Peak, but never let pride blind you to your own limitations. Many promising disciples have fallen because they forgot they were mere saplings reaching for the sun."


    I bowed, remembering the proper form from the original Ke Yin''s memories. "Thank you for your guidance, Master Wei."


    The old master nodded once, then turned and left without another word. Just like that, I was alone in a strange world, about to begin a life I knew nothing about.


    The quartermaster turned out to be a gruff man with impressive burn scars on his arms. He took one look at my identification tablet and began pulling items from various shelves: three sets of blue robes, a pair of sturdy boots, basic writing materials, and several objects I didn''t recognize. Everything went into a simple cloth bag which he thrust into my arms.


    "Basic cultivation materials are provided for the first month only," he growled. "After that, you''ll need to earn contribution points to replace or upgrade them. Don''t waste them."


    I nodded, adding "figure out what contribution points are" to my mental list of urgent tasks. The bag was surprisingly heavy as I made my way to Dormitory Three, following directions provided by a slightly more helpful outer disciple.


    Cell Twelve turned out to be a small but clean room with a narrow bed, a desk, and a shelf for personal belongings. A window overlooked one of the many courtyards, and I could see other new disciples moving into their own cells, some accompanied by family members who had apparently made the journey to see them off.


    I had no such farewell party, and for that I was grateful. I wasn''t sure I could handle watching someone else''s parents say goodbye to someone who wasn''t really their son anymore.


    Sitting on the narrow bed, I finally allowed myself to really process everything that had happened. I had died. I had somehow possessed the body of another person who had also died. I was now in what appeared to be some kind of magical martial arts sect in a world that operated on completely different rules from the one I''d known.


    "Okay," I whispered to myself, "okay. You can handle this. Just... take it one step at a time."


    Having read my fair share of cultivation novels back on Earth, I knew better than to make assumptions. Every story seemed to have its own take on what cultivation actually meant.


    In some, it was all about breathing techniques and meditation. In others, practitioners had to absorb natural energy or refine special pills. There were even ones where cultivators had to eat demons or make deals with ancient spirits. I couldn''t assume anything about how it worked here.


    Step one: Don''t draw attention to myself until I figure out how things work here. Step two: Learn everything I can about this world and this sect. Step three: Figure out what "cultivation" actually means in this world and how not to fall behind. Step four... well, I''d figure that out when I got there.


    A bell rang somewhere in the distance, its deep tone resonating through the mountain. Through the window, I could see disciples beginning to gather in what I assumed was the Outer Disciples'' Square. Time for whatever passed for orientation in this place.


    I changed into one of the sect robes, carefully following the folding patterns shown in the original Ke Yin''s memories. The fabric was surprisingly comfortable, and something about its texture felt almost alive, as if it was responding to my body heat.


    "Right," I muttered, straightening the robes one final time. "Let''s go learn how to be an immortal cultivator. How hard can it be?"


    As I stepped out of my cell, I couldn''t shake the feeling that I was about to find out exactly how hard it could be. But then, I was already dead¡ªwhat was the worst that could happen?


    In retrospect, that was probably not the best question to ask in a world where apparently anything was possible.


    The sun was setting behind the sacred peaks of Azure Peak Sect, casting long shadows across the courtyards. In those shadows, I could have sworn I saw things moving that didn''t match any laws of physics I knew. Above, the clouds continued their eternal dance around the mountain peaks, and somewhere in the distance, someone was playing a melody on what sounded like a flute, its notes carrying impossible distances on the wind.


    Welcome to your new life, Kane. Try not to die again.

 Chapter 2: First Steps

    Chapter 2: First Steps


    The Outer Disciples'' Square was exactly what it said on the tin¡ªa massive courtyard paved with the same blue-gray stone that seemed to be everywhere in this sect. What the name didn''t convey was the sheer scale of the place, or the fact that it was currently packed with several hundred teenagers all trying very hard to look like they knew what they were doing.


    I found myself a spot near the back of the gathering crowd, trying to mimic the straight-backed, hands-clasped-behind-back stance that seemed to be the default here. The original''s memories were helpful, but they were more like watching a tutorial video than having actual muscle memory. Still, fake it till you make it, right?


    "Seniors approaching!" someone hissed, and the crowd''s nervous shuffling immediately ceased.


    Five figures emerged from one of the larger buildings overlooking the square. Unlike our plain gray robes, their blue robes were decorated with intricate patterns that seemed to shift in the fading daylight. They moved with an uncanny grace that made them appear to be gliding rather than walking.


    The one in the lead was a woman who looked to be in her thirties, though something told me appearances might be deceiving here. Her hair was done up in an elaborate style held in place by what looked like silver needles, and her robes bore additional white patterns that distinguished her from her companions.


    "I am Senior Sister Liu," she announced, her voice carrying effortlessly across the square without seeming to raise it. "I oversee the training of Outer Disciples. You stand here because you have shown potential, but potential alone means nothing. Whether you rise or fall, succeed or fail, live or die¡ªall will depend on your own efforts."


    Well, that was cheerful.


    "Tomorrow, you will begin your formal introduction to the arts of cultivation," she continued. "Tonight, you will receive your first lesson in what it means to be a disciple of Azure Peak Sect. Junior Brother Chen, proceed."


    One of her companions stepped forward and made a gesture with his hands. Suddenly, the air grew heavy, as if the atmospheric pressure had doubled. Around me, people gasped and staggered. I found myself struggling to breathe, my knees threatening to buckle.


    "This," Senior Sister Liu said calmly, "is merely a fraction of true spiritual pressure. As Outer Disciples, you will learn to withstand it, to move through it, to breathe despite it. Those who cannot..." She shrugged elegantly. "Well, the mortal world always needs more merchants and farmers."


    The pressure increased. Someone to my left fell to their knees. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to remain standing through sheer stubbornness. My whole body felt like it was being crushed by an invisible weight.


    "Interesting," I heard Senior Sister Liu murmur, though she was too far away for normal hearing to pick up her voice. "A few show promise."


    After what felt like hours but was probably only a few minutes, the pressure vanished. I nearly fell over from the sudden release, catching myself at the last moment. Around me, others weren''t so lucky, sprawling on the stone courtyard as their legs gave out.


    "Those still standing, step forward," Senior Sister Liu commanded.


    I looked around. Out of what must have been three hundred new disciples, only about twenty of us remained on our feet. We formed a ragged line before the seniors, trying not to show how much that experience had rattled us.


    "Your dormitory assignments are changed," she announced. "You will be moved to Dormitory One. This is not a reward¡ªit is a recognition of capacity and thus an increase in expectations. Disappoint us, and you will find that demotion is the least of your concerns."


    Great. Just what I needed¡ªmore attention.


    "The rest of you," she addressed the broader crowd, many of whom were still picking themselves up off the ground, "remember this moment. Remember this feeling. It is but a taste of what awaits you on the path of cultivation. Return to your dormitories and reflect on whether you truly have the will to continue."


    With that encouraging speech, she and her companions turned and left, their robes swishing dramatically in a wind I was pretty sure they''d generated themselves. Show-offs.


    A younger disciple, probably only a year or two ahead of us, began calling out names and new room assignments for those of us who''d remained standing. I found myself assigned to Cell Five in Dormitory One. Apparently, I would have time to move my belongings after the evening meal.


    Speaking of which, my new stomach was informing me rather insistently that it needed food. One of the servants pointed me toward a large building near the dormitories¡ªthe Outer Disciples'' Dining Hall.


    The hall was already crowded when I arrived, filled with both new disciples and older outer disciples who''d returned from whatever tasks had occupied them during the day. The setup was simple: show your identification tablet to receive a bowl of rice and whatever dishes were being served, then find a place to sit.


    I ended up at a table with several other new disciples, all of whom looked as overwhelmed as I felt. The food was simple but surprisingly good¡ªrice, some kind of stir-fried vegetables I didn''t recognize, and a soup that tasted faintly medicinal.


    "Did anyone else feel like they were dying during that pressure test?" one of my tablemates asked quietly. He was a skinny teen with nervous eyes, his hands still shaking slightly as he held his chopsticks.


    "Pretty sure that was the point," another replied, this one a girl with short-cropped hair. "My cousin''s in the Southern Cloud Sect. She said their initiation was even worse¡ªthey had to stand under a waterfall for an hour while enduring spiritual pressure."


    "The Southern Cloud Sect sits on a mountain range famous for its spirit waterfalls," someone further down the table chimed in. "My family trades in cultivation resources¡ªeach sect''s trials are usually related to their particular strengths."


    I listened carefully while pretending to focus on my food. Every bit of information could be valuable, especially since I was starting with a massive disadvantage. Sure, I had the original''s memories of this world''s basic culture and customs, but those were the memories of a tailor''s son¡ªhardly comprehensive when it came to cultivation.


    "I heard Azure Peak specializes in something called the Azure Path," I ventured, hoping to prompt more information.


    "Of course they do," the trader''s son replied, a bit condescendingly. "Azure Peak is one of the Five Great Sects of the Eastern Continent. Each has their own interpretation of the heavenly dao¡ªAzure Peak focuses on transformation and adaptation, like water taking any shape while maintaining its essential nature."


    That... actually explained nothing, but I nodded as if it made perfect sense.


    The conversation continued, with various disciples sharing rumors and snippets of information they''d gleaned about the sect and cultivation in general. Most of it went over my head, but I filed away everything for later consideration.


    After dinner, I returned to my original cell to gather my belongings. It didn''t take long¡ªI''d only been here for a few hours, after all. The new cell in Dormitory One was virtually identical to the old one, just located in a different building.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    As I was arranging my few possessions, someone knocked on the door frame. It was one of the disciples who''d been at my dinner table¡ªthe trader''s son.


    "I''m Wei Lin," he said without preamble. "Cell Six. Thought you might want these." He handed me a stack of what looked like handwritten notes.


    "What are they?" I asked, leafing through the pages. They appeared to be some kind of study materials, with diagrams and explanations about basic cultivation concepts.


    "Copied them from my family''s archives before coming here," he said with a slight smirk. "Not supposed to have prior knowledge, but everyone does it if they can. Figured since you''re next door and you didn''t immediately start bragging about your family''s secret techniques, you might actually be worth knowing."


    I blinked at his bluntness. "Thanks. I''m Ke Yin."


    "I know. You were one of the few who didn''t look like they were about to pass out during the pressure test. Interesting, considering you''re from..." he paused, obviously fishing for information.


    "Floating Reed Village," I supplied, remembering to stick to the original Ke Yin''s background.


    Wei Lin''s eyebrows rose slightly. "A village candidate? Now that is interesting. Well, read those tonight. Tomorrow''s going to be... enlightening."


    He left before I could ask what he meant, which was probably intentional. I settled down at my desk and began reading through the notes by the light of what looked like a glowing crystal embedded in the wall.


    The basics, according to these notes, were both simpler and more complex than I''d expected. Every living thing apparently had something called a spiritual core, a sort of energy-based organ that existed alongside the physical body. Most people''s cores remained dormant their entire lives, but cultivators learned to awaken and develop theirs.


    Well, that explained why they''d tested village youth with jade pendants. They were looking for people with naturally sensitive spiritual cores.


    The notes went into extensive detail about breathing exercises and meditation techniques, with warnings about the dangers of incorrect practice. Apparently, trying to force one''s spiritual core to awaken too quickly could lead to something called qi deviation, which sounded extremely unpleasant.


    I was deep in a passage about the importance of maintaining mental clarity during meditation when another bell rang¡ªcurfew. I changed into the sleeping robes provided with my sect outfit and lay down on the narrow bed.


    Sleep didn''t come easily. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw flashes of my death¡ªthe concrete rushing up to meet me, the sudden darkness, the void. Part of me still couldn''t quite believe this was real. Maybe I was in a coma, and this was all some elaborate dream my dying brain had conjured up.


    But no, everything felt too real. The slight roughness of the sect robes, the lingering taste of that medicinal soup, the weight of the spiritual pressure during the test¡ªmy imagination wasn''t that good.


    I must have dozed off eventually, because the next thing I knew, a gong was reverberating through the dormitory. Dawn. Time for morning assembly.


    The pre-dawn air was crisp as I joined the stream of disciples heading to the square. Everyone moved with purpose, though whether that was genuine enthusiasm or fear of punishment, I couldn''t tell.


    This time, we were arranged in neat rows according to our dormitory assignments. Those of us who''d survived the pressure test were placed at the front, which made me distinctly uncomfortable. I preferred to observe from the back, but apparently that wasn''t an option anymore.


    Senior Sister Liu appeared again, this time accompanied by a dozen other senior disciples. They carried what looked like ceramic jugs, which they began distributing through the crowd.


    "Today," she announced, "you begin your journey on the path of cultivation. In these vessels is Spirit Gathering Water, drawn from the sacred springs of Azure Peak. It will help awaken your spiritual cores¡ªif you have the capacity for awakening."


    When the jug reached me, I saw that it was filled with what looked like ordinary water, except that it seemed to shimmer slightly when I moved it. Following the example of those around me, I took a small sip.


    It tasted like... well, like water, but somehow more so. Like the platonic ideal of water, if that makes any sense. It felt cool going down, then seemed to spread a gentle warmth through my chest.


    "Close your eyes," Senior Sister Liu instructed. "Focus on that warmth. Feel it gathering, condensing. This is the first step on the path of cultivation¡ªlearning to sense your own spiritual core."


    I did as instructed, concentrating on the strange warmth in my chest. At first, nothing seemed to happen, but gradually I became aware of... something. A sort of density in the center of my chest, like a drop of heavy rain suspended in still air.


    "For most of you, this is all you will achieve today," Senior Sister Liu''s voice continued. "A few may sense the shape of their core. Fewer still might¡ª"


    She was interrupted by a gasp from somewhere in the crowd. I heard murmurs and shifting feet, but I kept my eyes closed, focusing on that strange sensation in my chest. The warmth was growing stronger, the density more pronounced.


    And then, suddenly, I wasn''t just sensing it¡ªI was seeing it. Not with my physical eyes, which were still closed, but with some other kind of perception. In the darkness behind my eyelids, a small point of light pulsed in rhythm with my heartbeat.


    "Interesting," I heard Senior Sister Liu say, much closer than before. "Open your eyes, disciple."


    I obeyed, blinking in the brightening dawn. She stood directly in front of me, studying me with an intensity that made me want to step back.


    "How much did you see?" she asked.


    "A... a point of light," I answered honestly. "Pulsing with my heartbeat."


    She nodded slowly. "And the space around it?"


    "Space?" I frowned. "I only saw the light."


    "Hm." She made a gesture, and one of her companions handed her what looked like a marble made of the same jade as our identification tablets. "Hold this."


    I took the marble, and immediately the point of light in my chest pulsed stronger. The jade began to glow with a soft blue light, just as it apparently had during my initial testing in the village.


    "Very interesting," Senior Sister Liu murmured. "You may have fulfilled the first requirement for the Azure Path without even trying. We shall see." She raised her voice to address the crowd again. "Those who saw their core, step forward. Those who merely felt it, remain in place. Those who sensed nothing... consider this your first warning."


    About thirty disciples stepped forward, including me and, I noticed, Wei Lin. Senior Sister Liu walked along our line, handing each of us one of the jade marbles.


    "These are Spirit Resonance Beads," she explained. "They will help you visualize and interact with your core. Practice with them during your meditation. In one month, we will test your progress. Those who show sufficient advancement will begin true cultivation techniques. Those who do not..." She let the sentence hang.


    The rest of the morning was spent learning basic meditation postures and breathing exercises. By lunch, my legs were cramping from sitting cross-legged for hours, and my head was swimming with terms like ''qi circulation'' and ''spiritual meridians.''


    "Not bad for a village boy," Wei Lin commented as we headed to the dining hall. "Though I notice you didn''t mention seeing the space around your core."


    I glanced at him sharply. "Did you?"


    He smiled slightly. "Of course. My family has been preparing me for this since I could walk. The fact that you saw anything at all without preparation... like I said, interesting."


    I was beginning to hate that word.


    The afternoon was devoted to more mundane studies¡ªreading and writing, basic sect history, and an introduction to what they called ''cultivation ethics.'' This last one seemed particularly important, given how many times the instructor mentioned that violating these principles could result in immediate expulsion or worse.


    By the time evening arrived, my brain felt as full as my aching muscles. I sat on my bed, rolling the Spirit Resonance Bead between my fingers and watching it glow in response to... whatever it was responding to.


    A knock at my door revealed Wei Lin again, this time carrying what looked like a tea set.


    "Spiritual Tea," he explained, inviting himself in and setting up the pot and cups on my desk. "Helps maintain clarity during evening meditation. My family exports it to three different sects."


    I was starting to suspect his casual mentions of his family''s business connections were less about bragging and more about establishing his value as an ally. Smart.


    The tea had a subtle, almost ethereal flavor, and seemed to clear away some of the day''s mental fog. As we drank, Wei Lin explained more about sect politics and the importance of building connections early.


    "The sect talks about equality and merit," he said, "but reality is more complicated. Everyone has their own agenda, their own resources, their own secret techniques passed down through family or bought at great cost. The trick is finding your own advantages and leveraging them."


    "And what advantage do you see in helping me?" I asked directly.


    He smiled, apparently appreciating the bluntness. "You''re an unknown quantity. No family techniques, no obvious backing, yet you performed as well as those of us who''ve been preparing for years. That makes you either incredibly lucky or incredibly talented. Either way, worth knowing."


    I couldn''t help but laugh at the irony. If he only knew how right he was about the ''lucky'' part.


    After he left, I spent several hours practicing with the Spirit Resonance Bead, trying to better visualize that point of light in my chest. According to Wei Lin''s smuggled notes, this was just the first step. Eventually, cultivators learned to expand and shape their spiritual cores, transforming them into something called an ''inner world.''


    I was still puzzling over what exactly that meant when curfew bell rang. As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, I found myself actually looking forward to tomorrow''s lessons. Death and reincarnation aside, there was something undeniably exciting about learning to do what basically amounted to magic.


    Of course, that excitement was tempered by the very real possibility of washing out and being sent back to a village I barely remembered, or worse.

 Chapter 3: The Inner World

    Chapter 3: The Inner World


    The thing about meditation is that it gives you way too much time to think. Sitting cross-legged on my narrow bed, trying to focus on the pulsing light in my chest that apparently represented my spiritual core, my mind kept wandering to increasingly existential questions. Like, was I technically stealing this cultivation potential from the original Ke Yin? Was his soul floating around somewhere, annoyed that some random guy from Earth had hijacked his chance at immortality?


    "Focus," I muttered to myself, rolling the Spirit Resonance Bead between my fingers. It had been a week since that first morning assembly, and while I could now reliably sense my core, I hadn''t made much progress beyond that. Wei Lin, naturally, was already talking about something called ''core expansion,'' while dropping not-so-subtle hints about special techniques his family could teach me¡ªfor a price, of course.


    The jade bead pulsed with soft blue light in response to my spiritual energy, a rhythm I''d grown familiar with over countless hours of practice. Close your eyes, regulate your breathing, feel the connection between the bead and the light in your chest...


    Something shifted.


    The sensation was subtle at first, like a change in air pressure before a storm. The pulsing light that represented my core seemed to... unfold? That''s not quite the right word, but spiritual phenomena have a way of defying normal description. It was as if I''d been looking at a point of light head-on all this time, and suddenly shifted perspective to see it had depth.


    Warning!


    Initiating Inner World Formation Protocol...


    The text appeared in my mind like a heads-up display in a video game, glowing blue characters floating in the darkness behind my closed eyes. What the...?


    Host detected.


    Spiritual Architecture System v1.0 activating...


    Analyzing spiritual resonance...


    Compatibility check: PASSED


    Beginning inner world manifestation...


    The point of light exploded outward, or maybe I fell inward¡ªdirection gets weird when you''re dealing with spiritual spaces. Either way, I suddenly found my consciousness in a vast, dark void. Not the peaceful nothingness of death, but an active emptiness, like a blank canvas waiting for paint.


    Inner World Status:


    Size: 1 cubic meter


    Features: None


    Energy Density: 1/100


    Current State: Dormant


    Would you like to begin the tutorial?


    "Uh... yes?" I tried to speak, only to realize I didn''t actually have a mouth in here. The thought seemed to be enough, though.


    Welcome to your Inner World, cultivator! This space represents your spiritual foundation and will grow as you progress along the path of cultivation. Currently, your inner world is in its most basic state. Features and formations can be added as you gain spiritual energy and insight.


    Available Actions:


    <ul>


    <li>Survey Inner World</li>


    <li>Check Status</li>


    <li>View Energy Flows</li>


    <li>Exit Inner World</li>


    </ul>


    Okay, this was... different. I was pretty sure most cultivators didn''t get a video game interface with their inner world. This had to be related to my unique situation¡ªsome kind of cosmic tech support for interdimensional travelers?This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Survey Inner World," I thought.


    Surveying...


    Current Inner World consists of a 1m x 1m x 1m space of unformed spiritual energy. No features or formations present.


    Spiritual density: minimal.


    Recommend beginning with basic energy circulation to increase density and stability.


    A small figure materialized in the void¡ªa boy who looked about ten, dressed in simple blue robes similar to my sect uniform. He had silver hair and oddly luminous blue eyes.


    "Greetings, Master! I am Azure, your inner world spirit guide. I was formed from the resonance between your spiritual core and the System''s activation. I will assist you in developing and maintaining your inner world!"


    Well, that was... surprisingly cute, actually. "Um, hello Azure. I''m Kane. So... you''re like a spiritual AI?"


    Azure tilted his head. "I don''t know what an ''AI'' is, Master. I am a manifestation of your inner world''s natural organizing principle, shaped by the System''s influence. I can help you understand the various metrics and features available to you, and assist with implementing changes to the inner world''s structure."


    That raised so many questions, but I decided to focus on the practical aspects first. "What should I be doing to develop this space?"


    "According to the System''s analysis, the most efficient first step would be establishing proper energy circulation," Azure explained, waving his hand to create glowing blue diagrams in the void. "Your current spiritual energy intake is unstructured. By implementing basic circulation patterns, we can increase energy density and begin expanding the available space."


    New Task Available: Establish Basic Energy Circulation


    Reward: Increased energy efficiency, potential space expansion


    Difficulty: Beginner


    "The System can provide real-time feedback on your circulation attempts," Azure added helpfully. "Would you like to try?"


    I was about to agree when I felt a distant sensation¡ªsomeone shaking my physical body. Right, I was still supposed to be meditating in my room.


    "Exit Inner World," I thought quickly.


    Warning: First-time setup not complete.


    Continue later? Progress will be saved.


    "Yes, yes, save and exit!"


    I opened my physical eyes to find Wei Lin standing over me, looking concerned. "Finally! You''ve been completely unresponsive for almost an hour. Did you reach core condensation already?"


    "What? No, I was just... meditating deeply." I tried to sound casual, but my mind was racing. An hour? It had felt like minutes in there.


    Wei Lin looked skeptical but didn''t push. "Well, you missed dinner. I brought you some congee¡ªcan''t cultivate on an empty stomach."


    "Thanks." I accepted the bowl, trying to process everything that had just happened. A system-assisted inner world with its own spiritual AI companion? This had to be some kind of cosmic cheat code, though whether it was a benefit or a complication remained to be seen.


    "You''re developing faster than expected," Wei Lin commented as I ate. "My family has some techniques that could help, you know. Nothing too expensive for a friend..."


    I nodded absently, only half listening to his sales pitch. I was more focused on the faint presence I could now feel in my spiritual core¡ªAzure waiting patiently in the newly formed inner world, ready to continue our tutorial whenever I was ready.


    This changed everything. The question was... how to keep it secret while taking full advantage of it?


    "Actually," I said, cutting off Wei Lin''s increasingly elaborate pricing structure, "I think I need to focus on the basics for now. But I appreciate the offer."


    He looked mildly disappointed but unsurprised. "Suit yourself. Just remember, resources and connections make all the difference in cultivation. Raw talent only gets you so far."


    If he only knew.


    That night, after curfew, I sat in meditation again, eager to explore this new development. The transition to my inner world was smoother this time, less disorienting.


    Welcome back, Master! Shall we continue the setup process?


    Azure materialized, looking exactly as he had before. The void around us seemed a bit more... structured somehow, though still essentially empty.


    "Let''s do it," I agreed. "Show me how to establish proper energy circulation."


    Initiating Basic Circulation Tutorial... Step 1: Visualize energy flow paths...


    As Azure began explaining the process, complete with glowing diagrams and real-time feedback, I couldn''t help but smile. Maybe dying and being reincarnated wasn''t the worst thing that could have happened to me after all.


    Of course, that was before I knew about the monthly evaluations, the sect politics, the increasingly dangerous training methods, and the fact that my unique system would attract some very unwanted attention if discovered. But hey, one crisis at a time, right?


    At least I had a cute spiritual AI to help me figure it out.


    Basic Tutorial Beginning...


    Loading...


    Please wait...

 Chapter 4: Learning the Basics

    Chapter 4: Learning the Basics


    Keeping a secret in a sect full of cultivators is about as easy as hiding a penguin in a peacock sanctuary. Everyone''s always watching, analyzing, looking for any advantage or weakness they can exploit. And here I was, trying to conceal the fact that I had what amounted to a spiritual video game interface in my head.


    "Your energy circulation is improving, Young Brother Ke Yin," Senior Sister Liu commented during morning practice. "Though your method is... unconventional."


    I tried not to look nervous. "Unconventional how, Senior Sister?"


    She made a vague gesture with her hand. "Most beginners circulate spiritual energy like water flowing through channels. Yours moves more... systematically. Almost mechanical in its precision."


    Warning: Circulation pattern potentially identifiable.


    Recommend randomizing flow variance by 15% to appear more natural.


    I silently thanked Azure for the heads-up. The little spirit had proven invaluable over the past few days, helping me navigate the basics of cultivation while keeping our unique situation under wraps.


    "I''ve been practicing very diligently, Senior Sister," I said carefully. Which was true ¨C I just didn''t mention the helpful UI elements and progress bars that made it significantly easier.


    She studied me for a moment longer before moving on to critique the next disciple. I let out a quiet breath of relief.


    "You''re attracting attention," Wei Lin muttered from his meditation cushion beside me. "That''s the third time this week Senior Sister Liu has singled you out."


    "I''m just following the basic instructions," I protested. "Same as everyone else."


    Wei Lin snorted softly. "Right. And I''m secretly the Sect Master''s long-lost son. Nobody progresses this smoothly without special techniques. Which, I remind you, my family would be happy to provide..."


    "Still focusing on the basics," I cut him off. This was becoming a daily conversation. "But I appreciate the offer."


    The truth was, I did have special techniques ¨C they just weren''t the kind Wei Lin was thinking of.


    Current Status: Inner World


    Size: 2.3 cubic meters


    Energy Density: 23/100


    Features Unlocked: Basic Circulation Paths, Energy Collection Array (Level 1)


    Azure had explained that while every cultivator eventually developed an inner world with its own spiritual manifestation, my system provided unique advantages. For one thing, I could see exactly how everything worked, complete with numbers and progress bars. For another, Azure wasn''t limited to the usual role of a spiritual guide.


    "Most inner world spirits are like gardeners," he''d explained during one of our evening training sessions. "They help maintain the spiritual landscape and provide basic guidance. Thanks to the System, I can offer much more precise assistance."


    The morning session eventually ended, and we broke for the mid-day meal. I had just sat down with my bowl of rice when a commotion broke out near the dining hall entrance.


    "Inner Disciples!"


    The warning spread quickly, and everyone scrambled to stand and bow as a group of older disciples entered. Their robes were more elaborate than ours, with patterns that seemed to ripple like water catching sunlight.


    "Well, well," one of them said, scanning the room. "So, these are the new outer disciples everyone''s been talking about?"


    I kept my head down, remembering the warnings about proper etiquette. That didn''t stop me from noticing how the inner disciple''s spiritual pressure filled the room like a heavy fog.


    Warning: Elevated spiritual pressure detected


    Recommended Action: Maintain steady circulation to prevent energy disruption


    Current Resistance: 45%


    Thanks, Azure. Very helpful.


    "You there," the inner disciple said suddenly. "The one with the steady spiritual resistance. Look up."


    Oh no.


    I raised my head slowly to meet his gaze. He was younger than I expected, probably only a few years older than us outer disciples, but his eyes held the weight of significant cultivation behind them.


    "What''s your name?" he demanded.


    "Ke Yin, Outer Disciple," I replied formally. "Of Floating Reed Village."


    "A village recruit?" He raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. Your spiritual energy is unusually... structured for someone without a cultivation background."


    Warning: Attention level rising


    Recommend activating Spiritual Camouflage Protocol


    Note: This will reduce cultivation efficiency by 20% but make energy patterns appear more natural


    I really needed to thank Azure for adding these features.


    "I study the basic techniques very carefully," I said, which was becoming my standard response to such observations.


    The inner disciple smirked. "Is that so? Well, then you won''t mind demonstrating your... careful study. Report to the Outer Disciples'' Training Ground after the evening meal. I think it''s time for some practical experience."


    Great. Just great.


    "You''re in trouble now," Wei Lin whispered after the inner disciples had left. "That was Zhou Ming, one of the rising stars among the inner disciples. He''s known for taking a... special interest in promising outer disciples."


    "Special interest how?"


    "Let''s just say his last ''training partner'' spent a week in the healing pavilion."


    Wonderful. As if I didn''t have enough to worry about.


    New Task Available: Survive Training with Inner Disciple Zhou


    Difficulty: Intermediate


    Reward: Increased combat experience, potential technique insights


    Failure Consequence: Significant physical injury, possible cultivation setback


    "Not helping, Azure," I muttered under my breath.


    "What was that?" Wei Lin asked.


    "Nothing. Just... mentally preparing myself."


    The rest of the day''s classes passed in a blur. I tried to focus on the lecture about spiritual beast classification, but my mind kept wandering to the evening''s impending ''training session.''Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Would you like to review combat-applicable features? Azure suggested during a brief meditation break.


    "I have combat features?" I thought back at him.


    Basic ones, yes. The System includes fundamental martial analysis capabilities. I can provide real-time feedback on energy flows and movement patterns. It won''t make you an instant combat expert, but it might help you avoid the worst outcomes.


    Well, that was something at least.


    Evening came far too quickly. I made my way to the training ground, trying to ignore the small crowd that had gathered to watch. Apparently, word had spread about Zhou Ming''s interest in the ''village prodigy.''


    "Ah, you actually came," Zhou said, standing in the center of the practice ring. "I half expected you to hide in your dormitory."


    "You honored me with your instruction, Inner Disciple Zhou," I replied carefully. "How could I refuse?"


    He smirked. "Such proper manners. Let''s see if your cultivation is as refined as your courtesy. Attack me."


    I blinked. "I''m sorry?"


    "Attack me," he repeated. "Show me these basic techniques you''ve studied so carefully. Don''t worry ¨C I''ll restrict my cultivation to the first level of Qi Condensation. That should give you a fighting chance... maybe."


    The crowd whispered excitedly. Even with him restricting himself, this was like putting a kindergartener up against a professional fighter.


    Analyzing opponent...


    Detected Cultivation Level: Qi Condensation Stage 6 (Currently suppressed to Stage 1)


    Combat Style: Mountain Maker


    Recommended Strategy: Maintain distance, focus on defensive movements, conserve energy


    "Today would be nice," Zhou called out, his tone mocking.


    Well, nothing for it but to try. I settled into the basic martial stance we''d been taught, feeling my spiritual energy respond to the System''s optimized circulation patterns.


    Combat Mode Activated


    Enabling real-time analysis


    Movement prediction algorithms online


    I moved forward cautiously, throwing a basic palm strike that any cultivator should know. Zhou didn''t even bother dodging ¨C he simply stood there as my attack bounced off his spiritual pressure like it had hit a wall.


    "Pathetic," he said. "Is that really all you''ve learned? Here, let me show you how it''s done."


    His counter-attack was like lightning. One moment he was standing still, the next his palm was headed straight for my chest.


    Incoming attack pattern detected!


    Recommended action: 45-degree pivot, redirect force downward


    I moved instinctively, following the System''s guidance. Zhou''s palm strike brushed past me, close enough that I felt the spiritual energy crackling along my robes.


    The crowd''s whispers grew louder. Even Zhou looked momentarily surprised.


    "Better," he admitted. "But still not good enough."


    The next few minutes were a lesson in humility, System assistance or not. Zhou''s attacks came from impossible angles, each one carrying enough force to send me flying if they connected directly. The best I could do was partially deflect them, turning direct hits into glancing blows.


    Warning: Energy reserves at 47%


    Multiple bruising detected


    Recommendation: Implement emergency withdrawal strategy


    "I haven''t even started using techniques yet," Zhou taunted, barely looking winded. "Shall we move beyond basic movements?"


    Before I could respond (probably with more polite groveling), a sharp voice cut through the evening air.


    "What is going on here?"


    Senior Sister Liu stood at the edge of the training ground, her expression stormy. The gathered crowd immediately began to disperse.


    "Just some friendly practice, Senior Sister," Zhou said smoothly. "Testing the new disciples'' progress."


    "Is that so?" Her gaze swept over my disheveled appearance and probably numerous bruises. "And did you gain the insights you sought sparring somone five substages below you, Inner Disciple Zhou?"


    Something passed between them, some unspoken communication that went over my battered head. Finally, Zhou bowed slightly.


    "Indeed, Senior Sister. The outer disciples show... potential. With proper guidance, of course."


    "Of course," she replied coolly. "I''m sure you have more important matters to attend to."


    Zhou took the diplomatic dismissal for what it was. He gave me one last measuring look before departing, his robes swishing dramatically. Show-off.


    "Report to the healing pavilion," Senior Sister Liu instructed me. "Then return to your dormitory and reflect on this experience."


    I bowed, wincing at my sore muscles. "Yes, Senior Sister. Thank you for your timely arrival."


    A ghost of a smile crossed her face. "Timely? I''ve been watching for the past ten minutes. You survived longer than expected against a superior opponent while maintaining remarkable spiritual control. That itself is a valuable lesson, wouldn''t you say?"


    She walked away before I could respond, leaving me to contemplate her words.


    Combat Analysis Complete Performance Rating: C+ Areas for Improvement:


    <ul>


    <li>Energy efficiency (42% optimal)</li>


    <li>Attack timing (63% optimal)</li>


    <li>Defensive positioning (71% optimal) New Skills Unlocked:</li>


    <li>Basic Combat Analysis</li>


    <li>Movement Prediction (Level 1)</li>


    </ul>


    "A C+?" I thought indignantly at Azure as I limped toward the healing pavilion. "I survived against an inner disciple!"


    Technically, you survived against an inner disciple deliberately holding back to an enormous degree, Azure pointed out. But you did exceed base survival expectations by 47%, so that''s something!


    Great. Even my spiritual AI assistant was a critic.


    The healing pavilion was a peaceful place, filled with the scent of medicinal herbs and staffed by disciples specifically trained in healing techniques. The elderly disciple who treated me clicked her tongue disapprovingly at my bruises.


    "Fighting with inner disciples already?" she muttered, applying some kind of cooling salve. "You outer disciples get more ambitious every year."


    "In my defense," I said, "I tried very hard not to fight him."


    She snorted. "Next time try harder. Or at least learn some proper defensive techniques first." She pressed her palm against my back, and I felt cooling spiritual energy ease the worst of the bruising. "There. Try not to need my services again too soon."


    By the time I made it back to my dormitory, most of the pain had faded to a dull ache. Wei Lin was waiting outside my door.


    "You''re alive!" he said, sounding genuinely relieved. "And walking! That''s more than Yuan Mei managed after his ''training session'' with Zhou Ming."


    "Barely alive," I corrected, unlocking my door. "And walking is a generous description of what I''m doing right now."


    He followed me inside, producing a familiar tea set. "Medicinal spirit tea," he offered. "Good for recovering from spiritual exhaustion. Only thirty contribution points per packet, for a friend."


    I couldn''t help but laugh. "You''re trying to sell to me while I''m injured? That''s cold, Wei Lin."


    He shrugged, already preparing the tea. "The sect rewards those who seize opportunities. Besides, you''ll need every advantage you can get now that you''ve caught Zhou Ming''s attention."


    "What do you mean?"


    "He only bothers to test disciples he thinks have potential," Wei Lin explained. "And you survived his test while displaying, and I quote, ''remarkable spiritual control.'' That makes you interesting. Being interesting in Azure Peak Sect is..."


    "Dangerous?"


    "I was going to say potentially profitable, but yes, also dangerous." He handed me a cup of tea. "So, about those family techniques I mentioned..."


    "Still focusing on basics," I said automatically.


    He sighed. "Your funeral. Speaking of which, morning assembly is in six hours. Try not to die before then?"


    After he left, I settled into meditation position, wincing slightly. The spirit tea helped, I had to admit. Maybe I should look into bulk ordering...


    Entering Inner World Processing combat experience data...


    Updating spiritual architecture...


    My inner world had changed since its first formation. The empty void now contained glowing circulation paths that pulsed with spiritual energy, and a simple array near the center helped collect and refine ambient energy. It wasn''t much compared to what experienced cultivators could create, but it was progress.


    Azure materialized, looking concerned. "You took significant damage in that encounter, Master. Should we prioritize defensive improvements?"


    "What are my options?"


    "Let''s first review the battle analysis."


    A three-dimensional replay appeared in the void, showing the fight from multiple angles. I could see now how many openings I''d left, how inefficient some of my movements had been even with the System''s guidance.


    "Can we use this to improve?" I asked.


    Azure nodded. "The System can help optimize your responses based on this data. It won''t make you an expert fighter, but it should help you avoid the worst mistakes next time."


    "Next time? There''s going to be a next time?"


    "Given your observed rate of cultivation progress and the political dynamics within the sect, the probability of future combat encounters is approximately 89%," Azure reported cheerfully.


    "That was a rhetorical question!"


    "Oh. Should I disable probability calculations for rhetorical questions?"


    I sighed. "No, keep them. They might be useful. What should we focus on for now?"


    "Given current resources and training requirements, I recommend continuing to perfect basic circulation while gradually incorporating combat movement patterns. Once we achieve optimal efficiency, we can begin expanding the inner world''s space and implementing more advanced features."


    That sounded reasonable. I was about to agree when a thought struck me.


    "Azure, what exactly are you? I mean, I know you''re my inner world spirit, but you seem... different from how the lectures describe spiritual manifestations."


    He tilted his head, considering. "I am a unique existence created by the interaction between your transmigrated soul, this world''s spiritual systems, and the System interface. I have aspects of a traditional inner world spirit, yes, but also elements of what you call artificial intelligence. I exist to help you navigate this new existence and optimize your cultivation path."


    "And the System itself?"


    "Think of it as training wheels for your soul," he suggested. "Your modern Earth consciousness isn''t naturally equipped to handle cultivation concepts, so the System translates everything into terms you can understand and work with. As you progress, you''ll rely on it less and less directly, though its benefits will remain."


    "So I''m not cheating?"


    Azure actually laughed at that. "Master, you died and transmigrated into another world. I think the normal rules stopped applying somewhere around then. Besides, every cultivator has advantages they were born with or stumbled into. Yours just happens to be more... systemized."


    He had a point. And it wasn''t like I was using the System to directly power up or skip stages ¨C it just helped me understand and optimize what I was already seeing.

 Chapter 5: Economics of Cultivation

    Chapter 5: Economics of Cultivation


    Here''s the thing they don''t tell you about cultivation in all those ancient texts and flowery manuals: it''s expensive. Really expensive. Sure, you can technically cultivate with nothing but your own spiritual energy and determination, but that''s like trying to build a house with just your bare hands. Theoretically possible, practically stupid.


    "Attention, Outer Disciples!" Senior Sister Liu''s voice cut through the morning mist. "Today we will discuss the sect''s contribution point system and resource allocation procedures."


    Finally. After two weeks of basic training, we were getting to what Wei Lin called "the real foundation of cultivation."


    System Update:


    Resource Management Interface unlocked


    New features available:


    <ul>


    <li>Resource tracking</li>


    <li>Efficiency calculations</li>


    <li>Exchange rate optimization</li>


    </ul>


    Azure materialized in my inner world, now a cozy 3.5 cubic meters of space with basic energy circulation paths. "This should help you keep track of everything, Master!"


    "Today you begin earning your keep," Senior Sister Liu continued. "Every outer disciple is expected to contribute to the sect while pursuing their cultivation. Tasks range from herb gathering and formation maintenance to assisting with sect security and running errands for inner disciples."


    She gestured, and several disciples began distributing jade tablets similar to our identification tokens.


    "These will track your contribution points. Think carefully about how you earn and spend them. They are the lifeblood of your cultivation journey."


    New Interface: Contribution Point Management


    Current Balance: 0


    Available Tasks:


    <ul>


    <li>Herb Gathering (1-5 points per hour depending on rarity)</li>


    <li>Formation Maintenance (3 points per hour)</li>


    <li>Messenger Duties (2 points per task)</li>


    <li>Combat Practice Assistant (5 points per session)</li>


    </ul>


    I examined my tablet as Senior Sister Liu explained the various ways to earn and spend points. The system''s interface was helpfully organizing everything into neat categories with efficiency ratings.


    "The most basic spiritual resources available to outer disciples are priced as follows," Senior Sister Liu continued. "Spirit Stones: 10 points each. Basic cultivation pills: 30 points. Spiritual herbs: varying prices based on grade and rarity. Access to special training areas: 20 points per hour."


    Resource Analysis: Recommended initial focus:


    <ul>


    <li>Spirit Stones (essential for inner world development)</li>


    <li>Basic Energy Condensation Pills (optimize cultivation speed)</li>


    <li>Estimated points needed for optimal monthly progress: 500</li>


    </ul>


    "That''s... a lot of points," I thought to Azure.


    "Indeed, Master. Most outer disciples struggle to earn 200-300 points per month while maintaining their cultivation schedule."


    Wonderful. Because I didn''t have enough to worry about already.


    "Additionally," Senior Sister Liu said, "you may now purchase sect manuals and technique scrolls appropriate for your cultivation level. Basic techniques cost 50 points. More advanced methods will become available as you progress."


    Wei Lin nudged me. "My family''s techniques are much more reasonable," he whispered. "Only 40 points for beginners..."


    "Still focusing on basics," I muttered back automatically.


    After the explanation, we were given the afternoon to explore the various task options and begin earning points. I found myself in one of the sect''s herb gardens, armed with a basic guide to spiritual plants and a small gathering basket.


    "That''s not Purple Heart Grass," an amused voice said as I reached for what I thought was my first contribution point opportunity.


    I looked up to find a girl about my age watching me with poorly concealed mirth. Her outer disciple robes were stained with dirt and plant matter, suggesting she spent a lot of time in the gardens.


    "It''s... not?"


    "That''s common heart weed. Similar appearance, completely useless for cultivation. Purple Heart Grass has a faint spiritual glow and three-pointed leaves." She pointed to a nearby plant that, indeed, had a subtle purple luminescence. "I''m Lin Mei. Herb Garden Section Two supervisor."


    "Ke Yin," I introduced myself. "Complete novice at herb gathering, as you''ve noticed."


    She laughed. "Most new disciples are. They all want to start with combat training and profound techniques, but end up here when they realize how many points they need."


    Plant Analysis activated


    Scanning local flora...


    Identifying valuable specimens...


    Thank you, System. The garden suddenly lit up with helpful indicators showing which plants were worth gathering and their approximate point values.


    "Mind if I work near you?" I asked Lin Mei. "I could use the guidance, and I''m happy to share credit for anything I find."


    "Smooth," she said, grinning. "But sure. Always nice to have company that doesn''t spend the whole time complaining about manual labor being beneath true cultivators."


    We fell into a comfortable rhythm, with Lin Mei pointing out valuable herbs and explaining their properties while I used the System''s highlighting to ensure I didn''t miss any. By sunset, I had earned 25 contribution points and learned more about spiritual herbology than I had in two weeks of classes.


    "Not bad for a first day," Lin Mei said as we turned in our gatherings. "You have good eyes for detail."


    Credit assistance from automated plant detection system


    "Thanks," I said, ignoring Azure''s honest commentary. "Think I could make this a regular thing?"


    "Supervisor''s hours are fixed - same time every afternoon. Don''t be late!" She waved and headed off toward the outer disciples'' dining hall.


    Social Link Established: Lin Mei


    Relationship Level: Friendly Acquaintance


    Potential Benefits: Improved herb gathering efficiency, reliable point income


    "I don''t need relationship stats for everyone I meet," I thought at Azure.


    "The System analyzes all potentially significant connections," he replied primly. "Social capital is an important resource in sect politics."


    Speaking of resources, I had another stop to make before dinner. The sect''s supply hall was a massive building near the central plaza, its shelves stocked with everything a cultivator might need - assuming they had the points to pay for it.


    "One Spirit Stone," I told the stern-faced elder managing the basic supplies section, handing over my jade tablet.


    He waved his hand over it, deducting 10 points, and handed me a crystal about the size of my thumb. It pulsed with pure spiritual energy.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Item Acquired: Low-Grade Spirit Stone


    Quality: 35/100


    Energy Content: 1000 units


    Recommended Use: Inner World Enhancement


    "Stand there gawking all day and you''ll never afford the good stuff," a familiar voice commented.


    I turned to find Wei Lin examining a display of meditation incense. "Let me guess - your family sells better spirit stones at a discount?"


    "Naturally! But since you''re still ''focusing on the basics,'' I won''t bother making the offer." He selected several sticks of incense and paid for them. "Though I have to wonder how basic you''re really keeping things, given what I saw in the training yard yesterday."


    Ah yes, my second run-in with Zhou Ming. The inner disciple had apparently decided I made an amusing practice dummy and had taken to "randomly" showing up during outdoor training sessions. The System''s combat assistance helped me avoid the worst of it, but...


    "Just trying to survive," I said with a shrug. "Speaking of which, don''t suppose you know any good defensive techniques? For, uh, completely unrelated reasons?"


    Wei Lin''s eyes lit up. "As a matter of fact..."


    "That I can afford with 15 contribution points," I added quickly.


    His enthusiasm deflated. "Ah. In that case, no. Though if you''re interested in a payment plan..."


    "Still focusing on basics!"


    He threw up his hands in mock frustration. "Your funeral. Again."


    Back in my room that evening, I examined my new spirit stone while reviewing the day''s lessons.


    "Ready to begin enhancement procedures?" Azure asked, materializing in my inner world.


    The space had developed nicely over the past weeks. Basic circulation paths created patterns of flowing light, and the energy collection array hummed quietly in the center. Still, there was plenty of room for improvement.


    "What are my options?"


    "Expanding your inner world would be the best thing to do right now," Azure advised. "A larger inner world means more room for future developments and faster spiritual energy absorption."


    Made sense. "Let''s do it."


    Azure guided me through the process of breaking down the spirit stone and incorporating its energy into my inner world''s structure. It was like watching a magical construction project - glowing lines of force extended from the central array, pushing against the void and gradually expanding the available space.


    Enhancement in Progress Space Expansion Foundation forming...


    Current Status: 27%


    Estimated completion time: 3 hours


    A knock at my door interrupted the process. I opened my eyes to find Lin Mei holding a small basket.


    "Thought you might want these," she said, showing me a collection of minor spiritual herbs. "Leftovers from today''s gathering. Not worth many points, but good for practice if you''re working on spiritual sensitivity."


    "Thanks! That''s really helpful." I invited her in, noting how Azure immediately began analyzing the herbs'' properties.


    Spiritual Herb Analysis:


    <ul>


    <li>Minor Spirit Grass (Energy content: 5 units)</li>


    <li>Dawn Lotus Leaf (Energy content: 8 units)</li>


    <li>Cloudmist Flower (Energy content: 12 units)</li>


    </ul>


    "Most new disciples focus too much on spirit stones," Lin Mei said, arranging the herbs on my desk. "They ignore these lesser materials because the energy content is low. But using them helps develop better control and efficiency."


    She demonstrated by holding a piece of Spirit Grass and slowly drawing out its energy, making the blade glow faintly.


    New Technique Observed: Fine Energy Extraction


    Efficiency Rating: 87%


    Learning opportunity detected


    "Could you show me that again?" I asked, genuinely interested even without the System''s prompting.


    We spent the next hour practicing with the herbs, Lin Mei correcting my technique while I secretly relied on the System''s analysis to optimize my energy extraction. By the time she left, I had gained what seemed to be another friend.


    Social Link: Lin Mei


    Relationship Level: Friend


    Trust Level: 42%


    Note: Subject shows teaching aptitude and genuine helpfulness.


    Recommended for continued interaction.


    "Thanks Azure, I figured out she''s nice all on my own," I thought dryly.


    The little spirit appeared in my inner world, looking slightly offended. "I''m merely providing quantifiable metrics for your reference!"


    "Speaking of metrics, how''s that space expansion coming along?"


    Enhancement Progress: 73%


    Notice: Processing additional energy from herb practice has accelerated development


    Revised completion estimate: 1.5 hours


    I spent the remaining time studying the sect''s basic cultivation manual while occasionally checking my inner world''s progress. The expansion was fascinating to watch - like seeing a universe slowly unfold from a single point.


    Finally, Azure announced completion. My inner world had nearly doubled in size, now measuring roughly 6 cubic meters. The additional space immediately felt more stable, the energy circulation smoother.


    ***


    The next day, Senior Sister Liu faced our class with the kind of serious expression that made everyone sit up straighter. Even I stopped fidgeting with my jade tablet.


    "Today," she said, her voice carrying across the meditation hall, "we begin the true foundation of your cultivation journey - forming your Seed of Creation."


    I caught Wei Lin''s eye across the room, and he gave me a small nod. We''d heard about this - the moment when cultivators first touch their inner world. Honestly, I was both excited and nervous.


    System Notice: Inner World Creation Protocol Initiated Beginning Seed Formation...


    "Close your eyes," Senior Sister Liu instructed. "Find your spiritual core. Feel the energy gathering, forming the first spark of your personal domain."


    I closed my eyes and tried to focus, though my mind kept wandering to all the stories I''d heard about inner worlds. Some cultivators created vast oceans, others endless mountains. One famous elder supposedly had an entire galaxy in his.


    Then I felt it.


    It was like discovering a new sense. In my mind''s eye, I saw a tiny point of light, barely larger than a grain of rice, pulsing with a gentle blue glow. Azure appeared beside me in this strange mental space.


    "That''s your Seed of Creation," he explained quietly. "It''s responding to your energy."


    I watched, fascinated, as small motes of light began orbiting the seed. Each circle they made seemed to make the glow stronger, more stable. It was like watching a miniature solar system being born.


    "Your Inner World will reflect your path," Senior Sister Liu''s voice drifted through my consciousness. "It grows with you, becomes an expression of your understanding of the universe."


    As I focused on the seed, the blue light steadied into something warm and constant. It felt... right, somehow. Like finding something I didn''t know I was missing.


    Seed of Creation Status


    State: Stabilized


    Size: Minimal


    Potential: Unlimited


    "Nice work," Azure said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. "From this point on, everything you learn, every step you take in cultivation, will help this seed grow."


    I opened my eyes to find Senior Sister Liu moving between students, checking their progress. Some looked excited, others confused, and a few seemed almost in tears - whether from joy or frustration, I couldn''t tell.


    Wei Lin caught my attention and raised an eyebrow in question. I gave him a thumbs up. We''d compare notes later, but right now, I just wanted to sit with this new feeling. This tiny spark that would someday become my own piece of the universe.


    Though I couldn''t help wondering how long it would take to grow it into something impressive. Maybe Azure had some spreadsheets for that.


    ***


    Ever since discovering my Seed of Creation, my days fell into a pattern more predictable than cafeteria lunch rotations. Mornings were dedicated to cultivation - honestly just me staring at my tiny blue seed-universe and trying to coax it into doing something impressive. Azure kept insisting that watching it wouldn''t make it grow faster, but hey, a guy can hope.


    "Your Inner World development is progressing at expected parameters," he''d say, while I swear that seed just sat there, twinkling smugly at me.


    Afternoons meant herb gathering with Lin Mei, who somehow made identifying plants actually interesting. It beat combat practice, where Senior Brother Zhou seemed to think my face made an excellent target for "training exercises."


    Then Wei Lin burst into my room one evening, practically vibrating with excitement. "Dragon''s Heart Pills!" he announced, like he was selling the latest gaming console. "Thirty percent boost to cultivation speed! Practically giving them away at seventy points each!"


    I didn''t even look up from where I was failing to expand my cosmic seed. "Still focusing on basics."


    "You and your basics," he groaned, claiming my spare meditation cushion. "The monthly evaluation''s coming up, and word is they''re raising the standards. Inner disciples want to thin the herd."


    That got my attention faster than Azure''s efficiency reports ever did. "Raising them how?"


    "Too many outer disciples, not enough resources." He studied his nails with fake casualness. "Of course, those with proper preparation..."


    "Let me guess - your family offers evaluation preparation services?"


    "Special discount this week only!"


    I threw a spirit grass stem at him. Some things never change.


    But the next morning, Sister Liu confirmed everything. Those who couldn''t keep up would be "reassigned to support duties" - basically cultivation career suicide.


    Warning: Evaluation parameters updated Current cultivation speed insufficient for new requirements


    Azure''s warning flashed in my mind like a bad test grade. My seed was growing at 1.3x base speed. They wanted 2x. The options were simple: more spirit stones (200+ points), better techniques (150 points), or enhanced efficiency (180 points).


    "Don''t suppose we could skip it?" I asked Azure hopefully.


    "That would result in automatic failure," he replied cheerfully. "Though I could calculate the odds of successfully faking a training accident..."


    "No, we''re doing this properly."


    I spent that afternoon in the gardens, checking every bush like it might be hiding the secret to instant cultivation mastery. Lin Mei noticed, because of course she did.


    "Worried about the evaluation?" She helped me spot some Sky Spirit Grass I''d missed in my panic.


    "That obvious?"


    "You''ve checked that bush three times." Her smile was sympathetic. "Everyone''s worried. But panicking won''t help."


    "Easy for you to say. You''re the herb expert."


    She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, because I spent months learning these plants instead of chasing flashy techniques. Slow and steady wins the race."


    Sometimes the best answers are the boring ones. "Hey Lin Mei," I said slowly, "what do you know about using herbs to enhance cultivation?"


    Her eyes lit up like I''d finally asked the right question. The next few hours changed everything I thought I knew about resource management. Turns out those "useless" minor herbs, combined properly, could work almost as well as the expensive stuff.


    New Cultivation Method Unlocked: Herbal Energy Integration


    Efficiency Rating: 89%


    Cost Reduction: 65%


    Maybe my little seed didn''t need premium fuel to grow after all. It just needed the right gardener.

 Chapter 6: Hidden Methods

    Chapter 6: Hidden Methods


    There''s something strangely soothing about crushing spiritual herbs in perfect geometric patterns while channeling precise amounts of energy through your fingertips. It''s like meditation meets chemistry, if chemistry involved glowing plants and the occasional minor explosion.


    "You''re getting better at this," Lin Mei commented, watching me carefully grind Dawn Lotus petals into a fine powder. "Most people take months to develop this level of control."


    Energy Control Level: Advanced Beginner


    Precision Rating: 92%


    Note: Systematic approach significantly improving results


    "I have a good teacher," I replied, which was true enough. Between Lin Mei''s practical knowledge and Azure''s constant optimization suggestions, I was making progress faster than I''d expected.


    My inner world now sported a modest herb garden alongside its energy circulation paths, the manifestation helping to process spiritual energy more efficiently. It wasn''t the profound battle techniques Wei Lin kept trying to sell me, but it was proving surprisingly effective.


    "Senior Sister Zhang asks if you''re ready with today''s special order," Lin Mei said, breaking my concentration.


    Ah yes, my newest source of contribution points. Word had gotten around that I could process spiritual herbs with unusual precision, leading to custom orders from inner disciples. It paid better than regular gathering and kept me safely away from Zhou Ming''s "training sessions."


    "Almost done." I added the final touches to the mixture, watching it give off a soft blue glow. "Perfect absorption ratio for Qi Condensation stage cultivation."


    Product Analysis:


    Quality Rating: 95%


    Energy Stability: High


    Estimated Value: 30 contribution points


    "You know," Lin Mei said casually, "you could probably get into the Advanced Herbalism class with skills like these. Much better points than basic gathering."


    I looked up sharply. "There''s an advanced class?"


    "Of course! Did you think herb gathering was all we did? The real techniques involve growing and refining spiritual plants, creating custom blends, even developing new cultivation aids." She grinned at my expression. "Interested?"


    "How many points?"


    "That''s the best part - no points required. They''re always looking for disciples with talent in herbalism. Most people think it''s beneath them, too focused on fancy combat techniques."


    Opportunity Analysis:


    Potential Benefits:


    <ul>


    <li>Advanced cultivation knowledge</li>


    <li>Increased point generation</li>


    <li>Stable sect position</li>


    </ul>


    Risk Level: Minimal


    Recommendation: Accept


    "Sign me up," I said immediately. "When do we start?"


    "Tomorrow morning. Try not to be late - Senior Sister Chen hates tardiness even more than she hates wasted herbs."


    The next morning found me in a secluded corner of the herb gardens I''d never noticed before. A dozen other disciples sat in neat rows before a stern-looking woman I assumed was Senior Sister Chen. Her outer robe bore special markings indicating her status as a specialist cultivator.


    "So," she began without preamble, "you think you have what it takes to be true herbalists." Her gaze swept over us. "Most of you are wrong. Growing spiritual herbs isn''t like tending a vegetable garden. Every plant is an opportunity to fail spectacularly."


    She gestured, and the air filled with shimmering spiritual energy. Seeds in nearby plots suddenly sprouted, growing into mature plants in moments. Then, just as quickly, they withered and died.


    "Too much energy, too little control," she explained. "A single mistake can ruin months of work. Still interested?"


    Nobody left. Either we were all very dedicated or very desperate for better opportunities. Probably both.


    "Very well. Let''s begin with the basics of spiritual agriculture..."


    What followed was the most intensive morning of my life. Senior Sister Chen covered everything from soil preparation to energy infusion techniques, with practical demonstrations that left most of us dizzy from spiritual exhaustion.


    New Skills Acquired:


    <ul>


    <li>Basic Spiritual Agriculture</li>


    <li>Energy Infusion Control</li>


    <li>Plant Growth Acceleration Note: Skills require significant practice for mastery</li>


    </ul>


    "Your energy control is decent," Senior Sister Chen told me during individual assessments. "But your circulation patterns are... unusual."


    I tried not to look nervous. "I focus a lot on precision?"


    She hmmed thoughtfully. "Well, whatever method you''re using, it works. You''ll be responsible for the Dawn Lotus plot. Try not to kill them all on your first day."


    The Dawn Lotus plot turned out to be a small garden bed containing some of the sect''s most valuable basic spiritual herbs. No pressure or anything.


    "Don''t worry," Lin Mei said during our lunch break. "I killed my first batch completely. Turned them into spirit ash in about three seconds."


    "That''s not actually reassuring."


    "Wasn''t meant to be!" She grinned. "But seriously, you''ll do fine. Your control is better than mine was when I started."


    Tutorial Mode: Active


    Analyzing Dawn Lotus growth requirements...


    Generating optimal energy distribution pattern...


    "Thanks Azure," I thought. "Try to make it look natural though. Don''t need more people commenting on my ''unusual'' methods."


    The afternoon was pure practical work. Under Senior Sister Chen''s watchful eye, we each tended our assigned plots, learning through trial and error how different plants responded to spiritual energy.


    Warning: Energy input approaching critical threshold


    Adjusting distribution...


    Stability restored


    I quickly learned to appreciate the System''s warnings. More than one of my classmates ended up with smoking craters where their plants used to be.


    "Acceptable," Senior Sister Chen announced, inspecting my Dawn Lotuses at the end of the day. "The growth rate is unnaturally consistent, but the results are stable. Continue this level of performance and you may survive the course."


    Coming from her, that was practically a ringing endorsement.


    "Not bad for your first day," Lin Mei said as we walked back to the outer disciples'' quarter. "Want to get dinner? I know a quiet spot in the dining hall where we can compare notes."


    Social Event DetectedYou could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Relationship Progress Possible


    Recommend accepting invitation


    "Thanks Azure, I know how dinner invitations work," I thought dryly.


    The "quiet spot" turned out to be a corner table partially hidden behind one of the dining hall''s support pillars. Perfect for private conversations about cultivation techniques or, as it turned out, sect gossip.


    "Heard the latest?" Lin Mei asked between bites of rice. "Three more outer disciples got ''reassigned'' to support duties this morning. Apparently they couldn''t meet the new evaluation standards."


    I paused mid-chew. "Three? But the evaluations aren''t for another two weeks."


    "These were special cases. They tried to curry favor with Inner Disciple Zhou by offering to spar with him." She shook her head. "Ended about as well as you''d expect."


    "Let me guess - healing pavilion?"


    "Worse. Their cultivation was actually damaged. Something about ''excessive spiritual pressure disrupting their foundations.'' They''re lucky they only got reassigned instead of expelled."


    I winced, remembering my own encounters with Zhou Ming. If not for the System''s assistance...


    Combat Analysis Updated Threat Assessment: Severe Recommended Action: Continue avoiding direct confrontation


    "Good call, Azure," I thought. "Any other brilliant insights?"


    Social Analysis indicates subject Lin Mei has additional information to share


    Recommendation: Ask about recent sect developments


    Sometimes having an AI wingman was actually useful.


    "Any other news I should know about?" I asked casually.


    Lin Mei glanced around before leaning closer. "Well... there''s a rumor that the real reason for the increased evaluation standards isn''t about resources at all. Some say the sect is preparing for something big, something that requires identifying the most promising disciples quickly."


    "What kind of something?"


    She shrugged. "No one knows for sure. But have you noticed how many inner disciples have been returning from outside missions lately? And those closed-door meetings the elders keep having?"


    Come to think of it, the sect had seemed busier than usual lately. More senior disciples in the corridors, more whispered conversations cutting off when outer disciples approached.


    Pattern Analysis: Unusual activity detected in:


    <ul>


    <li>Elder movement patterns</li>


    <li>Resource allocation</li>


    <li>Security protocols</li>


    </ul>


    Conclusion: Significant event likely within 3-6 months


    "Should we be worried?" I asked.


    "Hard to say. But it might explain why they''re pushing us so hard. If something big is coming..." She trailed off as a group of inner disciples passed nearby.


    I spent that evening''s meditation session staring at my Seed of Creation, which had evolved from its initial rice-grain size to something closer to a marble. Still tiny in the grand scheme of things, but progress is progress, right? The blue glow had intensified too, and now little streams of energy flowed around it in mesmerizing patterns.


    Azure materialized beside me in my mindscape, clipboard in hand because apparently even spiritual assistants need office supplies. "Your herbalism practice is showing interesting effects on the seed''s development," he noted, watching as I carefully channeled the day''s harvested herb energy into my circulation paths.


    The new techniques Lin Mei taught me were like finding cheat codes for a game everyone else was playing on hard mode. Instead of brute-forcing growth with expensive spirit stones, I was weaving together energies from different herbs, creating this intricate web of power that seemed to make my seed practically purr with contentment.


    Current Projects:


    <ul>


    <li>Energy Circulation Optimization (Progress: 63%)</li>


    <li>Space Expansion Preparation (Progress: 28%)</li>


    <li>Seed Development Status: 1.5x base growth rate (up from 1.3x!)</li>


    </ul>


    "Your efficiency ratings are improving," Azure commented, though I noticed he didn''t mention we were still shy of that dreaded 2x requirement. "The herbal integration method seems particularly effective at stabilizing the seed''s foundational matrix."


    I watched as another strand of herb-enhanced energy merged with my seed''s outer layer, making the whole thing shimmer like a tiny galaxy. Maybe Lin Mei was right - sometimes the scenic route is actually the shortcut in disguise.


    Though I still wouldn''t say no if Wei Lin''s Dragon Heart Pills suddenly went on clearance sale.


    "Any thoughts on the rumors she mentioned?" I asked Azure.


    The little spirit made a face as though trying to look thoughtful. "Sect-wide preparations often indicate either external threats or significant opportunities. Given the focus on rapidly identifying promising disciples, I''d lean toward the latter."


    "What kind of opportunity requires pushing outer disciples to their breaking point?"


    "In cultivation sects? Usually either newly discovered resources or upcoming competitions. Both tend to favor those who can advance quickly."


    Great. More pressure to accelerate my cultivation. At least the herbalism track offered a different approach than just brutally forcing my way through power levels.


    A knock at my door interrupted my musings. I opened it to find Wei Lin, looking uncharacteristically serious.


    "We need to talk," he said, inviting himself in. "About your cultivation method."


    My heart skipped a beat. "What about it?"


    He sat on my meditation cushion, expression grave. "I''ve been watching you. The way you process spiritual energy, the precision of your techniques... it''s not normal. Even with secret family methods, no one is that consistent."


    Warning: Secret at risk of exposure


    Recommend:


    <ul>


    <li>Partial truth strategy</li>


    <li>Deflection tactics</li>


    <li>Preparation for contingencies</li>


    </ul>


    "I told you, I just focus on the basics," I said carefully.


    "Right. The basics." He pulled out a jade slip - a high-grade storage device for cultivation techniques. "Like how you perfectly replicated the energy circulation pattern of the Azure Peak Foundational Method without ever seeing the advanced diagrams?"


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    "Really? Because I paid good money for these reference materials, and your energy flows match them exactly. Too exactly." He leaned forward. "So either you''ve got access to resources you''re not sharing, or there''s something very strange about your cultivation."


    Well, this was bad.


    Analyzing Options:


    <ol>


    <li>Complete denial (Success probability: 17%)</li>


    <li>Partial truth (Success probability: 62%)</li>


    <li>Limited disclosure (Success probability: 83%) Recommendation: Option 3 with carefully controlled information</li>


    </ol>


    "If I tell you," I said slowly, "you have to swear to keep it secret. And I mean really swear - spiritual oath level serious."


    Wei Lin''s eyes widened. "That important?"


    "That important."


    He considered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I swear by my cultivation to keep your secret, so long as it doesn''t threaten the sect."


    Good enough. I took a deep breath.


    "I have a... unique perception ability. I can see spiritual energy patterns very clearly, which lets me replicate them perfectly. It''s why my techniques look so mechanical - I''m literally copying exactly what I see."


    It wasn''t entirely a lie. The System did give me perfect visualization of energy patterns. I just left out the part about where that ability came from.


    Wei Lin whistled softly. "A spiritual perception talent? Those are incredibly rare. Why keep it secret?"


    "Because people tend to get weird about talents they don''t understand. And I''d rather not attract more attention than I already have."


    He nodded slowly. "Fair enough. But... you know this could be incredibly valuable, right? My family has connections who would pay very well for access to someone with your abilities."


    "Which is exactly why I''m keeping it quiet. I''d rather focus on steady progress than become someone''s research project."


    "Always with the basics," he said, but his tone was understanding now rather than mocking. "Well, your secret''s safe with me. But in return..."


    "Let me guess - you want me to look at some techniques for you?"


    "Got it in one! I''ve got this new method I''ve been working on, but something''s not quite right with the energy flow..."


    I ended up spending the next two hours helping Wei Lin optimize his cultivation technique, using the System''s analysis capabilities under the guise of my "talent." In return, he provided some genuinely useful insights into sect politics and power structures.


    Relationship Update: Wei Lin


    Trust Level: Increased


    New Status: Confidant (Limited)


    Note: Subject''s merchant background provides useful resource connections


    "Thanks Azure," I thought. "I definitely needed a relationship status update right now."


    "Just maintaining optimal information organization!" the spirit replied cheerfully.


    As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn''t help wondering about Lin Mei''s rumors. What could make a major sect like Azure Peak rush its disciples'' development? And more importantly, would my unique advantages be enough to keep up with whatever was coming?


    Daily Report:


    Cultivation Progress: +15%


    Resource Efficiency: 92%


    New Skills Acquired: 3


    Relationships Improved: 2


    Overall Status: Advancing steadily despite increasing external pressure


    "Very helpful, Azure," I muttered. "Wake me if anything tries to kill me in my sleep."


    System Note: Initiating sleep mode...


    Maintaining minimal alert status...


    Processing daily experiences...


    Good night, Master!


    At least someone was optimistic about our chances.


    The next few days fell into a new routine. Mornings were spent in Advanced Herbalism training, where I slowly built a reputation for reliable if oddly precise work. Afternoons alternated between tending my assigned plots and processing special orders for contribution points. Evenings were for cultivation practice and occasional technique analysis sessions with Wei Lin.


    Through it all, Azure kept helping me optimize and improve, turning what could have been overwhelming challenges into manageable tasks. Having a systematic approach to cultivation might not have been the most orthodox method, but it was keeping me alive and advancing.


    And in a sect where the standards seemed to rise every day, that was no small achievement.


    "You know," Azure commented during one evening''s cultivation session, "for someone who died tripping over their own shoelaces, you''re adapting remarkably well to cultivation life."


    "Was that a compliment or an insult?"


    "Yes!"


    I really needed to teach him about mutually exclusive categories.


    But as I watched the Seed of Creation grow within my inner world under careful tending, I had to admit he had a point. Death and reincarnation aside, I was starting to find my place in this strange new world.


    Now I just had to survive whatever crisis was making the sect push its disciples so hard. Because if there''s one thing I''d learned about cultivation life, it''s that there''s always another crisis just around the corner.


    At least this time I had a systematic approach to dealing with it.


    End of Day Status: Optimistic But Cautious


    Recommendation: Continue current trajectory while preparing for inevitable complications


    Note: Master should really get some sleep now


    "Good night, Azure."


    Good night, Master! Try not to die again!


    Sometimes I wondered if the System''s sense of humor was a feature or a bug.


    Probably both.

 Chapter 7: A New World

    Chapter 7: A New World


    They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In cultivation, that first step involves trying not to panic while your personal universe-seed decides whether it wants to sprout or explode. Fun times.


    "The Qi Condensation realm marks the crucial early stages of your Seed of Creation''s growth," Senior Sister Liu explained during morning assembly, her voice carrying that ''pay attention or regret it'' tone teachers perfect. "Each breakthrough represents a significant evolution in both your seed''s development and your inner world''s expansion."


    My own seed had grown from its initial marble size to about the size of a tennis ball, glowing an intense blue that made the space around it bend like a funhouse mirror. Azure popped into existence beside it, looking way too excited about my impending spiritual crisis.


    Current Status: Cultivation Level: Qi Condensation First Sub-realm (Peak)


    Seed of Creation:


    <ul>


    <li>Size: Tennis ball equivalent (way bigger than last week!)</li>


    <li>Energy Density: 97/100 (aka about to burst)</li>


    <li>Development Stage: Late Germination </li>


    </ul>


    Inner World:


    <ul>


    <li>Size: 8 cubic meters</li>


    <li>Breakthrough Probability: 89%</li>


    </ul>


    "Pay attention," Azure nudged as my mind wandered to thoughts of whether spiritual seeds could actually explode. "This is important information."


    Senior Sister Liu continued, making glowing images appear in the air that put my sect''s light shows to shame. "As your seed develops, your inner world must expand to accommodate its growth. Think of it like a cosmic garden - you need enough space for your seed to flourish."


    She used an illusion technique to show us the different stages of Seed Creation development, and wow. Even the smallest mature seed looked like someone had caught a star and taught it to dance. The later stages? Picture a flower made of galaxies starting to bloom.


    "First sub-realm cultivators," she explained, "typically maintain inner worlds of 5-10 cubic meters, with their seeds in late germination stage. Second sub-realm expands to 20-30 cubic meters, third to 50-60, and so on. By the ninth sub-realm, your inner world should span at least 1000 cubic meters, housing a seed that has begun sprouting its first true leaves."


    The crowd of outer disciples went quiet. Those numbers were huge, and the images of evolved seeds were... intimidating.


    "Of course," she added with that teacher-smile that means trouble, "size alone means nothing. An unstable seed will collapse regardless of its development stage."


    Azure appeared in my inner world, watching the energy patterns rippling through my seed like waves in a cosmic ocean. "The pressure has been building for days. You''ll need to find somewhere private soon."


    He wasn''t wrong. My seed felt like a balloon at a pin factory, weeks of careful cultivation finally reaching its limit. The sect manuals said breakthroughs should happen naturally in meditation. Azure had... other ideas.


    Breakthrough Analysis:


    Traditional Method: 45% success rate (yikes)


    System-Assisted: 92% success rate (better!)


    Warning: Current location unsuitable for seed evolution


    "After evening meditation," I decided. "I''ll find somewhere quiet."


    The rest of the day was like trying to study for finals while juggling fireworks. My herb garden duties suffered - I may have accidentally supercharged a patch of Sky Spirit Grass that decided it wanted to live up to its name.


    "Distracted much?" Lin Mei asked, helping me wrangle the floating plants.


    "Just feeling a bit... pressured."


    She gave me that look that said she knew exactly what was up. "Breakthrough coming? There''s a nice quiet spot behind the herb storage hall. Good spiritual energy density, and the storage formations help mask fluctuations."


    I tried not to look too relieved. "Thanks. I might take you up on that."


    "Just try not to blow anything up. Some of those herbs are worth more than we''ll earn in a year."


    Finally, evening arrived. I waited until after curfew, then snuck out to Lin Mei''s suggested spot. It was perfect - hidden, spiritually charged, and shielded by storage formations that would hopefully hide any... incidents.


    "Ready to begin?" Azure asked as I sat down to meditate.


    I looked at my seed, pulsing with barely contained power, and took a deep breath. "Let''s do it."


    The first step was like trying to balance a spinning plate while riding a unicycle - keeping the spiritual energy stable as it built up around the seed. Azure''s guidance helped, showing me exactly where to reinforce the energy patterns.


    Then came the hard part. My seed started to stretch, not just growing bigger but somehow expanding into directions that shouldn''t exist. The carefully maintained garden of my inner world warped and flexed as both seed and space began to grow.


    Current Size: 8.5 cubic meters


    Target Size: 25 cubic meters


    Seed Status: Beginning metamorphosis


    "Focus on maintaining the seed''s core structure," Azure instructed. "I¡¯ll handle the spatial calculations."


    Easy for him to say. It felt like trying to hold onto a star that had decided to rearrange itself. Sweat beaded on my physical body as my seed strained against reality itself.


    "Almost to the first threshold," Azure reported. "Prepare for transformation."


    This was the tricky part. The seed wasn''t just getting bigger - it was evolving, changing how it processed energy. Everything I knew about handling spiritual energy suddenly felt like trying to read a book in the dark.


    Then... it happened.


    Reality shifted, and my seed... bloomed. It cracked open along impossible lines, revealing a core of pure starlight. As my inner world expanded to its new size, the seed settled into its new form - still small in cosmic terms, but now glowing with the intensity of captured moonlight. And there, impossibly beautiful, its first true leaf began to unfold into dimensions I''m pretty sure weren''t there before.


    New Status: Cultivation Level: Qi Condensation Second Sub-realm


    Seed of Creation:


    <ul>


    <li>Size: Softball equivalent</li>


    <li>First True Leaf: Emerging (and breaking several laws of physics)</li>


    <li>Energy Configuration: Stellar Phase </li>


    </ul>


    Inner World:


    <ul>


    <li>Size: 25 cubic meters</li>


    <li>Features Unlocked: Enhanced Energy Compression, Secondary Formation Anchors</li>


    </ul>


    I opened my physical eyes to find several boxes of dried herbs floating near the ceiling. Growing pains, I suppose. But as I watched my newly evolved seed pulse with starlight, I couldn''t help but smile. One step closer to growing my own universe.


    Though I really hoped the next breakthrough wouldn''t involve levitating quite so many expensive herbs.


    "I''ll help put those back," a familiar voice offered.


    I spun around to find Lin Mei leaning against the doorway, looking amused.


    "How long have you been there?"


    "Long enough to see you perform the most methodical breakthrough in sect history." She helped me retrieve the floating herbs. "Seriously, most people thrash around and break things. You looked like you were solving a math problem."


    Recommend partial truth strategyThe story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Previous cover story: Natural talent for energy perception


    Right. "I can see energy patterns very clearly," I explained, sticking to our established story. "Makes it easier to control things."


    "Useful talent." She finished restoring the last box to its shelf. "Your inner world must be interesting, being so precisely structured."


    I shrugged noncommittally. "It works for me. Thanks for the spot recommendation, by the way."


    "Any time. Though maybe warn me next time - I only came to check because I felt the energy fluctuations from my room."


    After helping clean up any evidence of the breakthrough, I returned to my quarters. The walk back felt strange - everything seemed clearer, more spiritually distinct. I could feel the formation arrays running through the sect''s architecture, see the flows of energy that I''d previously only vaguely sensed.


    Enhanced Perception Activated


    Spiritual Sensitivity: +80%


    New Feature: Basic Formation Recognition


    "Is this normal?" I asked Azure as I settled onto my meditation cushion.


    "The increase in spiritual awareness? Yes, though you''re processing it more efficiently than most thanks to the System''s integration. Would you like to see the changes to your inner world?"


    I closed my eyes and shifted my consciousness inward. The difference was stunning.


    The energy circulation paths were clearer, more defined, and I could feel the potential for new formations and structures in the freshly expanded space.


    Inner World Analysis:


    Primary Features:


    <ul>


    <li>Energy Circulation Network (Enhanced efficiency)</li>


    <li>Formation Foundation (Ready for expansion) </li>


    </ul>


    "It''s beautiful," I admitted, watching the patterns of spiritual energy flow through the carefully arranged spaces. "Though I''m guessing maintaining it just got more expensive?"


    "Resource requirements have increased by approximately 150%," Azure confirmed cheerfully. "Would you like to see the projected contribution point requirements?"


    "Not really, but go ahead."


    Monthly Resource Needs (Updated):


    Basic Maintenance: 200 points


    Optimal Development: 500 points


    Advanced Progression: 800 points


    I groaned. "Please tell me my herb processing skills are worth more in this realm."


    "Indeed! Your enhanced spiritual sensitivity should allow for more precise work with valuable materials. Estimated income increase: 30-50%"


    Small mercies.


    A knock at my door interrupted further calculations. Wei Lin didn''t wait for an answer before poking his head in.


    "Ha! I knew it! Breakthrough successful?"


    I nodded, resigned to his enthusiasm.


    "Excellent! Now we can discuss advanced techniques suitable for your new cultivation level. My family has some excellent methods for the second sub-realm, very reasonably priced..."


    "Still focusing on basics," I said automatically.


    "You can''t keep saying that forever! The foundation building phase is important, yes, but you need proper techniques to... why are you smiling?"


    "No reason. Just happy about the breakthrough."


    He narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "You''re hiding something. Again. Does it have to do with that special perception ability of yours?"


    "Wei Lin, it''s late, I just had a breakthrough, and I''d really like to sleep before morning practice."


    "Fine, fine. But this conversation isn''t over!" He paused at the door. "Oh, and congratulations. Even if you are being frustratingly secretive about your methods."


    After he left, I spent some time exploring the new features of my expanded inner world. The ability to compress spiritual energy would be incredibly useful for cultivation, and the enhanced environmental controls opened up new possibilities for herb growing.


    Exploring New Features:


    Energy Compression Test: 94% efficiency


    Environmental Control Test: All systems nominal


    Formation Anchor Test: Ready for implementation


    "We should focus on stability for the next few days," Azure advised. "A new sub-realm means relearning some basic control."


    He was right. Even simple energy manipulation felt different now, requiring more precise control and attention. It would take time to adjust to the enhanced power and sensitivity.


    "At least the timing is good," I mused. "Two weeks until evaluations, plenty of time to stabilize the breakthrough."


    Analysis: Evaluation Requirements


    Previous Standard: Qi Condensation First Sub-realm (Mid-stage)


    New Standard: Qi Condensation Second Sub-realm (Early-stage)


    Current Status: You are already meeting the minimum requirements


    "Though I''m guessing just meeting the minimum won''t be enough?"


    "Given the sect''s recent emphasis on rapid advancement, achieving mid-stage second sub-realm would be safer," Azure confirmed. "Which means we need to focus on resource acquisition and efficient cultivation methods."


    I sighed. "Back to the herb gardens then."


    "Look on the bright side, Master! Your enhanced spiritual sense will make identifying valuable specimens much easier. And with the new compression techniques, we can process materials more efficiently!"


    "Your optimism is sometimes exhausting, you know that?"


    The little spirit just smiled. "I maintain optimal emotional support parameters at all times!"


    "Right. Wake me if anything tries to kill me in my sleep."


    "That has only happened twice so far!"


    "Still not reassuring!"


    The next morning''s practice session was interesting. The other disciples immediately noticed something was different - it''s hard to hide a breakthrough from people trained to sense spiritual energy. The reactions varied from congratulations to barely concealed envy.


    Senior Sister Liu simply nodded when she saw me. "Acceptable progress. I trust you''ll maintain this rate of advancement?"


    Threat Level: Moderate Implied


    Expectations: Continued rapid development


    Recommendation: Careful balance of visible progress and concealment


    "I will continue working hard, Senior Sister," I replied carefully.


    "See that you do. The sect has high hopes for this year''s outer disciples. It would be... unfortunate if you failed to meet expectations."


    Well, that wasn''t ominously vague at all.


    The rest of the day was spent adjusting to my new capabilities. Everything felt different - spiritual energy responded more readily to my commands, herb processing required a lighter touch, even basic meditation produced stronger results.


    "Your energy circulation is even more precise now," Lin Mei commented during afternoon herb gathering. "I''ve never seen someone adapt to a breakthrough so quickly."


    I shrugged, carefully extracting spirit essence from a particularly temperamental flower. "Good foundation, I guess."


    She gave me a look that said she wasn''t buying it but wouldn''t press. Yet.


    Social Analysis: Lin Mei


    Suspicion Level: Moderate


    Trust Level: High


    Recommendation: Consider limited disclosure


    "Not yet," I thought to Azure. "Let''s see how things develop first."


    The spirit realm was getting more complicated by the day. Between advancement pressures, resource requirements, and maintaining my various cover stories, I sometimes missed the simplicity of my old life.


    Then again, my old life ended with a face-plant into concrete, so maybe complexity wasn''t so bad.


    At least I had a system to help me manage it all.


    Daily Status Update:


    Cultivation: Stabilizing


    Resources: Adequate


    Secrets: Maintained


    Overall Progress: Acceptable


    "Thanks Azure. Very helpful."


    "I live to serve, Master! Would you like a breakdown of your efficiency metrics?"


    "Maybe later. Time for evening meditation first."


    I settled into my usual position, breathing deeply as I began cycling spiritual energy through my newly expanded pathways. The familiar patterns felt different now, more potent after the breakthrough. Each circulation brought fresh insights into the nature of spiritual power.


    Warning: Energy Fluctuation Detected


    Recommendation: Immediate¡ª


    Azure''s warning cut off as something... shifted. The carefully maintained flows in my inner world began to writhe and twist, taking on patterns I''d never seen before. My consciousness felt strangely light, disconnected.


    "Azure? What''s happening?"


    "Master! Your spiritual essence is¡ª"


    The sensation of lightness increased until I felt myself rising. For a moment, I thought I''d somehow mastered flight cultivation techniques in my sleep. Wouldn''t that be a nice surprise? But then I looked down.


    My body was still sitting there in meditation position, looking perfectly calm and completely not floating.


    "Oh, that''s probably not good."


    "Master! Your soul is separating from your physical form!" Azure''s voice held an edge of panic I''d never heard before. "This isn''t a technique¡ªsomething is forcibly extracting your so¡ª!"


    Everything went black.


    Not the gentle darkness of closed eyes or even the dramatic darkness of unconsciousness. This was an absolute void that seemed to swallow even the concept of light. For a timeless moment, I floated in that nothingness, wondering if I had died. Again.


    The void shattered.


    The world exploded back into existence with the clash of steel on steel and the thundering of hooves. The bitter taste of blood filled my mouth, and my ears rang with the sounds of battle cries and screaming.


    "Tomas! Stop standing there like a lost sheep and help us with the barricade!"


    I blinked, trying to orient myself amid the chaos. A burly man with a woodcutter''s axe was waving frantically at me from behind a hastily constructed wooden barrier.


    "Azure?" I whispered, relieved to feel the familiar presence in my mind. "You''re still here?"


    "Of course, Master! I am bound to your soul, not your physical form. Though speaking of physical forms..."


    Status Update - Current Body:


    Name: Tomas the Miller''s Son


    Level: N/A (No cultivation detected)


    Core Essence:


    <ul>


    <li>Spiritual Essence: 0 units (Previous: 246 units)</li>


    <li>Soul Essence: 300 units (Unchanged - Soul Transferred)</li>


    <li>Physical Essence: 12 units (Previous: 215 units)</li>


    </ul>


    Skills: Grain Milling, Basic Farming


    Warning: Zero spiritual energy detected


    I started to ask Azure what that meant when I finally looked down at myself. Gone were my cultivation robes, replaced by rough homespun clothes and a flour-dusted apron. My hands were calloused in all the wrong places, and my arms felt weak compared to my cultivator''s body.


    "Watch out!" Someone yanked me behind the barricade as an arrow whistled past. A young woman with a pitchfork glared at me. "Has fear addled your wits, Tomas? The raiders will be here any moment!"


    "I''m... working on understanding the situation," I managed.


    "Different universe," Azure helpfully supplied. "Though I suspect you''ve already noticed the most obvious sign¡ª"


    I looked up and immediately wished I hadn''t. Two suns blazed in the alien sky¡ªone blood red, one electric blue. They hung there like the eyes of some cosmic entity judging my life choices.


    Right. Different universe. Because apparently reincarnating once wasn''t complicated enough.


    I tried to circulate spiritual energy, reaching for the familiar patterns of cultivation. Nothing. Not even a whisper of qi. Just the ordinary aches and pains of a body that had never known spiritual power.


    "Tomas!" The burly man slapped my shoulder. "By the twin suns, I can''t believe you''re still standing after taking that hit to the head. But we need every able body now. The raiders are almost through the east gate!"


    The young woman thrust a rusty sword into my hands. "Here. Try not to stab yourself with it."


    Warning: Combat Situation


    Imminent Recommendation: Perhaps we should have spent less time processing herbs and more time on basic sword work?


    "You know," I told Azure, "I''m starting to think my karma might need some adjustments.

 Chapter 8: Skybound

    Chapter 8: Skybound


    You know what''s worse than dying from tripping over your shoelaces? Dying twice. And let me tell you, holding a rusty sword while raiders charge your position is definitely not how I planned to spend my second afterlife.


    "Tomas!" The burly man¡ªI really needed to learn these people''s names¡ªyanked me behind a section of wooden barricade as another arrow whizzed past. "Stop daydreaming and help us! The Seventh Band doesn''t leave survivors!"


    "Azure," I thought desperately, "please tell me you have some insights about sword fighting?"


    "I can provide basic movement analysis," the little spirit replied, "but this body has never held a weapon before. Also, you might want to duck."


    I dropped just as a throwing axe embedded itself in the wood where my head had been. Great. Just great.


    "Here''s the situation," the young woman with the pitchfork said, crouching beside me. "Seventh Band broke through the east gate. About forty of them, mainly on foot. We''ve got thirty able fighters, if you count the miller''s boy who can''t remember which end of a sword to hold."


    "I resent that accuracy," I muttered, then louder: "What exactly is the Seventh Band?"


    She stared at me like I''d just asked what bread was. "By the Twin Suns, that head wound really did scramble your brains. They''re the worst of the Red Sun raiders. Named for the seventh hour when the red sun peaks and drives men mad with bloodlust."


    Combat Analysis:


    Enemies: 40~ raiders (Seventh Band - apparently extra murdery)


    Allies: 30 villagers (varying combat ability)


    Tactical Options: Limited


    Recommendation: Don''t die. Again.


    "Thanks Azure. Very helpful."


    The raiders'' war cries grew closer, a chilling sound that seemed to resonate with the crimson light from above. I risked a peek over the barricade and immediately regretted it. They wore mismatched armor painted with red sun symbols, and their eyes... there was something wrong with their eyes.


    "Maya," the burly man called to the pitchfork girl, "take five to the south wall. They''re trying to flank us. And remember¡ªdon''t look directly at their faces during red hour. The madness can spread."


    "Got it, Uncle Henrik." She turned to me. "Try not to die while I''m gone. I''d hate to have to explain to your father how his son managed to survive a head wound just to get killed doing something stupid."


    She darted off with several other defenders, leaving me with Henrik and a growing sense of impending doom.


    "So," I said casually while adjusting my grip on the sword for the hundredth time, "about this red sun madness..."


    Henrik split a raider''s shield with his axe before answering. "You really did forget everything, didn''t you? The red sun rises alongside the blue, but its light... changes people. Most can resist it, but some embrace it. Become something else. The raid bands are the worst¡ªthey time their attacks for when the red light is strongest."


    I glanced up at the strange dual stars. The blue sun seemed to pulse with a steady, almost comforting light. But the red one... looking at it made my head hurt and my thoughts turn strange.


    Warning: Exposure to red solar radiation detected Effects: Unknown


    Recommendation: Avoid extended observation


    The first wave of raiders hit our section of the barricade like a tsunami of unwashed violence. Henrik roared and swung his woodcutter''s axe in a devastating arc that sent one attacker flying backward. I tried to copy the basic sword movements I''d seen in martial arts training, but this body had all the grace of a drunken chicken trying to perform Swan Lake.


    "Move your feet!" Henrik shouted, parrying a blade. "Standing still just makes you an easy target! And keep your eyes on their weapons, not their faces!"


    Right. Footwork. I could do that. The System had given me plenty of practice with proper movement, even if this body didn''t have the muscle memory. And the not looking at faces thing? Totally fine with that, especially after glimpsing the manic grins and blood-red eyes of our attackers.


    Physical Analysis:


    Current Stamina: Pathetic


    Muscle Memory: Error 404 Not Found


    Combat Knowledge: Theoretical


    Survival Chances: We''re still not calculating that


    Warning: Incoming attack pattern!


    Recommended action: 45-degree pivot, defensive stance


    I managed to awkwardly block a sword strike, the impact sending painful vibrations up my arm. The raider grinned¡ªwhat I could see of his face below my carefully averted gaze¡ªprobably assuming I''d be easy prey. His next attack came in a horizontal slash¡ª


    Movement Analysis Complete


    Opponent: Overextended


    Opportunity: Counter-attack available


    Recommendation: Act now!


    My body might be weak, but my mind remembered countless hours of combat analysis. I stepped inside the raider''s guard and struck with the pommel of my sword, catching him in the throat. He went down gurgling.


    Congratulations!


    Physical Essence increased: 12 ¡ú 14


    Combat Experience gained


    Note: No cultivation bottleneck detected below previous maximum


    "Wait, what?" I barely had time to process that notification before another raider took a swing at my head. This one I managed to dodge more smoothly, my movements already feeling slightly more coordinated.


    "The boy can fight after all!" Henrik laughed, splitting another shield with his axe. "Must have knocked some warrior sense into you instead of out!"


    A third raider charged our position, this one wielding a wicked-looking curved blade. His attacks came in a flurry of steel that I barely managed to deflect.


    Combat Analysis:


    Opponent: Skilled swordsman


    Threat Level: High


    Weak Points: Favors right side, slight limp


    "His left leg is injured," Azure observed. "And his attacks follow a pattern¡ªhigh, low, thrust, repeat."


    Great, except I could barely keep up with the first strike, let alone plan counters for a whole sequence. The raider pressed forward, his blade coming closer to finding flesh with each exchange. I stumbled backward, my borrowed boots catching on uneven ground¡ª


    And then Maya''s pitchfork burst through his chest from behind.


    "What did I say about dying?" she demanded, yanking her weapon free as the raider collapsed. "Honestly, Tomas, it''s like you''ve never been in a real fight before."


    "You have no idea," I muttered, then louder: "Thanks for the save."


    She was about to reply when Henrik''s voice cut through the chaos: "Maya! South wall''s breaching!"


    Maya swore colorfully, something about the red sun''s favorite body parts. "Hold this section! And remember¡ªif you see anyone with red markings on their face, don''t engage! Those are the Sun-Touched. They''re stronger during red hour."


    "Sun-Touched?" I asked, blocking another attack with marginally better form. "Let me guess¡ªmore fun side effects of our friendly neighborhood crimson star?"The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Physical Essence: 14 ¡ú 15


    Combat Skills: Slowly improving


    Azure''s Patience With Questions During Combat: Wearing thin


    "The red sun changes people," Maya explained between pitchfork thrusts. "Some go mad. Others... transform. The raiders use them as shock troops. They¡ªwatch out!"


    A massive figure crashed through our makeshift barricade, sending splinters flying. His arms were covered in swirling red tattoos that seemed to pulse in time with the red sun''s light, and his eyes... well, I was trying not to look at faces, but let''s just say ''human'' wasn''t the first word that came to mind.


    "That would be a Sun-Touched," Azure noted helpfully. "Fascinating biological modifications. Also, you might want to run."


    "You think?" I dove to the side as the transformed raider''s fist cratered the ground where I''d been standing. "Any actual useful advice?"


    "Well, your physical essence is now 15, which is approximately 7% of your previous maximum. At your current rate of improvement, you might reach 20% capacity in about... oh, you should probably dodge again."


    The Sun-Touched''s next attack split a wooden support beam like kindling. Maya tried to keep him at bay with her pitchfork, but he grabbed the weapon and snapped it like a twig. Henrik''s axe bounced off his shoulder leaving barely a scratch.


    "The Sundering''s great gift!" the transformed raider roared, his voice distorted and multi-toned. "The weak will burn, and the strong will¡ª"


    Whatever philosophical insights he planned to share were cut short by an arrow taking him in the eye. He staggered back, more surprised than hurt, but it gave us an opening to retreat to a more defensible position.


    "Seventh Band always monologues," a new voice commented. An older woman with a bow stood on a nearby roof, already drawing another arrow. "Think the red sun makes them philosophers or something. Name''s Sara, by the way. Village hunter."


    "Great shot," I managed between heavy breaths. "Does anything actually kill these Sun-Touched?"


    "Fire works," Sara replied, loosing another arrow as the transformed raider recovered. "Or removing the head. Anything else just makes them angry."


    "Unfortunately," Maya added, "we''re a bit short on fire, and your sword work isn''t quite at decapitation level yet."


    Physical Combat Assessment:


    Current Skill Level: Can occasionally point sword in right direction


    Decapitation Capability: Please don''t try


    Recommendation: Find alternative strategy


    "The Sun-Touched have enhanced physical capabilities," Azure observed, "but their movements are predictable. They rely on overwhelming force rather than technique. If we can¡ª"


    The rest of his analysis was lost as the transformed raider charged again, this time with an actual weapon¡ªthe broken shaft of Maya''s pitchfork, because apparently we needed him to be more dangerous.


    "The village''s east side is lost!" someone shouted. "Fall back to the central square!"


    "Brilliant," Maya muttered. "Because being surrounded is exactly what we need right now."


    Our fighting retreat was... well, more retreat than fighting. The Sun-Touched continued his relentless advance, shrugging off arrows and spear thrusts like they were mild inconveniences. Other raiders followed in his wake, their grins growing wider as the red sun climbed higher.


    "It''s almost the seventh hour," Henrik warned, his axe now notched and stained. "When the red sun peaks¡ª"


    "Let me guess," I interrupted, "everything gets worse?"


    "The Sun-Touched grow stronger," Sara explained from her new perch on a cart. "And more of the raiders start to turn. It''s why they time their attacks this way. They¡ªincoming!"


    The transformed raider threw what remained of our barricade at us. I managed to dive clear, but Henrik wasn''t as lucky. The impact sent him sprawling, his axe skittering away across the dirt.


    Combat Analysis:


    Situation: Deteriorating rapidly


    Allies: Scattered


    Enemy Strength: Increasing


    Survival Probability: We told you we weren''t calculating that


    "You know, Azure," I thought while scrambling to help Henrik up, "a little optimism wouldn''t hurt."


    "Oh! Well, on the bright side, your physical essence is now 16, and your combat movement efficiency has improved by 23%. Also, that Sun-Touched is about to throw a cart at you."


    I pulled Henrik clear just as our cover became an impromptu projectile. The old warrior grunted in pain¡ªhis earlier arrow wound was still bleeding, and the impact hadn''t helped.


    "Get him to the healer''s house," Maya ordered, tossing me a small shield she''d scavenged. "Sara and I will hold them here."


    "Two against that?" I gestured at the approaching Sun-Touched, who was now definitely larger than before. "That''s suicide!"


    "Sometimes," Sara said calmly, drawing another arrow, "you don''t fight to win. You fight to buy time."


    Maya picked up Henrik''s fallen axe. "The children and elders need time to reach the tunnels. We can give them that much at least."


    I looked at Henrik''s pale face, then at the determined expressions of the two women. The rest of our defenders were scattered, some retreating with the civilians, others making smaller last stands across the village. The red sun''s light was growing stronger, and more raiders were showing signs of transformation.


    "Tomas," Maya said softly, "go. Get Uncle Henrik to safety. And... I''m sorry about that head wound joke earlier. You fought well today."


    Status Update:


    Physical Essence: 16


    Combat Experience: Notable improvement


    Emotional State: Complicated


    "There''s a 72% chance we could all retreat successfully," Azure offered. "Though the probability drops to 31% if we try to protect the civilian evacuation. Also, the Sun-Touched has found another improvised weapon. Is that a wagon wheel? Creative fellow, isn''t he?"


    The transformed raider''s next attack scattered us. Maya rolled left, Sara leaped right, and I half-carried Henrik toward the healer''s house. Behind us, I heard Maya yell defiance and Sara''s bow sing.


    "Almost there," I told Henrik as we stumbled through the village''s increasingly chaotic streets. "Try not to bleed on me too much."


    He managed a weak laugh. "Been... through worse. During the last red summer, when the Burning Band came..." He trailed off, coughing.


    "Save the war stories for later." I kicked open the healer''s door, finding the small house already crowded with wounded. "Hey! Got another one for you!"


    The healer, an elderly woman with surprisingly strong arms, helped me get Henrik onto a cot. "Arrow wound and impact trauma," I reported. "Also probably some creative internal bruising from flying debris."


    She raised an eyebrow. "Since when does Tomas the miller''s boy know healing terms?"


    Right. Different body, different knowledge base. "Lucky guess?"


    Before I could fumble for a better explanation, screams erupted from outside. Not the usual battle screams we''d been hearing¡ªthese were different. Terrified.


    "The seventh hour," Henrik mumbled. "Red sun''s peak..."


    I rushed to the window just in time to see another raider transform. The process was horrifying¡ªmuscles bulged, bones cracked and reformed, and those red tattoos spread like living things across their skin. Within moments, the Seventh Band had three more Sun-Touched warriors.


    "You know," Azure commented, "from a purely analytical standpoint, this transformation process is fascinating. The red solar radiation appears to trigger some kind of enhanced cellular regeneration combined with... oh, right, probably not the time for a scientific breakdown."


    "You think?" I checked my borrowed sword and shield. Both had seen better days, probably sometime last century.


    Combat Resources:


    <ul>


    <li>One dubiously sharp sword</li>


    <li>One partially broken shield</li>


    <li>Growing collection of bruises</li>


    <li>Azure''s questionably helpful commentary</li>


    </ul>


    "I heard that," the spirit protested. "My commentary is extremely helpful. For instance, your physical essence has increased to 17 during the recent exertion, and I''ve compiled a detailed analysis of Sun-Touched attack patterns. Would you like to see the spreadsheet?"


    More screams from outside interrupted whatever sarcastic response I was about to make. The healer shoved a leather satchel into my hands.


    "Emergency supplies," she explained. "Get to the tunnels. Take as many of the walking wounded as you can."


    "What about you?"


    She gave me a stern look. "Someone has to stay with those who can''t move. Now go. And Tomas... whatever happened to your head, it seems to have improved you."


    I gathered everyone who could walk, ending up with a group of six including myself. Henrik insisted on coming despite his injuries, claiming he could still swing an axe if needed. Given that he could barely stand, I had doubts.


    "The tunnel entrance is in the old storehouse," one of the wounded explained. "If we can reach it¡ª"


    The wall exploded inward.


    A Sun-Touched stood in the new opening, but this one was different. The red markings covered his entire body, and his eyes glowed like hot coals. In one massive hand, he held...


    "Maya!" I rushed forward without thinking, but two of our group held me back.


    "She''s gone," Henrik said quietly. "Don''t waste her sacrifice."


    The transformed raider tossed Maya''s body aside like discarded trash. Sara was nowhere to be seen¡ªeither escaped or... no, not thinking about that.


    The Sun-Touched charged with impossible speed. I managed to get my shield up just in time, but the impact still sent me flying. The others scattered, trying to make it to the storehouse while the monster was focused on me.


    Physical Essence: 17 ¡ú 18


    Pain Level: Considerable


    Tactical Options: Limited


    Azure''s Concern: Growing


    "Any brilliant insights?" I thought while rolling away from another attack.


    "Well, your pain tolerance has improved significantly! Also, that last impact cracked three ribs. Oh, and the red sun''s radiation seems to be intensifying the transformation process. The subject''s muscle density has increased by approximately 47% in the last minute alone. Fascinating!"


    "Less science, more survival tips!"


    The Sun-Touched''s next attack reduced my shield to splinters. I barely managed to deflect a follow-up strike with my sword, the impact numbing my entire arm. This wasn''t a fight¡ªit was just a matter of time before he crushed me.


    That''s when I felt it. A strange sensation, like static electricity but deeper. The air seemed to thicken, and even the Sun-Touched paused.


    "Oh," Azure said quietly. "That''s... unexpected."


    A figure appeared in the sky, floating serenely above the battle. Their robes rippled in an unfelt wind, and while I couldn''t sense any qi or spiritual energy, something about them radiated pure wrongness.


    "A Skybound," one of the wounded whispered in terror. "We''re dead. We''re all dead."


    The floating figure raised their hands, and the air itself seemed to twist. Not qi, not spiritual energy, but something else. Something that made Azure''s warnings scream in my head.


    Warning: Unknown energy type detected!


    Threat Level: Extreme


    Recommendation: Retreat immediately!


    The first spell turned the Sun-Touched attacking me into a fine red mist. The second froze a fleeing raider solid before shattering him into crimson ice. The third...


    I didn''t see what the third spell did. I was too busy running toward the storehouse, trying to reach the others. Henrik and the wounded had almost made it to the entrance.


    "Master," Azure said urgently, "that energy signature... it''s similar to cultivation techniques, but fundamentally different. Almost like¡ª"


    The fourth spell caught Henrik''s group. I looked away, but couldn''t block out the sounds.


    Physical Essence: 18 ¡ú 19


    Running Speed: Still insufficient


    Survival Chance: Rapidly approaching zero


    The robed figure appeared in front of me between one step and the next. Just blinked into existence like a glitch in reality.


    "Interesting," they said, voice distorted by their hood. "Your life-force pattern is... unusual. Almost like..."


    I raised my battered sword, trying to stop my hands from shaking. "Look, I''m just a miller''s son. I''m not worth your time. I can''t even fight properly!"


    "No survivors," they replied simply. "The Red Sun demands it."


    Their hand moved in a complex pattern. I tried to dodge, tried to run, tried to do anything¡ª


    "Oh," Azure said softly. "This is going to hurt."


    The spell hit like a hammer made of ice and razors. My last thought was that dying three times seemed really excessive.


    Then darkness took me again.

 Chapter 9: World Hopping for Beginners

    Chapter 9: World Hopping for Beginners


    You know what''s terrifying? Waking up from a nightmare where you actually died, in a world with two suns, while some cosmic horror cosplayer turned everyone into pretty red mist. And the worst part? It wasn''t even a nightmare.


    I came to gasping like a fish that had just discovered water wasn''t all it was cracked up to be. My hands shook as I patted myself down - same cultivation robes, same meditation cushion, same small room in Azure Peak Sect. No blood-stained miller''s apron or rusty sword in sight.


    "Master! We¡¯re back!" Azure popped into existence, looking like a kid who''d just broken mom''s favorite vase and was trying to act casual about it. "So... how did you find our interdimensional vacation?"


    "Azure," I wheezed, still trying to remember how lungs worked, "please tell me I hallucinated everything about the past few hours. The two suns, the raiders, the floating death wizard..."


    "Oh no, that was all quite real! Though I must say, your combat performance was surprisingly adequate for someone who''d never held a sword before. Well, that body had never held a sword. You technically have, but not really, since¡ª"


    "Azure."


    "Yes, Master?"


    "How long were we gone? Because it felt like hours of running and fighting and generally trying not to die in creative new ways."


    Azure shifted uncomfortably, his usual know-it-all demeanor flickering like bad wifi. "Ah, about that... Would you believe me if I said three seconds?"


    I stared at him. "Three. Seconds."


    "Give or take a millisecond! Think of it like binge-watching an entire Netflix series, except you did it in the time it takes to sneeze and there was way more deadly radiation!"


    "Wait," I sat up straighter, momentarily distracted from my existential crisis. "Netflix? Since when does my spiritual guide know about streaming services?"


    "Oh!" Azure brightened, looking pleased I''d noticed. "I¡¯ve had time to process some of your memories, they provided me with a complete Earth cultural database! Though I''m still not sure I completely understand all of it. For instance, I understand the concept of ''streaming wars'' but fail to see how they compare to actual sect warfare. Far less spiritual energy involved!"


    "Can we focus on the whole ''three seconds'' thing? Are you telling me I just... collapsed for three seconds while experiencing several hours of trauma in murder-world?"


    "Exactly! Though we''re not entirely sure if the time ratio is fixed. Could be different for each world! The System''s still crunching the metaphysical numbers on that one." He paused. "On the bright side, at least you didn''t miss morning meditation?"


    "Great. So now I have to worry about randomly passing out AND possibly dying in alternate realities. Any other fun side effects I should know about?"


    He conjured up a status window that made me want to cry:


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 10/300 (Critical Depletion)


    Spiritual Essence: 246/246 (Stable)


    Physical Essence: 215/215 (Unchanged)


    New Ability Unlocked: Worldwalker''s Sojourn


    Description: Hop between realities like a metaphysical grasshopper!


    Cost: Your soul essence, apparently. Like, a lot of it.


    Warning: Maybe don''t do that again until we figure out how to not die?


    "So," I said with all the calm of someone who''d just discovered they were an interdimensional tourist with terrible luck, "want to explain why you didn''t mention this whole ''reality-hopping'' thing was possible? Or maybe why it burns through soul essence like Wei Lin through his father''s credit at the sect store?"


    Azure shifted uncomfortably, his usual know-it-all demeanor replaced with what I can only describe as spiritual foot-shuffling. "I... may have only just found out about this myself. The System kind of just... dropped this update on me?"


    "Aren''t you the System?"


    "Not... exactly?" He brightened, clearly hoping enthusiasm would distract from the awkwardness. "Think of me more like your friendly neighborhood UI! I was just a baby spirit before the System gave me an upgrade package. Now I''m like Siri, but for cultivation! With better jokes."


    "Your jokes are terrible."


    "They''re systematically optimized for maximum groan value!"


    I flopped back onto my bed, every part of me aching in ways I didn''t know were possible. "Great. My spiritual guide is having an identity crisis. Any other bombshells you want to drop? Secret cultivation techniques? Hidden boss battles? A tendency to accidentally conquer other dimensions?"


    "Well, about that last one..." Azure brought up another window. "The Worldwalker ability is fascinating! Though we should probably wait until you''re not about to pass out to experiment with it."


    "Good call. Any idea how long that''ll take?"


    "At your current recovery rate? About two months. Though we might be able to speed that up with proper soul cultivation techniques..."


    "Tomorrow," I mumbled, already feeling consciousness slipping away. "We''ll figure everything out tomorrow..."


    I dreamed of Maya and Henrik, of their final stand against impossible odds. Could I have saved them? Done something differently? All my systematic cultivation hadn''t meant much in a world without spiritual energy. I''d been worse than useless - I''d been normal.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The morning gong dragged me back to consciousness way too early. I cracked an eye open to find Azure hovering over me with his usual too-cheerful expression.


    "Good morning, Master! Your soul essence has recovered by six whole points during your rest. At this rate, you''ll be ready for another potentially fatal interdimensional journey in... approximately never!"


    "Thanks, Azure. Very helpful."


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 16/300 (+6 from rest, still pathetic)


    Spiritual Essence: 246/246 (Show-off)


    Physical Essence: 215/215 (At least something''s normal)


    "You know," Azure mused as I tried to remember how legs worked, "for someone who died tripping over their shoelaces, you handled yourself pretty well in that other world. The System''s combat assistance helped, but still..."


    "I got lucky. And then I got very unlucky." I managed to stand, though the room took a few seconds to stop spinning. "We need to figure this out. The soul essence, the world-hopping, all of it. Because next time? I might end up somewhere even worse."


    "Worse than a world with reality-warping sun radiation and psychotic raiders?"


    "Given my luck? Definitely."


    A knock at my door interrupted whatever witty response Azure was cooking up. Wei Lin''s voice drifted through the wood: "Ke Yin? You missed morning practice. Senior Sister Liu is not happy."


    "Great," I muttered. "Because I needed more problems today."


    I opened the door to find Wei Lin looking unusually concerned. "You look terrible," he announced cheerfully. "Like you spent all night wrestling with profound cultivation mysteries. Or possibly a bear."


    "Thanks. That''s exactly the ego boost I needed this morning."


    He invited himself in, already pulling cultivation supplies from his seemingly endless pockets. "Fortunately for you, my family has an excellent remedy for spiritual exhaustion. Only fifty contribution points, and it comes with a free consultation on proper cultivation techniques!"


    "Still focusing on basics," I said automatically, then paused. "Actually... what do you know about soul cultivation?"


    Wei Lin''s eyes lit up like it was spiritual resource discount day. "Finally asking the interesting questions! Though soul techniques are pretty advanced. My family has some excellent beginner manuscripts..."


    "Library first," I cut him off. "Sales pitch later."


    "You''re no fun anymore." But he was already heading for the door. "Come on then. Let''s go find you some proper cultivation methods before you actually collapse. Because if you die, who''s going to buy all my overpriced techniques?"


    "Your concern is touching."


    "I know! I''ve been practicing my sincere merchant face."


    As we walked toward the library, I couldn''t help but wonder what other worlds were out there, waiting to try and kill me in new and exciting ways. At least this time I''d have some warning.


    Probably.


    Maybe.


    ...I was so dead.


    ***


    The Azure Peak Sect library turned out to be less "mystical repository of ancient wisdom" and more "that one university library where students go to cry during finals week." Towering shelves carved into the mountain itself held everything from basic meditation guides to what looked suspiciously like cultivation self-help books. "Top Ten Tricks to Breakthrough Success!" probably wasn''t the profound knowledge the sect founders had in mind.


    "Soul cultivation methods are usually restricted," Wei Lin explained as we navigated the labyrinth of knowledge. "Too many disciples trying fancy techniques they weren''t ready for. Apparently, having your soul explode is bad for sect recruitment."


    "You don''t say." I scanned the shelves, trying not to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. "Any chance they have a ''Soul Cultivation for Dummies'' section?"


    "Actually..." He reached up and pulled down a dusty tome. "The Azure Soul Nourishment Method is pretty close. Basic, reliable, and most importantly - free."


    "Free? In this economy?"


    "The sect figures if you''re going to mess with soul techniques, better to start with the safe ones." He grinned. "Though if you''re interested in more advanced methods, my family¡ª"


    "Still focusing on basics!"


    We spent the next few hours combing through the library''s soul cultivation section. Most of the techniques were way beyond my level - things like "Grand Soul Dominion Method" and "Path of the Eternal Spirit" that probably required more cultivation progress than I''d make in ten lifetimes.


    "Found another one!" Wei Lin called from behind a particularly precarious stack of scrolls. "The Gentle Soul Nurturing Guide. Says it''s good for... recovery and stability?"


    Azure popped up in my inner world, already analyzing. "Compatible with your current cultivation base. Modest benefits, but low risk of catastrophic soul implosion."


    "Always a plus," I muttered.


    "What was that?"


    "Nothing! Just... thinking out loud."


    Wei Lin gave me that look again - the one that said he knew I was hiding something but couldn''t quite figure out what. "You know, most people don''t suddenly develop an interest in soul cultivation without a reason."


    "Maybe I''m just thorough?"


    "Right. And I''m secretly the Sect Master''s long-lost son."


    "Are you?"


    "No, but the fact that you had to ask hurts my feelings." He dumped another stack of books on the table. "Here. Basic soul theory. You''ll need to understand the fundamentals before trying any techniques."


    I picked up the top volume, "Understanding Your Spiritual Core: A Beginner''s Guide to Not Exploding." Charming.


    "Master," Azure chimed in, "I''ve been analyzing the soul cultivation texts. Most focus on gradual enhancement rather than rapid recovery. However, combining multiple methods might¡ª"


    A commotion from the library entrance cut off whatever optimization strategy he was about to suggest. Senior Sister Liu''s voice carried through the stacks: "The monthly evaluation requirements have been updated. All outer disciples must demonstrate significant progress in their chosen cultivation path."


    "Oh good," I sighed. "More pressure. Just what I needed."


    Wei Lin was already shoving books into my arms. "Take these. Study fast. The evaluations are in two weeks, and trust me - you don''t want to fail."


    "What happens if we fail?"


    His expression turned serious. "Remember Yuan Mei? Failed his evaluation last month?"


    "Yeah?"


    "He''s cleaning spiritual beast stables now. For the rest of his life."


    Well, that was motivating in a terrifying sort of way.


    Back in my room, I spread out the soul cultivation manuals and settled in for a long night of study. Azure hovered nearby, providing his usual commentary.


    "The Azure Soul Nourishment Method seems promising," he reported. "Though the diagrams are rather... artistic. I don''t think souls actually look like happy little clouds."


    "Focus on the important parts. How long to learn it?"


    "Basic proficiency should take about a week. Unless..."


    I knew that tone. "Unless what?"


    "Well, the System could optimize the learning process. Might cut the time in half. Though it would cost some spiritual essence to process..."


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 16/300 (Still pathetic)


    Spiritual Essence: 246/246 (Available for optimization)


    Physical Essence: 215/215 (Unchanged)


    "Do it," I decided. "Better to take a temporary hit to spiritual essence than risk another world-hop with no way to recover."


    "Excellent choice! Initiating optimization protocols. Warning: Side effects may include mild existential dread and a sudden appreciation for metaphysical mathematics."


    "Your warning labels need work."


    As Azure began processing the soul cultivation method, I couldn''t help but wonder about the other worlds out there. What if next time I landed somewhere even worse than the Two Suns world? What if I couldn''t bring my cultivation? What if¡ª


    A knock at my door interrupted my spiral of paranoia.


    "Ke Yin?" Lin Mei''s voice. "Senior Sister Chen is looking for you. Something about missing your herb garden duties?"


    Right. Because interdimensional travel wasn''t an excuse for slacking off on regular sect responsibilities.


    "Coming!" I called back, then thought at Azure: "How long until the optimization is done?"


    "Approximately six hours. Though I should warn you about potential side effects of rushing soul cultivation techniques¡ª"


    "Later. Right now I need to go convince Senior Sister Chen not to turn me into fertilizer."


    Sometimes I missed the simplicity of my old life. Sure, it had ended with an embarrassing death-by-shoelace, but at least I hadn''t had to juggle cultivation politics, soul essence management, and the constant threat of accidentally falling into other realities.


    Then again, my old life hadn''t come with supernatural powers and a snarky spiritual AI assistant. So maybe it balanced out.


    Sort of.


    Probably not.


    ...I really hope this dying thing isn¡¯t a reoccurring theme.

 Chapter 10: Soul Searching

    Chapter 10: Soul Searching


    Dying in alternate dimensions really makes you appreciate the finer points of soul cultivation. I mean, most cultivators my age are obsessing over their spiritual essence stats or showing off their fancy inner world formations. Me? I''m trying to figure out why my soul essence got drop-kicked into single digits after an impromptu interdimensional field trip.


    "The optimization process is complete," Azure announced as I trudged back from a particularly grueling herb garden session. Senior Sister Chen had not been amused by my absence. "Would you like to see the combined cultivation method I''ve developed?"


    I flopped onto my meditation cushion, still picking spiritual herb fragments out of my hair. "Hit me. Though maybe leave out the spreadsheets this time?"


    "But the efficiency calculations are the best part!" Azure materialized in my inner world, now sporting what looked suspiciously like reading glasses. "I''ve analyzed all seventeen soul cultivation methods from the library and combined their most compatible elements into what I''m calling the Tri-Essence Harmony Method!"


    Status Update: Soul Essence: 18/300 (Slightly less pathetic)


    Spiritual Essence: 220/246 (Cost of optimization)


    Physical Essence: 215/215 (Still hanging in there)


    "Fascinating name," I said dryly. "Any chance it''ll help me not die horribly next time I accidentally world-hop?"


    "That''s the beauty of it!" Azure conjured up a glowing diagram that looked like a three-dimensional Venn diagram had a baby with a sacred mandala. "Most cultivation methods at the Qi Condensation stage focus on either spiritual or physical development. Soul cultivation is considered too advanced or too risky for beginners."


    "Because exploding souls are bad for recruitment, yeah, Wei Lin mentioned that."


    "Exactly! But here''s the thing - your situation is unique. Most cultivators develop their inner world first, treating it as a foundation for future advancement. But you? You''ve already experienced soul displacement through dimensional travel. Your soul has been forcibly separated from your physical and spiritual essence."


    I winced at the memory. "Not my favorite experience."


    "But it creates an opportunity!" Azure''s glasses gleamed with intellectual excitement. "The Tri-Essence Harmony Method focuses on balancing all three aspects of cultivation simultaneously. Instead of treating them as separate paths, it weaves them together into a single system."


    He expanded the diagram, showing three interlocking cultivation cycles:


    "See, traditional methods look like this: Spiritual cultivation focuses on expanding and refining your inner world. Physical cultivation strengthens your body and enhances its ability to channel energy. Soul cultivation... well, most people don''t even start that until they reach the Foundation Establishment realm."


    "So why is everyone sleeping on soul cultivation?" I asked, studying the complex patterns. "Seems pretty important, you know, having a stable soul and all."


    Azure adjusted his definitely-for-show glasses. "Several reasons! First, soul cultivation is subtle. No flashy techniques, no immediate power boosts. Second, it''s dangerous if done incorrectly. And third... well, most cultivators simply don''t need it at this stage. Their souls are naturally stable because they''re not playing interdimensional hopscotch."


    "Lucky them."


    "But for you?" Azure''s excitement was practically tangible. "Soul cultivation isn''t just important - it''s essential! The Tri-Essence Harmony Method treats your soul as the bridge between spiritual and physical development. By strengthening it, we can potentially maintain some abilities even in worlds without qi!"


    That got my attention. "You mean I wouldn''t be completely useless in another no-cultivation universe?"


    "Theoretically! The method works like this: Your soul essence acts as a battery, storing and converting different types of energy. Even without access to qi, you could potentially draw on soul essence to enhance physical capabilities or maintain basic spiritual techniques."


    He brought up another diagram, this one showing energy flow patterns:


    "The first stage focuses on soul recovery and stabilization. Traditional soul cultivation methods take months or years, but by combining elements from multiple techniques and optimizing the energy flows, we can potentially accelerate the process."


    Status Update:


    Current Method Progress: 2%


    Estimated Time to Basic Proficiency: 2 weeks


    Chance of Soul Explosion: Only 4%!


    "Only 4%? How reassuring."


    "That''s with conservative estimates!" Azure protested. "Besides, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Look at these projected stats:"


    Tri-Essence Harmony Method Benefits:


    <ul>


    <li>Accelerated soul essence recovery</li>


    <li>Enhanced energy conversion efficiency</li>


    <li>Cross-dimensional stability</li>


    <li>Potential for limited power maintenance in non-qi environments</li>


    <li>Reduced chance of death by interdimensional travel! (Maybe)</li>


    </ul>


    I had to admit, it sounded promising. "What''s the catch? There''s always a catch."


    "Well..." Azure shuffled his ethereal feet. "It''s... somewhat unorthodox. Combining multiple cultivation methods like this isn''t exactly approved by the sect. And the energy requirements are significant. We''ll need a lot more resources than typical Qi Condensation disciples."


    "Of course we will." I sighed. "Alright, walk me through it. How do we start?"


    The next few hours were a crash course in soul cultivation theory. Turns out, your soul isn''t just the metaphysical battery that powers reincarnation - it''s also a complex energy processing system that most cultivators completely ignore until much later in their development.


    "Traditional soul cultivation starts with awareness exercises," Azure explained, conjuring up yet another diagram. "You need to be able to sense and direct soul essence before you can strengthen it. Most methods use meditation and visualization techniques..."Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "But we''re going to cheat using the System''s interface?"


    "I prefer ''optimize using advanced analytical tools,'' but yes!" He brought up a new window showing what looked like a spiritual diagnostic screen. "The System can help you perceive soul essence directly, making the initial stages much easier."


    We started with basic soul circulation exercises. Unlike spiritual energy, which flows through defined pathways in your inner world, soul essence is more... abstract. It''s like trying to grab smoke with your bare hands, except the smoke is also somehow part of your fundamental existence.


    "Focus on the core resonance," Azure instructed as I struggled to direct the ethereal energy. "Soul essence responds to intent more than rigid control patterns."


    "You could have mentioned that before I spent an hour trying to build circulation paths!"


    "Where''s the fun in that?"


    The first breakthrough came unexpectedly. I was attempting to follow one of the combined cultivation patterns Azure had designed when something just... clicked. The Seed of Creation''s leaf unfurled slightly further, its stellar energy harmonizing perfectly with the soul essence patterns.


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 22/300 (+4 from successful cultivation)


    Understanding of Soul Mechanics: Basic


    Azure''s Pride in His Student: Unnecessarily High


    "Excellent!" The little spirit was practically bouncing with excitement. "You''ve established the first resonance pattern! This will accelerate soul essence recovery and provide a foundation for more advanced techniques."


    "Great," I managed through gritted teeth. Soul cultivation, it turned out, was exhausting in a way completely different from regular meditation. "Please tell me we''re done for today?"


    "Oh no, we''re just getting started! Now that you can sense soul essence properly, we can begin working on the conversion protocols..."


    The next few days fell into a new routine. Mornings were still for regular sect duties - can''t let anyone get suspicious about my sudden interest in soul cultivation. Afternoons split between herb garden work (now with extra punishment duties courtesy of Senior Sister Chen) and basic cultivation practice.


    But evenings? Those were for experimenting with Azure''s crazy hybrid cultivation method.


    "The key," he explained during one particularly intense session, "is maintaining balance between all three aspects. Traditional methods focus on one path at a time, but the Tri-Essence Harmony Method requires simultaneous development."


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 45/300 (Slowly improving)


    Spiritual Essence: 235/246 (Recovering)


    Physical Essence: 215/215 (Stable)


    Method Mastery: 12%


    "It''s working," I realized, watching the soul essence gauge slowly tick upward. "Slower than regular cultivation, but..."


    "But more versatile!" Azure finished. "Watch this - try channeling some soul essence into physical enhancement."


    I followed his guidance, directing a tiny portion of the recovered soul energy into my muscles. The effect was subtle but noticeable - slightly enhanced strength and reflexes, even without using spiritual energy.


    "That," Azure said proudly, "is why this method is perfect for your unique situation. Even in worlds without qi, you should be able to maintain basic enhancements through soul essence conversion."


    "Assuming I can build up enough soul essence before the next involuntary dimensional field trip."


    "About that..." Azure''s glasses gleamed ominously. "I''ve been analyzing the data from your last transition. I believe I''ve identified a pattern in the dimensional displacement trigger."


    That got my attention. "You mean it wasn''t random?"


    "The transition occurred shortly after your breakthrough to Qi Condensation Second Realm. My theory is that significant spiritual milestones might catalyze dimensional instability in your soul."


    "Fantastic." I flopped back onto my meditation cushion. "So every time I make major progress, I risk getting yanked into another death world?"


    "Currently, yes. But!" He brightened considerably. "If we can strengthen your soul essence enough, you might gain some control over the process. Or at least improve your survival chances!"


    Status Update:


    Dimensional Stability: Questionable


    Soul Cultivation Progress: Promising


    Azure''s Enthusiasm for Potentially Fatal Experiments: Concerning


    "Right," I said, sitting up with renewed determination. "Walk me through the next stage of the method. If I''m going to keep accidentally world-hopping, I want better options than ''die horribly to cosmic horror wizards.''"


    The next phase of training focused on energy conversion and storage. Traditional soul cultivation treated soul essence as a purely spiritual force, but Azure''s method approached it more like a universal adapter for different types of energy.


    "Your soul can potentially process and store any form of energy," he explained, showing me yet another diagram. "Spiritual energy, physical force, even that weird sun radiation from the Two Suns world - with proper training, you could theoretically convert and use it all."


    "That would have been helpful to know before getting murdered by the floating death wizard."


    "Well, yes, but think of it as a learning experience! Now we know what not to do next time."


    "Your optimism is sometimes disturbing, you know that?"


    The training was brutal. Soul cultivation required a different kind of focus than regular meditation. Instead of circulating energy through established pathways, I had to learn to manipulate the very essence of my being. One wrong move and... well, Wei Lin''s warnings about soul explosion started seeming less like hyperbole.


    But gradually, progress happened.


    Status Update after Two Weeks:


    Soul Essence: 250/300 (Significant improvement)


    Spiritual Essence: 246/246 (Fully recovered)


    Physical Essence: 215/215 (Unchanged)


    Method Mastery: 31%


    New Abilities Unlocked:


    <ul>


    <li>Basic Soul Energy Conversion</li>


    <li>Limited Physical Enhancement</li>


    <li>Preliminary Dimensional Stability</li>


    <li>Azure''s Continued Commentary (whether wanted or not)</li>


    </ul>


    "The evaluation is in two days," I reminded Azure during one evening session. "Any chance this crazy method will help with that?"


    "Absolutely! The enhanced soul essence stability should improve your overall cultivation efficiency. Just... maybe don''t mention the whole ''experimental hybrid cultivation technique'' thing to the examiners."


    "Right, because ''I''m secretly practicing forbidden soul cultivation to prepare for involuntary dimensional travel'' would go over so well."


    We spent the remaining time refining the basic techniques. The Tri-Essence Harmony Method was starting to feel more natural, less like trying to juggle three different types of energy and more like conducting a complex but unified symphony.


    "Your soul essence recovery rate has stabilized," Azure reported proudly. "And the conversion efficiency is well above initial projections. We might actually pull this off!"


    "Assuming I don''t accidentally dimension hop during the evaluation."


    "That would certainly make things interesting!"


    "Please don''t tempt fate."


    The night before the evaluation, I sat in my inner world, taking in the whole cosmic science fair project we''d created. Spiritual energy zipped through optimized circulation paths like a roller coaster, while my Seed of Creation hung overhead like a softball-sized disco ball in its Stellar Phase, its first true leaf doing interpretive dance with the laws of physics. And now there was a new element in the mix - soul essence flowing through it all like fairy lights at prom, somehow making the whole weird system work together.


    "You know," Azure said thoughtfully, "most cultivators take decades to achieve this level of integration. Even if it''s unorthodox, the Tri-Essence Harmony Method is producing remarkable results."


    "Thanks to your optimization.¡±


    "And your willingness to try crazy experimental techniques! Speaking of which, want to see my projections for the next phase? I have some fascinating ideas about soul-based dimensional anchoring... The Seed''s energy configuration is perfect for it!"


    "Tomorrow," I promised. "After the evaluation. Assuming I survive it."


    "Oh, you''ll probably survive! There''s only a 3% chance of catastrophic soul destabilization during standard testing procedures."


    "Azure?"


    "Yes, Master?"


    "Your reassurances need work."


    He adjusted his unnecessary glasses. "I''ll add ''improvement of reassurance protocols'' to the optimization queue!"


    As I prepared for bed, I couldn''t help but wonder what other worlds were out there, waiting to test this new cultivation method. Would soul essence really help in places without qi? Could I actually learn to control the dimensional transitions instead of just being cosmic karma''s favorite chew toy?


    Status Update:


    Soul Cultivation Progress: Promising


    Dimensional Stability: Maybe?


    Future Adventures: Inevitable


    Azure''s Enthusiasm: Unchanged


    My Sanity: Questionable

 Chapter 11: Testing Times

    Chapter 11: Testing Times


    Sitting in the Outer Disciples'' courtyard waiting for a cultivation evaluation that might accidentally trigger interdimensional travel was stressful. At least with regular exams, the worst that can happen is failing. Here? The consequences ranged from "lifetime spiritual beast stable duty" to "oops, I accidentally fell into another reality where everything wants to kill me."


    "You look like you''re planning your own funeral," Wei Lin commented, sprawled on the stone steps beside me. "Relax! You''ve made it to Qi Condensation Second Realm, your energy control is weirdly perfect, and you''ve got that mysterious talent thing going for you. What could go wrong?"


    "Please don''t tempt fate," I muttered, watching more disciples gather for the evaluation. "Every time someone says that, the heavens take it as a personal challenge."


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 280/300 (Stable... for now)


    Spiritual Essence: 246/246 (Ready for testing)


    Physical Essence: 215/215 (Probably not enough)


    Chance of Dimensional Incident: 8% (and rising with anxiety)


    "He''s right though," Lin Mei added from my other side. She was methodically sorting spiritual herbs, because apparently even impending doom couldn''t stop her from being productive. "You''ve been advancing faster than anyone expected. Even Senior Sister Chen mentioned your progress, and she never compliments anyone."


    "That''s because compliments might encourage us to think we''re actually good at something," I said, remembering yesterday''s particularly brutal herb garden session. "Can''t have that in a proper cultivation sect."


    Wei Lin snorted. "Says the guy who went from village recruit to Second Realm in record time. Some of us had to work for our breakthrough, you know."


    "Oh yes, all that hard work spending your family''s money on premium cultivation resources. However do you manage?"


    "It''s a terrible burden," he agreed solemnly. "Speaking of which, sure you don''t want some last-minute enhancement pills? Only slightly expired!"


    Lin Mei rolled her eyes at our familiar exchange. "Boys and their cultivation techniques. You know what really matters? Consistent progress. Like these Dawn Lotus seedlings - you can''t rush their growth without ruining the spiritual essence concentration."


    She held up one of her sorted herbs, its petals giving off a soft golden glow. "See how the energy patterns flow? Smooth, stable, no forced breakthroughs or artificial enhancements. That''s real cultivation."


    "Speaking of energy patterns," Wei Lin said, suddenly more serious, "anyone hear about the new evaluation format? Apparently they''ve brought in special testing equipment from the inner sect."


    That got my attention. "What kind of equipment?"


    "Resonance crystals," he replied, dropping his merchant''s son act entirely. "Very expensive, very precise. They can measure not just the quantity of spiritual energy but its quality. Refinement level, stability, even trace signs of what methods were used to cultivate it."


    More disciples were arriving now, filling the courtyard with nervous chatter and last-minute cultivation attempts. I recognized some faces from the herb gardens, others from combat training sessions. Everyone looked various shades of terrified, which was actually kind of reassuring. At least I wasn''t the only one having an existential crisis.


    "Look at them all trying to cram," Wei Lin said with the smugness of someone who''d had access to advanced techniques since birth. "As if a few hours of meditation will make up for months of proper cultivation."


    "Not everyone has a family merchant empire backing them," Lin Mei pointed out. "Some of us had to earn every spiritual herb and cultivation manual."


    "That''s what makes it so impressive!" He grinned at our confused looks. "Think about it - you two started with nothing but basic sect resources, and now you''re both in the top tier of outer disciples. Meanwhile, half these people had special techniques and premium resources from the start, and they''re still struggling with basic energy circulation."


    "Was that... actually encouraging?" I asked Lin Mei.


    "I think he''s trying a new sales technique," she stage-whispered back. "Build up our confidence so we''re more likely to buy his overpriced cultivation supplies."


    "I am wounded by your accusations! Also, since you mentioned it, I do have some excellent evaluation-day specials..."


    A bell rang somewhere in the distance, its deep tone resonating with spiritual energy. The courtyard immediately fell silent.


    "All outer disciples, prepare for evaluation," Senior Sister Liu''s voice carried across the gathering. "You will be tested in three areas: energy capacity and refinement, technique proficiency, and combat ability. Those who fail to meet the new standards will be... reassigned."The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    She didn''t need to elaborate on what that meant. We''d all seen the former disciples now tending to the sect''s more unpleasant maintenance duties.


    "Disciples will be called in groups of ten," she continued. "First group: Wei Lin, Ming Yue, Ke Yin..."


    "Of course we''re in the first group," I muttered as we stood. "Wouldn''t want to give us time to panic properly."


    "Look on the bright side," Wei Lin said as we followed Senior Sister Liu toward the testing grounds. "At least we''ll get it over with quickly!"


    "Unless we fail spectacularly and spend the rest of our lives cleaning spiritual beast stables."


    "Always so negative! This is why you need my premium spirit-calming incense. Only thirty points per stick, and guaranteed to reduce pre-evaluation anxiety by at least twelve percent!"


    "Still. Focusing. On. Basics."


    The testing grounds turned out to be one of the sect''s larger training halls, now modified with arrays of crystals and formation circles that made my spiritual senses tingle uncomfortably. Inner sect disciples stood at various stations, their expressions ranging from bored to actively hoping we''d fail.


    "First test," Senior Sister Liu announced, "spiritual energy capacity and refinement. Step into the testing formation when called. The resonance crystals will measure your progress. Try not to embarrass yourselves."


    Very encouraging.


    The first few disciples'' tests went about as expected. Most showed decent energy capacity for Qi Condensation First or Second Realm, though their refinement levels varied widely. Wei Lin, naturally, scored well above average - the benefits of expensive resources showing in his energy quality.


    "Next: Ke Yin."


    Here we go. Try not to accidentally fall into another dimension. Randomly entering a comatose state for a few seconds would probably count as an automatic failure.


    I stepped into the formation circle, feeling the resonance crystals activate around me. They hummed with analytical energy, probing my spiritual essence like particularly nosy doctors.


    "Relax," Azure advised as the crystals began their scan. "The System''s modifications should prevent any unusual energy signatures from being detected. Just maintain steady cultivation and... oh, that''s interesting."


    The crystals suddenly flared with brilliant blue light, their resonance reaching a pitch that made several inner disciples wince. I felt my spiritual energy responding, flowing through the carefully optimized circulation paths of my inner world.


    "Energy capacity," one of the testing disciples announced, consulting a jade tablet, "246 units. Refinement level... unprecedented for current cultivation stage. Energy stability exceeding normal parameters."


    The other inner disciples gathered around, muttering among themselves as they examined the readings. Even Senior Sister Liu looked mildly surprised.


    "Internal circulation patterns show systematic optimization," another tester reported. "Nearly perfect efficiency ratings. This is... unusual for an outer disciple."


    I tried to look appropriately humble while internally screaming at Azure to make sure nothing weird showed up in the readings. The last thing I needed was them detecting the experimental soul cultivation method.


    "Cultivation foundation is remarkably stable," the first tester continued. "Though there are some anomalies in the energy signature..."


    Warning: Partial Method Detection


    Implementing Advanced Camouflage


    Recommend reducing power output by 15%


    I followed Azure''s guidance, carefully moderating my spiritual energy as the crystals continued their analysis. The resonance gradually settled into a more normal range, though I could tell the testers were still puzzled by whatever they''d detected.


    "Final readings confirmed," Senior Sister Liu announced after what felt like hours but was probably only minutes. "Energy capacity and refinement test: Passed with distinction. You may step out of the formation."


    I tried not to look too relieved as I rejoined the other disciples. Wei Lin was practically vibrating with curiosity, but Lin Mei''s expression was more calculating. She''d noticed something in the test results, something that didn''t quite add up...


    "How did a village recruit achieve that level of energy refinement?" I heard one of the inner disciples whisper. "Even with natural talent, the optimization patterns are too perfect..."


    "Advanced family techniques," another suggested. "Has to be. No one develops that kind of systematic control naturally."


    Well, they weren''t wrong about the systematic part. Just wrong about where it came from.


    The rest of the first group''s tests passed in a blur of crystal resonance and evaluator comments. By the end, it was clear that this year''s standards were indeed much higher than usual. Several disciples who might have passed easily before were now marked for "further evaluation" - sect code for "start practicing your spiritual beast handling skills."


    "Preliminary results for energy capacity and refinement testing," Senior Sister Liu announced to the gathering. "Top performers, in order of overall scoring: Song Xiang, Wei Lin, Ke Yin, Lin Mei..."


    I wished I could feel more proud of placing third, but all I could think about was how much attention this would bring. The last thing I needed was people looking too closely at my cultivation methods.


    "Initial testing complete," Senior Sister Liu continued after reading the full rankings. "Prepare yourselves for the combat evaluation portion. Inner Disciple Zhou will be overseeing the matches personally."


    Oh.


    Oh no.


    Remember how I said things could always get worse? Yeah, this would be why.


    Zhou Ming stepped into the training hall, his customary smirk somehow even more punchable than usual. His gaze swept over the gathered disciples before settling on me with predatory interest.


    "Interesting test results," he said, voice carrying easily in the sudden silence. "Let''s see if your combat abilities match your energy refinement, shall we?"


    Wei Lin patted my shoulder sympathetically. "Well, it was nice knowing you. Don''t worry, I''ll make sure they write something nice on your memorial tablet. ''Here lies Ke Yin, who really should have bought those premium defensive techniques when he had the chance.''"


    "Still focusing on basics," I replied automatically, watching Zhou test the edge of his practice sword with a thoughtful expression that promised nothing but pain in my immediate future.


    "Your dedication to fundamentals is admirable," Lin Mei said dryly. "Though perhaps now might be a good time to reconsider that position? I hear the spiritual beast stables are lovely this time of year..."


    "Too late for that," I sighed as Zhou began organizing the combat matches. "At this point, I can only hope he doesn''t enjoy himself too much while beating me into the ground."


    "Oh, he''ll definitely enjoy himself," Wei Lin assured me. "The question is whether you''ll still be conscious enough to notice."


    Some friends I had.


    At least if I did accidentally fall into another dimension during the combat evaluation, it would probably be less painful than whatever Zhou had planned.

 Chapter 12: The Bet

    Chapter 12: The Bet


    You know what''s worse than facing an opponent who clearly wants to pummel you into the ground? Facing that opponent while a helpful AI system keeps calculating your chances of survival in real-time.


    "Probability of defeat: 92.4%," Azure chimed in as Zhou Ming stretched lazily, his practice sword glinting with an eagerness that seemed excessive for training equipment. "Though I suppose ''defeat'' is better than ''total annihilation'', which was my initial calculation!"


    "Not helping," I muttered, trying to focus on my own warm-up exercises. The combat evaluation area had been cleared, with other disciples forming an expectant circle around the edges. I spotted Wei Lin actually taking bets, because of course he was. The odds probably weren''t in my favor.


    "First match," Senior Sister Liu announced, "Zhou Ming versus Ke Yin. Standard evaluation rules apply - no lethal techniques, no permanent damage." She paused, giving Zhou a pointed look. "That means no ''accidentally'' crippling your opponent''s cultivation base."


    Zhou''s innocent expression wouldn''t have fooled a blind cultivator. "I would never dream of it, Senior Sister. This is merely a friendly evaluation match."


    Right. And spiritual beasts were just misunderstood puppies.


    "Remember," Liu continued, "as Ke Yin is in Qi Condensation Second Realm, this will be primarily a test of martial arts prowess. Spiritual battle techniques are restricted until Third Realm for good reason - they drain too much qi for lower realm disciples to use effectively in combat."


    That was both good and bad news. Good because it meant Zhou couldn''t use his more devastating spiritual techniques. Bad because he was still physically stronger, faster, and had probably forgotten more martial arts than I''d learned so far.


    "Begin!" Senior Sister Liu stepped back, and Zhou immediately launched into motion.


    Here''s the thing about martial arts in cultivation sects - they''re nothing like the movies. No fancy flips or dramatic poses. It''s all about efficiency, about using qi-enhanced strength and speed to hit hard and fast. Zhou''s first strike came in low and fast, a simple punch aimed at my solar plexus that would have dropped me if it landed.


    I managed to deflect it, barely, using one of the basic defensive forms we''d learned in training. The impact still sent vibrations up my arm. Even without spiritual techniques, qi-enhanced strength made every blow potentially devastating.


    "Decent reaction," Zhou commented, flowing into a combination of strikes that forced me to backpedal. "But you''re too defensive. An evaluation isn''t just about surviving."


    He had a point, annoyingly enough. Pure defense wouldn''t be enough to pass, no matter how well executed. But going offensive against someone with his experience seemed like a fast way to get thoroughly thrashed.


    "Your stance is too rigid," Azure observed as I barely avoided a kick that would have taken my head off. "Try implementing fluidity protocol beta-seven..."


    "Less analyzing, more helping!" I ducked under another strike, feeling it brush my hair. Zhou was playing with me, testing my defenses while probably planning something much more painful.


    The next exchange was faster, a blur of strikes and blocks that showed exactly why Zhou was considered one of the inner sect''s rising stars. I managed to hold my own, mostly through desperate dodging and Azure''s split-second warnings, but we both knew he was just warming up.


    "Not completely hopeless," Zhou said, launching a combination that forced me to actually counterattack or get hit. "But still too cautious. Show me what that perfect energy control can really do!"


    He punctuated the taunt with a strike that broke through my guard, landing solidly on my ribs. Even with qi reinforcement, it hurt like hell. I stumbled back, gasping, as the watching disciples made appreciative noises.


    "Rib integrity at 82%," Azure reported helpfully. "Recommended action: don''t do that again."If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Thanks. Super useful.


    But the hit did something else - it made me angry. Not the blind rage kind of angry, but the cold, calculating kind that made me stop thinking about how outmatched I was and start actually analyzing the fight.


    Zhou was better than me in every way, true. But he was also showing off for the audience, making each exchange slightly more elaborate than necessary. There was a pattern to it, a rhythm I could almost...


    "Got it," Azure said, apparently following my thoughts. "Implementing predictive movement analysis. His next combination will leave a 0.3-second opening on the left side."


    I didn''t have time to question it. Zhou came in with another flowing combination, each strike perfectly placed to force specific defensive responses. But this time, I was ready. As he committed to a particularly showy kick, I saw the brief opening Azure had predicted.


    My counterattack wasn''t fancy. Just a simple, qi-enhanced straight punch aimed at his exposed side. But it was perfectly timed, catching him just as his momentum was committed to the kick.


    Zhou''s eyes widened slightly as he was forced to awkwardly twist away from the strike. He didn''t quite dodge it completely - my fist grazed his ribs, earning surprised murmurs from the watching disciples.


    "Interesting," he said, his smile gaining an edge that promised retribution. "So you can attack after all."


    The next minute was pure survival mode. Zhou stopped playing around and showed exactly why he was considered a combat prodigy. His strikes came faster, harder, each one designed to exploit the openings left by defending against the previous attack. I blocked what I could, dodged what I couldn''t, and tried not to think about how many bruises I''d have tomorrow.


    "Current damage assessment," Azure reported as another hit slipped through my guard, "suggests you might want to consider that stable-cleaning career after all."


    A sweep took my legs out from under me, and I barely managed to roll away from the follow-up strike that would have ended the match. My breath came in ragged gasps, every movement sending new waves of pain through various impacted body parts.


    "Better than expected," Zhou admitted, circling as I struggled back to my feet. "But still not enough. Show me something worth remembering, or this ends now."


    He was right. I was running out of energy and options. Traditional martial arts clearly weren''t going to cut it - Zhou had probably mastered these forms before I even started cultivation.


    "Any bright ideas?" I asked Azure mentally, ducking another combination that felt like trying to block a hurricane.


    "Several! Though most involve dimensional travel, which might be considered cheating. However, your energy circulation is still oddly perfect despite the beating. Perhaps we could use that..."


    That sparked something - a crazy idea that probably wouldn''t work but was better than just waiting to get knocked out.


    Normal qi enhancement for martial arts was pretty straightforward - you circulated energy through your body to strengthen muscles, reinforce bones, and speed up movements. Most disciples our level could maintain a decent enhancement for short bursts, but sustained usage would drain too much qi to be practical.


    But my energy circulation wasn''t normal, thanks to Azure''s optimization algorithms. What if instead of the standard enhancement pattern...


    "Oh!" Azure caught on immediately. "Yes, that could work! Implementing modified circulation pattern now. Try not to explode!"


    The next time Zhou attacked, I did something different. Instead of the normal qi enhancement, I let Azure direct my energy through the optimized paths he''d developed. It was like switching from a garden hose to a precision irrigation system - same amount of water, but used far more efficiently.


    The result wasn''t dramatically visible like spiritual battle techniques would be. No glowing auras or dramatic energy releases. Just a sudden, subtle increase in speed and precision that let me not only block Zhou''s next combination but counter with one of my own.


    His eyes narrowed as he was forced to actually put effort into defending. "Energy manipulation of this level during combat? At Second Realm? Interesting..."


    The next exchange was almost even, my optimized enhancement letting me match his superior skill for a brief moment. I even managed to land another glancing blow, though the effort left me gasping.


    It couldn''t last, of course. Even with perfect circulation, I was burning through qi faster than was sustainable at Second Realm. But it let me show enough skill to prove I wasn''t completely hopeless.


    Zhou ended it with a blindingly fast combination that broke through my fading defense. The final hit sent me sprawling, my vision going fuzzy around the edges as I tried to remember how breathing worked.


    "Match concluded," Senior Sister Liu announced. "Zhou Ming wins, obviously. However..." She consulted her jade tablet. "Ke Yin''s performance exceeded minimum requirements for combat evaluation. Especially considering the difference in experience levels."


    I managed to sit up, which felt like a significant accomplishment given how many parts of me were protesting movement of any kind.


    "Status report?" I asked Azure mentally.


    "Good news - nothing''s broken! Bad news - everything wishes it was. Also, your qi reserves are almost completely drained, and I''m detecting at least seven distinct bruise formations. On the bright side, we only had a 2% chance of dimensional instability during that last enhancement sequence!"


    Wei Lin and Lin Mei helped me to my feet, supporting me as we moved away from the combat area.


    "That," Wei Lin announced, "was either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid. I''m still deciding which, but either way, I made a fortune betting on you lasting more than two minutes!"


    Of course he did.

 Chapter 13: Everyone Elses Turn to Suffer

    Chapter 13: Everyone Else''s Turn to Suffer


    There''s something uniquely satisfying about watching other people go through the same traumatic experience you just survived. Maybe that makes me a terrible person, but hey - I earned these bruises, I might as well enjoy the show.


    "Next match," Senior Sister Liu announced as Wei Lin stepped into the combat area. "Try to last longer than five seconds."


    "Senior Sister, you wound me!" Wei Lin clutched his chest dramatically. "I''ll have you know I''ve invested heavily in premium defensive techniques specifically for this evaluation."


    Zhou Ming''s smile hadn''t lost any of its predatory edge. "Wonderful. Show me what your family''s money bought you."


    I settled carefully against a pillar, trying to find a position that didn''t aggravate any of my new collection of bruises. Lin Mei sat beside me, sorting what looked suspiciously like medicinal herbs.


    "Is it wrong that I''m looking forward to this?" I asked, watching Wei Lin assume what he probably thought was an impressive combat stance.


    "Only if it''s wrong that I brought healing supplies specifically for the entertainment value," she replied, laying out various plants with practiced efficiency. "Also, you might want these soon. Your face is starting to swell."


    "My face is fine- ow!" I touched my cheek and immediately regretted it. "Okay, maybe some healing wouldn''t hurt."


    "Begin!" Senior Sister Liu''s command was immediately followed by Wei Lin demonstrating that, contrary to popular belief, throwing money at a problem sometimes actually works.


    His movement technique was clearly expensive - the kind of refined martial art that takes generations of wealthy family members to develop. He flowed around Zhou''s initial attacks like water, each dodge precise and economical.


    "Impressive," Zhou commented, increasing his speed. "The Yang Family''s Shadow Step technique? Must have cost a fortune."


    Wei Lin twirled away from a kick that would have taken his head off. "Worth every spirit stone!" he called back cheerfully, somehow managing to speak clearly while avoiding a combination that had me wincing in sympathy. "Though the maintenance fees are murder. Do you know how much they charge for technique refinement consultations?"


    I had to admit, he was doing better than expected. Money might not buy skill, but watching him flow around Zhou''s attacks like autumn leaves in the wind, it was clear it could buy some damn good defensive techniques.


    "Your friend is surprisingly competent," Azure observed as Wei Lin continued his elaborate evasion dance. "Though my calculations suggest he''s about to run out of room to dodge."


    Sure enough, Zhou hadn''t been attacking randomly. Each strike had been pushing Wei Lin back, cutting off escape routes with the patience of a master strategist. The realization dawned on Wei Lin''s face the moment his heel touched the corner stones - his confident grin finally faltering as he understood the trap.


    "Ah," he said, glancing at the walls boxing him in. "I don''t suppose you''d be interested in discussing exclusive rights to some premium spiritual resources?"


    Zhou''s response was devastating. His arms became a blur of motion, strikes coming from every angle at once. Wei Lin''s fancy footwork meant nothing when there was nowhere left to step. The Shadow Step technique that had served him so well crumbled, and in three brutal seconds, it was over.


    "I demand a refund on that last technique scroll," Wei Lin, face-down on the training ground, groaned.


    "Pass," Senior Sister Liu announced, consulting her tablet. "Though barely. Next time, consider investing in some actual offensive capabilities."


    "But running away is so much safer!" Wei Lin protested as he limped over to join us. "Also, ow. Everything hurts. Lin Mei, please tell me those are premium healing herbs you''re sorting."


    "Basic sect supplies," she replied, tossing him a leaf. "Chew on that, it helps with bruising. And maybe next time spend less on dodging techniques and more on actual combat training?"


    "You sound just like my father," Wei Lin sighed, but obediently chewed the herb. "Always going on about ''practical applications'' and ''combat effectiveness'' when I try to expense pure defensive arts."


    The next few matches showed exactly why most disciples dreaded combat evaluations. Zhou was methodical in exposing every weakness, every gap in training. Some matches ended in seconds, others dragged on as he deliberately tested different aspects of their martial arts.


    "Lin Mei," Senior Sister Liu called. "Your turn."


    "Don''t die," I offered helpfully as she stood. "I need someone to supply healing herbs."


    "Your concern is touching," she replied dryly. "Try not to enjoy my impending humiliation too much."


    But Lin Mei surprised everyone, including Zhou. Her movements weren''t flashy like Wei Lin''s expensive techniques or precisely optimized like my desperate survival attempt. Instead, she fought with the kind of efficient pragmatism you''d expect from someone who spent most of their time working with spiritual herbs.


    "Interesting approach," Zhou commented as she blocked a strike with her forearm in a way that would definitely leave bruises but also let her counter effectively. "Very... practical."


    "Some of us can''t afford fancy techniques," she replied, flowing through a series of basic but well-executed forms. "We have to make basics work."


    She lasted longer than most, earning appreciative murmurs from the watching disciples. Her style wasn''t beautiful, but it was effective - until Zhou decided to stop playing around.


    The match ended with Lin Mei on one knee, breathing hard but still conscious. "I think I prefer angry spiritual beasts," she muttered. "At least they don''t enjoy it quite so much."


    "Pass," Senior Sister Liu announced. "Good use of fundamental techniques. Though your guard on the left side needs work."


    "Everyone''s guard needs work against him," Lin Mei grumbled as she joined us, accepting a healing herb from her own collection. "He''s not human."This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    "Next match," Liu called. "Song Xiang."


    The disciple who stepped forward made everyone sit up straighter. Even Zhou''s perpetual smirk faltered slightly.


    Song Xiang was... well, if you wrote a story about a cultivation prodigy, he''d be the main character. Tall, graceful, with the kind of classical good looks that made female disciples sigh dreamily. But it was his presence that really stood out - there was something about him that just felt significant.


    "Oh right," Wei Lin whispered, "you were doing your weird spacing out act when he did his energy capacity test. Broke three resonance crystals. Three! Do you know how expensive those are?"


    "The mysterious young master type?" I asked, watching Song Xiang bow formally to Zhou. "Let me guess - secretly from some great cultivation family, hiding his identity to temper himself among us mere mortals?"


    "Close!" Wei Lin grinned. "He showed up three months ago with some tragic backstory about his sect being destroyed. Supposedly he was some elder''s secret disciple, now seeking revenge or something appropriately dramatic. Senior Sister Chen actually smiled at him once."


    "Impossible," Lin Mei cut in. "Senior Sister Chen doesn''t smile. I saw her kick a spiritual puppy once."


    "I''m telling you, it happened! And that''s not even the most interesting part. They say he has some unique cultivation technique that-"


    "Begin!"


    What followed was... different from the previous matches. Song Xiang moved like water given form, each motion flowing seamlessly into the next. His martial arts weren''t flashy like Wei Lin''s expensive techniques or practical like Lin Mei''s efficiency. They were simply perfect.


    "His energy circulation," Azure commented, sounding almost excited. "It''s... elegant. Like watching optimization algorithms dance."


    Zhou actually had to put in visible effort as they exchanged strikes, neither gaining a clear advantage. Song Xiang matched him technique for technique, his movements carrying a hint of something greater held in check.


    "Impressive," Zhou said after a particularly intense exchange. "Your foundation is exceptional. Traditional Flowing Cloud style?"


    "Modified Heaven''s Path forms," Song Xiang replied, his voice carrying that perfect mix of humility and confidence that made me instantly suspicious. "My master believed in adapting classical techniques to individual talents."


    "Your master taught you well." Zhou''s next combination would have ended any other match instantly. Song Xiang turned it aside like a leaf deflecting rain.


    The watching disciples were absolutely silent, caught between awe and envy. Even Senior Sister Liu looked impressed, which I hadn''t thought was physically possible.


    "You know," Wei Lin mused, "if this were a story, he''d be the main character and we''d all be side characters in his grand cultivation journey."


    Speak for yourself. I have my own mysterious powers to develop, thank you very much. Though, he had a point, annoyingly enough. Song Xiang looked like he should be on the cover of "Young Master''s Monthly" or whatever cultivation prodigies read these days.


    The match continued for several more minutes, Zhou gradually increasing the intensity until even Song Xiang started showing signs of strain. But unlike the rest of us who''d been thoroughly thrashed, he maintained his perfect form throughout.


    "Enough," Zhou finally called, stepping back. "Well fought."


    Song Xiang bowed again, not even breathing hard. "Thank you for the guidance, Senior Brother."


    "Pass," Senior Sister Liu announced, somewhat unnecessarily. "Exceptional performance. Though I note you''re still holding back considerably."


    "My cultivation is still unstable," Song Xiang replied with practiced modesty. "I wouldn''t want to risk disrupting the evaluation with... unnecessary displays."


    Oh, he was good. That hint of hidden power, the carefully humble demeanor... it was like he''d studied "How to Be a Mysterious Young Master" and gotten perfect marks.


    "Called it," Wei Lin whispered as Song Xiang returned to his place among the disciples. "Tragic backstory, secret techniques, perfect martial arts... he''s definitely the protagonist of some cultivation drama we''ve accidentally wandered into."


    "You''re just jealous because his techniques look better than your expensive ones," Lin Mei pointed out.


    "Of course I''m jealous! Do you know how much I spent on that Shadow Step technique? And he just casually mentions ''Modified Heaven''s Path forms'' like it''s nothing. Heaven''s Path! That''s literally legendary lost cultivation art!"


    I watched Song Xiang carefully not preening under the admiring looks from other disciples. There was something about him that bothered me, beyond the too-perfect young master vibe.


    "Azure? Any thoughts on our resident protagonist?"


    "His energy patterns are fascinating! Very refined, definitely not standard cultivation methods. Though there''s something odd about the resonance... like looking at a perfect reflection and realizing it''s slightly off-center."


    "Suspicious?" I asked mentally.


    "Oh, definitely! But probably not in a ''secret evil cultivator'' way. More like... imagine someone rebuilt a legendary cultivation technique from fragments, getting most of it right but missing some crucial underlying principle. The results look perfect, but the foundation has subtle flaws."


    Interesting. Though I probably shouldn''t judge, given my own rather unique cultivation situation.


    The rest of the combat evaluations were almost anticlimactic after Song Xiang''s performance. Zhou went back to efficiently dismantling everyone''s defensive techniques, though he seemed slightly less enthusiastic about it.


    "Final results," Senior Sister Liu announced once the last groaning disciple had been dragged away. "Out of thirty-two participants, twenty-seven pass, four require remedial training, and one..." She glanced at the unconscious disciple being treated for multiple impacts. "One should consider a different career path."


    "Could be worse," Wei Lin commented, carefully prodding his various bruises. "Have you heard about last year''s evaluation? Apparently Zhou was in a bad mood and sent half the outer disciples to the medical pavilion?"


    "Don''t remind me," Lin Mei sighed. "My sister spent weeks making healing salves for that mess. Speaking of which..." She started handing out more herbs. "Basic pain relief. Don''t expect miracles."


    I watched Song Xiang bow politely to Zhou again before leaving, a small crowd of admirers trailing in his wake. "Taking bets on his tragic backstory actually being tragic?"


    "No bet," Wei Lin replied. "Though I heard a rumor that his sect wasn''t really destroyed - they just didn''t appreciate his heaven-defying talent and tried to suppress him, forcing him to seek his own path..."


    "That does sound more appropriately dramatic," Lin Mei agreed. "Though I still think Senior Sister Chen smiling at him is the most unbelievable part."


    "It happened! I have witnesses!"


    As they argued about the statistical probability of Senior Sister Chen expressing positive emotions, I found myself wondering about Song Xiang''s perfect but slightly flawed cultivation. Something about Azure''s assessment nagged at me, like looking at a puzzle where one piece was rotated just wrong enough to notice.


    Status Update:


    Combat Evaluation: Survived


    Bruise Collection: Expanding


    Mysterious Young Master Alert: Active


    Azure''s Curiosity: Piqued


    Need for Better Training: Critical (again)


    Probability of Being in Someone Else''s Cultivation Drama: Rising


    "Stop worrying about the protagonist candidate," Azure advised. "We have our own mysterious powers to develop! Though possibly with fewer heavenly tribulations, if I can help it. Those seem statistically unfavorable to survival."


    He had a point. Let Song Xiang have his perfect techniques and dramatic backstory. I had my own path to follow, even if it was considerably less photogenic and involved more technological assistance than heaven-defying talent.


    Though I really needed to work on my martial arts, it would be useless in any world I travel to. Maybe Wei Lin had a discount on some less fancy but actually useful combat techniques...


    "Already calculating optimal training protocols!" Azure announced cheerfully. "Though I should mention there''s a small chance of dimensional instability during high-intensity practice sessions..."


    Wonderful. Because regular martial arts training wasn''t painful enough without the risk of accidentally falling into another reality.


    "You know," Wei Lin mused as we finally left the training hall, "I could probably make a fortune selling ''Mysterious Young Master'' cultivation supplies. Premium technique scrolls, dramatically torn robes, tragic backstory consultation services..."


    Some things never changed. Though I had to admit, a dramatically torn robe might actually improve my cultivation image...


    "No," Lin Mei said firmly, apparently reading my expression. "Stick to basics. Let the young masters worry about looking pretty while getting beat up."


    She was right, of course. I had enough to worry about without trying to compete in the mysterious prodigy department. Though maybe just a small investment in Wei Lin''s premium defensive techniques wouldn''t hurt...

 Chapter 14: Higher Games

    Chapter 14: Higher Games


    Elder Chen Yong sat in his customary place within the Celestial Peak''s central chamber. The other elders - peak Stellar Realm cultivators whose very presence could shake mountains - were arranged in a loose circle, their attention focused on the array of light hovering in the chamber''s center.


    The array displayed scenes from the outer disciples'' evaluation, spiritual energy reconstructing each moment in perfect detail. Chen Yong watched his fellow elders'' reactions as much as the images themselves, noting every slight shift in expression, every minute fluctuation in spiritual pressure. Even after decades of service as an elder, he still found it amusing how these scenes played out, year after year.


    "Interesting crop this year," Elder Sun remarked with his usual affected wisdom. At over a thousand years old, he loved playing the role of the ancient sage.


    Chen Yong resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He''d seen enough "interesting crops" to last several lifetimes.


    "The merchant''s son has decent foundation," Elder Liu offered, gesturing at Wei Lin''s Shadow Step technique.


    Chen Yong nearly snorted. Decent foundation - as if throwing money at cultivation could substitute for true understanding. But he kept his expression neutral, letting the others continue their familiar dance.


    "Too reliant on purchased techniques," Elder Wang predictably dismissed. "No true understanding of martial principles. Though I suppose he might develop adequately with proper guidance."


    They discussed each disciple in turn. The Lin girl''s practical efficiency earned some grudging approval, while the strange boy Ke Yin¡¯s unusually perfect energy control sparked brief debate before being dismissed as probably some forgotten family technique.


    But it was Song Xiang''s performance that truly captured their attention.


    "Modified Heaven''s Path forms," Elder Sun breathed, leaning forward as the array replayed the young man''s combat evaluation. "Not quite pure lineage, but remarkably close. Watch his energy circulation during this sequence..."


    The array zoomed in, spiritual energy highlighting the precise patterns of Song Xiang''s qi flow as he matched Zhou Ming''s techniques. Even in slow motion, the movements carried an inherent grace that spoke of profound understanding.


    "His foundation is exceptional," Elder Wang admitted, which almost made Chen Yong laugh out loud. Wang had rejected enough disciples to populate a small sect, and here he was, practically salivating over this one''s potential.


    "Though there are subtle imperfections in the energy convergence points...," the elder continued.


    "Imperfections that could be corrected with proper guidance," Elder Liu cut in smoothly. "His talent is obvious. The question is who will provide that guidance."


    And there it was - the real reason for this gathering. Chen Yong hid a smile as centuries-old political alliances began shifting like desert sands.


    "My cultivation path would suit his talents," Elder Sun offered casually. "The boy clearly has an affinity for classical techniques. Under my guidance..."


    "Your path emphasizes stability over growth," Elder Wang interrupted. "His potential requires a more aggressive approach. My Ascending Thunder techniques..."


    "Would burn out half his meridians within a month," Elder Liu snapped. "The boy needs refinement, not brute force advancement. My Gentle Flame Path..."


    "Is about as gentle as a rampaging spiritual beast," Elder Sun muttered, just loud enough to be heard.


    Song Xiang''s talent was remarkable, true, but it was the political value of such a promising disciple that truly drove their enthusiasm.


    As the debate grew more heated, Chen Yong settled deeper into his seat. At his age, he''d learned there was more value in watching and waiting than in joining every argument. Besides, he had a jar of spirit wine waiting in his quarters that would be far better company than this gathering of squabbling immortals.


    The array shifted again, showing Song Xiang''s energy capacity test. The moment when three resonance crystals shattered under the pressure of his spiritual essence drew appreciative murmurs even on second viewing.


    "Raw power like that needs proper tempering," Elder Wang insisted. "My techniques..."


    "Would waste half that potential on flashy demonstrations," Elder Liu countered. "The boy clearly understands subtle manipulation. Look at how he limits his output during the combat evaluation - that kind of control requires..."


    "A more experienced perspective than any of you can provide."


    The new voice cut through the chamber like a blade of pure authority. Every elder straightened instinctively as Sect Master Yuan stepped out of the shadows, his presence making the very air grow heavy with spiritual pressure.


    Chen Yong hadn''t even sensed him enter, which was... concerning. The Sect Master''s cultivation was so far beyond them that he could probably erase mountains without effort, but he usually maintained a careful limitation on his spiritual pressure out of courtesy.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    The fact that he was letting them feel even a fraction of his true power meant this wasn''t a casual visit.


    "Sect Master," the elders chorused, bowing with perfectly calculated respect - deep enough to show proper deference, but not so deep as to seem sycophantic.


    Yuan waved away their formality with his usual elegant dismissal. Chen Yong watched the Sect Master study Song Xiang''s image, wondering if he could finish this meeting in time to enjoy that jar of spirit wine he''d been saving. Probably not, given how things were developing.


    "Interesting boy," Yuan murmured. "Though not quite what he appears to be."


    Chen Yong held back another sigh as the other elders exchanged nervous glances. Centuries of cultivation, and they still acted like anxious disciples when their plans were disrupted.


    "His talent is remarkable," Elder Sun ventured, always the first to test dangerous waters.


    Chen Yong had to admire his consistency, if not his wisdom.


    "Though as you say, there are... mysteries about his background,¡± Elder Sun continued.


    "Mysteries indeed." Yuan gestured, and the array shifted to show Song Xiang''s energy circulation in microscopic detail. "Look here, and here. The flaws in his Heaven''s Path forms - they''re not random imperfections."


    Chen Yong leaned forward, studying the highlighted patterns with new interest. Now that the old monster mentioned it...


    "They''re deliberate," he realized, earning an approving nod from Yuan. "The imperfections are too precisely placed, too carefully maintained to be accidents."


    "Precisely." Yuan''s smile held centuries of secrets. "Someone went to a great deal of trouble to make those flaws look natural. The question is... why?"


    The chamber fell silent as implications rippled through the gathered elders like waves in a spiritual pond. A talented young cultivator with mysteriously perfect techniques and carefully crafted flaws... it painted a very different picture than a simple tragic prodigy.


    "A test?" Elder Wang suggested, scholarly interest overcoming political ambition. "Or perhaps a message of some kind?"


    "Both, I suspect," Yuan murmured. "Though the truly interesting question is who arranged this particular game, and to what end."


    Chen Yong watched the Sect Master''s expression, reading centuries of subtle politics in every minute shift. "You mean to take him as your disciple."


    It wasn''t a question, but the statement still sent shock waves through the chamber. Yuan hadn''t taken a personal disciple in over five hundred years, not since...


    Well. There were reasons the sect''s records from that period were carefully sealed.


    "Indeed." Yuan''s smile gained an edge that reminded them all why he became the youngest sect leader in the sect¡¯s history. "Sometimes the best move in a game is to rewrite the rules entirely."


    "But Sect Master," Elder Liu protested, political instincts warring with self-preservation, "his background is unverified, his techniques potentially compromised..."


    "Which is why he requires more direct supervision than any of you could provide." Yuan''s tone remained pleasant, but his spiritual pressure increased just enough to make the point clear. "Unless you doubt my ability to handle any... complications that might arise?"


    The elders quickly assured him that no such doubts existed, with the kind of emphatic agreement that suggested they''d really like to keep existing themselves.


    "Excellent." Yuan gestured, and the array dissolved into motes of light. "I will announce my decision after the full evaluation results are processed. I trust there are no objections?"


    The question was purely ceremonial, of course. Objecting to the Sect Master''s decisions tended to be hazardous to both cultivation and continued breathing.


    "Of course not, Sect Master," they chorused with perfect political unity born of centuries of survival instinct.


    "Wonderful." Yuan turned to leave, then paused. "Oh, and Chen Yong? Do keep an eye on that curious boy with the perfect energy control. He is...rather interesting."


    Chen Yong managed to keep his expression perfectly neutral, though internally he was already mourning the loss of his peaceful evening plans. Of course the Sect Master would choose him for this bothersome task. Eight hundred years of cultivation, and here he was, being assigned to babysit another supposedly special disciple.


    "Of course, Sect Master," he replied, while mentally calculating how many meditation sessions this would cost him. He''d been planning to focus on his own breakthrough these next few months, but apparently the heavens had other plans. Or more accurately, Yuan had other plans, which tended to be far more troublesome than heavenly decrees.


    Still, refusing wasn''t an option. Not that Chen Yong would have refused anyway - he''d long ago learned that fighting against Yuan''s schemes was like trying to swim upstream in a spiritual waterfall. Better to go along with it and hope this particular task wouldn''t be too disruptive to his cultivation schedule. Though given the Sect Master''s cryptic smile, he doubted he''d be that fortunate.


    At least he could still enjoy that jar of spirit wine tonight. He''d probably need it.


    Yuan''s smile suggested he knew exactly how much that casual comment had disturbed them all. "Fascinating times we live in, wouldn''t you say? So many young talents with unusual backgrounds appearing all at once. Almost as if someone arranged it..."


    With that cheerful bit of existential uncertainty, the Sect Master vanished - not with a dramatic technique or flowing movement, but simply ceased to be present between one moment and the next.


    The chamber remained silent for several long moments as the elders processed what had just happened. Their carefully laid political plans regarding Song Xiang lay in ruins, but none of them were quite foolish enough to complain about it.


    "Well," Elder Sun finally said, his perpetual amusement somehow intact, "that was unexpected."


    "The Sect Master taking a personal disciple after five centuries?" Elder Wang shook his head. "Unexpected doesn''t begin to cover it."


    Chen Yong resisted the urge to point out that very little about their Sect Master was ever truly unexpected. The man had been playing these games since before most of them were born.


    "Not just any disciple," Elder Liu mused. "One with deliberately flawed Heaven''s Path techniques and an obviously manufactured background. Either our Sect Master has finally gone senile..."


    "He hasn''t," Chen Yong cut in firmly. He hadn''t lived this long by letting others drag him into potentially fatal conversations.


    "Indeed not," Elder Sun agreed quickly. "Though I can''t help but wonder about his comment regarding young talents with unusual backgrounds. First this Song Xiang with his suspiciously perfect techniques, then that boy with the strange energy optimization..."


    "I''m sure the Sect Master has everything well in hand," Chen Yong said in the tone that meant ''let''s stop talking about this before we attract unfortunate attention.''


    The other elders took the hint, smoothly shifting to less potentially hazardous topics. But Chen Yong noticed they all carefully avoided mentioning Song Xiang, or anything else that might draw their leader''s attention again.


    Sometimes survival at their level meant knowing exactly when to stop asking questions. Though he couldn''t help but wonder about Yuan''s final comments...


    Almost as if someone arranged it?


    No, it¡¯s better to focus on the wine, Chen Yong decided. In his experience, questioning the Sect Master''s cryptic statements rarely led anywhere pleasant.

 Chapter 15: Shopping for Power

    Chapter 15: Shopping for Power


    "Hey Wei," I called out, catching up to him after morning practice. "Quick question about those fancy techniques of yours..."


    Wei Lin''s eyes lit up with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for spiritual treasure discoveries. "Finally ready to invest in premium martial arts? I have an excellent selection of-"


    "Slow down," I interrupted before he could launch into what was definitely a prepared sales pitch. "I''m working with a budget here. Like, a very small budget. Think ''starving outer disciple'' level of resources."


    "Ah." He nodded sagely. "The tragic poor protagonist approach. Very classical. Though usually they have some heaven-defying talent to make up for their lack of resources."


    I glanced at my decidedly non-heaven-defying cultivation level. "Let''s focus on what I can afford instead of what talents I don''t have."


    Wei Lin led me to his quarters, which looked like a spiritual technique merchant had exploded inside. Scrolls covered every surface, technique manuals were stacked in precarious towers, and what looked suspiciously like a price catalog lay open on his desk.


    "Welcome to Wei''s Premium Martial Arts Emporium!" He gestured grandly. "Where cultivation dreams come true, for the right price. Now, what''s your style preference? We have the ''Graceful Immortal'' line for those seeking elegance, the ''Thunder Warrior'' series for more aggressive practitioners..."


    "I need something fast," I said, examining a scroll labeled ''Cloud Step Technique (Budget Edition)''. "Something that lets me hit hard and get out before I get hit back. Preferably without bankrupting me."


    "Ah, the swift striker archetype! Very popular among disciples who''ve recently experienced trauma via combat evaluation." He started pulling scrolls from various piles. "Though I should warn you, the really good speed techniques tend to be..."


    "Expensive?" I guessed.


    "Investment opportunities!" he corrected cheerfully. "But for you, my friend who survived Zhou''s special attention, I might be willing to offer a discount."


    What followed was the most aggressive martial arts sales pitch I''ve ever experienced. Wei Lin had techniques for everything - defensive arts that supposedly made you untouchable, attack patterns that promised devastation, even specialized techniques for specific weather conditions.


    "This one," he explained, holding up an ornate scroll, "is the ''Summer Rain Sword Dance.'' Perfect for humid days when you want to look dramatic while fighting."


    "I''m looking for effectiveness, not dramatization," I reminded him. "Also, I don''t use a sword."


    "That''s what makes it special! It can be adapted to any weapon! Though the dramatic effect is reduced by 47% without proper sword luminescence..."


    After an hour of increasingly elaborate demonstrations (how did he fit all these techniques in one room?), we finally got down to serious negotiation.


    "The Phantom Strike technique," Wei Lin said, holding up a surprisingly plain scroll. "Fast, direct, minimal energy requirement. Perfect for disciples who want to hit things very hard very quickly and then be somewhere else."Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    "That... actually sounds useful." I examined the scroll. The technique diagrams were clear and practical, without the usual flowery cultivation manuscript aesthetics. It seemed to be something that would prove useful in a world like the Two Suns where he doesn¡¯t have access to qi. "What''s the catch?"


    "Well..." He hesitated. "It''s not very... prestigious. No flowing robes, no dramatic energy manifestations. Just pure speed and power. Most disciples prefer something more visually impressive."


    "I prefer not getting hit," I countered. "How much?"


    The price negotiation that followed would have made merchant sect elders proud. Wei Lin started at "reasonable investment in your future," worked his way down through "friendly discount" and "tragic protagonist special," and finally arrived at "slightly above what I can afford."


    "Look," I said after another round of haggling, "I can offer basic spirit stones, three contribution points, and..." I dug through my pockets. "Half a spiritual energy bar."


    "Is that the premium blend from the sect store?"


    "No, it''s the basic outer disciple ration kind."


    "Ah." He looked pained. "You really are going for the impoverished protagonist angle."


    But finally, after much dramatic sighing and references to friendship transcending mere profit, we struck a deal. The Phantom Strike technique was mine, along with Wei Lin''s solemn promise to never reveal how little I''d paid for it.


    "Just remember me when you become a powerful inner disciple," he said as he handed over the scroll. "Preferably remember me with lots of spirit stones."


    Learning the technique proved to be... interesting. The training ground I''d found was secluded enough to avoid embarrassment, but that didn''t make the initial attempts any less painful.


    The first few tries sent me sprawling in various undignified positions. Phantom Strike worked by concentrating spiritual energy into brief, explosive bursts of speed and power. The key was timing - gathering power, releasing it in a precise sequence, and riding the energy wave through the strike.


    Hours passed as I practiced the movements over and over. The technique wasn''t fancy, but it was starting to feel... right. Like something that fit my style, or at least my style of trying not to die.


    Each successful execution seemed to refine my energy channels slightly, making the next attempt smoother. It wasn''t dramatic cultivation breakthrough territory, but it was progress. I could feel my body adapting to the high-speed movements, muscles and meridians strengthening with each repetition.


    The sun was setting by the time I finally called it quits. My muscles ached, my spiritual energy was nearly depleted, and I''d probably created several new bruise collections. But when I checked my status...


    Soul Essence: 290/300


    Spiritual Essence: 246/246


    Physical Essence: 219/219


    My physical essence had increased by 4 points. The repeated stress of high-speed movement and energy compression was forcing my body to adapt and grow stronger. Sure, my technique execution was still rough around the edges, but it was definitely an improvement over the sect''s basic arts.


    As I headed back to my quarters, scroll safely stored away, I couldn''t help but feel satisfied. Sure, I wasn''t pulling off heaven-shaking techniques like certain mysterious young masters, but I had something that worked for me. Something fast, practical, and most importantly, something that might actually keep me alive in the next combat evaluation and maybe even let me last longer in a strange world.


    The next morning''s practice session was going to hurt, but that was future me''s problem. Current me was just happy to have a technique that didn''t involve looking dramatic while getting beaten up.


    Though I did kind of wish it came with flowing robes. Maybe Wei Lin had a discount on those too...


    But that could wait. One step at a time, starting with not hitting myself while using Phantom Strike. The flowing robes could wait until I actually managed to look cool while moving fast.


    Besides, torn and dirty robes from training accidents probably counted as "cultivator chic" anyway. At least, that''s what I kept telling myself as I limped back to my quarters, already planning tomorrow''s practice session.


    Who needed heaven-defying talent when you had determination and a bargain-bin technique? Though maybe I should see if Wei Lin had any discount healing arts for sale too... just in case.


    Status Update:


    New Technique: Acquired (Bargain Price)


    Training Progress: Painful but Promising


    Physical Essence: Slightly Less Pathetic


    Fashion Sense: Still Pending


    Probability of Survival in Next Combat Evaluation: Marginally Improved


    But that was definitely a problem for tomorrow''s me. Current me needed sleep, preferably before these muscles decided to stage a full rebellion.

 Chapter 16: Jade Beauty

    Chapter 16: Jade Beauty


    There''s an unwritten rule in cultivation novels - when a beautiful female cultivator suddenly takes interest in you, start planning your escape route. Preferably to another continent. Or in my case, another dimension.


    I was practicing the Phantom Strike technique in one of the smaller training grounds, trying to perfect the movement pattern Azure had helped optimize, when that prickling sensation of being watched made me pause mid-strike.


    "Qi signature detected," Azure reported helpfully. "Power level... oh. Oh my. That''s significantly above our weight class. Peak Qi Condensation!"


    I turned slowly, already dreading what I''d find. Sure enough, watching me from the edge of the training ground was a young woman in purple robes. Purple robes. The kind worn exclusively by Core Disciples.


    During recruitment, disciples were evaluated and sorted into three potential tracks - Outer, Inner, and Core. The original Ke Yin had barely scraped into Outer Disciple potential, which made sense given his... well, my current situation. Core Disciples were the elite, either selected directly for their talent or advancing through sheer determination and skill. Either path commanded respect.


    Which made her focused attention on my practice session deeply concerning.


    I''d read about jade beauties in cultivation novels, but nothing had prepared me for the reality. She was breathtaking in the most literal sense - I actually found myself forgetting to breathe for a moment. Her features were perfect with an otherworldly quality that made even the most beautiful mortal women seem plain by comparison.


    Long black hair fell like silk past her waist, and her eyes held hints of golden light. Her purple robes seemed to flow around her like water, each movement graceful enough to make celestial maidens jealous.


    "Your form is quite good," she said, realizing she''d been noticed. "Especially for someone at your cultivation level."


    "Analyzing facial features," Azure chimed in. "Calculating probability of this being a cultivation novel clich¨¦... results concerning."


    "I''m Wu Lihua. I couldn''t help but notice your interesting take on the Phantom Strike technique."


    I bowed respectfully, maintaining exactly the right degree of deference for a lower-ranked disciple. "This humble one is Ke Yin. Senior Sister''s praise is too generous."


    An awkward silence followed as I desperately tried to remember if any cultivation novel protagonists had survived similar situations without getting entangled in deadly politics or love triangles.


    "Focus on survival," I reminded myself. "Beautiful core disciples are more dangerous than demon beasts." Though my treacherous mind helpfully pointed out that her smile really was like moonlight on clear water...


    No. Stop that. This was exactly how those tragic young master side characters started their downfall.


    "You''re too modest," Wu Lihua broke the silence, her smile warming slightly. "Your execution of the technique shows remarkable understanding. How long have you been practicing it?"


    "About a week, Senior Sister."


    Her eyes widened slightly. "Only a week? That''s... impressive. The Phantom Strike usually takes months just to grasp the basic movement pattern. You must have a natural affinity for it."


    "The technique simply suits my style," I deflected, wondering if there was a polite way to flee. "Though I still have much to improve."


    "Azure''s optimization protocols at work," Azure commented proudly. "Though I note her qi patterns show increased fluctuation when speaking to you. Interesting!"


    Not helping, Azure. Really not helping.


    "Have you considered what cultivation method you¡¯d like to specialise in?" she asked, taking a step closer.


    I thought carefully about my response. At the Second Stage of Qi Condensation, I was still using just the basic qi gathering technique they taught all new disciples. I''d barely started learning actual combat techniques, and hadn''t even touched the kind of qi techniques that extended a few feet beyond the body.


    From what Wei Lin had mentioned, we wouldn''t even be asked to choose our cultivation methods until after we reached the Third Stage of Qi Condensation.


    The choice of cultivation method was a big deal in any cultivation world - I''d read enough novels to know that.


    But what made the choice even more complicated was this world''s unique approach to cultivation. Unlike some of the cultivation novels I''d read, here the ultimate goal was to create a universe within one''s dantian.


    Most cultivators started with the basic methods - some gathered natural earth qi to slowly form landscapes within their dantian, others absorbed the essence of plants and minerals to create the foundation of their inner world, and many focused on understanding basic natural laws to establish the rules their universe would follow.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    The common path was to choose a simple aspect of nature - like water, wind, or even something as basic as stone - and use it as the cornerstone of your universe creation. It was slow but stable, and most cultivators were content with eventually forming a small, stable world within themselves.


    But Wei Lin had told me about the truly exceptional cultivators, the ones whose names echoed through the millennia. They went for methods that made these basic approaches look like child''s play.


    Some chose the Primordial Chaos techniques, impossibly difficult to cultivate but offering unlimited potential for universe creation. Others took the Five Elements path, incorporating all five elements until they could create a perfectly balanced miniature cosmos.


    Then there were the body cultivation techniques that turned the cultivator''s flesh into an indestructible weapon while nurturing a universe born from physical essence. The sword cultivation methods that linked the cultivator''s spirit to their blade and created entire sword worlds within their dantian. Some even created universes shaped by artistic principles through music or painting!


    But right now, I was just trying to survive day by day without getting crushed by someone ten realms above me who woke up feeling cranky. Maybe once I figured out how to last a week without nearly dying, I''d worry about grander cultivation goals.


    "I''m still exploring different paths," I deflected. "There''s so much to learn in the sect."


    "True, but it''s good to recognize your natural talents." She took a single step forward that somehow left three perfect afterimages in her wake, each trailing silver light like moonbeams through water. "The advanced versions of techniques like Phantom Strike can be quite powerful when mastered. Though finding a good teacher is important..."


    Was she offering to teach me? That was... concerning. In cultivation novels, accepting teachings from beautiful senior disciples usually came with more strings attached than a puppet master''s workshop.


    "Senior Sister''s insights are valuable," I said diplomatically. "Though I worry my current level is too low for advanced techniques."


    She waved off my concern. "Talent matters more than cultivation level for many techniques. Besides..." her smile turned slightly playful.


    That''s when I noticed the second set of eyes watching us.


    Standing near one of the pillars was a young man in white Outer Disciple robes, his face notably paler than usual. Wu Kangming.


    I''d seen him around but never paid much attention - he was consistently at the bottom of our class rankings, the kind of disciple people expected to wash out sooner rather than later.


    Wu Lihua noticed him too. For just a fraction of a second, her smile faltered. Then she moved even closer to me, her interest becoming almost overwhelming. "Your energy control is particularly fascinating. Have you considered learning some advanced movement techniques? I know several that would suit your talent..."


    The situation was starting to feel like watching someone else''s cultivation drama unfold in slow motion, with me accidentally cast in a role I definitely didn''t want.


    Thankfully, I spotted Wei Lin near the equipment racks. "Senior Sister''s guidance is deeply appreciated," I said, bowing again. "But I promised my fellow disciple I would assist with his training. Perhaps another time?"


    "Of course," she replied, her smile never wavering. "Don''t hesitate to seek my advice if you have questions. About anything..."


    I retreated as gracefully as possible, noticing the strange tension between Wu Lihua and Wu Kangming as I passed. There was definitely a story there, and I wanted absolutely nothing to do with it.


    "That," Wei Lin declared as we walked back toward the dormitories, "was the most entertainment I''ve had since the combat evaluations! Did you see how she was looking at you? The humble village boy Ke Yin, capturing the heart of a Core Disciple..."


    "Please stop," I groaned. "Who exactly was that? And why do I feel like I just walked into someone else''s revenge plot?"


    Wei Lin''s expression turned unusually serious. "Wu Lihua? Everyone knows about her. She arrived in the same recruitment wave as us, but one of the Grand Elders spotted her talent immediately. Recruited her directly into the Core Disciple program. But that''s not the interesting part..."


    "The pale guy watching us?" I guessed.


    "Wu Kangming," Wei Lin nodded. "Same clan as Wu Lihua. They were actually engaged before joining the sect. A political arrangement - his branch of the family had resources, hers had talent. But then she got selected as a Core Disciple while he... well."


    "Barely qualified as an Outer Disciple," I finished.


    "And that''s being generous. Rumors say his father bribed someone just to get him accepted. The engagement was doomed the moment Wu Lihua''s status changed - no Core Disciple would marry an Outer Disciple who might not even pass his evaluations."


    I had a sinking feeling. "Speaking of evaluations..."


    "Yeah," Wei Lin''s voice dropped. "Remember Zhou''s combat assessment? Wu Kangming was the one who got crippled this year. His cultivation base was damaged - he might never advance beyond his current level."


    Perfect. Just perfect. We had every element of a classic cultivation revenge story - the talented fianc¨¦e, the crippled cultivator, the arrogant young master who caused his injury... and now me, apparently cast as the new love interest without auditioning for the role. The only thing missing was his mysterious powerup, which I really didn''t want to be around for.


    And Zhou... well, Zhou had guaranteed himself a death sentence. There are some things you just don''t do in a cultivation world, and crippling a young master''s cultivation ranked pretty high on that list. Not that I could explain any of this to Wei Lin - trying to convince someone that their world operated on story logic would probably end badly.


    "No more jokes about Wu Lihua," I told Wei Lin firmly.


    "What? But it''s hilarious! The way she was-"


    "I''m serious," I cut him off. "People do crazy things when love and face are involved. Especially cultivators."


    Understanding slowly dawned on Wei Lin''s face. "You think... but he''s just a failed Outer Disciple. Even if his family has some influence..."


    "Just promise me you''ll stop with the marriage jokes."


    "Alright, alright," he held up his hands in surrender. "Though you''re probably being paranoid. What''s the worst that could happen?"


    "I don''t plan on finding out."


    As we walked back to our quarters, I thought about how I''d have to be extra careful in training from now on - the last thing I needed was to get dragged into whatever drama was brewing between the Wu clan members.


    I just hoped I hadn''t already caught Wu Kangming''s attention. The only thing worse than being the target of a jade beauty''s interest was being seen as her new suitor by her crippled ex-fianc¨¦. That was the kind of plot point that ended with someone getting thrown off a mountain.


    "Don''t worry too much," Azure tried to reassure me. "Worst case scenario, we can always try dimensional travel again. Though maybe we should work on controlling that better first..."


    Right. Because randomly jumping between dimensions was totally a safer option than getting involved in cultivation politics. Though given how these stories usually went...


    "Start calculating escape routes," I told Azure mentally. "Just in case."


    Maybe I should have reincarnated as a spirit beast instead. Surely nothing dramatic ever happened to them...


    Right?

 Chapter 17: Big Fish Small Pond OR Small Fish Big Pond?

    Chapter 17: Big Fish Small Pond OR Small Fish Big Pond?


    Having a star in your soul is weird enough. Having one that''s trying to grow leaves while potentially threatening to yeet you into another dimension? That''s a whole new level of "my life is not normal anymore."


    "Your qi fluctuation patterns are becoming increasingly erratic," Azure observed as I sat cross-legged in my usual spot in the western garden. "89% chance of breakthrough within the next three days."


    The seed had grown from marble-size to softball-size and the first true leaf was halfway emerged, which according to every manual meant I was approaching a breakthrough whether I liked it or not.


    "That''s what I''m afraid of," I muttered, glancing around for any sign of purple robes.


    The past few weeks had been an exercise in futility - no matter which training ground I picked, no matter what odd hour I chose to practice, Wu Lihua seemed to materialize like a particularly persistent spirit. And where she appeared, the pale figure of Wu Kangming wasn''t far behind, lurking in shadows or behind pillars with an expression that grew more unsettling by the day.


    Sure, only seconds passed here when my soul went dimension hopping, but Wu Lihua had already noticed something ''special'' about my cultivation. The last thing I needed was for her to detect my consciousness briefly vacating reality during one of her increasingly frequent training ''coincidences.''


    "You''re still concerned about dimensional stability?" Azure asked. "The probability of another Two Suns incident is difficult to calculate without more data points."


    Ah yes, Two Suns. Where my last breakthrough had sent me on an unexpected vacation to a world where magic-wielding zealots turned people into red mist in the name of their sun god. But then again, I guess this world wasn¡¯t any better¡­


    "Your Worldwalker''s Sojourn ability remains largely undefined," Azure continued as I tried to focus on stabilizing my qi circulation. "Though I note your soul essence seems particularly responsive to dimensional fluctuations."


    "Where¡¯s a tutorial when you need one?" I sighed, watching my inner world ripple with each pulse of energy.


    Though if I was being honest, the whole dimension-hopping thing would be pretty amazing if I could actually control it. When my cultivation is higher - maybe after reaching Foundation Establishment where I''d at least have the power to defend myself - exploring different worlds could be incredible. Learning unique techniques, experiencing different cultures, maybe even finding cultivation methods that didn''t exist in this world... it had real potential.


    But right now, at the measly Second Stage of Qi Condensation, getting yanked across realities without my consent was like being a toddler thrown into the deep end of a very dangerous pool. The problem wasn''t the traveling itself - it was being too weak to handle whatever I found on the other side.


    "Perhaps some research would help ease your concerns?" Azure suggested as another wave of energy made the half-formed leaf flicker like a glitch in reality. "The sect library must have some relevant texts."


    "Worth a try," I agreed, pulling back from meditation. Better than sitting here waiting for my inner world to decide which reality it preferred.


    ***


    The sect library was quiet, most disciples probably doing something sensible like actual cultivation practice. I wandered through the philosophy sections, picking up anything that looked remotely promising.


    "''Mysteries of the Heavenly Dao''," I read from one dusty tome. "Think this''ll have anything about accidentally hopping between worlds?"


    "Scanning... mostly metaphors about clouds and mountains," Azure reported. "Though there is an interesting chapter about what happens to cultivators who achieve the mythical state of ascension."


    The more I read about these "ascensions," the more a pattern emerged. Powerful cultivators reaching the peak of their cultivation, breaking through to a "higher realm," and then... nothing. They vanished, leaving behind only legends and empty robes. Not a single account mentioned anyone coming back.


    I couldn''t help but laugh, earning a stern look from a nearby disciple organizing scrolls. "You know, Azure, I bet some of these ''ascended masters'' just broke through into another world and found out they weren''t hot stuff anymore. Imagine being the strongest cultivator in your realm only to realise your ¡®supreme talent¡¯ doesn¡¯t qualify to protect you from ending up as cannon fodder in the next one."This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    "Actually, based on cultivator psychology and ambition metrics, I calculate the probability of that being true is¡ª"


    "It''s like being a big fish in a small pond versus being a small fish in a big pond," I interrupted, flipping through another useless text. "Wonder which is worse? Though I suppose with my world walking ability, I''ll end up experiencing both eventually.¡±


    "Given your current cultivation progress and general talent metrics, I estimate you''ll be experiencing the ''small fish'' scenario approximately... indefinitely," Azure replied. "Though I suppose there''s always a non-zero chance you might eventually find a pond small enough. Perhaps one inhabited solely by spiritual algae."


    I glared at the empty air where I imagined Azure''s smug non-existent face would be. "Your confidence in me is overwhelming. Truly touching to have such a supportive spiritual companion."


    "I prefer the term ''realistic'' companion," Azure replied. "But we''re getting distracted from the real issue here ¨C none of these accounts match what happens to you. They''re all about cultivators physically disappearing into these ''higher realms.'' Nobody''s writing about their soul taking an interdimensional vacation while their body stays behind for safekeeping."


    "Maybe that kind of information exists somewhere," I mused, running a finger along the spine of another ancient text. "Just not where lowly outer disciples can find it."


    "You mean like those restricted sections behind the red jade doors?" Azure asked innocently. "The ones with those fascinating warning talismans about ''death to trespassers''?"


    "Restricted sections that outer disciples definitely aren''t allowed to browse through," I grumbled, closing the last book with more force than necessary. "Great. Because that''s exactly what I need right now ¨C either our world knows nothing about dimensional travel, or the knowledge exists but I''d have to break about fifty sect rules to find it."


    "Your research approach is becoming rather... chaotic," Azure observed as I started pulling books at random. "I''m detecting elevated stress levels and a 73% decrease in reading comprehension."


    "I¡¯m a little stressed about my soul potentially going on another unplanned vacation," I sighed, slumping over yet another useless text.


    "We could focus on breakthrough stabilization techniques instead? Those are at least accessible to outer disciples."


    "And how often do those actually work?" I asked, already dreading the answer.


    "Do you want the optimistic numbers or the realistic ones?"


    "Never mind. I don''t think my self-esteem can take another hit today."


    Gathering every stability technique that I could find and nursing what remained of my dignity, I retreated to my quarters.


    "Were you expecting to find some ancient manual titled ''So Your Soul Likes to Travel: A Guide to Interdimensional Cultivation''?" Azure asked as I dropped the stack of books on my desk. "Or maybe a mysterious old immortal lurking in the library ready to reveal ancient wisdom?"


    I sighed, caught out. "Is it that obvious? I guess I did think something would just... fall into place. Like in those cultivation stories where the protagonist always finds exactly what they need at exactly the right moment."


    "Look on the bright side, most cultivators spend their entire lives hoping to glimpse another realm. You''ve already visited three, and lived to tell about it. Well, technically died to tell about it, but who''s counting?"


    I laughed at that. He had a point ¨C my situation was unique, even if it was terrifying sometimes.


    "Besides," Azure continued, "your previous breakthrough might have resulted in complete dimensional transfer, but things are different now. Your cultivation base is more stable, your understanding is deeper, and your inner world has better structural integrity. You''re not the same cultivator you were back then."


    "Azure, it''s been what, a month since my last breakthrough?" I shook my head. " I don''t think I''ve changed that much in four weeks."


    "...I know," Azure admitted after a pause. "I was attempting to boost your morale. Is it working?"


    "Not really. But points for effort." I sighed. "So, what are my actual chances of not falling through reality this time?"


    "Actually... let''s focus on preparation instead," Azure said quickly. "I''ve analyzed these stability techniques, and while they might not stop dimensional travel entirely, they could help you maintain better control. Think of it as training wheels for reality-hopping."


    I spent the next few hours practicing every technique we found, from basic energy circulation to advanced meditation methods that mostly just made my legs fall asleep.


    Soul Essence: 300/300


    Spiritual Essence: 250/250


    Physical Essence: 220/220


    "Your essence levels are holding steady," Azure confirmed. "Though I detect increasing pressure in your spiritual pathways. Breakthrough probability now at 94%."


    I stared at my essence readings, thinking about how many times I''d checked them today. The numbers weren''t going to get any better than this. I''d studied every accessible technique, stabilized my cultivation as much as possible, and picked the safest location I could find.


    "You know what?" I stood up, shaking out my numb legs. "Let''s just do it."


    "...I''m sorry, what?"


    "The breakthrough. Let''s do it now."


    "Your previous strategy of ''delay until the last possible moment'' seemed quite committed," Azure noted carefully. "Are you sure about this change in approach?"


    I started clearing a space in the center of my quarters. "Look, delaying is just going to make it worse, right? You said it yourself ¨C waiting increases the chance of a spontaneous breakthrough."


    "Well, yes, but¡ª"


    "And I''m tired of jumping at shadows every time my qi fluctuates. Better to face it head-on than wait for it to surprise me in the middle of dinner or something."


    A pause.


    "Your reasoning is¡­logical."


    "Try not to sound so shocked." I settled into meditation position. "Besides, if I end up in another death world, I''m filing a formal complaint with whatever cosmic entity keeps doing this to me."


    "I''ll help you draft it," Azure said cheerfully. "Now then ¨C beginning breakthrough sequence. Current inner world capacity at 98.7%. Seed evolution imminent."


    I closed my eyes and dove my spiritual sense into my inner world. The space felt cramped, but for the first time, I wasn''t dreading what came next. Whatever reality wanted to throw at me, I was ready.


    Probably.


    Maybe.


    At least I wasn''t getting dragged into it kicking and screaming this time. That had to count for something.

 Chapter 18: Welcome Back

    Chapter 18: Welcome Back


    I focused on my seed, trying to guide its transformation like I had during my last breakthrough. But something was different this time. The energy patterns were more complex, more... willful. Where before they had been like a gentle stream, now they reminded me of ocean currents, deep and powerful and not entirely predictable.


    The first hints came as ripples in my inner world, spreading outward from the seed in waves of golden light. The stellar core pulsed, each beat sending sparks of qi racing through my meridians.


    It was beautiful, in a terrifying sort of way.


    "Qi patterns intensifying," Azure reported. "Detecting significant qi accumulation in your lower dantian."


    I remembered Senior Sister Liu''s lengthy explanation about the dantian being the "foundation of all cultivation, the crucible where essence is refined into power, and the wellspring from which true strength flows."


    After ten minutes of similar metaphors, I still wasn''t entirely sure what she meant. Was it physical? Spiritual? Both? Neither? If someone were to dissect a cultivator (not that I was volunteering), would they find an actual dantian, or was it more like a concept, an idea given form through cultivation?


    Cultivators had a peculiar talent for making everything sound profound while explaining absolutely nothing - rather like those politicians who could talk for hours without actually saying anything of substance.


    Still, at least I could feel where the energy was gathering, even if I couldn''t quite grasp what exactly was gathering it or how. The whole thing made my head hurt if I thought about it too much, which was probably why most cultivators just accepted it without question.


    Right now, though, I had more pressing concerns than philosophical questions about cultivation anatomy.


    The gentle ripples turned into waves, then into something that felt like a spiritual tsunami building up behind a dam of pure willpower. I could feel the pressure mounting, my inner world straining at its boundaries.


    Then the dam broke.


    The first wave of expansion hit like a tsunami of pure force. My inner world stretched and warped as the seed began to evolve, its stellar core brightening until it rivaled a supernova in miniature. The single leaf that had marked my previous breakthrough began to shimmer, its edges bleeding light into dimensions I couldn''t quite comprehend.


    "Primary transformation beginning," Azure reported, his usual calm voice tinged with what might have been excitement. "Inner world boundaries expanding. Current size: 35 cubic meters... 42... 51..."


    I watched in awe as my seed underwent its metamorphosis. Streams of energy spiraled around the stellar core in a whirlpool pattern forming structures that defied normal geometry.


    The second true leaf burst into existence, not content with merely existing in normal space, it seemed to bend reality around itself as it grew.


    The first leaf pulsed in sympathy, creating patterns of light and energy that danced through my expanding inner world. Together, they danced, their movements sending ripples through the very fabric of my inner universe.


    "Fascinating," Azure mused. "The two leaves are working in perfect harmony, creating a stabilization field throughout your inner world. The spatial matrix they''re generating... it''s like they''re weaving a foundation for future creation. Your inner world is being primed for actual cultivation work ¨C you can soon start building landscapes, forming spiritual springs, maybe even experimenting with basic weather patterns."


    I barely heard him. The transformation had reached its peak, energy coursing through my spiritual pathways like liquid starlight. My inner world felt alive in a way it never had before.


    Then everything... shifted. The chaos of the breakthrough settled into a new order, the wild energies finding their proper channels. The seed stabilized, settling into its new form like it hadn''t just rewritten several laws of physics.


    My inner world expanded one final time, the boundaries stretching outward until they settled at a comfortable 55 cubic meters. The two leaves, now fully formed, cast their strange light across this newly expanded space, their glow reflecting off walls that seemed to exist in more dimensions than strictly necessary.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 450/450 (Upgraded!)


    Spiritual Essence: 350/350 (Now with extra sparkles)


    Physical Essence: 350/350 (Feeling buff)


    Inner World: 55 cubic meters of prime metaphysical real estate


    Special Features: One quantum star with two reality-bending leaves


    Finally reaching the Third Stage of Qi Condensation meant I could start the real work of creation. Like Azure had mentioned, I could finally begin shaping my inner world, but first I needed to choose a primary cultivation method.


    The basic qi gathering techniques that had carried me this far wouldn''t be enough anymore - the real cultivation methods were kept in the sect archives. Like all disciples in the peak of the Second Stage, I''d been told to report there once I broke through to select my primary cultivation method.


    "Reviewing your current status," Azure announced with what sounded like pride. "Third Stage Qi Condensation achieved in three months - putting you in the top 15% of outer disciples for cultivation speed. At this rate, you could qualify for the Outer Disciple Tournament when they begin in six months."


    "The ones where disciples fight each other for a chance at becoming inner disciples?" I shook my head. "Not unless I''m absolutely certain I can handle myself. I''ve seen the aftermath of those trials - half the participants end up in the healing pavilion, and those are the lucky ones."


    "A pragmatic approach," Azure agreed. "Unlike some protagonists who rush into every challenge regardless of preparation."


    "Exactly. I''m not going to risk getting crippled or killed just because of pride or impatience. Inner disciple status would be great, but not if I have to gamble my cultivation base to get it."


    "At least your current progress should grant you access to decent cultivation methods," Azure observed. "Though given your unique situation, perhaps something adaptable would be most beneficial."


    He had a point. Whatever method I chose needed to work with my tendency to... travel. Something flexible enough to handle different types of energy, different rules of reality¡ª


    The familiar sensation of reality becoming optional interrupted my planning. I felt myself becoming lighter, that telltale sign that my soul was about to take another interdimensional field trip.


    "Dimensional resonance detected," Azure confirmed, his tone almost apologetic. "Worldwalker''s Sojourn activating."


    I sighed, already resigned to what was coming. At least this time I was prepared ¨C sort of. My cultivation base was stronger but more importantly I had the Tri-Essence Harmony Method. Which meant that even in a world without qi, I should still be able to defend myself using my soul essence alone. In theory, anyway.


    At least whatever reality I landed in this time, it had to be better than Two Suns. Even with my questionable luck, the universe couldn''t be that cruel twice in a row.


    Right?


    "Just... please don''t let it be zealots this time," I muttered as reality began to fade. "I''ll take anything else. Demon realm? Sure. Death world? Been there. Just no more sun-worshipping psychopaths."


    "Calculating odds of landing in a worse scenario..." Azure began.


    "Don''t you dare finish that calculation."


    The last thing I heard was Azure''s amused hum as everything went dark.


    Not the gentle darkness of closed eyes or even the dramatic darkness of unconsciousness. This was that special kind of void that said "Reality? We don''t do that here."


    Then the world exploded back into existence with the clash of steel on steel and the thundering of hooves. The bitter taste of blood filled my mouth, and my ears rang with the sounds of battle cries and screaming.


    "Tomas! Stop standing there like a lost sheep and help us with the barricade!"


    I opened my eyes to find a burly man with a woodcutter''s axe waving frantically at me from behind a hastily constructed wooden barrier.


    Oh no.


    No, no, no.


    I knew this scene. I''d lived this scene. This was the exact moment I''d arrived last time, when¡ª


    I looked up. Two suns blazed in the alien sky - one blood red, one electric blue.


    "You have got to be kidding me," I muttered.


    "Welcome back to Two Suns!" Azure said with inappropriate cheerfulness. "Though technically, given the temporal loop we seem to have encountered, this might be the same Two Suns as before. Just... reset?"


    Status Update - Current Body:


    Name: Tomas the Miller''s Son (Again)


    Level: N/A (Still No Cultivation)


    Core Essence:


    <ul>


    <li>Soul Essence: 450 units (Unchanged - Soul Transferred)</li>


    <li>Spiritual Essence: 0 units (Previous: 350 units)</li>


    <li>Physical Essence: 12 units (Previous: 350 units) </li>


    <li>Skills: Grain Milling, Basic Farming </li>


    </ul>


    Special Note: We''ve been here before. Literally.


    "Watch out!" Someone yanked me behind the barricade as an arrow whistled past. A young woman with a pitchfork glared at me. "Has fear addled your wits, Tomas? The raiders will be here any moment!"


    Maya. This was Maya. Who I''d watched die last time, killed by a Sun-Touched raider during the seventh hour.


    "I''m... processing some things," I managed.


    "Different universe, same moment," Azure mused. "Fascinating! Though perhaps we should focus on the immediate survival situation before delving into the metaphysical implications?"


    Right. Because last time hadn''t exactly ended well for anyone involved.


    "Tomas!" The burly man - Henrik - slapped my shoulder. "By the twin suns, I can''t believe you''re still standing after taking that hit to the head. But we need every able body now. The raiders are almost through the east gate!"


    Maya thrust a rusty sword into my hands. "Here. Try not to stab yourself with it."


    The same sword. The same words. Everything was exactly as it had been before.


    But this time... this time I knew what was coming.

 Chapter 19: Survive

    Chapter 19: Survive


    "Hey," I said quickly, grabbing Maya''s arm before she could run off. "The Seventh Band - they''re going to try to flank us through the south wall."


    She stared at me. "How did you..."


    "Just trust me. And whatever happens, when the seventh hour comes, stay away from the healer''s house. That''s when the Sun-Touched..."


    I trailed off, realizing I probably sounded completely insane. Head wound Tomas suddenly having tactical insights about a raid that hadn''t happened yet?


    But Maya was already shouting to Henrik. "Uncle! Get five to the south wall now! They''re trying to flank!"


    "Your knowledge of future events might give us an advantage," Azure noted. "Though we should probably avoid explaining how we acquired said knowledge. I doubt ''I''m actually a cultivator from another reality who''s already lived through this once'' would go over well."


    He had a point. But maybe... maybe this time could be different. I knew about the Sun-Touched, knew about the Skybound that would appear later. Knew every horrible thing that was about to happen.


    The question was: could I change any of it?


    The raiders'' war cries grew closer, that chilling sound that resonated with the crimson light from above. I knew better than to look directly at them this time - the red sun madness was no joke.


    "Maya," I called out as she prepared to head to the south wall. "Remember - don''t look at their faces during red hour. The madness can spread."


    She gave me an odd look. "Since when do you know so much about fighting raiders?"


    "Would you believe a sudden burst of tactical genius caused by blunt force trauma?"


    "...Actually, that would explain a lot about you today."


    The first wave hit our section of the barricade exactly as I remembered. But this time, I was ready. This body might be weak, but my mind remembered every moment of the previous fight.


    "Their leader favors his right side," I told Henrik as we repelled the initial attack. "And watch for thrown weapons - they like to use pieces of the barricade as projectiles."


    The big man gave me a suspicious look between axe swings. "Tomas, when did you become a military tactician?"


    "Again, head wound. Very enlightening. Also, duck!"


    He dropped just as a throwing axe embedded itself in the wood behind him. "...I''m starting to think that hit knocked something loose in the right way."


    "You have no idea," I muttered, then louder: "Sara! We need fire arrows for what''s coming! The Sun-Touched are vulnerable to flame!"


    The village hunter appeared on her usual rooftop perch, already nocking an arrow. "How did you know about the fire arrows?"


    "Would you believe¡ª"


    "Head wound," she finished. "Right. Henrik mentioned you took a bad hit. But your advice is sound - I''ve got pitch-coated arrows ready."


    The battle proceeded both exactly like and completely differently from last time. The raiders'' attacks came in the same patterns, but now we were ready for them. The south wall held thanks to the early warning, and Sara''s fire arrows kept the first Sun-Touched at bay.


    But the red sun was climbing higher, and I knew what that meant.


    "Maya!" I caught up to her during a brief lull. "When the seventh hour comes, the raiders who''ve been exposed to red sun light will start to transform. We need to get everyone to the tunnels before then."


    She stared at me for a long moment. "You''re different," she finally said. "The Tomas I knew yesterday couldn''t tell one end of a sword from the other. But now..."


    "The head wound defense is wearing thin, isn''t it?"


    "Just a bit." She hefted her pitchfork. "But your warnings have kept people alive, so I''m not complaining. What else should we know?"


    I told her everything I could remember - about the raiders'' tactics, about the Sun-Touched''s vulnerabilities, and that a Skybound that would appear later. I left out the part about having lived through it all before, but she seemed to accept my insights as some kind of battle-sense awakened by trauma. Stranger things have happened in fantasy worlds, I guess.


    "The tunnels are our best chance," I explained. "But we need to start evacuating now, before the seventh hour. And we need more fire - pitch, oil, anything that burns. The Sun-Touched are nearly invulnerable unless you burn them."


    Maya nodded, already shouting orders. This time, when the red sun began to peak, we were ready.


    The first transformation was still horrifying to watch - muscles bulging, bones cracking and reforming, those living tattoos spreading across skin. But Sara''s fire arrows found their marks, and prepared oil traps turned the transformed raiders'' strength against them.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Your tactical adjustments have improved group survival probability by 47%," Azure noted. "Though the arrival of the Skybound will still pose a significant threat."


    Right. The floating psychopath with the reality-warping powers. That was going to be... problematic.


    "Everyone to the tunnels!" I shouted as more raiders began to transform. "The real threat isn''t here yet!"


    "What real threat?" Henrik demanded, but he was already helping organize the retreat.


    The air began to thicken with that familiar static sensation. Right on schedule.


    "Into the tunnels!" I grabbed Maya''s arm before she could make her last stand like last time. "Trust me - what''s coming next, we can''t fight!"


    The Skybound appeared exactly as before, floating serenely above the battle. But this time, most of our people were already underground. Only a few defenders remained, covering the retreat.


    "Tomas," Maya said quietly as we reached the tunnel entrance, "you were right but¡­how did you know?"


    "Would you believe¡ª"


    "If you say ''head wound'' one more time, I''m going to hit you with this pitchfork."


    The first spell turned a Sun-Touched into red mist, just like before. But this time, there were fewer victims for the next attacks. Most of our people were safe underground, the tunnel entrance concealed by burning wreckage. As for why the Skybound was attacking its own people, I had no idea and had no plans to find out.


    "We need to go," I told Maya, pulling her toward the hidden door. "Right now."


    "But the others¡ª"


    "Are either already safe or beyond our help. Trust me one more time?"


    She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. We slipped into the tunnel just as another reality-warping spell scattered the remaining defenders.


    The underground passage was cramped and dark, but it was better than being up there with an angry Skybound. I could hear the sounds of combat growing more distant as we moved deeper into the tunnel network.


    "So," Maya said as we helped the wounded through a particularly tight section, "want to tell me how you really knew all that?"


    The flickering torchlight cast strange shadows on the rough-hewn walls. I helped an elderly man over a difficult step before responding.


    "Let''s just say I had a very detailed vision when I hit my head,¡± I sighed.  ¡°Very detailed. Suspiciously so. And I''d really rather not examine the metaphysical implications right now."


    Maya''s face grew serious in the dim torchlight. "The elders speak of such things, especially during the Crimson Alignment, when the red sun passes directly beneath its blue sister. They say the twin suns'' energies... intertwine during those times. Reality becomes fluid, like water flowing both forwards and backwards."


    "What about the Skybound?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "Have you encountered them before?"


    She shook her head, her expression troubled. "Never. They''re spoken of in whispers, wielders of powers beyond understanding. They rarely descend from their floating cities, preferring to remain above the crimson light that drives lesser beings mad. For one to appear here..." She paused, helping another villager over a fallen rock. "Something significant must be happening.¡±


    Most people lived their entire lives only hearing stories of their incredible powers, never witnessing them firsthand. The Skybound seemed to hold a similar position in this reality - distant, powerful beings that normal people only encountered in tales and legends. Until today.


    But if they were anything like the cultivators I knew, their sudden appearance meant these tunnels would soon be filled with a lot more refugees. Or worse, a lot more bodies.


    "Your physical essence is still improving," Azure chimed in. "Current value is... 13! A whole point higher than when we arrived. At this rate, you might reach 20% of your normal capacity in just a few weeks!"


    "Few weeks? How did you make that sound like good news?"


    "Well, considering the fundamental differences in spiritual resonance between realities, I''d say it''s quite impressive," Azure replied. "Though I am curious - why haven''t you attempted the Tri-Harmony technique? It could significantly boost your capabilities."


    "Not yet. If I suddenly display supernatural strength, they''ll think I''ve been touched by the red sun''s madness. Besides, I''m not sure how the technique will interact with this world''s laws. Better to try it in a safe environment first.¡± I glanced at the cramped tunnel walls and the frightened villagers. "And a dark tunnel filled with refugees while a psycho hunts above doesn''t exactly qualify as ''safe.''"


    "A fair assessment," Azure conceded. "Though do keep in mind that your current physical state is... well, let''s say ''suboptimal'' would be a generous description."


    Maya was still watching me with that thoughtful expression. "The prophecy dreams are said to be a gift from the blue sun," she said. "A counterbalance to her sister''s madness. Perhaps that''s why you saw what was coming."


    "Yes," I agreed quickly, relieved to have an explanation that didn''t involve alternate realities. "That must be it. The blue sun''s gift. Nothing stranger than that."


    The tunnel eventually opened into a larger cavern where the villagers had set up a temporary refuge. Supplies had been stockpiled, wounds were being treated, and children were being comforted by their families.


    Maya immediately went to help organize the chaos, leaving me to contemplate my situation. I was stuck in another reality, again. But this time I''d managed to change things, to save people who had died before.


    The question was: what happened next?


    "This timeline divergence is fascinating," Azure mused. "We''ve essentially created an alternate branch of events through our foreknowledge. Though I wonder what happens when we eventually return to our original reality? Will time have passed there? Will there be two versions of events here?"


    "Let''s focus on surviving long enough to find out," I suggested. "Any insights on how we got back last time?"


    "Well, you died. Rather spectacularly, I might add. Though I''d prefer to find a less terminal solution this time."


    Yeah, getting killed by a Skybound''s spell hadn''t been fun. But was that the only way back? Or was there something about this world, about the twin suns and their strange effects, that might offer another path?


    "Your seed of creation seems to resonate oddly with the red sun''s energy," Azure noted. "Not quite like spiritual energy, but not entirely dissimilar. Perhaps there''s a connection we could explore? You know, preferably without the death part this time."


    It was worth considering. But for now, we had more immediate concerns - like helping these people survive, and maybe figuring out more about the Skybound and their powers.


    "Hey Tomas!" Maya called from across the cavern. "Stop brooding and help us treat the wounded. Your newfound tactical genius doesn''t excuse you from basic duties."


    I couldn''t help but smile. Last time, she''d died defending others. This time, she was alive and giving me orders. Maybe being stuck in this reality again wasn''t entirely bad.


    "Coming!" I headed over to help, even though I didn¡¯t have any more foreknowledge to keep these people alive, I would do what I can.


    "Just remember," Azure cautioned, "changing the timeline too dramatically might have unforeseen consequences. Also, your physical essence is now 18! See? Progress!"


    One step at a time. First, help these people survive. Then figure out how to get back to my original reality. Though I really hoped it didn''t require dying again.

 Patreon Announcement!!!

    Hello cultivators!


    I''d like to thank you all for the support, especially those of you who have left a comment or a review, as well as those who have followed and favorited! Even though I may not respond to every comment, I make sure to read them and make changes when I can. It''s pretty cool that over 500 people are following this story!


    I''ve recently been up editing the little backlog that I do have to make them ready for Patreon, currently there are 6 chapters (now 21!) ahead of Royal Road but I''ll be offering something else as well! For the duration of my Rising Stars run, I''ll be posting double chapters every single day for those of you who sign up to Patreon. So, whilst we may not have that many advance chapters currently, I expect it to increase by a lot very soon.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The goal is to have 50 chapters ahead of Royal Road by the end of my RS run!


    I really enjoy writing this story, and whilst it may not be perfect (far from it), I have come to love it so yeah it would be a dream come true to write full time. If we can get to $3k per month on patreon then I can write full time and promise daily double chapters, and even those of you who can''t support on patreon can get some extra chapters as a bonus! I''ve planned the story out and with the number of worlds Ke Yin will be visiting, I expect it to be a veryyyy longggg novel.


    Anyways, I know $3k is unlikely but I think it''s good to have a goal, and who knows, stranger things have happened.


    Thanks again everyone :)

 Chapter 20: The Price of Power

    Away from the refugee groups and temporary shelters, I found a small side chamber branching off from the main cavern system. The rough-hewn walls offered privacy, and the single torch I''d brought cast just enough light to work by. Perfect for some probably ill-advised cultivation experiments.


    "Your soul essence remains stable at 450 units," Azure reported as I sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor.


    I closed my eyes, focusing on my inner world. The familiar space felt... different here. Empty, like someone had swept all the spiritual energy out while I wasn''t looking. My seed of creation pulsed sadly, its two reality-bending leaves drooping like houseplants I''d forgotten to water.


    "Right," I muttered. "Time to try something probably ill-advised."


    I reached for my soul essence, feeling that deep well of power that had somehow survived the dimensional hop. I then pulled on it, trying to convert it into something my cultivation could actually use.


    You know how they say you can''t really describe a color to someone who''s never seen it?


    Try explaining what it feels like to turn a piece of your immortal soul into knockoff spiritual energy. It''s like trying to turn a Shakespeare sonnet into interpretive dance ¨C technically possible, but probably not what anyone intended.


    The conversion... worked? Sort of? My spiritual pathways filled with something that felt like spiritual energy''s cousin who''d learned about cultivation through game tutorials. Not quite right, but hey ¨C better than nothing.


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 400/450 (Slightly concerned about this)


    Spiritual Essence: 50/350 (We have at least some gas in the tank!)


    Physical Essence: 25/350 (Still pathetically weak, but alive!)


    "Fascinating!" Azure exclaimed. "The conversion rate is roughly 10%, but the resulting pseudo-spiritual energy appears stable. Though I should note that¡ª"


    I tried to cycle the fake spiritual energy through my cultivation paths, and immediately discovered what Azure was about to warn me about. You know that feeling when you''re running on a treadmill and suddenly the power cuts out? Yeah, it was like that, but with my entire spiritual system.


    The energy... disappeared. Not converted back, not stored away ¨C just gone, like it had never existed.


    "Oh," I said eloquently. "That''s not great."


    "As I was about to explain," Azure continued, "this world lacks the fundamental spiritual energy field necessary to sustain cultivator techniques. In our world, your body would naturally absorb essence from the environment to replenish what you use. Here, any energy we create through conversion will be... temporary."


    I looked at my pathetic spiritual essence readings and did some quick math. "So I can convert more soul essence, but..."


    "But it will be consumed without replacement, yes. Like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it. A very large hole. In a universe that doesn''t believe in buckets."


    Great. Just great. I had maybe enough converted energy for one decent technique, and then I''d be running on empty again. And converting more soul essence seemed like a fantastic way to end up as a soulless husk, which was probably not going to improve my day.


    "Physical essence is still viable," Azure noted. "Unlike spiritual energy, which dissipates in this world, physical essence becomes a permanent part of your body''s structure. Each unit converted literally rebuilds you from the inside out."


    That was... interesting. "So instead of trying to maintain spiritual techniques, we focus on improving the hardware?"


    "Correct. Your current physical limitations are due to this body''s lack of development, not fundamental constraints of this reality. Converting soul essence into physical essence would bypass years of training."


    I settled into a cross-legged position, considering the risks. "Walk me through the process."


    "Converting soul essence to physical essence will be... dramatic," Azure warned. "Each stage will fundamentally reshape your body''s structure. I recommend removing your outer robe."


    I stripped down to my waist, the cool cave air raising goosebumps on my skin. This body was embarrassingly soft ¨C I could practically hear Senior Sister Liu¡¯s voice: "A cultivator''s vessel should be as refined as their dao."


    "Converting 350 units of soul essence directly would be... unwise," Azure warned as I sat cross-legged in my secluded chamber. "I recommend three stages: foundation, refinement, and transcendence. Each will fundamentally reshape different aspects of your body''s structure."


    "Okay, so for the first stage I could start with around 150 units of soul essence and see where that gets me?"


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Yes, that sounds reasonable."


    "Beginning foundation phase," I muttered, separating the essence. The moment I began the conversion, I realized why Azure had been concerned. It felt like molten metal being poured through my veins.


    I bit back a scream as the transformation wracked my body. Every muscle fiber was being torn apart and rebuilt. Bones splintered and reformed, denser and stronger. My skin felt like it was being flayed and rewoven. I could see ¨C and feel ¨C blood vessels bursting and regenerating in more efficient patterns. The pain was unlike anything this body had experienced ¨C a deep, cellular agony as every part of me was destroyed and reborn.


    "Foundation phase at 50%," Azure reported clinically. "Try not to grind your teeth ¨C your jaw is currently restructuring."


    I tasted blood as my gums reformed. The wet cracking sounds of bones reshaping themselves echoed in the small chamber. By the time the first phase completed, I was drenched in sweat and shaking.


    "Basic physical parameters now match a first-stage cultivator," Azure announced. "Though you might want to rest before¡ª"


    "No," I gasped. "Keep going. Refinement phase."


    The second wave of 100 units hit even harder. My spine felt like it was being ripped out and reforged. Muscles didn''t just grow ¨C they tore themselves apart and rewove into denser patterns. I felt my ribcage cracking and expanding, organs shifting in ways they were never meant to move. Each heartbeat was torture as my cardiovascular system revolutionized itself.


    I couldn''t hold back the scream this time, but I managed to muffle it against my arm. The last thing I needed was villagers investigating strange noises.


    "Refinement phase successful," Azure noted. "Though I really must insist on a brief recovery period before¡ª"


    "Final phase," I growled through clenched teeth, reaching for the last 100 units. "Transcendence."


    The third transformation was beyond pain ¨C it was apocalyptic. My skin burned as it transformed into something that could turn blades. Every muscle fiber screamed as it arranged itself into patterns that defied mortal limits. My bones felt like they were being forged in dragonfire. Golden light rippled across my sweat-soaked skin as the final changes took hold.


    When it was finally over, I collapsed onto the stone floor, my newly enhanced senses making every point of contact feel like sandpaper.


    "Physical essence conversion complete," Azure announced after giving me a moment to recover. "Your body now matches the physical parameters of a third-stage qi condensation cultivator!"


    Final Status:


    Soul Essence: 50/450 (Keeping this in reserve)


    Spiritual Essence: 50/350 (Last resort attacks)


    Physical Essence: 350/350 (Back to proper cultivator standards)


    I pushed myself up, still trembling from the ordeal. The difference was staggering. Raw power coursed through every movement. This wasn''t just a strong body ¨C it was a cultivator''s vessel, even without spiritual energy to fuel it. The transformation had been absolute: dense, perfectly defined muscle moved like liquid steel under skin that could shrug off mortal weapons.


    "Next time," I managed between ragged breaths, "warn me that it feels like being reborn in a volcano."


    "I did suggest taking breaks between phases," Azure reminded me.


    "It¡¯s better to just persevere, kind of like stopping to sit when you''re exhausted," I replied. "Once you let yourself rest, your body fights against moving again. Better to stay in motion, to keep standing."


    "Well, perhaps we should find you some new clothes before someone investigates why it sounds like someone is being murdered in here," Azure added.


    I looked down at my transformed physique and the shirt on the floor, a shirt that now looked way too small. Where the villagers had known a soft-bodied miller''s son, now stood a frame of lean, corded muscle ¨C a change that would be impossible to explain away, especially now that I''m topless...


    "Right. Cover story first, then food. Having your entire body torn apart and rebuilt really works up an appetite."


    "A logical response to complete cellular reconstruction," Azure agreed. "Though perhaps we should focus on maintaining your low profile. Accidentally crushing stone cups or bending iron tools would raise... awkward questions. Especially since you can barely walk straight at the mo¡ª."


    The air... changed. That same static sensation from before, but deeper underground. Everyone felt it ¨C the cavern went silent as that familiar wrongness seeped through the rock.


    "The Skybound," I whispered. "It found us."

 Chapter 21: Souvenir From The Two Suns World

    Chapter 21: Souvenir From The Two Suns World


    The second sign that everything was about to go horribly wrong was the temperature drop. The torch flames flickered and dimmed as frost started creeping across the cave walls, transforming the rough stone into sheets of gleaming ice.


    "Fascinating!" Azure chimed in. "The spiritual resonance is completely different from standard ice-attribute techniques. It appears to be drawing power directly from¡ª"


    The cavern ceiling exploded.


    Not metaphorically ¨C literally exploded downward in a shower of frozen stone and crimson-tinted ice. Screams filled the air as massive chunks of debris crashed into the refugee camp below. I caught glimpses of people being buried alive, of bodies crushed beneath the falling rock.


    The Skybound descended through the hole it had created, floating serenely on currents of freezing air. Its robes rippled with patterns of frost, and its eyes gleamed with that same crimson light that drove normal people mad.


    "Found you.¡±


    Panic erupted instantly. People scattered in every direction, desperate to escape. But the Skybound''s ice was spreading rapidly, coating the ground and walls, making every surface treacherously slick. I watched in horror as refugees slipped and fell, only to be frozen solid where they lay.


    "Everyone to the eastern tunnels!" Maya shouted, trying to organize some kind of evacuation. "Henrik, we need to buy them time!"


    The big man was already moving, positioning himself between the Skybound and the fleeing villagers. His axe looked painfully inadequate against beings who could shatter stone with a gesture.


    I stood frozen for a moment, caught in an impossible decision. My physical abilities were beyond any mortals, but against the Skybound? Even at my peak, with full access to spiritual techniques, I would barely be a threat to it. Now, limited to mainly physical abilities...


    "You could leave," Azure noted quietly. "Your enhanced speed would easily outpace the others. The southern tunnel is clear."


    He was right. I could escape. Save myself. After all, what could I really do against an enemy this powerful? I wasn''t some protagonist in a cultivation novel who could overcome impossible odds through determination alone. This wasn''t an anime where the hero''s conviction magically granted victory.


    "What would you do," Azure asked, "if you weren''t certain that death would return you to our reality? Would you still stay and fight?"


    I watched another group of villagers get frozen solid, their faces locked in expressions of terror. "No one wants to die," I admitted quietly.


    Then I moved.


    Not toward the escape route, but toward Maya and Henrik. I couldn''t save everyone. Couldn''t even save most of them. But maybe I could help some survive.


    "The eastern tunnels are still clear," I called out as I reached them. "But we need to move fast ¨C the ice is spreading."


    Henrik''s expression was grim as he watched the Skybound methodically freeze another section of refugees. "Someone needs to slow them down."


    "Henrik, no¡ª" Maya started, but he was already charging forward.


    His war cry echoed through the cavern as he launched himself at the Skybound, axe raised high. For a moment ¨C just a moment ¨C I thought he might actually land a hit.


    Then crimson ice erupted from the ground, impaling him through the chest.


    "NO!" Maya screamed. The sound tore at something in my chest. This was why I''d wanted to run ¨C watching good people die never got easier.


    "We need to move," I said, grabbing her arm. "More people will die if we don''t get them out now."


    She resisted for a moment, staring at Henrik''s body, now encased in rapidly spreading ice. Then her expression hardened and she nodded.


    We worked frantically to guide survivors toward the eastern tunnels, trying to establish some kind of order in the chaos. My enhanced strength came in handy for clearing debris and helping injured refugees - I didn''t have time to bother hiding it anymore.


    "Tomas," Maya called out as I lifted a massive fallen support beam by myself, something that should have needed at least three men, "since when could you¡ª"


    "We have bigger problems right now," I cut her off, already moving to clear more debris. "Like staying alive."


    She stared at me for a moment longer, her eyes lingering on the muscles that had replaced my once-scrawny frame, then shook her head and returned to helping the refugees. Questions about my transformation from a weak village kid could wait.


    "Your physical enhancement is definitely improving survival rates," Azure noted as I continued moving obstacles that should have been well beyond my capabilities. "Though the Skybound''s ice techniques are... concerning.¡±


    Another explosion rocked the cavern. More screams. More death. The temperature dropped even further as sheets of crimson ice spread across the ceiling.


    "Maya!" I spotted her helping an elderly couple toward the tunnel entrance. "Above you!"


    She looked up just as the ice-covered rocks began to fall. For a heartbeat, our eyes met. Then the ceiling collapsed.


    I wasn''t fast enough. Even with my enhanced speed, even knowing what was about to happen, I couldn''t reach her in time. The debris came down like an avalanche, and Maya disappeared beneath it.


    Something broke inside me. Not physically ¨C my new body was far too durable for that. But watching her die again, knowing I''d failed to change things despite my foreknowledge...


    "The eastern tunnel is nearly blocked," Azure reported. "Remaining survivors are down to 43%. The Skybound appears to be systematically¡ª"


    "I know," I cut him off, watching more crimson ice spread across the walls. "Help me figure out an escape route for the rest."


    We managed to get maybe two dozen more people out through a secondary tunnel before it too was sealed with ice. The Skybound was being methodical, cutting off every escape route one by one. It wasn¡¯t just killing ¨C it was hunting.


    I found myself in a smaller side chamber with the last group of survivors, listening to the sounds of ice and death drawing closer. The children were crying. The adults weren''t much better.


    "There''s a maintenance shaft," one of the miners whispered. "Narrow, but it connects to the surface. Maybe ten people could fit through before..."


    Before the Skybound found us. Before we all ended up like Henrik and Maya and all the others.


    "Start with the children," I said. "I''ll buy you what time I can."


    "How?" someone asked. "You''ve seen what they do to anyone who fights them."


    I had. I''d seen it twice now. "Just get them out. And... I''m sorry I couldn''t save more of you."


    The sounds of ice growing closer. The temperature dropping further. I took up position near the chamber entrance, knowing I was probably about to die. Again.


    "A heroic last stand," Azure mused. "Though perhaps futile. Even with your physical enhancements, the power differential is¡ª"


    "I know," I said quietly. "But someone has to try."


    The Skybound appeared in the entrance, frost swirling around it like a living thing. Its eyes fixed on me, then shifted to the refugees behind me.


    "Found you.¡±


    I settled into a fighting stance, for whatever good it would do. "You know, I''m getting really tired of hearing that."


    The Skybound¡¯s head tilted slightly to the side as it examined me, like a curious bird examining an unexpected insect.


    "You..." The word carried a weight I couldn''t quite understand. "You seem different from the others. Could you also be...?"


    I tensed, ready for an attack, but the Skybound just floated closer, studying me with those burning eyes. There was something almost like recognition in its expression, though its features were partially hidden by the ethereal frost that cloaked it.


    Then it shook its head. "No. A shame. I was wrong."


    I had no idea what it was talking about, but honestly, that was pretty low on my list of concerns right now. What mattered was buying time for the refugees to escape through that maintenance shaft. If that meant making conversation with a homicidal ice-wielding psychopath, well... I''d done weirder things.


    "Wrong about what?" I asked, trying to keep its attention on me. "What makes me different?"


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    The Skybound just shook its head again, and the temperature dropped another twenty degrees. "Irrelevant."


    The ice spell came without warning ¨C a lance of crimson-tinted frost that would have impaled me through the chest if I hadn''t thrown myself sideways. The enhanced reflexes of my rebuilt body were the only thing that saved me, and even then, it was close enough that I felt the cold burn across my skin.


    I rolled to my feet, noting the surprise in the Skybound''s expression. Clearly it hadn''t expected me to dodge.


    Well, if it was surprised by that...


    "Master," Azure''s voice held a note of genuine concern, "the Skybound''s cultivation base is far beyond the Qi Condensation realm."


    ¡°I can¡¯t give up now,¡± I launched into a Phantom Strike technique, my physically enhanced speed letting me cross the distance before the Skybound could react.


    Raw power and 50 units of spiritual essence might be enough to do some real damage.


    My fist actually connected, catching the Skybound in what should have been a devastating strike to its center mass. For a split second, I felt a surge of triumph.


    Then I realized my mistake.


    The blow that should have shattered stone barely ruffled its robes. The Skybound looked down at where I''d hit it, then back at me with something between amusement and irritation.


    "Shit."


    Its hand shot out, impossibly fast, catching me by the throat before I could retreat. I struggled as it lifted me off the ground, but even with my enhanced strength, I might as well have been trying to bend steel bars.


    "Let me take a closer look at you," it mused, those demonic eyes boring into mine. I tried to look away, remembering the warnings about red sun madness, but I couldn''t break free from its gaze.


    Something invaded my mind ¨C not like spiritual techniques I''d encountered before, but a crushing, burning presence that made my thoughts scatter like leaves in a storm. I felt my consciousness being peeled back layer by layer, examined like a specimen under glass.


    "Yes," the Skybound muttered, "you can be useful."


    The cavern ceiling exploded upward, and suddenly we were airborne. The night air bit at my skin as we rose higher and higher, past the scattered ruins of the village, up toward where the crimson light painted the clouds in shades of blood.


    "No," I managed to gasp, knowing what was coming. "Don''t¡ª"


    The Skybound forced my head back, making me stare directly into the red sun. Its light burned into my eyes, into my mind, into my very soul. I tried to look away, tried to close my eyes, but that burning radiance bypassed all defenses.


    The transformation began with my skin. The changes I''d forced on this body through soul essence conversion were nothing compared to this violation. My flesh bubbled and split as living tattoos of crimson light began writing themselves across every inch of me. Bones cracked and reformed, growing jagged protrusions that tore through muscle. My jaw dislocated as teeth lengthened into fangs.


    "Master, your soul is beginning to separate!" Azure''s urgent voice cut through the haze of pain. "Don''t fight the dissociation - let your consciousness drift upward. The further your soul pulls away, the less you''ll feel the transformation!"


    The sensation was familiar, though usually it came without warning when reality itself was about to shift. This time, guided by Azure''s voice, I could actually control it. I focused on that peculiar feeling of separation I knew from world-walking, letting my awareness drift upward even as my body continued its horrific metamorphosis below.


    My newly enhanced muscles bulged and twisted, growing far beyond natural limits. Spiritual pathways that had been dormant in this world suddenly flooded with crimson power that burned like acid in my veins.


    Then, with a sensation like breaking through the surface of a frozen lake, I was free.


    Not physically ¨C my body was still transforming into something monstrous. But I was floating above the scene, a disembodied consciousness watching in horror as Tomas'' flesh twisted into a nightmare of crimson light and jutting bone.


    "Thanks, Azure," I thought, relieved that being in soul form was useful for once.


    From my vantage point above, I watched helplessly as the transformation finished its course. A final series of sickening cracks echoed through the night as my former body''s skeleton rearranged itself one last time.


    What had once been a miller¡¯s son was now a horror of burning tattoos and crystalline protrusions, wreathed in crimson light that hurt to look at directly. Its eyes blazed with mindless hunger as it turned toward the Skybound, awaiting orders like an eager hound.


    I tried to move my soul-self away from the scene, terrified that the Skybound would notice and... what? Could it even affect a disembodied soul? I really didn''t want to find out. Getting killed was one thing, but having your soul destroyed had to be bad for your long-term health prospects.


    But the Skybound didn''t even glance in my direction. Could it not sense me at all?


    "Your transformation rate was exceptional," it told my former body, which snarled in response. "The others will be pleased with this specimen."


    Others? I didn''t like the sound of that. But the world around me was starting to blur, reality becoming less distinct with each passing moment. I recognized the sensation from last time ¨C my soul was being pulled back to my original reality.


    "But I need to finish up before they arrive," the Skybound muttered, already turning its attention back to the village below. "Can''t leave any witnesses."


    Those were the last words I heard before reality dissolved completely. The red sun''s light faded, replaced by the familiar sensation of crossing between worlds. My last glimpse was of my transformed body launching itself toward the village.


    The transition back was gentler this time. No violent gasping, no desperate struggle for air ¨C just a soft settling into my own body, like easing into a familiar chair.


    I opened my eyes to find myself exactly where I''d been before the shift: cross-legged on my meditation mat, early morning light filtering through the paper screens of my quarters.


    For a moment I just sat there, letting the peaceful quiet wash over me. Such a stark contrast to the chaos and horror I''d just witnessed. The memory of Maya disappearing under that avalanche of ice-covered stone was still fresh, along with Henrik''s final charge and all those refugees frozen where they stood...


    I took a deep breath, grounding myself in the present. The air here was warm, carrying the faint scent of incense from the main hall. No frost-covered walls, no crimson light, no screaming.


    "Your vital signs are remarkably stable this time," Azure observed. "Heart rate elevated but within normal parameters. No signs of spiritual disruption or physical strain."


    He was right. Usually after a reality shift, I''d be a mess ¨C heart racing, lungs burning, spiritual energy in chaos. But this time, everything felt... normal. Better than normal, actually. There was an unusual clarity to my thoughts, a subtle vibrancy to my spiritual sense that I couldn''t quite place.


    "The transition was different," I said, rolling my shoulders experimentally. No muscle tension, no residual pain. ¡°Smoother somehow.¡±


    I quickly checked my status:


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 50/450 (Severely Depleted)


    Spiritual Essence: 280/350


    Physical Essence: 350/350


    The soul essence depletion should have left me barely conscious, but I felt remarkably stable.


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m finally used to it.¡±


    "Perhaps. Though I suspect there may be another factor at play." There was an odd note in Azure''s voice ¨C something between excitement and concern. "It seems you''ve brought back a... souvenir from the Two Suns world."


    I frowned. "What do you mean?"


    "Look inside your Inner World."


    Curious now, I turned my attention inward, examining my dantian. The Seed of Creation was there as always. But nearby, floating in my inner world, was something that definitely hadn''t been there before ¨C a small crimson sphere that seemed to radiate a subtle heat.


    "Azure," I said slowly, hardly daring to believe what I was seeing, "is that what I think it is?"


    "Yes, Master," Azure replied. "It appears to be a perfect miniature of the red sun itself."

 Chapter 22: The Red Sun

    I stared at the crimson sphere floating in my inner world, trying to process exactly what it meant to have a miniature version of a reality-warping alien sun inside me. The kind of sun that, you know, typically drove people mad and turned them into crystalline monsters.


    "You''re sure it''s stable?" I asked Azure for probably the fifth time.


    "As stable as a fragment of reality-altering cosmic power can be," he replied cheerfully. "Though I should note that ''stable'' is a relative term when discussing interdimensional phenomena."


    "That''s... not actually reassuring."


    The tiny sun pulsed gently, sending ripples of warmth through my inner world. My two-leafed seed seemed to watch it curiously, if a metaphysical construct of pure cultivation energy could be said to watch anything.


    "We should probably test it," I said finally. "Better to find out what it does in controlled conditions rather than having it surprise us at an inconvenient moment."


    "Maybe we should establish some safety parameters first? Given its origin, unexpected effects are likely."


    I nodded, settling into a more comfortable meditation position. "Monitor everything. If anything looks dangerous¡ª"


    "I''ll alert you immediately," Azure promised. "Though defining ''dangerous'' might be challenging when dealing with extra-dimensional energy sources."


    Right. Because nothing about this situation was simple. I took a deep breath and reached out with my spiritual sense, gently prodding the miniature sun.


    The response was immediate and intense.


    Crimson energy surged through my meridians like liquid fire. I watched in fascination as red lines traced themselves across my skin, following the paths of my spiritual channels. They weren''t the horror-show tattoos of the Sun-Touched, but rather delicate patterns that pulsed in time with my heartbeat.


    "Fascinating!" Azure''s voice held that special tone he reserved for particularly interesting phenomena. "Your physical essence is increasing rapidly. Current reading shows... yes, a fifty-point increase in just seconds."


    He was right ¨C I could feel the power flooding my muscles, making me feel like I could punch through walls.


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 60/450


    Spiritual Essence: 350/350 (Stable)


    Physical Essence: 400/400 (Enhanced!)


    Special Features: Red sun active, meridian lines visible


    Notes: Physical enhancement active, duration unknown


    Then, just as quickly as it had begun, the effect faded. The red lines disappeared from my skin, and that surge of strength ebbed away like a receding tide.


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 60/450


    Spiritual Essence: 350/350 (Unchanged)


    Physical Essence: 350/350 (Returned to baseline)


    Special Features: Red sun depleted (23% power remaining)


    Notes: Enhancement duration approximately 10.4 seconds


    "The miniature sun appears depleted," Azure reported.


    I examined the crimson sphere. It definitely looked dimmer now, more like a dying ember than the vibrant star it had been moments ago.


    "So it can grant temporary power boosts," I mused. "But at what cost?"


    "Unknown," Azure admitted. "Though the energy signature is remarkably similar to what we encountered in the Two Suns reality. "


    "Yeah, that''s... going to be a problem. I''m not exactly well-versed in this world''s stance on demonic cultivation, but I know enough about cultivation worlds in general to be worried. Some places kill demonic cultivators on sight."


    "Maybe we should be... selective about when and where we utilize this ability."


    I nodded grimly. "Definitely no using it in public unless absolutely necessary. The last thing I need is some righteous cultivator deciding I''m a heretic that needs to be cleansed. I don''t fancy explaining that my demonic aura comes from an interdimensional sun fragment rather than actual demon cultivation. That conversation would go great."


    "Interesting," Azure mused, which immediately made me nervous. That tone usually meant he was about to complicate my life. "You know, our little crimson friend here. It''s not just a power source ¨C it''s structured more like a cultivation core."


    "So, it''s basically a demonic core?"


    "Perhaps more than that, what we just saw was its most basic function. There are multiple dormant stages I can detect, but accessing them..." He trailed off.


    I groaned. "Let me guess ¨C we need to go back to Two Suns to figure out how to progress with it."


    "We do need to study the source to really understand how to advance it."


    "Wait, before we go making travel plans ¨C you''re monitoring my soul and mental state, right? Demonic cores aren''t exactly known for their gentle touch. Usually it''s all ''unlimited power'' followed by ''oops, now you''re a cackling lunatic who decorates with human bones.''"Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    "Your soul structure remains completely stable," Azure replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "No signs of corruption or mental degradation. Whatever this core is, it seems to affect only your physical essence at this stage. But I''ll continue monitoring for any changes."


    "Good. The last thing I need is to start thinking human sacrifices are a reasonable way to boost cultivation speed."


    I then stared at the dimmed sphere floating in my inner world. If this really was some kind of core, maybe I could sense those dormant stages Azure mentioned. I reached out with my spiritual sense, probing deeper than I had during the first test. This time, though, something different happened.


    Instead of that surge of physical power, I felt a familiar pulling sensation ¨C the same one that preceded my unwanted reality hops. But this was... gentler somehow. More controlled.


    I immediately pulled back, not quite ready to test if I could actually trigger a world-walk voluntarily.


    "Azure? Please tell me you saw that."


    "I did!" His voice practically vibrated with excitement. "The dimensional resonance patterns were nearly identical to those generated by Worldwalker''s Sojourn. But the amplitude was much lower, suggesting a more controlled connection. It appears you may now have the ability to return to Two Suns at will."


    I sat back, eyes wide. "You''re saying I could just... pop over there whenever I want?"


    "In theory. Though given what we know about that reality, perhaps ''whenever we want'' should be carefully considered."


    He had a point. Two Suns wasn''t exactly a vacation destination, what with all the murderous raiders, reality-warping celestial bodies, and that terrifying Skybound that had turned my borrowed body into a monster.


    Speaking of which...


    "Azure, about what happened when we went back..." I frowned, trying to organize my thoughts. "Everything was exactly the same. Not just similar ¨C exactly the same. Same people, same words, same events..."


    "A time loop," Azure mused. "Though one could argue for parallel universes¡ª"


    "I don¡¯t know about that," I interrupted. "Every word, every gesture... it wasn''t just similar, it was identical. I¡¯m thinking it¡¯s some kind of loop."


    "The evidence does suggest a temporal cycle rather than parallel iterations," Azure agreed. "Though the mechanics of how such a loop maintains stability¡ª"


    "Don''t get me started," I groaned, remembering all those late-night browsing sessions from Earth. "You should see how people argue about time loops on YouTube. Half the comments are quoting Einstein out of context, like throwing around ''time is relative'' somehow explains everything. Then you''ve got the quantum physics experts who watched one video about the double-slit experiment and now think they understand the universe."


    My favorites were the endless debates about whether changing the past creates new timelines or if you''re just fulfilling what already happened. Three hundred comments of ''Actually, according to quantum mechanics...'' followed by the most confident wrong explanations I''ve ever seen. At least cultivation is honest about not making sense - we just call everything ''profound mysteries'' and move on."


    "Would you like me to compile a proper theoretical framework for temporal¡ª"


    "Let''s not go down that rabbit hole right now," I cut him off. "I''ve got enough to worry about with reaching Third Stage Qi Condensation."


    That was the real issue at hand. Breaking through meant I needed to choose a primary cultivation method ¨C the basic techniques that had carried me this far wouldn''t be enough anymore. And with this new... complication in my inner world, I needed something flexible.


    "The sect archives do have an extensive collection," Azure noted. "Though access to the better methods requires either significant contribution points or special recommendations."


    I glanced at my meager collection of spirit stones and contribution points. Not exactly impressive. But maybe...


    "Wei Lin might be able to help," I said thoughtfully. "He''s been in closed-door cultivation these past few days ¨C probably working on his own breakthrough. And he knows more about cultivation methods than anyone else in the outer disciples."


    "Assuming he''s finished his cultivation session," Azure reminded me. "Interrupting a breakthrough attempt would be... unwise."


    I winced, remembering the last time someone had disturbed Wei Lin during cultivation. They''d finally managed to get all the scrolls out of the lotus pond, but some of the koi still had a peculiar glow to them.


    "We''ll wait until he''s done," I decided. "I need his actual advice, not just his sales pitch. With this thing in my inner world..." I glanced at the dimmed red sun. "I need a cultivation method that can handle some unusual situations."


    The miniature sun pulsed weakly, as if acknowledging its questionable status. My two-leafed seed continued its serene rotation, maintaining a careful distance from its new neighbor.


    "One step at a time," I muttered. "First, wait for Wei Lin to finish his breakthrough. Then find a cultivation method that won''t explode when mixed with interdimensional solar fragments. Then... maybe figure out what to do about the time loop in the Two Suns world."


    "A straightforward plan," Azure said. "Though perhaps we should add ''don''t get transformed into a crystalline horror'' to the list?"


    "That''s less of a plan and more of a general life goal."


    But those were problems for later. Right now, I just had to wait for Wei Lin to finish his cultivation session and hope he was in a mood to offer friendly advice rather than just trying to sell me premium techniques.


    And maybe start thinking about what I was going to do next time I ended up in that loop. Because there would be a next time ¨C I was sure of that now. The only question was whether I''d be better prepared when it happened.

 Chapter 23: Cultivation Methods

    I''d been standing outside Wei Lin''s door for maybe an hour, trying to decide if enough time had passed since his breakthrough, when the door suddenly swung open.


    "Ah-ha!" Wei Lin stood there with his usual merchant''s grin, looking distinctly un-exploded. "My customer sense was tingling!"


    "I''m not here to buy anything," I said automatically. Then I actually got a good look at him and paused. There was something different about his spiritual presence, a new depth to his qi that hadn''t been there before.


    We both stood there for a moment, staring at each other. Then, at exactly the same time:


    "Congratulations on reaching Third Stage!"


    Wei Lin burst out laughing. "I should have known you''d break through too." He looked me up and down. "Though I have to say, you''re handling it better than me. I nearly blew up my ceiling when my inner world expanded."


    "Is that what that noise was yesterday?" I''d heard something that sounded like a small explosion, but that wasn''t exactly unusual around the cultivation quarters.


    "Just a minor mishap with spatial dynamics," Wei Lin waved it off. "Nothing a few repair talismans couldn''t fix. Though I did have to convince Senior Brother Mo that I wasn''t trying to create a new technique marketplace in my room."


    "Were you?"


    "Of course not!" He looked offended. "I was clearly trying to expand my storage space for new technique scrolls. Completely different thing."


    I couldn''t help but smile. Some things never changed, breakthrough or not. "Actually, I came to ask what primary cultivation method you picked. I''m still trying to figure out which one would work best for me."


    "Ah!" Wei Lin''s eyes lit up with that special gleam he got when talking about spiritual techniques. "As it happens, I haven''t chosen one yet either. I was just heading to the sect archives to browse their selection. Care to join me? We can compare notes."


    "You haven''t picked one yet?" That was surprising. Wei Lin usually had plans within plans when it came to cultivation resources.


    He shrugged, falling into step beside me as we headed toward the archive building. "I have some ideas, but my father suggested I look through the sect''s collection first. If I don''t find anything suitable there, he said he''d ask some of his cultivator friends if they have any recommendations."


    "Must be nice having those connections," I said, not entirely keeping the envy out of my voice.


    "Speaking of which..." Wei Lin gave me his best sales smile. "I could probably convince Father to look for two methods instead of one. For a very reasonable finder''s fee, of course."


    "Let me guess - the fee would happen to match exactly what I have in contribution points?"


    "What a fascinating coincidence that would be!"


    I shook my head, smiling despite myself. "Let''s see what the sect has first. I''d rather not owe any favors until I know what my options are."


    "Such suspicion! And here I am, merely trying to help a friend expand his cultivation possibilities." He put on an expression of exaggerated hurt. "Though now that you mention options, I do have some excellent¡ª"


    "Wei Lin."


    "¡ªtotally reasonable¡ª"


    "Wei Lin."


    "¡ªpractically giving them away¡ª"


    "Focus," I interrupted before he could really get going. "Archives first. Sales pitch later."


    He sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. But just so you know, I''m having a special sale on premium cultivation methods next week. Buy one, get a second at only twice the normal price!"


    "That''s... not how sales usually work."


    "Ah, but these aren''t usual cultivation methods!" He grinned. "Did I mention they come with complementary technique scrolls? Only slightly singed from that minor spatial incident yesterday."


    I was saved from responding by our arrival at the Sect Archives.


    It was an imposing building that looked like someone had tried to architect "ancient wisdom" and "don''t touch anything" into physical form. The walls were covered in formation arrays that made my eyes hurt if I looked at them too long, and the doors... well, let''s just say they probably weren''t worried about theft.


    "Impressive, isn''t it?" I asked, looking at the mini fortress standing in front of us. "Though I don''t get why they keep it separate from the regular library."


    "The Archives are different from the regular library," Wei Lin explained with the air of someone who''d memorized every detail about anywhere important texts were stored. "The library is for general knowledge - cultivation theory, sect history, that sort of thing. The Archives are where they keep the actual techniques. You know, the stuff that might actually kill you instead of just boring you to death."


    "Comforting," I muttered.


    "After you," Wei Lin gestured grandly. "Let''s see what profound mysteries await!"


    The inside of the Archives was exactly what you''d expect from a place dedicated to storing potentially lethal knowledge - lots of dark wood, glowing formation arrays, and the kind of silence that feels like it might bite if you breathe too loud.


    "Look at these formations," Wei Lin whispered, eyes gleaming with professional interest. "The containment arrays alone must be worth a fortune. I wonder if they''d sell me the schematics..."


    An elderly woman sat at a desk near the entrance, radiating that special "I''ve forgotten more cultivation techniques than you''ll ever learn" energy that all Archive keepers seem to have. She looked up from a scroll that was definitely trying to escape.


    "Name and purpose?" she asked, casually pinning the rebellious document with one finger.


    Wei Lin stepped forward with his best merchant''s bow. "Wei Lin and Ke Yin, Outer Disciples. We''ve both reached the third stage of Qi Condensation and are here for primary cultivation method selection."


    She nodded, pulling out a much more cooperative scroll. "Verification first. Please channel spiritual energy into this formation, one at a time."


    We each placed our hands on the indicated array. The formation flared blue both times, confirming our breakthroughs.


    "Third stage confirmed," she announced, making notes. "I am Elder Chang, head archivist. Follow me."


    She led us deeper into the Archives, past rows of sealed shelves and what looked suspiciously like a cage containing angry paper. The silence felt heavier here, like the knowledge itself was watching.


    Wei Lin kept stopping to examine various formations, until Elder Chang''s pointed looks convinced him to keep moving.


    "Before we proceed," she said, stopping in front of a heavily warded door, "there are some things you should understand about cultivation methods."


    "Ah, the mandatory ''don''t kill yourself with ancient wisdom'' lecture," Wei Lin whispered. "Father gives this one to all his new customers."


    Elder Chang cleared her throat meaningfully.


    "Cultivation methods are ranked in three primary tiers," she explained, her tone suggesting this was very important information that I better not forget. "Human, Earth, and Heaven. The ranking indicates both potential and difficulty."


    She gestured at the door, which opened silently at her touch. Inside was a smaller room lined with shelves, each containing carefully sealed jade slips.


    "Human-rank methods are the foundation," she continued. "Reliable, stable, and well-understood. Earth-rank builds on those principles, offering greater power but requiring more careful cultivation. Heaven-rank..." She smiled slightly. "Well, those are beyond your current concern."


    "Are there ranks above Heaven?" I asked, remembering some mentions in the cultivation novels I''d read in my past life.


    Her expression grew careful. "There are... rumors of such things. Methods that transcend normal understanding."


    "But that knowledge is not accessible to Outer Disciples?" I asked.


    "Precisely." Elder Chang''s expression softened slightly. "And with good reason. Your inner world is still developing - trying to implement even Earth-rank or Heaven-rank methods now would be like trying to build a palace on quicksand. Not to mention those other monstrous techniques. The foundation must be solid first."


    She gestured at the shelves around us. "These contain the Human-rank methods currently available to third-stage Qi Condensation disciples. Each focuses on different aspects of inner world development, creating distinct foundations for future advancement."


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Wei Lin leaned forward with interest as she began removing jade slips from the shelves, laying them out carefully on the reading table.


    "The Flowing River Method," she said, placing down the first slip. "One of our most traditional approaches. It guides disciples in creating water-based terrain within their inner world - rivers, lakes, even small seas if properly developed. The flowing water helps stabilize spiritual energy circulation and provides excellent foundations for healing arts or fluid-based techniques."


    She lifted the slip, showing us the cultivation diagrams etched into its surface. "See how the energy patterns mirror natural waterways? Many disciples find this method intuitive since it follows patterns they can observe in the physical world. The main challenge is maintaining proper water pressure - too much force and you flood your spiritual landscape, too little and it stagnates."


    "Sounds... wet," Wei Lin commented. "Though I suppose the maintenance costs would be lower than some alternatives."


    Elder Chang ignored his talk about prices and placed down another slip. "The Mountain Heart Method. Rather than water, it focuses on creating mountainous terrain in your inner world. Very stable, excellent for defensive techniques and anything requiring firm spiritual foundations. However..." She paused meaningfully. "The process of ''growing'' mountains in your inner world can be quite uncomfortable. Many disciples describe it as feeling like their dantian is full of rocks."


    "Pass," Wei Lin said immediately. "I prefer my internal organs unpunctured."


    The third slip she placed down had patterns that seemed to shift in the light. "The Wind Palace Method. Instead of solid terrain, it teaches disciples to shape their inner world''s atmosphere itself. Wind corridors, pressure systems, even small-scale weather patterns. Excellent for movement techniques and very adaptable. The downside is that maintaining stable atmospheric conditions requires constant attention - let your focus slip and you might end up with a spiritual tornado."


    "Now that has potential," Wei Lin mused. "Weather control is always marketable..."


    "It''s not meant for external weather manipulation," Elder Chang said sharply. "The conditions exist purely within your inner world to facilitate cultivation."


    "Of course, of course," Wei Lin agreed quickly, though I caught him making notes anyway.


    She placed a fourth slip on the table, this one decorated with intricate botanical patterns. "The Verdant Garden Method. Focuses on creating plant life within your inner world - trees, flowers, medicinal herbs. Very gentle on the cultivation base and excellent for those interested in medicine or plant-based arts. However..." She smiled slightly. "It requires tremendous patience. You must literally grow your inner world''s features from seeds, nurturing them with your spiritual energy. Many disciples find the pace too slow."


    "Do the spirit plants have any medicinal properties?" Wei Lin asked hopefully.


    "They exist in your inner world, young disciple. They cannot be harvested or sold."


    "Ah. Much less interesting then."


    She continued laying out slips, each describing another approach to inner world development. The Stone Forest Method, which taught disciples to create crystalline formations. The Cloud Palace Method, focused on aerial terrain. The Valley Spirit Method, which helped shape spiritual landforms through water erosion.


    "Each has its strengths and weaknesses," she explained. "The key is choosing one that resonates with your spiritual nature and cultivation goals. Some disciples choose based on their elemental affinities, others on their intended cultivation path. A few even pick methods that complement their personalities."


    "Like how Wei Lin''s inner world should probably be a marketplace?" I suggested.


    "One time I try to set up a small technique stall in my dantian and you never let me forget it," Wei grumbled.


    Elder Chang''s eye twitched slightly. "That is... not recommended. Your inner world is a foundation for cultivation, not a commercial venue."


    She gestured at all the displayed methods. "These are proven paths, refined over generations. Each one, if properly cultivated, can support advancement well into the next realm. They may seem basic compared to Earth-rank or Heaven-rank methods, but they are fundamental building blocks of cultivation."


    "What about disciples who want to develop multiple types of terrain?" I asked, thinking about the diverse landscapes I''d need to support different techniques.


    "That comes later," she explained. "Once you''ve mastered your primary method and established stable foundations, you can gradually expand and diversify your inner world. Trying to develop everything at once only leads to instability."


    "It''s like building a house," Wei Lin added unexpectedly. "You don''t start with fancy decorations - you need solid foundations first." He caught our surprised looks and shrugged. "What? I do occasionally listen during Father''s business lectures."


    Elder Chang nodded approvingly. "A surprisingly apt analogy. Your inner world is indeed like building a house - one that will eventually become a palace, a fortress, perhaps even a small universe unto itself. But first, you need walls that won''t collapse."


    She gestured at the displayed methods. "Each of these provides a different architectural approach, so to speak. The Flowing River Method creates fluid but stable foundations through water circulation. The Mountain Heart Method builds solid groundwork through compressed spiritual stone. The Wind Palace Method establishes dynamic support structures using atmospheric pressure."


    "And they''re all equally viable?" I asked.


    "For outer sect disciples? Yes. Beyond that..." She smiled slightly. "Well, some paths do reach higher than others. But that''s a concern for much later in your cultivation journey."


    I looked at the various methods, trying to imagine how each would affect my inner world. The two-leafed seed and the miniature sun would need space to grow, room to develop whatever strange powers they manifested. And if I kept world-walking, having diverse terrain might help adapt to different realities...


    "Take your time choosing," Elder Chang advised. "This decision will shape your entire cultivation foundation. Some disciples spend weeks examining each method before deciding."


    "Or you could do what I do," Wei Lin suggested, "and pick whichever one has the best resale value."


    "That is not a valid selection criterion," Elder Chang said firmly.


    "Everything has value," Wei Lin protested. "Even cultivation methods! For instance, the Wind Palace Method''s atmospheric manipulation principles could be adapted for¡ª"


    "Young disciple," she interrupted, "if you finish that sentence with anything involving selling weather, you will be banned from the Archives."


    Wei Lin closed his mouth, but I caught him still making notes about "potential alternative applications of spiritual atmospheric conditions."


    I turned back to studying the methods, trying to imagine how each would interact with my unique circumstances. The Flowing River Method''s adaptability was appealing, but water could be unstable. The Mountain Heart Method''s solidity would be secure, but possibly too rigid for world-walking. The Wind Palace Method''s atmospheric control was interesting, but maintaining it while jumping between realities seemed risky...


    "These looks promising," Wei Lin mused, then frowned. "Though compared to what Father''s contacts might have available..."


    He spent the next half hour examining various techniques, but I could tell he wasn''t really satisfied with any of them. Finally, he straightened up with a sigh.


    "I think I''ll pass for now," he announced. "These are good foundations, but Father mentioned some interesting options from his last trade meeting." He turned to me with a grin. "Sure you don''t want me to ask about a second method? His cultivation friends always have some fascinating techniques available..."


    I was actually considering it - the sect''s offerings did seem rather basic - when something caught my eye.


    On a shelf near the back, partially hidden behind other slips, was a jade tablet that looked... different. Older, somehow, with patterns I''d never seen before.


    Could it be¡­

 Chapter 24: World Tree Sutra

    "What about that one?" I asked, pointing.


    Wei Lin followed my gaze and whistled softly. "Now that''s an interesting piece. Look at those engravings - definitely pre-Formation War era craftsmanship."


    Elder Chang''s expression tightened slightly. "Ah. The World Tree Sutra. I should have known you''d notice it."


    "The World Tree?" Wei Lin''s eyes widened. "I''ve heard rumors about that one. Supposedly impossible to cultivate, drives people mad trying to comprehend it..." He grinned. "Want me to ask Father about something safer? I''m sure he could find¡ª"


    "Is it not available to Outer Disciples?"


    "It''s... complicated." She retrieved the tablet carefully, as if it might break. "This is what we call a remnant technique. Ancient wisdom, incomplete and dangerous. Any disciple is technically free to attempt it, but..."


    "But?"


    "But none have succeeded. The technique is fragmented, its core principles lost to time. Those who''ve tried to cultivate it have achieved nothing at best. At worst..." She shook her head. "There have been deaths."


    She placed the tablet on the table. Unlike the other jade slips, this one''s energy felt wild, uncontained. The patterns etched into its surface seemed to shift when I wasn''t looking directly at them.


    "The World Tree Sutra," she explained, "approaches inner world development... differently. Where standard methods teach you to create landscapes - mountains, rivers, forests - the World Tree method aims to grow your entire inner world from a single seed of power." Her fingers traced the shifting patterns. "Instead of building separate features, it supposedly creates a living core that extends through every layer of reality."


    "Like an actual tree?" Wei Lin asked, professional curiosity overtaking his earlier caution.


    "Yes and no. The ''tree'' is more conceptual - branches that pierce dimensional boundaries, roots that tap into fundamental forces. In theory, a fully developed World Tree inner world wouldn''t just contain terrain, it would be a living bridge between different levels of existence."


    "That sounds..." I paused, thinking of my world-walking ability. "Ambitious."


    "Recklessly so," she agreed. "The method describes how this cosmic tree should grow, how its branches should extend through reality, how its roots should anchor in fundamental laws... but the actual process of nurturing it?" She shook her head. "Those parts are missing. Like having a map showing your destination but none of the paths to reach it."


    "Couldn''t someone figure out the missing parts?" I asked. "If they understood the principles..."


    "Many have tried. The most common attempt is to treat their spiritual core like a seed, trying to force it to grow according to the sutra''s descriptions. But inner worlds are delicate things - one mistake in the growing process and..." She made a subtle gesture that somehow conveyed ''catastrophic spiritual explosion.''


    "Some have tried adapting other methods," she continued. "Using the Verdant Garden Method''s principles of spiritual plant growth, or the Mountain Heart Method''s stability... but the World Tree isn''t meant to be just another feature in your inner world. It''s supposed to BE your inner world, growing and expanding through reality itself."


    "And that''s what makes it so dangerous," Wei Lin guessed. "Trying to reshape your entire spiritual foundation at once instead of building it step by step."


    "Precisely. Modern methods work gradually for a reason. We teach disciples to shape their inner worlds piece by piece, maintaining stability at each stage. The World Tree Sutra suggests completely transforming your spiritual essence in one continuous growth. The power requirements alone..."


    "Are presumably why people keep exploding?" Wei Lin suggested helpfully.


    Elder Chang''s expression suggested she could have phrased it more diplomatically but didn''t entirely disagree. "I show it to you only for completeness. I strongly recommend choosing one of the standard methods.¡±


    "Are there other incomplete methods?" I asked before Elder Chang could return the World Tree Sutra to its shelf.


    In cultivation novels, the most powerful techniques were often the broken ones - fragments of ancient wisdom too profound for modern cultivators to fully grasp. And while taking the obviously dangerous path was usually a terrible idea in real life, I wasn''t exactly living in the real world anymore.


    Elder Chang paused, giving me a puzzled look. "Why would you be interested in more broken methods?"


    "Just curious about what other ancient wisdom the sect has preserved."


    She studied me for a long moment, then sighed. "Very well." She disappeared into the stacks, returning with three more jade tablets. "These are our most notable remnant techniques for inner world development, though I can''t imagine why you''d want them."


    She set them on the table one by one. "The Celestial Palace Method. It teaches how to shape your inner world into a vast divine palace that exists between heaven and earth. The basic architecture is documented, but the method for properly layering dimensional space within the rooms..." She shook her head. "Most who attempt it end up with their inner world collapsing."This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Wei Lin whistled. "Didn''t an Inner Disciple try that one last year?"


    "Yes. His universe imploded. He survived, barely, but his cultivation was crippled."


    She moved to the second tablet. "The Nine Suns Scripture. It guides you in creating multiple star cores within your inner world, each one amplifying the others. The initial formation is clear, but the balanced orbital patterns needed to prevent the suns from consuming each other..." She made a small gesture that somehow conveyed ''catastrophic thermonuclear disaster.''


    The last tablet had a strange, glassy quality to its surface. "And this is the Infinite Mirrors Codex. It teaches how to fragment your inner universe into countless reflecting realms, each one containing infinite possibilities. But the method for maintaining consciousness across the fractured space is lost. Those who''ve attempted it tend to... lose themselves in the reflections."


    I considered each one carefully. Creating a divine palace or multiple suns sounded impressive, but they wouldn''t help with my world-walking problem. And the mirror method... something about it felt wrong.


    "Master, while the other techniques offer significant power, they don''t address the fundamental issue of stabilizing your world-walking," Azure chimed in.


    He was right, the World Tree Sutra was different. It wasn''t about building something in reality - it was about growing through reality itself. And for someone who could already walk between worlds, understanding how to properly grow through them seemed more valuable than just building elaborate structures.


    I picked up the World Tree Sutra tablet, feeling its strange resonance. The energy within felt... familiar somehow. Like it was calling to something in my own cultivation.


    The idea of growing an entire inner world from a single seed of power... it reminded me of my own seed with its quantum star and two leaves. And if the World Tree really could bridge different levels of reality...


    "The technique''s basic structure is fascinating," Azure continued. "I detect similarities to universal law cultivation methods, but with unique variations. Given time and additional data, I could potentially reconstruct the missing elements."


    "How long?" I thought back.


    "Difficult to estimate. We would need to gather information from other methods, analyze the underlying principles... And the end result would likely be a new technique altogether rather than a true restoration."


    "But it could work?"


    "With sufficient modification and careful testing, yes. Though I should note that attempting to create a new cultivation technique from incomplete ancient wisdom is generally considered... inadvisable."


    I looked at the tablet, then at Elder Chang''s disapproving expression. On one hand, this was exactly the kind of thing that got cultivators killed in spectacular ways. On the other hand...


    "I''ll take it," I said.


    Wei Lin stared at me. "Are you sure? Father has some much safer techniques¡ª"


    "I''m sure."


    Elder Chang sighed heavily. "I cannot stop you. But I strongly advise against this path. The World Tree Sutra has claimed many lives, and those were disciples with far more resources than an Outer Disciple possesses."


    "I understand the risks."


    "No," she said quietly, "you really don''t. But you''ve made your choice." She took out another scroll, this one covered in legal-looking text. "Sign here, acknowledging that you have been warned and the sect bears no responsibility for any consequences."


    I signed, trying not to think too hard about how many kinds of waivers cultivator sects must need.


    "The tablet is yours," she said, setting it in a protective case. "I truly hope you survive your curiosity, young disciple."


    "Well," Wei Lin said as we left the Archives, "I can''t decide if you''re incredibly brave or incredibly foolish. Though I suppose those often look the same in cultivation." He paused, glancing at the case containing the ancient tablet. "The offer for safer techniques still stands, you know."


    "I''ll keep it in mind as a backup plan," I promised. "Just in case this whole ''impossible ancient technique'' thing doesn''t work out."


    "When it tries to devour your soul, don''t say I didn''t warn you." He grinned. "Though if you survive, maybe we can work out a deal to sell copies..."


    "Wei Lin."


    "Just thinking ahead! Someone has to profit from your questionable life choices." He gave me one last concerned look. "Well, I need to write to Father about those other techniques. Try not to get yourself killed before I can make a sale, okay?"


    As he headed off toward his quarters, I could feel Elder Chang still watching from the Archives entrance. Probably adding another tally to her mental list of disciples who''d chosen the hard way to learn about hubris.


    "You know," Azure said, "there''s a 67% chance they¡¯re right about this being a terrible idea."


    "Only 67%?"


    "Well, given our unique circumstances... The technique''s focus on connecting to fundamental reality could be particularly relevant to your Worldwalker ability. And the incomplete nature actually works in our favor - it means we can adapt it to our specific needs rather than trying to force traditional methods."


    I thought about the Two Suns world, about the Skybound and its reality-warping powers. A normal cultivation technique probably wouldn''t be enough. But something different, something that worked with my strange affinity for dimensional travel...


    "Besides," I said, "when has a supposedly impossible technique ever actually been impossible in cultivation stories?"


    "Using narrative tropes as a basis for cultivation decisions seems unwise."


    "Says the mysterious spirit helper who''s basically a sentient cultivation system."


    "...Point taken."

 Chapter 25: Genesis Seed

    "So," I said, staring at the ancient tablet laid out on my meditation mat, "how likely is this to make my inner world explode?"


    "Based on historical records?" Azure''s tone was far too cheerful for the subject matter. "Quite likely! However, our circumstances are rather unique."


    I sat cross-legged in my small room, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the floor. The jade tablet of the World Tree Sutra pulsed with a faint, verdant energy that seemed to resonate with my two-leafed seed.


    "The good news," Azure continued, "is that I''ve managed to analyze the first stage of cultivation in detail. The tablet actually preserves this part completely - it''s the later stages that are fragmented."


    "And the first stage involves...?"


    "Converting your Seed of Creation into what the ancients called a Cosmic World Tree Seed." Azure paused. "Though perhaps ''Genesis Seed'' would be a better translation. The classical terminology is rather flowery."


    I raised an eyebrow. "Genesis Seed?"


    "A seed that contains the potential for an entire world," Azure explained. "Think of it as upgrading your spiritual core from a simple cultivation base into something that can actually grow and shape reality itself."


    "And this is the ''easy'' part that everyone fails at?"


    "Oh yes! Most cultivators either burn out their spiritual cores trying to force the transformation, or drive themselves mad attempting to comprehend multi-dimensional growth patterns." Azure''s enthusiasm for potentially lethal cultivation techniques was sometimes concerning.


    I glanced at my inner world, where the two-leafed seed floated serenely next to its miniature sun companion. "So what exactly do I need to do?"


    "The first step is relatively straightforward - you need to infuse your seed with the concept of infinite growth and world-creation." Azure paused. "Though I should note that ''relatively straightforward'' in this context means ''probably won''t immediately kill you.''"


    "Your confidence is overwhelming."


    "The interesting part," Azure continued, ignoring my sarcasm, "is what comes after the initial transformation. The World Tree Sutra describes a cultivation method that requires different types of energy to grow - essences from different realms of existence."


    I frowned. "Different realms? Like..."


    "Like different worlds," Azure confirmed. "Which is likely why so many cultivators failed. They simply didn''t have access to the diverse energy types needed for proper growth."


    "But I do," I said slowly, thinking about my world-walking ability. "Because I can visit other realities."


    "Precisely! This technique was clearly designed by someone who understood the existence of multiple worlds.¡±


    "So there are people in this world who know about other realities.¡±


    "Yes. Though such knowledge is likely restricted to very high-level cultivators. The World Tree Sutra itself is evidence that the ancients understood far more about the nature of reality than most modern cultivators."


    "And what about the later stages?"


    "The second stage is mostly intact," Azure explained. "Once the Genesis Seed begins growing, you can use it to shape your inner world - creating terrain, weather patterns, even small ecosystems. It''s similar to traditional methods, but instead of building these features directly, you grow them as extensions of the World Tree."


    "And the third stage?"


    "Ah. That''s where things get... interesting. The fragments suggest it involves fully merging with the World Tree, becoming a living bridge between realities. The cultivator essentially becomes one with their inner world, extending their consciousness through multiple planes of existence."


    "Yeah, let''s not do that part," I said quickly. "I''ve read enough cultivation novels to know that reborn as a cosmic tree entity probably sounds better than it actually is."


    "A wise decision! Though the fragments about reality-transcendence are fascinating from a theoretical perspective..."


    "Focus, Azure. Let''s worry about the first stage before you start planning my career as a multi-dimensional plant."


    "Right, right. So, for the initial transformation..." Azure''s presence shifted into what I thought of as his teaching mode. "The key is understanding that your seed already contains the potential for world-creation. We just need to awaken that potential and give it direction."


    What followed was possibly the most frustrating month of cultivation I''d ever experienced.


    I sat cross-legged on my meditation mat, the ancient jade tablet propped before me. Its surface flickered with verdant light as I traced the cultivation diagrams with my finger. The first stage was laid out in precise detail - five steps to transform a spiritual seed into what the ancients called a Genesis Seed.


    "The first circulation pattern requires you to guide spiritual energy in a spiraling helix," Azure explained, his presence hovering attentively in my mind. "See how the diagram shows the energy coiling thirteen times before returning to the core?"


    I nodded, studying the intricate formation. Thirteen coils, each slightly offset from the last, creating a three-dimensional spiral that would theoretically wrap my seed in transformative energy. Simple enough in theory.


    Drawing in a deep breath, I gathered my spiritual energy and began the first attempt. My qi followed the prescribed path, coiling around the two-leafed seed. One spiral, two, three... By the seventh coil, sweat beaded on my forehead. By the tenth, my meridians burned with strain.


    "The spacing is too wide," Azure noted. "The coils need to be tighter, more precise. See how each loop in the diagram intersects with exactly seven points on the previous coil?"


    I gritted my teeth, trying to maintain the pattern. Twelve coils... almost... The thirteenth spiral collapsed, my spiritual energy dispersing in a flash that sent needles of pain through my dantian. The seed pulsed once and remained stubbornly unchanged.


    "Well," Azure said cheerfully, "at least nothing exploded! The text mentions that the first circulation must be perfect before attempting the second stage. Shall we try again?"


    The second attempt went marginally better. I managed all thirteen coils, but when I tried to initiate the second pattern - a downward-flowing curtain of energy meant to "wash away physical limitations" - the whole formation destabilized. The seed sprouted a third leaf, then immediately withered back to its original form.


    "The washing pattern requires steady pressure," Azure pointed out, highlighting another section of the tablet. "Like a gentle rain rather than a waterfall. And see these notation marks? They indicate the energy should be cycling through all five elemental phases with each descent."


    By the third day, I could maintain both the spiral and the washing patterns, but the third stage - described as "awakening the seed''s world-heart" - proved maddening. The diagram showed spiritual energy flowing inward through nine different channels simultaneously, each at a different frequency meant to resonate with fundamental laws of reality.


    "Focus on one channel at a time," Azure suggested during a particularly frustrating session. "Master each frequency individually before trying to combine them."


    I spent hours just working with the first channel, trying to match my spiritual energy to what the tablet described as "the resonance of growth." Too fast and the energy scattered; too slow and nothing happened at all. The second channel needed to vibrate at "the frequency of boundaries dissolving." The third had to match "the pulse of world-birth."


    The fourth day brought a breakthrough with the channels. I discovered that if I thought of them like musical notes rather than energy frequencies, I could hold the patterns more easily. The nine channels became a chord in my mind, each note ringing at its own pitch but harmonizing with the others.


    "Now for the fourth stage," Azure said once I''d mastered the channels. "This is where most cultivators falter. The diagram shows how to fold space around the seed, creating a cradle of bent reality."


    The tablet''s instructions for reality-folding were surprisingly precise - each fold had to occur at exactly the right angle, creating a geometric pattern that looked simple until you realized it couldn''t exist in three-dimensional space. My first few attempts felt like trying to fold a paper airplane while blindfolded and wearing mittens.


    "You''re still thinking in normal space," Azure noted. "Look at how these lines intersect - they''re not meant to meet in physical reality at all. Each fold should connect on a higher dimensional plane."


    That sparked something. I''d been trying to create the folds around my seed, but what if...? I reached out with my spiritual sense, using my world-walking affinity to feel the places where reality was already thin. Instead of forcing new folds, I could use the natural creases that existed between dimensions.


    The fifth day, I managed to complete all four patterns simultaneously - the spiral, the washing curtain, the resonating channels, and the reality folds. For a brief moment, I felt it working. My seed began to transform, its simple physical form giving way to something more abstract, more fundamental...


    Then it all collapsed again. The careful patterns dissolved like smoke in wind, leaving me with a headache that felt like I''d tried to headbutt my way between dimensions.


    "Actually, that was excellent progress!" Azure''s excitement was undimmed. "You achieved partial transformation for almost three seconds. The tablet mentions that moment of failure is crucial - it shows exactly where your understanding needs refinement."


    I spent the sixth day not cultivating at all, just studying my seed and the tablet. The final step, the one I''d been missing, wasn''t about imposing new patterns. It was about recognizing the patterns that were already there. My seed had crossed dimensions before. It had survived in my soul through reincarnation. It already knew how to transcend normal limits - it just needed the right key to unlock that knowledge.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    After three weeks of practice, I had mastered the first four steps. The basic patterns were embedded in my spiritual muscle memory, each one flowing naturally into the next. But the final stage - that moment of recognition and remembrance - continued to elude me.


    "There has to be something we''re missing," I muttered, starting the sequence again for what felt like the thousandth time. The spiral came easily now, spiritual energy coiling in perfect thirteenfold symmetry. The washing curtain descended like spring rain, cycling through the elements with steady rhythm. Nine channels opened, resonating with fundamental laws in perfect harmony. Reality folded along its natural creases, creating a cradle of higher-dimensional space.


    Day after day, attempt after attempt, the transformation remained incomplete. No matter how perfect the patterns, how precise the resonance, something was still missing.


    I was about to give up for the night when I noticed something odd. The miniature red sun, which usually orbited at a comfortable distance, had retreated to the furthest corner of my inner world. It looked... afraid?


    "Azure," I asked, "what do you make of that?"


    "The red sun appears to be responding to the Genesis Seed''s attempts at transformation. Almost as if it recognizes something..."


    An idea struck me - a terrible, wonderful idea.


    "The sun contains reality-altering power," I said slowly. "Power from another world. And we need our seed to transcend normal reality..."


    ¡°Master, this could work, but we should be careful."


    I reached out with my spiritual sense, grasping the miniature sun. It tried to dodge, radiating waves of what could only be described as terror.


    "I''m sorry," I whispered, then forced it toward my seed.


    The moment they touched, everything changed.


    The sun''s crimson energy didn''t just flow into the seed - it was devoured, consumed in a single moment of hungry transcendence. My inner world lit up with bloody light as the seed absorbed every trace of that reality-warping power.


    For a moment, I thought I''d made a terrible mistake. The seed pulsed with chaotic energy, patterns spinning wildly as it tried to integrate this new power.


    Then, finally, everything clicked.


    The change began at the quantum level. My seed''s physical form remained the same, but its underlying structure shifted, becoming more... real. More true. The two leaves weren''t just leaves anymore - they were expressions of growth and potential given form. The simple shape held depths within depths, fractals of possibility reaching into dimensions I could barely perceive.


    The tablet called this final stage "remembering the truth of world-birth." My seed wasn''t changing into something new - it was remembering what it had always been, somewhere deep in its essential nature. A fragment of creation itself, a pattern that contained the potential for infinite growth and world-shaping change.


    When the transformation completed, my inner world held something both familiar and completely new. The Genesis Seed hung in my spiritual core like a cosmic embryo, simultaneously plant and star and possibility given form. Its two leaves had become abstract patterns of growth and creation, expressed in pure spiritual energy that pulsed with the same frequency as reality itself.


    My inner world felt strangely empty without the miniature sun, but the Genesis Seed more than filled that void. Where the sun had been a fragment of borrowed power, the seed was now something truly transcendent.


    "The pattern is perfect," Azure said softly. "Every aspect stable, every resonance aligned. You''ve done it - the first stage is complete."


    I examined my transformed spiritual core, hardly daring to believe it had worked. "No chance of delayed explosions?"


    "The transformation is permanent and stable," he confirmed. "Though this is just the beginning. Now we need to help it grow, but let me first show you your status."


    Cultivation Level: Qi Condensation Third Sub-realm


    Genesis Seed:


    <ul>


    <li>Size: Volleyball equivalent</li>


    <li>Two transcendent leaves</li>


    <li>Energy Configuration: World Creation Phase</li>


    </ul>


    Inner World:


    <ul>


    <li>Size: 55 cubic meters</li>


    </ul>


    Stats:


    Soul Essence: 650/650


    Spiritual Essence: 550/550


    Physical Essence: 550/550


    Special Features:


    <ul>


    <li>Genesis World Tree Pattern (First Stage)</li>


    <li>Reality Connection: Two Suns World (Enhanced)</li>


    </ul>


    I stared at the numbers. "Azure, these increases... they''re massive."


    "The transformation seems to have dramatically enhanced all your core attributes."


    "No, I mean..." I sat up straighter despite the exhaustion weighing me down. "I''ve been tracking cultivation method rankings. Human-rank methods usually give around fifty points. Earth-rank ones about a hundred. Heaven-rank techniques top out at one-fifty."


    "And this gave you two hundred," Azure finished. "Which would suggest the World Tree Sutra..."


    "Beyond Heaven-rank like is suspected," I whispered, then started laughing. "Oh heavens, this is too perfect.¡± A thought suddenly occurred to me. "But what about the red sun''s power? Will it still boost my stats like before?"


    "The essence is now part of the Genesis Seed''s structure," Azure replied. "I don''t see why it wouldn''t. If anything, it should be more efficient now that it''s properly integrated into your cultivation base."


    "Only one way to find out."


    I reached inside, searching for that familiar crimson power. Where the red sun had once orbited, I now found its essence woven throughout the Genesis Seed''s structure. The energy felt different ¨C refined and transformed, but still distinctly... red.


    I drew on it cautiously.


    The response was immediate and explosive. Crimson lines blazed across my skin, tracing my meridians in familiar patterns. But this time, the surge of power felt different ¨C cleaner somehow, more integrated with my own essence. The world around me sharpened, every detail crystal clear as my senses enhanced beyond normal limits.


    "Fascinating!" Azure''s voice held that special tone he reserved for particularly interesting phenomena. "Your physical essence is increasing... wait, that can''t be right. The readings show a hundred-point increase!"


    He was right. The power flooding my muscles was far stronger than before. I flexed my hand, watching the red lines pulse with each movement. "A hundred points? But it was only fifty when we had the actual sun."


    "I have a theory about that," Azure said enthusiastically. "Before, you were merely borrowing the sun''s power, forcing it to work within your cultivation system. But now..."


    "Now it''s actually part of me," I finished, understanding dawning. "Part of my Genesis Seed."


    "Precisely! The World Tree Sutra isn''t just designed to store different types of energy ¨C it''s meant to absorb and refine them. By consuming the sun''s power during the transformation, your seed didn''t just contain it ¨C it optimized it. Made it truly yours."


    I let the power fade, watching the crimson lines recede into my skin. But as they disappeared, I noticed something else ¨C a familiar pulling sensation at the edge of my spiritual awareness.


    "I can still feel it," I said, surprised. "The connection to Two Suns. It''s actually clearer than before."


    "Makes sense," Azure mused. "The Genesis Seed doesn''t just store power ¨C it builds connections. You consumed a fragment of that reality''s fundamental nature. If anything, your ability to reach that world should be stronger now."


    I nodded, no longer able to hold back the fatigue. A month of intensive cultivation, especially with something this complex, wasn''t easy on the spiritual essence.


    "You should rest now," Azure said softly, his presence wrapping around my consciousness like a warm blanket. "You''ve pushed yourself far too hard these past weeks."


    But even as I laid down, I couldn''t help but smile. Everyone had said the World Tree Sutra was impossible, that trying to cultivate it was suicide. And maybe for most people it was.


    But most people couldn''t walk between worlds.


    "Azure?"


    "Yes?"


    "What do you think Elder Chang will say when she finds out we actually did it?"


    "Probably something about young disciples and hubris. Though I suspect she already knew you might succeed - she did show us the tablet, after all."


    I thought about that as I drifted off. Then an amusing thought struck me through the fog of exhaustion. How many times had Elder Chang ''reluctantly'' shown that tablet to promising outer disciples?


    It was such a classic move - the wise elder ''warning'' the young cultivator away from some powerful but dangerous technique, while practically dropping it in their lap.


    I could almost see it ¨C Elder Chang, keeping count of how many disciples she''d pulled this trick on. Waiting for one to finally get it right. Like some sort of ancient cultivation lottery, where the prize was either enlightenment or explosion.


    Maybe she had seen something special in me. Or maybe I was just the latest in a long line of guinea pigs who''d been ''warned'' about impossible techniques.


    At least I hadn''t exploded. Yet.


    I could picture her marking another tally in some secret book: ''Attempts to pass on deadly ancient technique - 392. Successes - 1. Explosions - 391...''


    "Azure? One last question."


    "Hmm?"


    "Do you think the original creator of the World Tree Sutra was a world-walker too?"


    My eyes closed before I heard his reply.

 Chapter 26: Am I A Protagonist?

    I woke up feeling like I''d been hit by a truck. Again.


    The morning sun was barely peeking through my window as I lay there, staring at the ceiling of my small disciple quarters. My entire body ached from the month of intense cultivation, but my mind was surprisingly clear. Maybe too clear, because it kept circling back to something I''d been trying not to think about since arriving in this world.


    "Azure, I think I might be a protagonist."


    There was a moment of silence before Azure''s presence stirred in my mind. "An interesting conclusion to reach first thing in the morning¡­"


    "I''ve been trying to avoid thinking about it, honestly. I didn''t want to get my hopes up." I shifted on my bed, wincing as my sore muscles protested. "You know how these stories go. Sometimes people reincarnate as side characters and end up getting killed off for dramatic effect. Or worse, they''re the young master antagonist whose only purpose is to be a stepping stone for the real protagonist."


    "And you''re certain you''re not one of those?"


    "Well, not completely certain. But I''d say I''m about ninety percent sure at this point." I started counting off on my fingers. "First, I''m reincarnated from another world - classic isekai protagonist setup. Second, I have what''s basically a LitRPG system showing me stats and levels. Third, I have you - a mysterious spiritual helper.¡±


    "I prefer ''appropriately enigmatic guide,'' but continue."


    "Fourth, I have this strange ability that lets me walk between worlds, and when I die there, I just pop back here instead of actually dying. And finally..." I gestured at my dantian, where the newly transformed Genesis Seed sat. "Yesterday I completed the first stage of a technique that''s supposedly beyond Heaven-rank, something that''s been impossible to cultivate for generations."


    "Hmm, you do seem to be accumulating quite a few protagonist traits.¡±


    "At this rate, we''ll probably discover the World Tree Sutra creator was my past life ancestor or something equally ridiculous." I covered my face with my hands. "I refuse to think about it anymore. I''m just going to lay here and pretend I''m not a walking cultivation novel clich¨¦."


    "As you wish, Master. Though I should point out that denial of one''s protagonist status is also a common trope."


    "...I hate that you''re right about that."


    I lay there for a while longer until my stomach let out an embarrassingly loud growl. Right. For the past month, I''d been surviving on nothing but cultivation energy bars - specially designed supplements for lower realm cultivators who still needed mortal nutrition. They contained everything the body needed to survive, but after a month of the bland, compressed squares, I was desperately craving real food.


    The Celestial Repast Hall ¨C because of course a cultivation sect couldn''t just call it a cafeteria ¨C was on the other side of the Outer Disciple quarters, which meant a bit of a walk.


    "While we head there," Azure chimed in as I made my way down the path, "I''ve been analyzing the other disciples'' cultivation bases. Would you like to see the data?"


    "Hit me with it," I said, curious about how I measured up after the breakthrough. Numbers and calculations were always a good distraction from an empty stomach.


    "Most interesting," Azure began, pulling up what looked like a spiritual spreadsheet in my mind''s eye. "Among Qi Condensation disciples, there''s quite a range in how they distribute their essences. The majority favor spiritual essence over physical, with soul essence consistently being the lowest."


    He showed me a breakdown of the averages:


    Qi Condensation


    Stage 1:


    <ul>


    <li>Spiritual: 100-150</li>


    <li>Physical: 80-120</li>


    <li>Soul: 60-90</li>


    </ul>


    Stage 2:


    <ul>


    <li>Spiritual: 200-250</li>


    <li>Physical: 150-200</li>


    <li>Soul: 100-150</li>


    </ul>


    Stage 3 (where most of my peers were now):


    <ul>


    <li>Spiritual: 300-350</li>


    <li>Physical: 250-300</li>


    <li>Soul: 150-200</li>


    </ul>


    Stage 4:


    <ul>


    <li>Spiritual: 400-450</li>


    <li>Physical: 350-400</li>


    <li>Soul: 200-250</li>


    </ul>


    "And with your current stats," Azure continued, "especially factoring in the Genesis Seed''s boost... you could theoretically hold your own against a Stage 4 cultivator. Not quite the ''defeating enemies three realms above'' protagonist level, but..."


    "But it''s a start," I finished, allowing myself a small smile. I wasn''t aiming to be overpowered yet ¨C that kind of attention this early usually led to a quick end. But being able to defend myself against higher-stage cultivators? That was just practical survival.


    The morning air was nice and cool as it hit my face, it carried the scent of spiritual herbs from the nearby gardens. Other disciples were starting their day too, heading to various training grounds or study halls. And where there were disciples, there was gossip.


    "...haven''t seen him in a month..."


    "...the servants'' quarters, but he never showed..."


    I slowed my pace slightly, catching fragments of conversation from a group ahead.


    "My senior sister in the Archive says Wu Kangming hasn''t been seen since his demotion," one disciple was saying. "Some say he couldn''t take the shame and..."


    "Don''t spread rumors," another cut in. "He''s probably just gone into seclusion. You would too, if your fianc¨¦e¡ª"


    "Ex-fianc¨¦e," someone corrected quickly.


    "Right, ex-fianc¨¦e. If she suddenly started showing interest in another disciple right after your cultivation was crippled..."


    I kept walking, not wanting to get pulled into that particular drama. Though I couldn''t help wondering if this was setting up for the classic ''presumed dead young master returns with mysterious power-up'' plot. It would fit the usual pattern ¨C humiliation, disappearance, dramatic return...


    Well, whatever Wu Kangming was planning, I wanted no part of it.


    "Ke Yin!"


    I looked up to see Lin Mei waving from near the Celestial Repast Hall''s entrance. She was still wearing her herb garden work robes, dirt stains and all, looking exactly like someone who prioritized practical cultivation over appearances.


    "Breakthrough buddy!" she grinned as I approached, then punched my shoulder. Hard. "Also, what''s this I hear from Wei Lin about you picking the World Tree Sutra? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"


    I rubbed my shoulder, wondering if she''d been practicing some sort of herb-enhanced strength technique. "It felt right," I said with my best mysterious cultivator expression. "Sometimes on the path of cultivation, one must follow the heart''s calling, letting wisdom flow like a river through¡ª"


    "Oh stop it," she laughed. "You sound just like Senior Sister Liu with all that profound nonsense."


    "I''ll take that as a compliment."


    "You would." She shook her head, but her expression turned more serious. "Really though, what made you choose something so risky? Wei Lin said Elder Chang practically begged you not to try it."


    I shrugged, careful to keep my expression neutral. "Just felt an affinity for it. What about you? Which method did you pick?"


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    "The Flowing River Method," she said, brightening. "Elder Chang said it would complement my work with spiritual herbs ¨C something about the water circulation principles helping with essence extraction." She demonstrated a flowing hand movement that carried a hint of liquid grace. "Still getting used to the whole ''inner world full of water'' thing though. Feels like I''m cultivating in a spiritual fish tank sometimes."


    "It suits you," I said honestly. Lin Mei had always been practical about cultivation, focusing on steady progress over flashy techniques. A method based on natural water flow seemed perfect for her style.


    Our conversation was interrupted by a commotion from a nearby group of disciples. They were clustered around someone who seemed to be sharing particularly interesting news.


    "...rejected the Azure World Sutra!" the disciple was saying, voice pitched with excitement. "Can you believe it? The only Heaven-rank technique in the sect''s collection, and he turned it down!"


    "Song Xiang did?" someone asked. "But why would he..."


    "Maybe the Sect Master''s personal teachings are even better," another suggested. "I mean, he is a Legacy Disciple now..."


    I tuned out the rest, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. Of course Song Xiang would reject a mere Heaven-rank technique. That was classic young master protagonist behavior ¨C turning down what others would kill for because you already had something better. He probably had some ancient inheritance or secret manual waiting in the wings.


    "You''re making that face again," Lin Mei observed.


    "What face?"


    "That ''I know something but I''m not saying anything'' face. The one you get when you''re overthinking things."


    I smoothed my expression. "Just thinking about cultivation politics. Speaking of which, we should probably get food before the morning rush hits."


    The Celestial Repast Hall lived up to its grandiose name, at least architecturally. Soaring columns rose to a ceiling traced with formation arrays that kept the temperature perfect and the air fresh.


    The food itself was more practical ¨C hearty congee, steamed buns, various side dishes designed to support cultivation. But after a month of energy bars, it might as well have been a celestial banquet.


    We found a quiet corner table, away from the main crowd. Lin Mei had already finished her breakfast but joined me with a cup of spiritual tea. The aromatic steam carried traces of herb-enhanced qi ¨C probably her own blend, knowing her attention to detail with plants.


    "So," she said once I''d taken the edge off my hunger, "what''s it really like? The World Tree method?"


    I considered how to answer without revealing too much. "Different," I said finally. "Most methods teach you to build your inner world piece by piece, right? This one... it''s more like planting a seed and letting it grow naturally."


    "That doesn''t sound too bad."


    "The hard part is getting the seed to sprout without exploding."


    She winced. "Yeah, that would be a problem. But you managed it?"


    I nodded, taking another bite of congee to avoid elaborating. Lin Mei was trustworthy, but the fewer people who knew the details of my cultivation, the better. In a world of cultivation prodigies and hidden young masters, sometimes the safest path was to just blend in with the crowd.


    "You''re doing it again," Lin Mei said.


    "Doing what?"


    "Analyzing everything like you''re reading a cultivation manual. You know, not everything has to be about training and techniques."


    I raised an eyebrow. "Says the person who spends her free time experimenting with herb combinations?"


    "That''s different! I actually enjoy working with plants. You..." She paused, searching for the right words. "Sometimes it feels like you''re always preparing for the worst, like you just know something is going to go wrong."


    "Speaking of preparing for the worst," I said, changing the subject, "how''s the herb garden rotation going? Still dealing with that batch of particularly aggressive spirit herbs?"


    Lin Mei''s eyes lit up, and she launched into an enthusiastic explanation of her latest gardening adventures. I listened, letting her enthusiasm wash away some of my heavier thoughts. This was nice ¨C just sitting with a friend, eating real food, not worrying about cultivation politics or protagonist plots...


    Lin Mei suddenly perked up, waving at someone behind me. "Wei Lin! Over here!"


    "His spiritual essence is impressive," Azure noted as Wei Lin approached our table. "Around 450 units. He must have got his hands on an Earth-rank cultivation method."


    Wei Lin looked me up and down as he joined us, a grin on his face. "Well, well. I''m surprised you''re still in one piece. I take it you succeeded?"


    I nodded, swallowing a mouthful of congee. "It was difficult, but I got lucky."


    "Sure," Wei Lin drawled, "I''m sure that''s all it was." His tone suggested he didn''t believe in luck any more than he believed in fair prices.


    "What about you?" I asked, deflecting. "Which cultivation method did your father''s connections provide?"


    "The Merchant''s Path," Wei Lin said, settling into what I recognized as his sales pitch posture. "It''s an Earth-rank method that shapes the inner world into a spiritual marketplace. Each shop represents a different aspect of cultivation, and the flow of spiritual energy mimics trade routes."


    I nearly choked on my congee. "Wait, there''s actually a cultivation method that lets you build a marketplace in your inner world? I was joking when I said¡ª" I stopped myself, shaking my head. I should know better by now. Of course there would be a cultivation method like this. There was probably one for every possible thing you could imagine, and quite a few things you couldn''t.


    Wei Lin''s grin widened at my reaction. "The best part is how it naturally enhances resource absorption and energy conversion rates. Perfect for someone who understands the true value of efficient cultivation."


    "That..." I paused, still processing the fact that my joke had somehow been actual cultivation reality. "That actually sounds exactly right for you."


    "Of course it does! Father''s connections never disappoint." He leaned forward conspiratorially. "Speaking of which, I might be able to get you a copy for a very reasonable¡ª"


    "Wei Lin," Lin Mei interrupted, "he already has a cultivation method. One that hasn''t killed him yet, surprisingly."


    "Ah, but backup methods are always good to have! You never know when¡ª"


    "How''s your inner marketplace developing?" I asked quickly, before he could launch into a full sales pitch.


    Wei Lin brightened. "Wonderfully! I''ve already established the main trading district and started work on the auction house. Though I did have a small issue with some rebellious spirit stones trying to establish their own black market..."


    We spent the next hour trading cultivation stories and sect gossip, Wei Lin described how his first attempt at establishing a spirit stone exchange nearly destabilized his entire inner world ("The conversion rates were all wrong!"), whilst Lin Mei talked about her latest experiments with aquatic spirit herbs.


    As for me, I mostly listened, offering the occasional comment while being careful not to reveal too much about my own cultivation.


    Eventually, I scraped the last bit of congee from my bowl and stood up. "I should head out. Need to get some practice in."


    "Watch your back for Wu Lihua," Wei Lin warned. "She''s been snooping around more than usual lately."


    "I''ll do my best, but she''ll find me soon enough,¡± I sighed. ¡°She always does."

 Chapter 27: Cultivating Plants

    The morning dew still clung to the grass as I made my way through the Outer Sect training grounds, searching for somewhere quiet to practice.


    Most disciples preferred the maintained areas near the main courtyard, with their perfectly level ground and regularly renewed formation arrays. But those spots required spirit stone reservations, and my cultivation resources were... limited.


    "There has to be a usable space somewhere," I muttered, pushing through another patch of overgrown bushes. The back area of the training grounds had been partially reclaimed by nature, creating a maze of old practice fields separated by vegetation. Not ideal for most cultivation methods, but maybe...


    I finally found what I was looking for - a small clearing tucked away behind a cluster of ancient trees. The ground was uneven and scattered with fallen leaves, but the space was open enough for practice. More importantly, it was well-hidden from the main paths.


    "This should work," I said, setting down my water flask and cultivation manual. "At least until..."


    "Until Wu Lihua finds you?" Azure suggested. "I estimate we have approximately six hours before she tracks down your location."


    I sighed. The Core Disciple''s habit of "observing" my practice sessions was becoming a real problem. She never did anything overtly inappropriate - just watched from a distance with that weird smile. But try explaining to sect elders why you''re uncomfortable with a beautiful senior sister taking an interest in your cultivation. Especially when you''re just an Outer Disciple.


    "Six hours is better than nothing," I said, settling into a cross-legged position. "So, Azure... now that we''ve stabilized the Genesis Seed, what combat techniques does the World Tree Sutra actually teach?"


    "Most of the advanced techniques are either beyond your current cultivation level or lost to time," Azure replied. "However, there are a few fundamental arts that should be accessible at Qi Condensation. The most immediately useful would be the Primordial Wood Arts."


    "Wood Arts?"


    "Yes. The technique allows a cultivator to manipulate plant life by sharing the World Tree''s essence with lesser forms of vegetation. It''s actually quite elegant ¨C instead of forcing your will on plants, you''re essentially teaching them how to grow."


    "That sounds... surprisingly gentle for a combat technique."


    "Oh, don''t be fooled by the philosophical framework," Azure said cheerfully. "While the principle is about harmony with nature, you can absolutely use it to impale someone with a suddenly very angry tree."


    I thought about that for a moment. "You know, that reminds me of something from my old world ¨C there was this character, Hashirama Senju, who could control wood and¡ª"


    "Focus, Master. Let''s start with the basic principles before you try recreating fictional ninja techniques."


    Right. One step at a time.


    "The first stage," Azure continued, "involves extending your spiritual sense into nearby plants. The Genesis Seed makes this relatively straightforward ¨C it''s already attuned to the fundamental essence of growth."


    I closed my eyes, reaching out with my spiritual sense. The wild plants around the training ground blazed with life, each one was different, they all had unique patterns of growth.


    "Good. Now, try to match your Genesis Seed''s energy with the natural growth patterns you sense. Think of it like... offering to teach them a new way to grow."


    I extended a thread of power from my seed toward a patch of grass near my feet. The grass responded eagerly ¨C too eagerly. The entire patch shot upward like a green fountain, growing three meters high before I could cut the connection.


    "Ah," Azure said. "Perhaps a bit too much enthusiasm there. Try using less power and more... suggestion."


    The next hour was spent trying to find the right balance. Too much power and plants exploded into uncontrolled growth. Too little and nothing happened at all. It was like trying to write with a brush that was simultaneously too wet and too dry.


    "Remember," Azure coached, "you''re not forcing them to grow. You''re showing them how they could grow if they choose to follow your guidance."


    I tried again, this time reaching out to a small sapling at the edge of the clearing. Instead of pushing power into it, I let my Genesis Seed''s energy resonate with its natural growth patterns. The sapling''s leaves rustled despite the still air, and I felt... something. A connection, barely there but definitely real.


    "That''s it!" Azure''s excitement was contagious. "Now, try to guide it. Imagine the shape you want it to take, but don''t force it. Let the plant decide how to interpret your suggestion."


    I pictured the sapling growing taller, its branches reaching toward the sky. For a moment nothing happened. Then, slowly, almost hesitantly, it began to grow. Not the explosive surge from before, but a smooth, natural movement that just happened to be many times faster than normal.


    The sapling stretched upward, adding perhaps half a meter to its height before the growth tapered off. I let out a breath I hadn''t realized I was holding.


    "Excellent first attempt," Azure said. "Though you might want to work on efficiency ¨C that small growth consumed nearly ten units of spiritual essence."


    "Ten units? But that''s..."


    "Incredibly inefficient, yes. The text mentions that mastery of this technique requires learning to minimize power expenditure. Otherwise, you''d drain yourself dry trying to grow a garden."


    I spent the rest of the morning practicing with various plants around the clearing, trying to find the optimal power level for different types of growth. Small plants like grass and flowers needed barely a whisper of power, while trees required more substantial energy to influence their already-established growth patterns.


    By midday, I''d managed to reduce the power cost to about seven units per meaningful growth. Still not great, but better than before.


    "The next stage," Azure explained as I took a break to recover spiritual energy, "involves more precise control. Growing things is useful, but combat applications require faster, more directed manipulation."


    I nodded, thinking of all the ways this technique could be used in a fight. Growing barriers, creating bindings, maybe even weapons...


    "Where do we start?"


    "With that." Azure highlighted a thick vine growing up one of the trees at the clearing''s edge. "Try to make it move without growing. Just... convince it that moving would be an interesting thing to do."


    The vine proved to be significantly more challenging than simple growth manipulation. Every time I tried to make it move, it would start growing instead, stretching toward whatever direction I was suggesting.


    "You''re still thinking too much like a human," Azure observed after my fifteenth attempt resulted in the vine growing another meter longer. "Plants don''t understand concepts like ''grab that rock'' or ''move left.'' They understand growing toward light, reaching for water, extending roots to stable ground..."


    I frowned, considering that. "So instead of trying to make it move like a rope, I should..."


    "Think about what would make it want to move naturally."


    Right. I reached out to the vine again, this time with a different approach. Instead of trying to control its movement directly, I created a sort of spiritual light ¨C a beacon of growth potential that made that direction seem especially appealing.


    The vine stirred, then began to curve toward my spiritual light. Not growing this time, just... redirecting itself.


    "Much better! Though you might want to stop before it actually reaches your face."


    I blinked, realizing the vine was indeed getting rather close to my head. I let the technique fade, watching as the vine settled into its new position.


    "That took way too much concentration for combat," I said, rubbing my temples. "I''d be dead before I could convince a plant to help."


    "True. But like any technique, it becomes easier with practice. The texts mention masters of Primordial Wood Arts who could command entire forests with a thought."


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    "I''m guessing those parts are in the ''lost to time'' section?"


    "Unfortunately. Though the basic principles should be the same, just scaled up significantly."


    I spent the afternoon working on speed and control, trying to reduce the time between reaching out to a plant and having it respond. The vine became my primary training partner, wrapping around trees, reaching for rocks, and occasionally trying to steal my water flask when my concentration slipped.


    As the sun began to set, I finally called it a day. My spiritual essence was nearly depleted, and every plant in the clearing had been subjected to at least one failed experiment in botanical manipulation.


    "Not a bad first day," Azure said as I gathered my things. "Though you might want to do something about that before you leave."


    He drew my attention to a patch of grass that was still enthusiastically trying to reach the clouds.


    "Right." I reached out one last time, gently suggesting that perhaps being three meters tall wasn''t the best life choice for grass. It took some convincing, but eventually the patch settled back to a more reasonable height.


    The next few weeks fell into a routine. I''d arrive at Ground Seventeen early each morning, spend the day practicing different aspects of the Primordial Wood Arts, and leave exhausted but slightly more skilled than before.


    The technique began to make more sense as I worked with it. Plants, I discovered, had their own kind of intelligence. Not consciousness exactly, but patterns of growth and adaptation that could be guided if you understood them properly.


    Trees were stubborn, set in their ways and requiring significant energy to influence. Vines were eager to move and grow, but easily distracted by new sources of spiritual energy. Grass was almost too cooperative, ready to explode into growth at the slightest encouragement.


    Each type of plant required a different approach. Telling a tree to bend was like trying to convince a mountain to dance. But suggesting that perhaps there was something interesting in that direction, something worth reaching for...


    I learned to work with their natures rather than against them. Instead of forcing a thorny bush to attack, I could show it a pattern of growth that happened to include very sharp branches moving very quickly. Rather than commanding roots to form a wall, I could create a sphere of spiritual light that made growing upward seem like the optimal strategy.


    The costs began to come down as well. What had started at ten units of spiritual essence per growth was now closer to two, and some of the simpler manipulations barely used any power at all.


    By the middle of the month, I noticed something odd ¨C I hadn''t seen Wu Lihua in weeks. Usually, she''d find some excuse to train nearby, always watching from just far enough away that I couldn''t reasonably complain about it.


    "She must be occupied with something important," I muttered during a water break. "Hope it keeps her busy."


    "Focus on your training," Azure chided. "Though I notice you''ve been practicing defensive techniques more than offensive ones."


    He wasn''t wrong. Most of my successful experiments involved barriers, bindings, and ways to restrict movement. Actual attacks were still challenging ¨C it was hard to convince plants that violence was a natural part of their growth cycle.


    "The text mentions something called the Thorned Crown technique," Azure said thoughtfully. "It''s meant to be an advanced combat application, but the principles might be adaptable..."


    We spent the next week working on offensive moves. I learned to guide thorny vines into spiral patterns that could trap and damage opponents. Discovered how to make tree branches snap forward with crushing force. Even figured out how to create spears of hardened wood by accelerating growth along very specific patterns.


    The breakthroughs came with their share of failures. More than once I had to dodge my own attacks when a plant''s growth went out of control. One particularly memorable incident involved accidentally creating what Azure termed a "carnivorous fern incident" that took three days to fully resolve.


    But slowly, steadily, the technique began to feel natural. I could reach out to nearby plants without conscious thought, my Genesis Seed''s energy automatically resonating with their growth patterns. What had started as careful manipulation became more like a dance, each plant moving in harmony with my intentions.


    Four weeks after starting, I stood in the centre of my little training ground, surrounded by the results of my training.


    The clearing had become something of a botanical obstacle course ¨C trees with branches trained into specific patterns, vines that could move like serpents, patches of grass that could shift from soft to razor-sharp in moments.


    "Ready to test it?" Azure asked.


    I nodded, then reached out with my spiritual sense. Energy flowed from my Genesis Seed into the surrounding plants, each one responding to my call. A thorny vine whipped through the air, wrapping around an imaginary opponent. Tree branches swept down like battering rams while roots erupted from the ground to trap and bind.


    The entire sequence took less than three seconds and used barely twenty units of spiritual essence.


    "Well," Azure said with satisfaction, "I''d say you''re combat ready. Though you might want to do something about the clearing''s appearance before someone finds an excuse to file a complaint."


    I looked around at the rather dramatic changes my training had caused. The once-wild training ground now looked more like some sort of botanical testing facility, with plants grown into decidedly unnatural shapes.


    "Good point."


    It took almost an hour to convince everything to return to approximately natural-looking forms. The trees were cooperative enough, their branches settling back into normal patterns. The vines took more convincing, especially the ones that had gotten used to moving freely. The grass... well, some patches were probably going to remain suspiciously geometric for a while.


    As I prepared to leave, I felt a familiar warmth from my Genesis Seed. The month of intensive practice had done more than just teach me a new technique ¨C it had helped the seed''s own growth, establishing stronger connections with the natural world.


    I hadn''t become a master of Primordial Wood Arts, not even close. But I had a foundation now, a practical combat technique that played to my strengths. And more importantly, I understood better how the World Tree Sutra approached power ¨C not through domination, but through connection and growth.


    "Azure?"


    "Yes?"


    "You know how you said most of the combat techniques were meant for higher realms... I can''t wait to see what else this cultivation method can do."


    ¡°They are significantly more impressive than convincing some vines to dance. But remember, Master, reaching those realms is far from guaranteed. Many cultivators never progress beyond Qi Condensation."


    "Always the optimist." I smiled.


    "Of course, I believe you have a real chance at breaking through, Master."


    My smile widened at that. It was nice having someone believe in me.


    Before heading back, I took one last look at my secret training ground. The clearing looked almost normal now, just another patch of wild growth at the edge of the sect''s territory. But I knew better ¨C every plant here had learned something new, grown in ways they never would have without the World Tree''s guidance.


    Kind of like me, really.


    Now I just had to hope Wu Lihua stayed busy with whatever had been keeping her occupied. I had techniques to practice, and an audience would just complicate things.


    But that was a problem for another day. Right now, I had a very specific plan: food, sleep, and absolutely no talking to plants for at least twelve hours.


    The plants, I noticed, seemed a bit disappointed by that last part.

 Chapter 28: The Protagonist Returns

    I was in my usual spot at the back of the training grounds, trying to convince a particularly stubborn oak tree that growing straight up wasn''t its only option in life, when excited shouts from the main path caught my attention.


    "Did you hear?"


    "...at the Outer Sect entrance!"


    "...going to be a battle!"


    A group of outer disciples rushed past my hidden training area, their robes fluttering in their wake. The oak tree took advantage of my distraction to snap back to its original position with what felt suspiciously like satisfaction.


    "Well," Azure said, "sounds like the disciples are excited about something violent again.¡±


    I sighed, letting the wood manipulation technique fade. "Should we check it out?"


    "Given how these things usually go in cultivation novels... probably wise to know what''s happening, at least."


    I gathered my things and headed toward the main path, where I spotted Wei Lin walking in the same direction as the crowd.


    "Wei Lin!" I called out. "What''s going on?"


    He turned, waiting for me to catch up. "You haven''t heard? Some servant challenged an Inner Disciple to mortal combat!"


    I nearly stumbled. "Mortal combat? Are you sure?"


    "That''s what everyone''s saying. Come on, we don''t want to miss this!"


    As we hurried toward the Outer Sect entrance, I thought about what mortal combat meant in this world. The Azure Peak Sect, like most righteous sects, had strict rules about disciples killing each other. It made sense ¨C you couldn''t build a powerful cultivation sect if your disciples were constantly murdering each other over petty grievances.


    The rules were simple: disciples of the same cultivation level couldn''t kill each other without proper cause. Breaking this rule meant immediate execution.


    Of course, this just meant most cultivators got creative. Why kill your rival when you could "accidentally" cripple their cultivation during a sparring match? Or arrange for them to have an "unfortunate accident" during a dangerous mission?


    The only legal way to kill another disciple was through an official mortal combat challenge. But even then, there were rules. The challenger had to have legitimate grievance, and both parties had to be of similar cultivation level. A Core Disciple couldn''t just challenge an Outer Disciple they didn''t like ¨C that would be seen as bullying the weak, which was beneath the dignity of a righteous sect.


    "A servant challenging an Inner Disciple," I mused as we walked. "That''s either someone very confident or very desperate."


    "Or very stupid," Wei Lin added. "Though I heard the servant used to be¡ª"


    He cut off as we reached the growing crowd at the Outer Sect entrance. People were forming a loose circle around two figures, and the moment I saw them, I knew exactly what was happening.


    Wu Kangming stood facing Zhou Ming, but he looked nothing like the pale, sickly Outer Disciple I remembered. His bearing was straight and proud, his face had filled out, and there was a dangerous grace to his movements that definitely hadn''t been there before. He wore simple white robes that somehow looked more elegant than Zhou''s elaborate water-patterned blue garments.


    "Oh no," I muttered. "Oh no no no..."


    "Master?" Azure asked. "Your heart rate just spiked."


    "Remember how I said Wu Kangming had all the signs of being a protagonist? Mysterious disappearance, cultivation crippled by an arrogant young master, lost love interest?" I watched Wu Kangming''s stance, noting how he seemed completely at ease despite facing someone supposedly several cultivation levels above him. "This is the scene after his power-up, the revenge scene.¡±


    Zhou Ming was staring at Wu Kangming with a mixture of confusion and disdain. "You dare challenge me to mortal combat? A mere servant who couldn''t even maintain his position as an Outer Disciple?"


    If Zhou had any genre awareness, he''d be on his knees begging for mercy right now. But of course, that''s not how these scenes played out. The arrogant young master never recognized the danger until it was too late.


    "Do you even qualify to know my name?" Zhou continued, his voice dripping with contempt. "I don¡¯t even know your name, I''ve stepped on too many insects to remember them all."


    The crowd''s reaction was immediate:


    "Such arrogance!"


    "But he is an Inner Disciple..."


    "The servant must have a death wish!"


    "Fight! Fight! Fight!"


    I caught Wu Kangming''s eyes flickering toward a shadowed alcove near the sect gates. There, partially concealed behind a pillar, stood Wu Lihua. Her expression was unreadable, but I noticed how her fingers gripped the pillar just a bit too tightly. Wu Kangming''s small smile suggested he''d spotted her too.


    "This is going to be bad," I whispered to Wei Lin. "Really, really bad."


    "What do you mean? Zhou Ming has recently broken through to the 7th Stage of Qi Condensation. Wu Kangming was barely at the 2nd Stage before his injury, and now..." Wei Lin trailed off, finally noticing what I''d been staring at. "Is that a sword on his back?"


    It was indeed a sword ¨C a plain-looking weapon with a black scabbard. Nothing fancy or obviously magical, but something about it made my spiritual sense tingle uncomfortably. Wu Kangming had never shown any skill with a sword before. Hell, most Outer Disciples were still learning basic weapon arts, too focused on cultivation to master specific weapons.


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    The crowd''s excited chatter died as they began parting like waves revealing Senior Sister Liu, her aura alone was enough to cause weaker disciples to instinctively step back.


    "A challenge has been issued," she declared. "Wu Kangming, formerly of the Outer Sect, now a servant of the Azure Peak Sect, has challenged Inner Disciple Zhou Ming to mortal combat. State your grievance."


    Wu Kangming''s voice was calm, almost gentle. "During the combat assessment three months ago, Zhou Ming deliberately attacked with the intent to cripple, not test. He destroyed my cultivation base and forced me from the path of advancement." A slight pause. "I am here to return the favor tenfold."


    Murmurs rippled through the crowd:


    "He admits he wants revenge!"


    "But he''s just a servant now..."


    "Look at his eyes though..."


    ¡°I think he has lost his mind¡­¡±


    "Zhou Ming should just refuse..."


    But I knew Zhou wouldn''t refuse. His face was flushed with anger, his pride stung by being called out by someone he considered beneath him. Even if he sensed something wrong, his own arrogance wouldn''t let him back down.


    "Since you''re courting death," Zhou snarled, "I''ll grant your wish!"


    Senior Sister Liu nodded. "The challenge is accepted. All witnesses, proceed to the Combat Arena. This matter will be settled properly."


    As the crowd began moving toward the arena, I fell into step beside Wei Lin and Lin Mei, who had just joined us.


    "This is wrong," Lin Mei said quietly. "Zhou Ming might be arrogant, but he''s still an Inner Disciple. Wu Kangming was barely keeping up with other Outer Disciples before his injury. Now he''s challenging someone several realms above him?"


    "Unless," Wei Lin mused, "he''s not as weak as he appears."


    "He''s definitely not," I said, still watching Wu Kangming''s sword. "Notice how he walks? That''s not a crippled cultivator''s gait. That''s someone very, very comfortable in their own power."


    The Combat Arena was a sight to behold. I''d never been here before ¨C Outer Disciples usually trained in the smaller practice fields. This was where the real battles happened, where tournaments determined advancement and challenges were settled permanently.


    The arena itself was a raised platform about fifty meters across, ringed with formation arrays that glowed with protective power. Tiered seating surrounded it, currently filling with excited spectators. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the stone surface, which showed signs of countless previous battles.


    "The Outer Sect tournament will be held here in three months," Wei Lin commented, noticing my interest. "You planning to participate?"


    I considered it. With the Primordial Wood Arts, I actually had a decent chance... unless some other hidden protagonist showed up. "Maybe. Though after today, I''m thinking tournaments might get more interesting than usual."


    We found seats near the middle level, close enough to see clearly but hopefully far enough to avoid any stray energy blasts. The protective formations should handle those, but I''d read enough cultivation novels to know how these fights could escalate.


    Zhou Ming stood at one end of the arena, going through an elaborate stretching routine that sent ripples of water-attributed qi through his blue robes. He pulled out a blue-tinted sword that practically hummed with qi ¨C clearly a high-grade spirit tool.


    At the other end, Wu Kangming stood perfectly still, his plain sword still sheathed on his back. His white robes stirred slightly in a wind that seemed to affect nothing else.


    "You know," Azure mused, "for a bully, Zhou Ming''s got some impressive numbers. His spiritual essence is around 1500 units - that tracks for 7th Stage Qi Condensation. Physical essence at 1700, soul at 1000... His Mountain Maker technique appears to favor overwhelming force."


    "And Wu Kangming?"


    A pause.


    "Unable to get clear reading. His qi signature is... strange. Almost as if..."


    I grimaced. "Let me guess ¨C his spiritual fluctuations match the patterns typically associated with possessed cultivators?"


    "Not exactly possessed, but definitely not normal. There''s a secondary energy signature intertwined with his own, centered around that sword."


    Perfect. Not only had Wu Kangming probably found some ancient inheritance during his conveniently timed disappearance, but he might actually have a literal sword ghost helping him. That moved him from "probable protagonist" to "definitely the main character of this subplot."


    "This is a mortal combat challenge,¡± Senior Sister Liu declared from the edge of the arena. "Victory can only be achieved through death. Both participants have acknowledged these terms."


    She paused, looking between the two cultivators. "Wu Kangming, as the challenger, you have forfeited any protection your former status as a disciple might have granted. Should you fail, your death will be recorded as a natural consequence of your challenge. Do you understand?"


    "I understand," Wu Kangming replied simply.


    "Zhou Ming, as the challenged party, you have accepted combat with one officially beneath your station. Should you fail, the sect will record that you chose this battle of your own free will. Your clan will not be compensated. Do you understand?"


    "Just start the match," Zhou growled. "I''ll make this quick."


    Senior Sister Liu''s expression didn''t change, but I sensed a flicker of disapproval in her qi. "Very well. This match will only end when one dies. Begin!"

 Chapter 29: Sword of Judgment

    The word had barely left her mouth when Zhou Ming exploded into motion, his sword trailing streams of water-attributed qi as he charged. The air itself seemed to thicken with spiritual pressure as he activated his Mountain Maker technique.


    Wu Kangming hadn''t moved. Hadn''t even reached for his sword. He just stood there, watching Zhou''s approach with an expression that might almost be called pity.


    "He''s dead," Wei Lin whispered. "There''s no way he can¡ª"


    The rest of his sentence was lost in the gasps of the crowd as Wu Kangming finally moved. It was a simple step to the side, barely a handspan of movement, but somehow Zhou''s perfect strike passed through empty air. Not blocked, not deflected ¨C just... missed, as if Wu Kangming had never been there at all.


    Zhou''s momentum carried him forward another two steps before he managed to turn, his face twisted with fury. "Lucky dodge! Let''s see you¡ª"


    Time seemed to slow as Wu Kangming''s hand moved toward his sword. The entire arena held its breath, disciples leaning forward in their seats. Even the wind itself seemed to pause, waiting to see what would happen next.


    The sword left its sheath with a whisper, a sound so soft it shouldn''t have been audible across the arena. But somehow, everyone heard it. The blade was completely ordinary ¨C plain steel without any obvious spiritual patterns or formation arrays. The kind of weapon you''d find in any mortal city''s weapon shop.


    That made it all the more terrifying when Wu Kangming vanished.


    There was no technique activation, no gathering of qi, no warning at all. One moment he was standing there, sword just cleared from its sheath, and the next...


    The strike came from above, a perfectly horizontal slash aimed at Zhou Ming''s neck. The blade moved with such precision that the air itself seemed to part before it, creating a visible distortion in its wake.


    Zhou''s eyes widened with genuine fear, his body already starting to move. But everyone could see he wouldn''t be fast enough. The sword would take his head before he could even begin to dodge.


    Then the rocks came.


    They erupted from Zhou''s skin like a living armor, coating his entire body in a layer of stone just as Wu Kangming''s blade connected. The clash of steel on stone rang out across the arena, followed by the sound of Zhou''s body being launched backward by the sheer force of the blow.


    He stumbled back several steps before regaining his balance, one hand instinctively going to his neck where the sword had struck. His fingers came away red with blood.


    Zhou stared at his bloodied fingers as if they belonged to someone else. His face cycled through a series of expressions ¨C shock, confusion, fear, anger, and something that looked suspiciously like an urge to run. His eyes darted to the crowd, taking in the blue-robed Inner Disciples watching from their privileged seats. Then to the Outer Disciples, many of whom were trying (and failing) to hide their grins at seeing their tormentor bleed.


    "That..." Wei Lin whispered beside me, "that shouldn''t be possible. Zhou''s Mountain Maker technique is famous for its defensive capabilities. No one below the 7th stage of Qi Condensation should be able to cut through it like that."


    "Look at Zhou''s face," Lin Mei added. "He''s thinking the same thing."


    Zhou spat on the arena floor, his qi fluctuating with barely controlled rage. "I''m going to take your head," he snarled, raising his blue-tinted sword. "And then I''ll mount it on the sect gates as a warning to other servants who forget their place!"


    "Flowing Rivers Art: Nine Dragon Streams!" Zhou called out, his blade weaving through a complex pattern.


    Water-attributed qi coalesced around the sword, forming nine intertwining dragon-shaped streams that spiraled outward. Each stream moved independently, creating a cage of water that could attack from multiple angles while defending against counterstrikes.


    It was the kind of technique that had earned him his position as an Inner Disciple ¨C beautiful yet deadly, combining offense and defense in a way that most Qi Condensation cultivators couldn''t hope to match.


    Wu Kangming''s response was a single step - not back or to the side, but at a precise forty-five degree angle that positioned him perfectly between two of the water dragons. His plain sword moved in what appeared to be a simple diagonal slash, but the timing was so perfect that it caught all nine streams at their weakest point where they intersected.


    "Nine Heavens Astral Blade: Thread Cutting," he whispered, his blade glowing ever so slightly.


    The clash rang out like a temple bell, but while Zhou''s nine dragons exploded into a shower of water-qi, Wu Kangming''s sword continued its motion without so much as a tremor. His single strike had not only neutralized the technique but disrupted the qi patterns maintaining it, causing the entire elaborate formation to collapse.


    It was like watching a master craftsman snip a single thread and unravel an entire tapestry - devastating in its simplicity.


    I watched as Zhou launched into a series of increasingly desperate attacks. Each strike was technically perfect, backed by the full power of his 7th Stage cultivation. Water-attributed qi formed weapons, waves, and countless other shapes as his sword danced through elaborate patterns.


    And none of it mattered.


    Wu Kangming moved like water between raindrops, his plain sword always exactly where it needed to be. When Zhou attacked high, Wu Kangming''s blade was there to deflect. When Zhou tried to feint low, Wu Kangming had already moved to counter the real strike aimed at his midsection.


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    "He''s toying with him," Lin Mei said softly. "Look at those cuts ¨C they''re all superficial. He could have ended this five times already."


    She was right. Every time their blades met, Wu Kangming''s sword would slip past Zhou''s guard just enough to leave a small cut. Nothing serious, nothing potentially fatal ¨C just perfect little reminders that death was only being delayed by Wu Kangming''s choice.


    "I can now get a sense of his cultivation," Azure reported. "Wu Kangming appears to be... interesting. His actual cultivation is only at the 5th Stage of Qi Condensation."


    I blinked in surprise. "He''s completely overwhelming a 7th Stage cultivator. The power difference alone should..."


    "Should make this impossible, yes. But he''s using superior technique to bridge the gap. Watch his footwork ¨C every step is perfectly placed to minimize energy expenditure while maximizing tactical advantage. His sword movements are so precise that he''s actually using Zhou''s own power against him. It''s like... like watching a master craftsman who has reduced his art to its purest essence."


    "Or like watching someone who has a Sword Saint ghost teaching them," I thought back. The way Wu Kangming moved, the impossible perfection of his technique ¨C it all pointed to the kind of inheritance that protagonists stumbled upon in ancient tombs or received from mystical masters.


    Sweat poured down Zhou¡¯s face despite the cool afternoon air, and his breathing was becoming ragged as he continued to miss.


    "Stand still and die!" he roared, charging forward with his sword held high.


    Wu Kangming actually smiled at that. It wasn''t a kind expression. His plain sword moved in what looked like a simple horizontal slash, but somehow the blade was everywhere at once.


    Zhou''s elaborate attack sequence was dismantled in seconds, his guard broken by movements so subtle that most of the audience probably couldn''t even follow them.


    Another small cut appeared on Zhou''s cheek, drawing a thin line of blood.


    "This is impossible," Zhou panted, backing away. "You''re just a failed Outer Disciple! A servant! How are you..."


    His eyes widened as he finally seemed to truly look at Wu Kangming. At the way he held his sword. At the absolute certainty in his stance.


    "What are you?"


    Wu Kangming''s response was another one of those impossible moves. His sword seemed to flicker, and suddenly Zhou''s elaborate robes had a dozen new cuts, each one precisely placed to miss anything vital while showing just how easily they could have struck deeper.


    Behind me, two Inner Disciples were having a heated discussion about Wu Kangming''s technique.


    "Those movements... they''re like the legends of the Ancient Sword Saints."


    "Impossible. That knowledge was lost centuries ago. Even the sect''s sword manuals are just pale imitations..."


    "Then how do you explain what we''re watching?"


    Zhou seemed to have heard them too. His face twisted with fury as he realized that not only was he losing, but his fellow Inner Disciples were already treating this as a lesson in ancient sword techniques rather than a proper fight.


    With a roar of pure rage, Zhou hurled his spiritual sword at Wu Kangming like a spear. The weapon streaked through the air, trailing water-qi in a comet-like tail. It was actually an impressive technique ¨C the kind of desperate move that might catch even a skilled opponent off guard.


    Wu Kangming caught it.


    His free hand moved with that same impossible precision, plucking the spiritual sword out of the air as casually as someone might catch a thrown fruit. He examined the blade for a moment, turning it to catch the light.


    "Quite well made," he said, his first words since the battle began. "The water-attribute formations are particularly elegant. Such a waste..."


    Then he closed his hand, and the spiritual sword shattered.


    Fragments of metal and dissipating formation arrays scattered across the arena floor as the weapon''s accumulated spiritual energy dispersed in a flash of blue light. The audience gasped ¨C destroying a spiritual weapon was no small feat, especially one as well-crafted as Zhou''s sword.


    "No!" Wei Lin''s anguished cry drew several strange looks. "Do you know how many spirit stones that was worth? The materials alone would have fetched..."


    I couldn''t help but smile at his reaction, trust Wei Lin to see the monetary value in every situation, even a life-or-death battle. But he wasn''t wrong. In a sect where resources meant everything, watching spirit stones literally shatter before your eyes was its own kind of torture.


    Zhou stared at the fragments of his sword scattered across the stone floor. Something in his expression changed ¨C the last traces of arrogance burning away to reveal something darker.


    "Fine," he snarled, his qi surging violently. "I was saving this for that bastard Wang Li, but I''ll use it to kill you instead!"


    His hands formed a series of complex seals as he gathered power. "Mountain Maker Art: Stone Giant Transformation!"


    The temperature in the arena dropped several degrees as Zhou''s qi expanded exponentially. Rocks began erupting from his skin again, but this time they didn''t stop at a simple armor. They kept growing, building upon each other in layers of rapidly expanding stone.


    Zhou''s body swelled, his form distorting as the transformation took hold. His arms thickened into pillars of living rock, his torso expanded until he towered over the arena floor. His face became a mask of stone with glowing eyes, and his voice deepened to a rumble that shook the protective formations.


    "Now die!"

 Chapter 30: Death of a Disciple

    The transformed Zhou was easily four meters tall, his body a perfect fusion of flesh and stone. Patterns of mountain-attributed qi swirled across his rocky skin, and his aura had reached what Azure identified as the peak of 7th Stage Qi Condensation.


    When he moved, the arena floor cracked under his weight. Each step sent tremors through the entire structure, and his stone fists left visible distortions in the air as they swung.


    For the first time since the battle began, Wu Kangming''s expression turned serious. He raised his plain sword, holding it in a stance that looked deceptively simple.


    "Nine Heavens Astral Blade Art," he whispered, his voice could somehow still be heard clearly despite Zhou''s thunderous approach, "Azure Edge."


    Qi rushed into his sword with such intensity that the blade began to glow with a soft blue light. The energy was completely contained, completely controlled ¨C not a single unit wasted on display or intimidation.


    Zhou''s transformed body was less than two meters away when Wu Kangming moved. It was a single slash, so pure and perfect that it seemed to cut the air itself. A massive blade of blue energy extended from his sword, stretching across the entire arena in a perfect arc.


    The energy blade passed through Zhou''s stone body as if it were made of paper. For a moment, nothing seemed to happen. The transformed Zhou continued his charge, one massive fist already swinging down toward Wu Kangming''s position.


    Then the stone giant began to crack.


    It started at the point where the energy blade had passed through, a single line appearing in the rocky surface. That line spread, branching into dozens, then hundreds of fractures that raced across Zhou''s transformed body.


    Zhou managed one final step before his transformation literally fell apart. The stone giant crumbled like a statue struck by lightning, chunks of rock falling away to reveal... nothing. Zhou''s physical body had been bisected so cleanly that there wasn''t even any blood.


    The arena was absolutely silent as the last pieces of Zhou''s stone form crashed to the ground. Wu Kangming stood exactly where he had made that final strike, his sword still glowing faintly blue.


    Senior Sister Liu stepped forward. "The winner of this mortal combat," she declared, "is Wu Kangming."


    The crowd erupted in a chaos of shocked whispers and excited exclamations. Inner Disciples were already arguing about the sword technique they''d witnessed, while Outer Disciples seemed torn between celebration and terror at seeing one of their former tormentors so thoroughly destroyed.


    I noticed Wu Lihua had vanished from her watching spot, though whether she left before or after that final strike, I couldn''t tell.


    Wu Kangming sheathed his sword with the same casual grace he''d shown throughout the entire battle. As he turned to leave the arena, his eyes met mine for just a moment.


    There was something ancient in that gaze, something that didn''t belong in the eyes of a young cultivator. Then he smiled ¨C not the cold expression he''d shown Zhou, but something else, something I couldn¡¯t quite recognise ¨C and walked away.


    "Well," Wei Lin said into the continuing chaos, "I guess we know where he disappeared to for those three months."


    "And who he was learning from," I added, though I kept that thought private.


    Whether it was a Sword Saint''s ghost or some other inheritance, Wu Kangming had definitely found something during his absence. Something that had turned a failed Outer Disciple into the kind of swordsman that appeared in ancient legends.


    "The sect is going to be interesting for a while," Lin Mei observed. "An Inner Disciple killed by a servant? Using lost sword arts? Every young master in the sect will be..."


    She trailed off, and I followed her gaze to where a group of blue-robed disciples were already gathering, their faces dark with anger. Of course ¨C Zhou Ming might have been arrogant, but he was still one of them. His death at the hands of a former Outer Disciple, someone they considered beneath them, would be seen as an insult to all Inner Disciples.


    "We should go," I said quietly. "Things are about to get complicated, and I''d rather not be around when they do."


    As we left the arena, I couldn''t help but think about how this would play out. Wu Kangming had just announced his protagonist status in the most dramatic way possible, complete with mysterious power-up and public humiliation of an arrogant young master.


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    Which meant the sect was about to become a lot more dangerous for everyone else.


    "Azure," I thought as we walked, "remember those escape routes you were calculating?"


    "Already updating them, Master. Though I note that your Primordial Wood Arts might be quite effective against sword techniques..."


    "Let''s focus on staying alive first," I replied. "We can worry about measuring up to protagonist-level sword arts later."


    Still, I couldn''t help but smile a little. The look on Zhou''s face when his "ultimate technique" crumbled... that had been pretty satisfying to watch.


    I just hoped whoever challenged Wu Kangming next would think twice about it. Though knowing how these stories usually went, that was unlikely.


    An Inner Disciple had been killed by someone they considered beneath them - pride would demand retribution, regardless of the obvious gap in skill.


    The real question was whether they''d challenge him openly like Zhou, or resort to the kind of shadowy schemes that cultivators were so fond of. Well, it doesn¡¯t really matter which one they pick, they¡¯ll only end up on his list of victims.


    As I arrived back at my quarters, Wei Lin''s words from earlier echoed in my mind - the Outer Disciple tournament was only three months away. I had been confident about participating, especially with my progress in the Primordial Wood Arts, but now...


    If Wu Kangming entered the tournament, it wouldn''t matter how well I could control plants or how efficiently I used my qi. What I''d just witnessed wasn''t just skill - it was the kind of power that turned cultivation tournaments into one-sided massacres.


    "Perhaps," I thought to Azure, "we should focus on private cultivation for the next few months."


    "A wise decision, Master," Azure replied. "Even though I said your Primordial Wood Arts could potentially counter sword techniques, testing that theory in a tournament against someone who just bisected an Inner Disciple..."


    "Would be suicide," I finished. "I know how these stories go. The mysterious returner who defeats an Inner Disciple? He''s definitely going to be forced to enter that tournament to become an Inner Disciple. And as someone who''s probably also a protagonist..." I sighed. "Well, you know how these things work."


    "The narrative conventions would suggest a confrontation between two hidden talents is practically inevitable."


    "Exactly. Between my world-hopping ability, the Genesis Seed, and that whole ''mastering an impossible cultivation technique'' thing, I''m definitely not a normal character in this story." I grimaced. "Which means no matter how hard I try to avoid this tournament, something is going to force me to participate."


    "Though at the rate you''re progressing, I think you might have a real chance against him in three months¡¯ time," Azure continued. "The World Tree Sutra is considered beyond Heaven-rank for a reason. And your ability to control multiple plants simultaneously could theoretically counter even perfect sword techniques."


    "You really think so?" I asked, then I tilted my head. "Hmm, if we''re going to be forced into this anyway, we might as well start preparing now. Start analyzing every movement Wu Kangming made in that fight. His sword techniques, his footwork, his qi usage ¨C everything. If he''s got a Sword Saint teaching him, we need to figure out ways to counter perfect sword arts."


    "An interesting approach, Master. Using genre awareness as a tactical advantage?"


    "If we''re stuck in a cultivation novel, we might as well use it to our advantage. He may have ancient sword techniques, but we have something just as rare ¨C a World Tree growing in our dantian. Let''s see how his Sword Saint techniques handle fighting an entire forest."


    "Beginning analysis now," Azure replied, just from the sound of his voice, I could tell he was excited for the showdown. "Though I should note that attempting to counter sword arts with animated plants is not a common strategy in the cultivation novels I''ve analyzed..."


    "Good," I smiled. "That means he won''t see it coming either. And if three months of training still isn''t enough..." I paused, thinking of the strange world with two suns. "Well, I do have some unfinished business in another realm. If Wu Kangming can get a power-up during his disappearance, who says we can''t do the same?"


    After all, what better use of a time loop than a training arc?

 Chapter 31: Cultivation Realms

    I sat cross-legged in my quarters, Wei Lin''s words from yesterday''s study session echoing in my mind. His face had been unusually serious as he''d shown me the records from previous tournaments.


    "Most of the serious contenders are at the 4th or 5th Stage of Qi Condensation," he''d explained, spreading out old competition records. "These aren''t new disciples - they''re people who''ve been stuck in the Outer Sect for years, accumulating resources and slowly building their cultivation base. Anyone who reaches the 6th stage usually dominates the competition."


    "Please, please let there be no one at the 6th stage this year," he''d practically begged the heavens.


    I couldn''t help but laugh at the memory, though the sound held a hint of nervousness now. With all these protagonist-level characters running around, I''d be shocked if we didn''t see someone at the 7th stage before the tournament even started.


    The Outer Sect tournament wasn''t limited to first-years like me - it was open to everyone who hadn''t managed to advance to Inner Disciple status yet. That meant facing disciples who''d been cultivating for years, some of them having failed to advance multiple times.


    "The last new disciple to win the tournament was ten years ago," Wei Lin had told me. "Ming Yue - she''s a Core Disciple now. Most first-years are lucky to make it into the top twenty, and that''s assuming they''re brave enough to participate at all."


    My stomach clenched at the thought. I needed to reach at least the 5th Stage of Qi Condensation to have any chance. As that realization settled over me, my mind drifted back to Senior Sister Liu''s lecture from a few months ago. Her words had seemed academic then, but now they held new meaning.


    "The path of cultivation," she had said, "is fundamentally about creating your own universe. Each realm represents a different stage in this cosmic creation."


    Her hands had moved gracefully as she spoke, using qi to create illustrated examples in the air.


    "First is the Qi Condensation Realm, where everything begins. Think of it as preparing the canvas for your masterpiece. You start by awakening a void within your soul ¨C a space of infinite potential. Then you gather primordial energy to stabilize this void, making it suitable for creation. Finally, you plant what we call a Seed of Creation, the foundation of your universe."


    I remembered how some disciples had shifted uncomfortably at the mention of void energy. Even at the basic level, working with such forces could be dangerous.


    "Next comes the Elemental Realm," she had continued. "This is where you introduce the fundamental building blocks of existence ¨C Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. These must be perfectly balanced, or your entire universe could collapse.¡±


    Her qi demonstration had shown miniature elements swirling in perfect harmony.


    "The Stellar Realm follows, where you create the celestial bodies that will power your universe. Stars, planets, moons ¨C each one must be carefully crafted and set into proper orbit. This is where many cultivators fail, as the energy requirements are immense."


    The memory of her next words was particularly clear: "Finally, there''s the Life Realm, where your universe truly comes alive. You''ll create ecosystems, guide evolution, and connect all life to your soul. It''s said that reaching this realm is like becoming a small-scale creator deity."


    Coming back to the present, I opened my eyes. "So, cultivating the World Tree Sutra means the standard cultivation realms that she had taught us don''t apply to me?"


    "Correct," Azure appeared in my mind. "Any cultivation method Heaven Rank and below follow the standard cultivation realms, which is why Elder Chang had insisted that you just pick a Human Rank cultivation method."


    I nodded slowly. "Makes sense. Cultivation methods beyond Heaven Rank have their own way ¨C much more difficult way ¨C of doing things. Nothing good comes easy."


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    "True," Azure continued. "Though as your Inner World grows and develops, it will increase your essences ¨C Soul, Spiritual, and Physical. Using those numbers, we can determine your equivalent stage on the standard cultivation realm scale."


    "Fair enough." I closed my eyes again, using my spiritual sense to examine my Inner World. It had expanded another five cubic meters over the past months. Not bad ¨C I wasn''t too far from reaching the 4th Stage of Qi Condensation.


    Azure''s form materialized within my inner world, a ghostly presence that somehow managed to look both scholarly and slightly mischievous. "We need to start with the formation of the five elements. The initial formation of the Inner World forms ether in all cultivators, so that''s not something we need to worry about."


    He made a gesture with his hand, and the Genesis Seed suddenly spat out the red sun. "We also don''t have to worry about the fire element."


    The brilliant orb hung in the void for a moment, trying to escape, before the seed quickly reabsorbed it.


    I stared at where the tiny sun had been. "So... I''m guessing it''s not as simple as just gathering the elements in this world? Do we need to world-walk to collect the others?"


    Azure''s laugh echoed through my Inner World. "That''s an option, but no. We can gather the elements in this world. Cultivators in the Elemental Realm require elements for their cultivation."


    "Good," I replied with relief. "Because if needing to travel to other worlds was the case, I had no idea how anyone could cultivate this method. Unless they all had secret ways to travel dimensions while only at Qi Condensation, and for that to be common would be quite difficult to believe, even in a xianxia world!"


    My spiritual sense withdrew from my inner world as I considered the problem. "If anyone would know where to get elemental seeds, it would be Wei Lin. That guy could probably sell cultivation techniques to immortals."


    "Assuming he hasn''t already tried," Azure agreed. "Though perhaps we should define exactly what we''re looking for before approaching him. The wrong type of elemental essence could be... problematic."


    "Right. So, we have Earth, Air, and Water left, but these need to be... what? Pure elemental essences? Special spirit stones?"


    "Anything with sufficiently concentrated elemental properties would work. Spirit herbs, special minerals, even certain types of qi-infused water. The key is finding sources pure enough to serve as foundational elements for your inner world."


    I thought about that for a moment. "So, we''re basically looking for the cultivation equivalent of periodic table samples? Perfect, purified versions of each element?"


    "An interesting analogy, but essentially correct. Though I should mention that purity isn''t always about refinement. Sometimes the most potent elemental essences come from naturally occurring sources that have developed over thousands of years."


    "Like spirit veins or ancient spirit springs," I nodded, remembering some of the basic sect teachings. "Places where natural qi has concentrated into nearly pure elemental essence."


    "Exactly. Though accessing such sources might be... politically complicated."


    I couldn''t help but laugh at that understatement. "You mean because all the good spots are probably claimed by Inner or Core disciples? Yeah, that could be an issue."


    "Which is why consulting Wei Lin might be wise. He tends to know about... alternative acquisition methods."


    "You mean he probably knows who''s selling what they shouldn''t be."


    "I neither confirm nor deny any implications about our friend''s business practices."


    "Well, no point putting it off,¡± I stood up. ¡°Let''s go see what Wei Lin can tell us about elemental essences. Hopefully without getting involved in anything too illegal."


    "Define ''too illegal''?"


    "Anything that would get us executed instead of just imprisoned."


    "Ah, working with reasonable parameters then."

 Other Worlds & Magic Systems

    Thank You


    Hello cultivators,


    Thank you all for the support, whether that be the follows, favorites, ratings or reviews. I appreciate all of them!


    An update on the goal I set out 8 days ago, we''re already halfway to our goal of $3k dollars a month.


    Patreon has been getting 2-3 chapters every day for a while now, this will continue until we reach 50 chapters ahead of RR. It''s already increased from 6 to 23 chapters ahead!


    And if we reach the $3k goal, then patreon will continue to get 2 chapter daily along with some 3 chapter days for as long as I can write full-time!


    As for Royal Road, you''ll get some bonus chapters every now and then!


    Other Worlds & Magic Systems


    I created a similar post on Patreon so I thought I''d also ask you.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    I love reading comments about other worlds that Ke Yin could visit and different magic systems.


    I already have some ideas about other worlds apart from the Cultivation world & Two Suns world. But since this book is going to be longgg, I would like to hear your thoughts on what worlds you think Ke Yin should visit.


    I can''t promise I''ll use them but it''ll give me a good idea of what you''re interested in.


    On the advance chapters on Patreon, we''ve been exploring the magic system in the Two Suns world, this is something I''d like to do with most worlds that Ke Yin visits.


    I like to plan far ahead which is why I''m asking now, currently the two worlds we''ll focus on are the Cultivation world & Two Suns world.


    Ke Yin still has a lot more to accomplish in the Two Suns world, the red sun arc isn''t yet complete, as for the blue sun arc, that has yet to begin!


    Comment down below on worlds & magic systems :)


    Edits


    I try read all the comments, those of you suggesting edits, thank you! I''m trying to edit what I can but I''ll have to leave the difficult ones for after Rising Stars when things calm down.


    Discord


    Some readers have messaged me asking about a Discord, I''ll be honest, I''m not too familiar with Discord but I have heard it is a great way for readers to engage with the author. I may not know how to create or manage a Discord group but I guess that''s what YouTube Tutorials are for.


    Is a Discord group for ''Cultivation is Creation'' something you''d be interested in?


    There''s a poll below, I expect most people to not mind either way but as long as enough people want the discord, I''ll make one.

 Chapter 32: You Two Are...?

    I stood outside Wei Lin''s quarters, hesitating for just a moment before knocking. The sound echoed oddly in the predawn quiet ¨C most disciples wouldn''t be awake for hours yet.


    The door opened to reveal Wei Lin, shirtless and wearing a smile that faltered the instant he recognized me. His hair was disheveled in a way that suggested it hadn''t been messed up by sleep.


    "You''re back alre¡ª" His expression faltered as he registered who was actually standing there. The smile shifted into something more awkward as he quickly grabbed a nearby robe. "Ke Yin! I wasn''t expecting... that is..."


    "Expecting someone else?" I couldn''t help but grin at his uncharacteristic fumbling. Wei Lin, master of the smooth transaction, actually looking flustered? This was too good to pass up.


    "I was just..." He started to form what was undoubtedly going to be a perfectly reasonable explanation, when movement from around the corner caught my attention.


    Lin Mei appeared, her face flushed as she tried to casually walk past. "Oh! Ke Yin, I was just... I left some... herb catalogs here earlier..."


    I looked between them ¨C Wei Lin''s lack of a shirt, Lin Mei''s flustered attempt at nonchalance, the way they both seemed to be trying very hard to appear normal.


    I pointed at them, my finger moving back and forth as my mind processed this new information. "You two are...?"


    Lin Mei''s composure cracked first. She turned an even deeper shade of red before punching Wei Lin''s shoulder, hard enough to make him wince. "I can''t believe you! We agreed to keep it quiet, and you couldn''t even manage a month without being obvious?"


    "He''s my best friend," Wei Lin protested, rubbing his shoulder. "He would have figured it out eventually anyway."


    "Best friend?" I echoed, feeling a strange mix of happiness and guilt. While I''d been buried in cultivation and survival planning, my friends had been... living. Actually living, not just training or plotting or preparing for the next crisis.


    "The path to the Dao is a lonely one," cultivators often said. Even at just the Qi Condensation realm, I was starting to understand why. The constant drive to improve, the endless hours of solitary practice, the weight of secrets that couldn''t be shared... it was easy to lose touch with the simple human connections that made life worth living.


    "I''m happy for you both," I said, meaning it. "Though I have to ask ¨C how did this happen?"


    Lin Mei''s blush deepened. "He kept coming to the gardens to buy spirit herbs, but his technique for essence extraction was terrible. Absolutely wasteful. So I offered to teach him..."


    "And I offered to teach her about resource management in return," Wei Lin finished. "One thing led to another..."


    "He means I got tired of his horrible attempts at flirting through business metaphors and kissed him to shut him up."


    I couldn''t help but laugh at that. It was so perfectly them ¨C Wei Lin trying to turn everything into a transaction, Lin Mei cutting straight through it with practical action.


    "I should have noticed sooner," I admitted. "Been a bit wrapped up in my own cultivation lately."


    Lin Mei''s expression softened. "You''ve had good reason to be. We all saw what happened at the arena." She exchanged a look with Wei Lin. "Actually, we''ve been worried about you. You''ve barely left that training ground of yours except to eat."


    "Speaking of which," Wei Lin cut in, apparently eager to change the subject, "what brings you to my humble abode at this hour? Usually when you show up unannounced, it means you need something... interesting."


    Right. Business. I could tease them more later.


    "I need some elemental essences," I said. "Pure ones. Earth, Air, and Water."


    Wei Lin''s expression shifted from embarrassed to confused. "Elemental essences? But those are for..." He trailed off, frowning. "Those are materials for Elemental Realm cultivation. Why would someone at Qi Condensation need pure elemental essences?"


    I shrugged. "The World Tree Sutra is complicated."


    "It''s always complicated with you." Wei Lin ran a hand through his hair. "Do you have any idea how expensive those materials are? You''d need at least a thousand spirit stones for even the lowest grade suitable for foundation building. That''s..." he did some quick mental math, "about fifty times your monthly stipend as an Outer Disciple."


    "Is there no way to get them?" I asked. "I''m not picky about the source."


    Lin Mei looked concerned. "Ke Yin, if you''re thinking about some of the less... legal trading houses in the city..."


    "Those wouldn''t work anyway," Wei Lin cut in. "The black market dealers water everything down. Using impure elemental essence for foundation building would be suicide." He scratched his head thoughtfully. "Though maybe..."


    I recognized that expression. It was the same look he got when working out particularly complex trade routes.


    "Let me put on a proper robe," he said finally. "We need to make a few visits."


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    "At this hour?"


    "Best time for it, actually. Fewer eyes watching." He disappeared into his quarters, returning moments later fully dressed in his Outer Disciple robes.


    Lin Mei caught his arm as he stepped out. "Be careful," she said quietly. "Both of you."


    Wei Lin''s expression softened as he looked at her. "Always am. Don''t wait up - this might take a while."


    "I know better than to wait up when you''re making ''business calls,''" she replied with a slight smile. Then she turned to me, her expression serious. "Watch his back? He takes too many risks sometimes."


    I nodded, touched by her concern for both of us.


    I waited while Wei Lin got dressed properly, my mind already running through possibilities for payment. I had some spirit stones saved up, but probably not enough for what he was suggesting.


    "Right," Wei Lin said once he''d made himself presentable. "Let''s go meet some people who officially don''t exist."


    As we walked away from Wei Lin''s quarters, I couldn''t resist asking, "So...you and Lin Mei?¡±


    "I like her." Wei Lin smiled, then his expression turned serious. "She''s different, you know? Not like the others who just see me as a walking spirit stone purse. She actually cared about teaching me, even offered to do it for free."


    "The horror," I said dryly. "Someone helping you without expecting payment?"


    "I know, completely against proper business practices." His joke fell a bit flat, and he sighed. "Look, I know my family''s reputation. The Wei clan isn''t exactly known for putting relationships above profit. But with her..."


    "You don''t have to explain," I said quietly. "I get it."


    Wei Lin led me away from the disciple quarters, taking a winding path that seemed designed to lose any potential followers. We passed through three different formation arrays that I knew were meant to detect spiritual energy, but Wei Lin had clearly done this before ¨C he showed me exactly where to step to avoid triggering them.


    "The sect actually encourages this sort of thing, you know," he said as we walked. "Oh, they''ll punish you if you get caught, but they want disciples to learn how to navigate underground networks. Can''t be a proper cultivator without knowing how to work in the grey areas."


    "Is that what your father taught you?"


    "Among other things." He grinned. "The cultivation world runs on resources, and official channels can only provide so much. Someone has to handle the rest."


    We ended up in a part of the outskirts of the sect I''d never seen before ¨C a maze of old storage buildings that looked abandoned at first glance. But I noticed subtle signs of use ¨C worn paths between buildings, recently oiled door hinges, the occasional flash of concealment formations.


    "The thing about elemental essences," Wei Lin continued as we walked, "is that they''re actually fairly common. You can find traces of them anywhere. The problem is getting pure samples ¨C ones concentrated enough to use for cultivation."


    He stopped in front of a particularly decrepit-looking building. "Most disciples think they need to find natural sources ¨C spirit veins, ancient springs, that sort of thing. But there''s another way."


    "Artificial refinement?"


    "Exactly. It''s technically forbidden because the process is dangerous and the results are sometimes unstable. But if you know the right people..."


    He knocked on the door in a complex pattern. There was a long pause, then the sound of multiple locks disengaging.


    The door opened to reveal a young woman in servant''s robes. But the casual way she wore them, combined with the calculating look in her eyes, suggested she was anything but a servant.


    "Young Master Wei," she said with a slight bow. "An early visit. And you brought a friend?"


    "Someone interested in your master''s special products," Wei Lin replied smoothly. "Is he receiving visitors?"


    She studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Follow me. And remember the rules ¨C no spiritual sense, no techniques, no recording devices of any kind. Break these rules and..." She smiled, showing teeth that seemed just slightly too sharp. "Well, let''s just say the sect won''t be able to find enough pieces to identify the body."


    I kept my expression neutral as we followed her inside. The building''s shabby exterior was a perfect cover for what lay within ¨C a sophisticated alchemy lab filled with equipment I''d never seen before.


    Various workers moved between stations, their movements precise and practiced. None of them wore sect robes or cultivation equipment, but I could sense suppressed power in many of them. Former disciples? Rogue cultivators? It was probably safer not to know.


    Our guide led us to a back room where an elderly man sat behind a desk covered in jade tablets and spirit stones. His appearance was completely ordinary ¨C the kind of person you''d pass in the street without a second glance.


    Which probably meant he was the most dangerous person in the building.

 Chapter 33: Essence

    "Young Master Wei," the old man said without looking up from his work. "What brings you to my humble establishment at this hour?"


    "My friend here is interested in some of your special products," Wei Lin replied. "The pure varieties."


    Now the man did look up, his eyes fixing on me with unsettling intensity. "Pure elemental essences? For an Outer Disciple?" He chuckled. "You''re either very ambitious or very foolish, young man. Possibly both."


    I looked at the old man, pushing down any hint of offense at his words. Getting angry at someone who could help me would be foolish, no matter how condescending they might be.


    "You''re right on both counts," I admitted with a slight bow. "I am ambitious, and probably foolish too. But I still need the essences for Earth, Air, and Water, if you''re willing to sell them."


    The old man''s expression shifted slightly ¨C was that approval? He reached beneath his desk and brought out three jade boxes, each carved with different patterns. When he opened them, I had to stop myself from gasping.


    The first contained what looked like liquid starlight, constantly shifting and flowing within its container. "Pure water essence, extracted from a thousand-year spirit spring," the old man explained.


    The second held what appeared to be a miniature whirlwind, perfectly contained within the box. "Wind essence from the peak of Mount Kunlun, where the air itself has gained consciousness."


    The third showed a crystal that seemed to contain an entire mountain range in miniature. "Earth essence from the core of an ancient spirit vein."


    Wei Lin stepped forward. "For a friend purchasing all three at once, perhaps we could discuss a more reasonable price?"


    The old man''s expression didn''t change. "The market rate stands. Three thousand high-grade spirit stones."


    "Surely there''s room for negotiation," Wei Lin pressed. "The wind essence was obtained over five years ago - its potency must have decreased somewhat."


    "The containment formations preserve their full power," the old man countered. "But since you mention age..." He lifted the box with the wind essence. "This particular sample has had time to stabilize. More suitable for foundation building than fresher specimens that might be too... volatile."


    Wei Lin nodded thoughtfully. "A fair point about stability. However, considering current market conditions - with the Southern Sects opening their spirit stone mines - perhaps twenty-five hundred?"


    "The Southern Sects'' spirit stones are of inferior quality. Three thousand."


    I watched the back-and-forth with a sinking feeling. Even with negotiations, the price was far beyond my means. I had maybe a hundred and something low-grade spirit stones saved up - my entire accumulated stipend from months of living on basically nothing while focusing on cultivation.


    "I can loan you 700," Wei Lin offered quietly. "With your savings..."


    The old man raised his hand. "Even with your combined resources, you''re well short." He studied me for a long moment. "However... I could let you have one of them now, not for spirit stones, but for a favor to be repaid in the future."


    I tensed. In every cultivation novel I''d read, these kinds of deals always ended badly - usually with the protagonist either committing horrible acts or fighting their way out of an impossible situation.


    The old man seemed to read my thoughts. "Nothing too extreme, young man. The favor would be proportional to what I''m offering now. I''ve developed a certain eye for talent over the years, and you... you seem neither foolish nor arrogant. I think you''ll go far, and having someone like that owe me a favor could be quite valuable."


    "And what exactly would this favor entail?" I asked carefully.


    "That would depend on future circumstances. But I give you my word - nothing that would risk your life or violate sect laws."


    "Many things that don''t technically violate sect laws can still be... problematic," I pointed out.


    The old man actually smiled at that. "Cautious. Good. Let me be more specific then - nothing that would risk life, limb, or cultivation. Nothing that would force you to harm others or betray your principles. Simply a favor, proportional to the help I''m offering now."


    Wei Lin leaned close. "Favors are a currency of their own in our world," he whispered. "Sometimes worth more than spirit stones."


    I nodded slowly. "Then I accept, with those conditions."


    "Take the water essence," Wei Lin advised. "It''s usually the hardest to acquire."


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    The old man carefully resealed the water essence''s box and handed it to me. "A pleasure doing business with you, young cultivator. I look forward to seeing how far you progress."


    "Thank you for your generosity, Elder," I bowed deeply. "I won''t forget this kindness."


    "See that you don''t," he replied, but his tone was more amused than threatening.


    Our guide reappeared to escort us out. As we reached the door, the old man called out one last time. "Young Master Wei, do give my regards to your father. Tell him his last shipment of Ceylon spirit wine was... particularly interesting."


    Wei Lin''s expression didn''t change as he bowed. "I''ll pass along your compliments."


    The walk back was quiet until we were well clear of the warehouse district. Only then did I let out a long breath I hadn''t realized I''d been holding.


    "That went better than expected," Wei Lin said, glancing at the jade box I was carefully cradling.


    "If by better you mean I now owe a mysterious favor to an equally mysterious underground dealer, then sure," I replied. "Speaking of which, who exactly is he?"


    "Old Man Bu," Wei Lin said. "He''s been running that operation for as long as anyone can remember. Story goes he was a cultivator who got crippled years ago when he was an outer disciple, lost all his cultivation. Decided to make himself useful by setting up this business instead."


    "A mortal? Really?" I kept my tone casual, but something about that story didn''t sit right.


    "Oh yeah, completely normal mortal now. My father even had some Elemental Realm cultivators confirm it when we first started doing business with him."


    I nodded but kept my thoughts to myself. Having Elemental Realm cultivators confirm someone had no cultivation was about as reliable as a child declaring there were no adults hiding during hide and seek.


    Anyone powerful enough could mask their qi from lower realm cultivators. If anything, this just confirmed my suspicion that Old Man Bu was another example of the ''seemingly powerless elder who''s actually absurdly powerful'' trope.


    "But if he''s been around so long," I asked, "why does the Sect seem so... opposed to disciples dealing with him?"


    Wei Lin''s expression grew serious. "Because Old Man Bu doesn''t discriminate in what he sells. Sure, he has righteous cultivation materials like what we just bought, but..." He lowered his voice. "He also deals in demonic cultivation materials. Cursed artifacts. Things that can corrupt your core if you''re not careful. The Sect can''t shut him down - he has too many powerful connections - but they strongly discourage disciples from going to him. Too many have been tempted by what he offers and strayed from the righteous path."


    "Still," Wei Lin continued, his tone lightening, "he''s always been fair in his dealings."


    I just nodded again, my mind already moving ahead to the problem of the remaining essences. Making enough spirit stones quickly enough seemed impossible - if only I had some kind of alchemy cheat ability, I could at least stay safely in the sect while getting rich.


    Going outside to find natural sources was an option, but the death rate for Qi Condensation cultivators in the outside world was horrifyingly high.


    "There''s always the two suns world," Azure suggested in my mind. "Death there isn''t permanent, after all."


    I nodded slightly. No matter how many times I died there, I''d just reset. Surely they must have some kind of elemental resources...


    "How important is this, really?" Wei Lin''s voice interrupted my thoughts. "The elemental essences ¨C how vital are they to your cultivation?"


    "Pretty vital," I admitted. "Without them, I can''t properly progress."


    Wei Lin was quiet for a moment, then smiled. "Then I guess we''re making a trip outside the sect."


    I immediately tensed. "Wei Lin, that''s too dangerous. We''re both just¡ª"


    "We''re going to my family home," he interrupted.


    I stared at him in confusion.


    "My clan has wind essence," he explained. "Not as pure as what that old man was selling, but it should be good enough for foundation building."


    "I can''t accept something like that for free," I protested. "That''s too valuable¡ª"


    "What are friends for?" Wei Lin spread his hands. "You said it''s important to your cultivation. Of course I''ll help."


    "Not for free,¡± I shook my head firmly. ¡°I won''t take advantage of our friendship like that."


    Wei Lin sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. You can owe me. Happy now?"


    I couldn''t help but laugh. "Happy."

 Chapter 34: Life Realm

    Old Man Bu watched from his desk as the two young disciples left his warehouse.


    The water essence would serve the boy well, assuming he had the skill to use it properly. More interesting was how naturally he''d handled the negotiation - humble without being obsequious, cautious without being paranoid.


    "No visitors for the next few hours," he told the woman who''d guided them in. "I have some... private business to attend to."


    She bowed and left without comment. Good help was so hard to find these days, but at least this one knew when not to ask questions.


    Once alone, he made his way to a hidden door behind his desk, triggering a formation that revealed a staircase leading down. The warehouse above might be his public face, but this - this was his true sanctuary.


    The room below was completely unlike the cluttered workspace above. Ancient spirit wood panels lined the walls, each carved with preservation formations that had taken decades to perfect. Shelves held row upon row of wine vessels - not the common spirit wine most cultivators drank, but true immortal vintages. Some had been aging for centuries, their spiritual essences growing more potent with each passing year.


    Old Man Bu''s fragile appearance shimmered and faded like morning mist, revealing the youthful features of Elder Chen Yong. He stretched, letting his spiritual pressure expand now that he no longer needed to maintain the illusion of a crippled mortal.


    "That boy..." he mused, selecting a particularly promising jar from his collection. "The World Tree Sutra of all things. No wonder he needs elemental essences."


    The wine''s aroma filled the room as he poured - hints of mountain peaks and summer storms, with an undertone of starlight that spoke to its quality. Chen Yong took an appreciative sip, letting the spiritual essence mingle with his own.


    "The Sect Master was right to take an interest," he continued his musing. "Though I doubt even Yuan expected him to attempt something like this. A beyond-Heaven rank cultivation method at Qi Condensation..." He chuckled. "Either brilliant or suicidal. Possibly both."


    The wine was already working its magic, its spiritual essence merging with his cultivation as he poured another cup. Most cultivators saw drinking as a vice, a distraction from proper cultivation. They never understood that anything, properly refined, could become a path to immortality.


    His thoughts drifted back to Ke Yin. The boy had potential, certainly. More importantly, he had the right kind of caution - not the paralyzing fear that kept so many disciples bound by convention, but a practical wariness that might actually keep him alive long enough to achieve something interesting.


    "A favor from someone like that could be valuable indeed," Chen Yong murmured, though in truth he had no specific favor in mind. Let the other elders play their political games and scheme for advantage. He just wanted to drink in peace and watch the show unfold.


    The second jar went down easier than the first, its spiritual essence creating patterns of light that danced through the air. Everyone thought he was just a lazy drunk who''d somehow stumbled his way to the peak of the Stellar Realm. Let them think that - it was easier than explaining the profound truths he''d discovered at the bottom of ten thousand celestial wine jars.


    His thoughts drifted to the ''forbidden'' materials stored in his warehouse above. He snorted softly, taking another sip.


    After tens of thousands of years of cultivation, the sects still clung to their laughable distinctions between righteous and demonic arts. As if the great Dao cared about such petty human labels.


    The heavens were vast and mysterious - why shouldn''t the paths to understanding it be just as diverse? Some found enlightenment through meditation, others through blood and sacrifice. In the end, all rivers flowed to the same sea.


    Better to let cultivators walk whatever path called to them. His role wasn''t to judge, just to watch and occasionally nudge the truly foolish away from paths that would destroy them before they learned anything worthwhile.


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    The other elders could keep their rigid dogma and endless politicking. He''d stay here with his wine, selling whatever people needed, letting the great Dao sort out the rest. Yuan understood that, even if he''d never admit it openly.


    "I bet that boy would agree with me..." Elder Chen Yong slurred slightly as he opened a third jar, "Maybe I should take him as a disciple."


    The thought was probably the wine talking, but it had a certain appeal. The boy clearly had talent, and more importantly, he seemed to understand the value of staying out of trouble. Unlike certain other disciples who treated cultivation like a competition to see who could attract the most dangerous enemies.


    As the third jar''s contents began to work their magic, Chen Yong''s spiritual sense turned inward to his Inner World. Where most cultivators at his level had precisely ordered cosmic systems, his inner universe was... unique.


    Rivers of wine flowed between stars that burned like distilled moonlight. Planets made of crystallized spiritual wine orbited suns that glowed with the essence of ten thousand fermented experiences. The very void between celestial bodies was filled with a fine mist of spiritual alcohol, creating auroras of intoxicated enlightenment.


    It was beautiful, in its own chaotic way. A universe that followed the natural laws of inebriation rather than the rigid patterns most cultivators sought to impose. And there, in a particular convergence of wine-rivers and starlight...


    Chen Yong squinted, his physical body swaying slightly as he focused on the anomaly in his inner world. A tiny spark of awareness had appeared in one of his wine-oceans, a primitive life form born from the intersection of spiritual alcohol and celestial forces.


    Creator...


    "No, no, no," he groaned, waving his cup as if to shoo away the thought. "Don''t you dare call me that. I''m not ready for this kind of responsibility."


    He''d been deliberately holding back this breakthrough for decades. Advancing to the Life Realm meant facing tribulation, and tribulation meant having to actually exert himself. Much easier to just stay at the peak of the Stellar Realm, drinking his wine and avoiding troublesome responsibilities. But like an unwanted child, the spark refused to be ignored.


    The tiny life form had already begun to multiply, its existence reverberating through his inner world like ripples in a cosmic wine cup. Each new spark carried that same reverent recognition. The vibrations grew stronger, all of them now singing that damned word.


    "Here we go..." he muttered as warning signs began to appear. First came the pressure - a weight that pressed down on every part of his inner world. Then the light, harsh and unforgiving, nothing like the gentle glow of his wine-stars.


    Tribulation was coming. Not the simple lightning strikes that marked minor breakthroughs, but a true heavenly trial meant to test his understanding of the Dao of Drunken Immortality.


    Chen Yong frowned looking at his unfinished wine. He''d have to actually focus now, had to face whatever the heavens thought would be an appropriate challenge for his rather unique cultivation path.


    "Should have just stuck to drinking," he sighed as the first waves of tribulation energy began to manifest in his inner world. "So much for a peaceful evening."


    The tribulation clouds gathered, dark and ominous above his wine-rivers and starlight seas. Chen Yong could only hope this wouldn''t take too long - he had several very promising vintages he''d been planning to sample tonight.


    Maybe if he dealt with this quickly enough, they''d still be properly chilled when he finished. Assuming he survived, of course. Though dying drunk wouldn''t be the worst way to go.


    Well, at least the boy''s visit had made things interesting. It almost made up for having to deal with all this breakthrough nonsense. Almost.


    ¡°Right then,¡± he took one last sip of wine. "Let''s get this over with. I have a date with a three-hundred-year-old spirit wine that I''d rather not keep waiting."

 Chapter 35: Water Essence

    I sat cross-legged in my quarters, staring at the jade box containing the water essence. The liquid starlight within seemed to pulse with its own rhythm, almost like a heartbeat. Even through the box''s containment formations, I could feel its power calling out to me.


    "So," I asked Azure, "how exactly do we do this? I know we can''t just put physical objects into the Inner World ¨C not at Qi Condensation, anyway."


    "The World Tree Sutra includes specific methods for essence absorption,¡± Azure replied. ¡°Place your hands on either side of the box and close your eyes."


    I did as instructed, feeling the cool jade against my palms. Through my spiritual sense, I could see Azure creating a complex pattern in my mind ¨C curved lines that flowed like water itself, intersecting in ways that seemed to defy geometry.


    "This is the Flowing Rivers Formation," Azure explained. "Channel your qi through your hands following these paths. The pattern will help transmute the physical essence into a form your Inner World can absorb."


    I tried to trace the pattern with my qi, but it was like trying to write calligraphy underwater. My energy kept slipping off the prescribed paths, dispersing uselessly into the air.


    "Too rigid," Azure advised. "Don''t force it. Let your qi flow naturally, like water finding its own path."


    "Water finding its path," I muttered. "Right. Because that''s not frustratingly vague at all."


    But I tried again, this time focusing less on perfectly matching the pattern and more on the feeling of flow. My qi began to move more smoothly, though still not quite right.


    "Better," Azure said. "Now try to match your breathing to the essence''s pulse. Feel its rhythm."


    I focused on the subtle vibration coming from the box, gradually synchronizing my breath with its beat. As I did, the pattern became clearer ¨C not just a visual guide, but a natural expression of how energy wanted to move.


    On my fifth attempt, something clicked. My qi flowed through the pattern perfectly, and I felt a resonance build between my hands and the box. The jade grew warm, and through my spiritual sense, I could see the water essence beginning to respond.


    "Now," Azure instructed, "guide it into your dantian. Let it flow through the pattern and into your core."


    I adjusted my qi circulation, creating a gentle pull. The box''s formations dimmed slightly as the water essence began to stream out, following my energy through the Flowing Rivers Formation. It felt... strange. Like drinking light, if light were somehow liquid and alive.


    The essence entered my dantian, and for a moment I feared it would dissipate or reject the foreign energy. But then my Genesis Seed stirred, its massive form turning toward the newcomer with interest.


    The seed''s mouth opened ¨C not the violent snap from when it had tried to eat the sun, but a gentle acceptance. The water essence flowed in, and I felt... completion. Like a piece I hadn''t known was missing had just clicked into place.


    "Excellent," Azure said. "Take a moment to observe how it settles."


    I directed my spiritual sense inward. The water essence swirled around the Genesis Seed, gradually being absorbed into its structure. But not all of it ¨C some remained free, flowing through my Inner World like ethereal rivers.


    "I can feel it," I said with wonder. "It''s... part of me now?"


    "In a way," Azure replied. "The Genesis Seed has absorbed enough to establish a foundation, but left some free for later use. Eventually, you''ll be able to extract that essence to create actual rivers and seas within your Inner World."


    I couldn''t help but smile at that. The idea of shaping my own oceans, of having that level of control over my Inner World... it was both terrifying and exhilarating.


    "Continue with the absorption," Azure prompted. "There''s still more essence to process."


    The next hour passed in focused silence as I guided the remaining water essence through the formation. Each cycle became easier as I grew more familiar with the pattern and rhythm.


    By the time the box was empty, I felt a surge of power rush through my Inner World. The space expanded noticeably, growing by five cubic meters to reach a total of sixty-five.


    "Well done," Azure said as I opened my eyes. "How do you feel?"


    I took a moment to assess myself.


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 650/650


    Spiritual Essence: 600/600


    Physical Essence: 550/550


    My spiritual essence has increased but more notably, I felt... different. More fluid, somehow. Like my qi had gained new properties.


    "You should be breaking through to the fourth stage of Qi Condensation any day now," Azure noted with satisfaction. "The water essence has strengthened your foundation considerably."


    "It''s strange," I admitted. "Good strange, but definitely different. Will this happen with the other elements too?"


    "Each element will affect you differently," Azure explained. "Water essence tends to make things flow more smoothly ¨C qi circulation, technique execution, even thought processes. Earth will provide stability, while Wind brings freedom of movement. But they are all building blocks for when we begin creating the terrain."The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    I nodded, then stood up and stretched. My muscles felt surprisingly loose despite sitting still for so long. Another effect of the water essence?


    "We should start packing," I said, looking around my sparse quarters. "Wei Lin said we''d leave in a few hours."


    "Ah yes, the joys of travel without a storage ring," Azure commented dryly.


    I snorted at that. Storage rings were practically standard equipment in cultivation novels, but the reality was very different. In the Outer Sect, only disciples from wealthy families like Wei Lin could afford them. The rest of us had to make do with regular bags and careful packing.


    I was just finishing a mental inventory of what I''d need when someone knocked on my door. Opening it revealed Wei Lin and Lin Mei, both smiling and already prepared for travel.


    "Ready to go?" Wei Lin asked cheerfully.


    I blinked in surprise at seeing Lin Mei. "You''re coming too?"


    She nodded, adjusting the strap of her travel bag. "Wei Lin thought it would be a good opportunity. He hasn''t introduced me to his family yet."


    "I figured why not combine trips?" Wei Lin grinned. "I can show off my best friend and my girlfriend at the same time."


    Lin Mei''s smile turned slightly dangerous. "I notice how you said ''best friend'' first..."


    Wei Lin''s expression shifted to mild panic. "That''s just because Ke Yin''s standing right there! You know you''re the most important¡ª"


    "I''m just teasing," Lin Mei cut him off, but her eyes sparkled. "Though you might want to work on your prioritization skills before we meet your family."


    I couldn''t help but laugh. It was still strange seeing them as a couple, but they worked surprisingly well together.


    "Give me a few minutes to pack," I said, stepping back to let them in. "I don''t have a storage ring, so it might take¡ª"


    "Already handled," Wei Lin interrupted, tapping the plain black ring on his right index finger. "I''ve got space in mine. Just grab what you absolutely need for the journey itself."


    I started to protest ¨C storing items in someone else''s storage ring was a significant show of trust ¨C but Wei Lin waved it off.


    "You''re my friend," he said simply. "And I know exactly how much everything you own is worth, so don''t worry about theft."


    "How reassuring," I said dryly, but I was touched by the gesture.


    Lin Mei was examining my quarters with interest. "You live very simply," she observed. "Most disciples have more... decorations."


    She was being polite. My room was practically bare compared to most Outer Disciples'' quarters. No ornamental weapons on the walls, no cultivation artwork, not even the basic comfort items most disciples acquired over time. Just the cultivation books that I had borrowed from the library along with my messy notes.


    "I spend most of my time training," I said with a shrug. "Haven''t had much reason to accumulate things."


    Or much money to spend on them, but that went unsaid. We all knew Outer Disciples without family support lived on tight budgets.


    "Speaking of training," Wei Lin said as I gathered my essentials, "how did the water essence absorption go? No explosive accidents or spontaneous mutations?"


    "Everything went fine," I assured him. "Though I''m pretty sure I felt my seed trying to drink it like tea."


    "Your cultivation method is so weird," he shook his head.


    "The World Tree Sutra is unique," I agreed. No need to mention just how unique ¨C Heaven-ranked techniques were rare enough, but what I was practicing went beyond that.


    Lin Mei was looking thoughtful. "The principles sound similar to how spirit herbs absorb natural essence," she said. "They don''t just take in energy ¨C they process it, transform it into something they can use for growth."


    I nodded, impressed by her insight. "That''s actually a really good comparison. The seed does something similar, just on a much larger scale."


    "Fascinating as cultivation theory is," Wei Lin cut in, "we should get moving if we want to make good time. It''s a three-day journey to my family''s estate, and that''s assuming we don''t run into any trouble."


    "Trouble?" Lin Mei asked.


    "The road''s generally safe," Wei Lin assured her. "But there are always bandits hoping to catch cultivators off guard. Not to mention wild spirit beasts, rival sect patrols, and the occasional crazy hermit who thinks everyone''s trying to steal his enlightenment."


    "That last one sounds oddly specific," I noted.


    "Let''s just say my last trip home was... interesting." Wei Lin grimaced. "Though in fairness to the hermit, someone actually was trying to steal his enlightenment. Just not us."


    I finished packing my travel bag ¨C just basic supplies and a few vital cultivation materials ¨C and handed the rest to Wei Lin for his storage ring. It felt strange watching my few possessions disappear into the ring''s pocket dimension, but I trusted him.


    "All set?" Lin Mei asked, already by the door.


    I nodded, then paused. "Almost." I walked to my bed and lifted the loose floorboard beneath it, retrieving a small pouch of spirit stones ¨C my entire savings from months of careful budgeting.


    "Really?" Wei Lin raised an eyebrow. "A hidden floorboard?"


    "Says the guy who probably has three different secret compartments in his robes alone."


    "Five actually, but that''s not the point."


    "If you two are done comparing hiding spots, we should really get going,¡± Lin Mei called out as she turned away from us. ¡°The morning patrol will be changing soon ¨C best time to slip out without too many questions."


    She had a point. While Outer Disciples were allowed to leave the sect, too many questions about our destination could cause problems. Especially given what we were planning to acquire.


    We made our way through the quiet corridors of the Outer Sect quarters, timing our movements to avoid the regular patrols. Wei Lin seemed to know exactly when each guard would pass, which probably explained how he managed his less official business dealings.


    As we approached the sect''s main gates, I felt a familiar warmth from my dantian. The water essence had finished settling into my Inner World, becoming truly part of my foundation. One element down, two to go.


    "Hey," Wei Lin said quietly as we walked, "thanks for trusting me. With your things, I mean."


    I glanced at him, amused by his sincerity. Trust was a complicated word in the cultivation world, but in this case, the math was simple.


    Wei Lin''s storage ring probably contained more valuable items than I''d see in years of outer sect allowances. If anyone should be worried about trust, it wasn''t me.


    "It''s not exactly a huge risk," I pointed out. "Your jade meditation cushion is probably worth more than everything I own."


    "Still," he persisted, "most cultivators wouldn''t... it''s the principle of the thing. Everything''s about advantage and leverage. But you..."


    "I''m weird?" I suggested.


    "The weirdest," he agreed with a grin. "It''s why we get along so well."


    Lin Mei cleared her throat. "Should I be jealous of this beautiful friendship moment?"


    "Absolutely," Wei Lin said solemnly. "Ke Yin and I have a deep spiritual bond forged through shared trauma and questionable business decisions."


    "Mostly the questionable business decisions," I added.


    "Well,¡± she laughed. ¡°I suppose I''ll just have to accept being third wheel on this romantic journey."


    "Never," Wei Lin declared, taking her hand. "You''re at least a second wheel. Maybe even a wheel and a half."


    As we passed through the sect gates, the first hints of dawn were just touching the horizon. The guard barely glanced at our exit papers, probably assuming we were just another group of disciples heading into town for supplies.


    "Three days to your family''s estate?" I asked Wei Lin as we started down the mountain path.


    He nodded. "Assuming good weather and no crazy hermits. Though..." He glanced at Lin Mei with a slightly worried expression. "We might want to take it slowly. The terrain gets pretty rough after the first day."


    Lin Mei gave him a flat look. "I spend most of my time climbing all over the herb gardens. I think I can handle a little rough terrain."


    "Right, of course," Wei Lin backpedaled quickly. "I just meant¡ª"


    "That you''re being overprotective and slightly condescending?"


    "Yes, exactly that, thank you for understanding."


    I couldn''t help but smile as I watched them. Whatever happened on this journey, at least it wouldn''t be boring.

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 Chapter 36: The 5 Sects & The 3 Great Clans

    The party formation consisted of Wei Lin being at the front, Lin Mei at his side and me at the rear.


    Like a guide, Wei Lin would occasionally point out landmarks or warn us about treacherous spots in the road.


    Lin Mei somehow managed to identify and catalog various spirit herbs even while walking.


    At the back, I was lost in thought about how little I actually knew about this world beyond the sect walls.


    "So," Wei Lin called back, "we''ll be passing through Three Rivers Town tomorrow. Should we stop at the Wei family shop there, or push straight through to save time?"


    I nodded, as if I had any idea where Three Rivers Town was or that the Wei family had a shop there. The original Ke Yin''s memories were... selective.


    I had clear images of his family, their small tailor shop in Floating Reed Village, even the day he was discovered to have cultivation potential. But everything else was frustratingly vague, like trying to recall the plot of a book read years ago.


    "Three Rivers is the main trading hub for this region, right?" Lin Mei asked, carefully stepping over a loose stone. "I''ve heard they have an excellent spirit herb market."


    "Second largest in the Yan Kingdom," Wei Lin confirmed proudly. "Though nothing compared to the capital''s Golden District, of course."


    I must have made some sort of face because Lin Mei caught my expression and laughed. "Don''t tell me you''ve never been to Three Rivers? It''s barely two days from your village!"


    "I, uh..." I scrambled for an excuse that wouldn''t sound pathetic. "Back at the village, I was busy helping out at my father¡¯s shop and then after joining the sect, I was focused on cultivation. Didn''t see much reason to leave the mountain."


    "Wait," Wei Lin turned to stare at me. "You mean you haven''t left Azure Peak at all since joining? Not even for the seasonal town fairs?"


    I shrugged, trying to play off that I was just too afraid to venture out. "The sect provides everything I need."


    "Everything except a basic understanding of the outside world," Wei Lin shook his head in mock despair. "No wonder you''re so... you sometimes. Lin Mei, we have failed this poor ignorant soul. We must educate him!"


    "I''m not that ignorant," I protested. "I know about..." I searched the original Ke Yin''s memories for something impressive. "...the Five Great Sects?"


    "Oh? Name them then," Wei Lin challenged with a grin.


    "Well, there''s us ¨C Azure Peak Sect," I started confidently. "And... the Holy Light Sect?"


    "And?" Lin Mei prompted, clearly enjoying this.


    "...the Heavenly Jade Sect?"


    "That''s three," Wei Lin nodded. "What about the other two?"


    I racked my borrowed memories but came up blank. "The... Very Important Cultivation Sect and the We''re Also A Major Sect Sect?"


    Lin Mei burst out laughing while Wei Lin clutched his chest in mock pain.


    "The Black Palm Sect and the Three-Leaf Clover Sect," he corrected. "Though I suppose ''Very Important Cultivation Sect'' isn''t far off from how the Black Palm disciples act."


    "Those are demonic cultivation sects though, right?" I asked, grabbing onto this scrap of knowledge.


    "Technically yes, though they''re still considered among the Five Great Sects of the Eastern Continent," Lin Mei explained. "They follow... different paths to power, but they''re too strong to ignore."


    "The sect politics get complicated," Wei Lin added. "Officially, we''re all enemies. Unofficially, there''s too much trade and too many shared interests for open warfare. So, everyone maintains a careful balance."


    "Like the Three Great Clans," Lin Mei nodded. "They help keep the peace, even if only to protect their own interests."


    "The balance of power is interesting," I said thoughtfully, seeing an opportunity to confirm some details that were a little blurry in my mind. "Everyone knows the Yan Clan rules, but I''ve heard different opinions about which of the other two truly holds more influence."


    Wei Lin''s eyes lit up ¨C he loved any chance to show off his political knowledge. "Ah, the eternal debate! The Xiao Clan controls the trade routes and therefore the flow of cultivation resources, but the Wang Clan''s spirit beast army gives them incredible military power."


    "Not to mention the Wang Clan''s rumored connection to the ancient beast tamers," Lin Mei added. "Though if you believe those stories, half the noble families have some mythical bloodline."


    I nodded, letting them continue. This was much better than asking directly ¨C people loved sharing their opinions on politics.


    "Personally," Wei Lin lowered his voice, "I think the Xiao Clan has the real power. The Yan Clan needs their economic support to maintain the kingdom, and even the Wang Clan''s army requires resources that flow through Xiao-controlled trading routes."


    "But the Xiao Clan''s trade routes could be disrupted by any high level cultivator," Lin Mei countered. "It''s a complex web of interdependence."


    ¡°So, if I¡¯m right, the sects focus almost exclusively on spiritual resources - spirit stones, cultivation techniques, enlightenment opportunities?¡± I asked.


    "Yes, the sects will fight viciously over a single spirit spring but barely care about ruling actual territory or dealing with mortals,¡± Wei Lin nodded. ¡° But the clans want it all. Land, wealth, armies, AND cultivation resources. Not to mention their obsession with bloodline purity."


    "The Wang Clan won''t even let their core family members marry cultivators without at least three generations of documented ancestry," Lin Mei added with a slight eye roll. "As if anyone could fake their precious beast-taming bloodline."


    "That''s why the balance works," I concluded. "The sects are too focused on cultivation to properly manage secular power, and the clans are too busy maintaining their bloodlines and trying to rule mortals to bother with the sects. Though I guess that doesn''t stop either side from trying to gain advantages when they can."


    "Now you''re thinking like a proper politician," Wei Lin grinned. "Though don''t let my father hear you analyzing power structures so casually. He''d probably try to recruit you into the family business."


    "But where does your family fit into all this?" I asked, genuinely curious.


    Wei Lin''s expression turned calculating. "We''re... well-positioned. Not powerful enough to threaten the great clans, but useful enough to be worth protecting. We handle a lot of the resource distribution between sects and clans."


    "He means his family profits from everyone''s conflicts while being too valuable to eliminate," Lin Mei translated dryly.


    "I prefer to think of it as providing essential services to all parties," Wei Lin sniffed. "It''s not our fault if those services happen to be very profitable."


    I absorbed this information, trying to fit it into my growing understanding of this world. "So, when you said your family has wind essence..."


    "Acquired through perfectly legitimate business dealings that technically didn''t violate any sect regulations or clan agreements," Wei Lin finished smoothly. "Though perhaps we shouldn''t discuss the exact details on an open road."


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    "Speaking of the road," Lin Mei cut in, "we should probably break for lunch soon. Unless you want to explain the entire political structure of the Eastern Continent on an empty stomach?"


    We found a small clearing just off the path, protected from view by a stand of ancient trees. Wei Lin produced food from his storage ring ¨C actual fresh bread and meat rather than the dried travel rations I''d expected.


    "Storage rings are wonderful things," he said, noticing my surprise. "Preservation formations keep everything fresh. Though they cost enough that most people just use them for cultivation materials."


    As we ate, I carefully asked more questions, trying to fill in the gaps in my knowledge without being too obvious about my ignorance. Wei Lin and Lin Mei were happy to explain, though they occasionally exchanged worried looks at some of my more basic questions.


    I learned that the Eastern Continent was actually the smallest of the Four Great Continents, but had the highest concentration of spirit veins, making it ideal for cultivation. The Yan Kingdom controlled roughly a third of it, with various other powers dividing the rest.


    "The Western Continent is mostly wasteland now," Lin Mei explained between bites. "Some great war between immortal cultivators ten thousand years ago. The Northern Continent is all ice and savage cultivation clans. And the Southern Continent..."


    "Best not to talk about the Southern Continent," Wei Lin cut in. "Bad luck."


    I noticed they both made a subtle warding gesture. Clearly there was a story there, but some instinct told me not to push.


    My thoughts turned to the red sun lurking within my Genesis Seed - its violent, almost predatory nature felt uncomfortably similar to what I''d heard about demonic cultivation techniques. I needed to understand this aspect of cultivation better, but asking directly would be suspicious.


    "Earlier you mentioned the demonic sects," I said carefully. "What exactly makes cultivation ''demonic'' versus ''righteous''? The boundary seems... less clear than the sect elders would have us believe."


    "Now that''s a complicated question,¡± Wei Lin''s eyes lit up. ¡°Officially, demonic cultivation is anything that takes power from others without consent or deals with corrupted energy. But unofficially..." He glanced around before continuing. "Many ''righteous'' techniques started as demonic ones that were gradually refined into more acceptable forms."


    "Like the Crimson Heaven Scripture," Lin Mei added thoughtfully. "Everyone knows it was originally a blood cultivation technique, but after ten generations of modification, it''s now considered a legitimate fire-attribute method."


    "So, it''s not always about good versus evil?" I pressed, thinking of my own struggles with the red sun''s energy. I did not want to use the red sun¡¯s power during the tournament only to be labelled a heretic.


    "It''s about balance and control," Lin Mei said. "Any power can be dangerous if handled poorly. Some of our most respected elders use techniques that skirt the edge of what''s considered ''righteous'' cultivation. They just maintain strict discipline and understand the risks."


    Wei Lin nodded. "From a practical perspective, demonic cultivators are just another part of the cultivation world. They pay premium prices for certain goods since most merchants won''t deal with them. As long as you maintain proper precautions..."


    "Wei Lin!" Lin Mei scolded, but I noticed she didn''t actually disagree.


    "What? I''m just being honest," he shrugged. "Power is power. It''s how you use it that matters."


    I absorbed this, feeling slightly better about my own situation. If even "righteous" sects acknowledged these gray areas, maybe the red sun''s nature wasn''t as concerning as I''d feared. It was all about control and understanding the power you wielded.


    "Though speaking purely hypothetically," Wei Lin added with a merchant''s smile, "if anyone were interested in learning more about alternative cultivation methods, I might know some people who know some people..."


    ¡°Now that you mention it¡­¡± I joked.


    Lin Mei rolled her eyes. "This is why I worry about leaving you two alone. Who knows what trouble you''ll get into?"


    "Us? Trouble?" Wei Lin affected a wounded look. "We''re just simple cultivators on a completely normal journey to acquire some totally legitimate cultivation materials."


    "Speaking of which," I cut in, "how exactly did your family get wind essence? Since we''re off the main road and all."


    Wei Lin glanced around before leaning in. "Well, it''s actually a funny story involving three very lost Holy Light Sect disciples, a spirit beast migration, and my father''s exceptional talent for being in exactly the right place at exactly the right time..."


    The rest of our lunch break passed with Wei Lin spinning tales of his family''s various adventures in "resource acquisition," each story more outrageous than the last. Lin Mei occasionally corrected details or pointed out obvious exaggerations, while I just listened and learned.


    Not just about Wei Lin''s family or the various political powers, but about how this world really worked. The complex web of relationships between sects and clans. The importance of maintaining face while secretly breaking every rule. The way power flowed not just through qi and cultivation, but through trades and favors and carefully maintained connections.


    It was like a giant game of chess, except everyone was playing by slightly different rules, and half the pieces were secretly working for the other side, and no one could quite agree on what winning looked like.


    "We should get moving," Lin Mei said eventually, noting the sun''s position. "If we want to reach the next way station before dark."


    "Way station?" I asked before I could stop myself.


    Wei Lin gave me that look he reserved for when I was being particularly cultivation-brained. "Sometimes I forget you literally think about nothing but cultivation. Yes, there are way stations. The Xiao Clan maintains them along all major trade routes. You know, those buildings with defensive formations where normal people rest while traveling?"


    "I was a bit preoccupied during my journey to the sect," I admitted sheepishly. "Pretty sure I spent the whole time reciting cultivation basics and worrying about the trials."


    "Of course you did," Lin Mei laughed. "They''re warded against spirit beasts and have basic defensive formations. Most travelers plan their journeys around them."


    "Somewhat less secure since the incident with the snake cultivator last year," Wei Lin added. "But still safer than camping in the open."


    I decided not to ask about the snake cultivator incident. Some things were probably better left unknown.


    As we packed up and returned to the road, I found myself grateful for my friends'' willingness to explain things without too many questions about my ignorance. Even if they clearly thought I was oddly sheltered, they seemed to accept it as just another Ke Yin quirk.

 Chapter 37: Way Station

    The way station appeared just as the sun was beginning to set, its stone walls glowing orange in the fading light. It wasn''t what I''d expected ¨C instead of the simple rest stop I''d imagined, it was more like a small fortress town, complete with defensive walls and watchtowers.


    "Home away from home," Wei Lin announced as we approached the main gates. "Well, if home was significantly smaller and occasionally infested with spirit beasts."


    Two guards in Xiao Clan uniforms stood at attention by the entrance, their cultivation levels carefully suppressed but still noticeable to my spiritual sense ¨C both at the Elemental Realm. They gave Wei Lin''s merchant token a cursory glance before waving us through.


    Inside, the way station was bustling with activity despite the late hour. Merchants hawked their wares from colorful stalls, travelers gathered around communal cooking fires, and a few cultivators sat in meditation near the walls, taking advantage of the station''s protective formations.


    "The formations here are interesting," I noted, examining the subtle energy patterns woven into the walls. "They''re not just defensive ¨C there''s something else..."


    "Trade protection formations," Wei Lin explained. "Prevents spiritual fluctuations that might damage cultivation materials. Can''t have valuable merchandise getting ruined because someone decided to practice their techniques nearby."


    Lin Mei was already drifting toward a row of stalls selling dried herbs and cultivation materials. "Look at these Nine-Heart Flowers! I''ve never seen them preserved so perfectly."


    Wei Lin followed her gaze. "The preservation technique is decent, but the coloring suggests they''re at least two months old. The potency would be significantly reduced."


    "Still useful for basic medicine preparation," Lin Mei argued. "And look, they have Cloud Pearl Grass too!"


    I hung back as I looked around.


    The way station''s interior was divided into distinct sections ¨C an open marketplace near the entrance, residential quarters along the back wall, and what looked like training areas off to one side.


    "Hungry?" Wei Lin asked, noticing my wandering attention. "The food stalls here are actually decent. Nothing like sect food, but..."


    "Better than travel rations," I finished. My stomach growled in agreement ¨C we''d been walking for hours since lunch.


    We found a stall selling hot noodles, the aroma of spices drawing a steady stream of customers.


    "Three bowls of the house special," Wei Lin ordered, producing a low-grade spirit stone. "And yes, I''m paying," he added before I could protest. "Consider it part of your cultural education."


    The noodles were excellent ¨C spicy enough to warm us after the long day''s walk, with tender strips of meat and vegetables that spoke of quality ingredients. We found seats at one of the communal tables, joining a mix of merchants and travelers.


    "So," Lin Mei said between bites, "what''s the most interesting thing you''ve seen at a way station?"


    Wei Lin thought for a moment. "Probably the time I saw two Elemental Realm cultivators get into a bidding war over a spirit beast egg. Turned out to be a fake ¨C just a really well-crafted reproduction. The argument afterward was... memorable."


    "Let me guess," I said dryly. "Your father happened to have a real spirit beast egg available?"


    "Pure coincidence, I assure you." Wei Lin''s innocent expression wasn''t fooling anyone. "Though he did make an excellent profit."


    As we ate, I observed the flow of people around us. Merchants haggled over prices in at least three different languages. A group of young cultivators compared technique notes while trying to look casual about it. Two elderly women in simple robes played a complex board game that seemed to involve actual spiritual energy.


    "Look," Lin Mei nudged Wei Lin, pointing to a stall selling ornamental cultivation tools. "Aren''t those beautiful?"


    The items in question were a set of jade cutting tools, each piece carved with formations that enhanced their effectiveness with spirit herbs. They were genuinely impressive work.


    Wei Lin examined them for a moment, then smiled. "They''re not bad. Want a closer look?"


    Lin Mei hesitated. "They''re probably expensive..."


    "Let me worry about that." Wei Lin was already standing. "Consider it an early celebration gift for when you become the herb garden''s head cultivator."


    "That position won''t be open for years," Lin Mei protested, but she followed him to the stall.


    I watched as Wei Lin haggled with the merchant, his casual demeanor masking sharp bargaining skills. The final price was still significant ¨C probably several months'' worth of an Outer Disciple''s stipend ¨C but Wei Lin handed over the spirit stones without hesitation.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Lin Mei''s eyes lit up as she examined her new tools. "These formations... they''re perfect for precision cutting. And look at how they channel spiritual energy!"


    "Only the best for my favorite herbalist," Wei Lin said with exaggerated gallantry, earning himself a playful swat on the arm.


    I smiled at their interaction while carefully avoiding looking too closely at any of the merchandise myself. My spirit stone pouch felt very light, and I needed every bit for cultivation materials.


    "See anything you like?" Wei Lin asked, noticing my careful distance from the stalls.


    I shook my head. "I''m good. Need to save resources for cultivation."


    "You know I could¡ª"


    "I know," I cut him off with a smile. "But you''ve already helped enough. Besides, I''m not much for shopping anyway."


    It was true ¨C even in my original world, I''d never been one for buying things just because they caught my eye. The original Ke Yin seemed to have been similar from what I gathered from his memories.


    Wei Lin led us to the residential section of the way station, where individual rooms could be rented for the night. The prices were reasonable enough ¨C clearly meant to encourage travelers to stay rather than risk camping outside.


    "How many rooms?" the clerk asked, looking between the three of us.


    Wei Lin and Lin Mei exchanged a quick glance before both looking at me. I caught their meaning immediately and put up my hands.


    "I don''t mind getting my own room if you two want to share," I offered, trying to be casual about it.


    "That''s... I mean...¡± Lin Mei''s cheeks colored slightly, despite her obvious closeness with Wei Lin, she was still conscious of propriety ¨C or at least the appearance of it.


    "Two rooms is fine," Wei Lin cut in smoothly, clearly trying to spare Lin Mei any embarrassment. "Ke Yin and I can share, we''re used to staying up late talking about cultivation anyway."


    I nodded, it wouldn''t be the first time I¡¯d shared a room, I used to be a university student after all.


    The rooms were simple but clean ¨C each with two beds, a small table, and basic washing facilities. Lin Mei disappeared into hers with a quiet "good night" and a last lingering look at Wei Lin that made me suddenly very interested in examining the wall.


    "You two are cute together," I said once we were in our room. "In an awkward, trying-not-to-be-obvious way."


    Wei Lin threw a pillow at me. "Says the guy who wouldn''t recognize romance if it hit him with a spirit technique." He paused. "Though I suppose that''s actually happened now, hasn''t it?"


    I groaned, remembering Wu Lihua''s very public interest. "Can we not talk about that?"


    "Fine, fine." Wei Lin flopped onto his bed. "Though you have to admit, having a Core Disciple''s attention is usually considered a good thing."


    "Usually doesn''t involve being used as a prop in someone else''s relationship drama," I pointed out.


    "True." Wei Lin was quiet for a moment. "Hey, about earlier ¨C with the shopping. I wasn''t trying to make you uncomfortable..."


    "You didn''t," I assured him. "I really am fine without buying things. Never been much for material possessions."


    Wei Lin was quiet for a moment, staring at the ceiling from his bed. "You know, I''m actually glad you''re coming with us to meet my family."


    "Oh?" I turned to look at him, surprised by the sudden shift in tone.


    "I haven¡¯t been home since joining the sect. My father... he''s going to ask a lot of questions about the sect, about opportunities, about who''s worth knowing." Wei Lin''s voice grew softer. "It''ll be good to have someone else there who understands how things really work."


    I waited, sensing there was more he wanted to say.


    "He doesn''t know about Lin Mei yet," Wei Lin finally admitted. "I haven''t told him."


    "Ah." I understood now why he seemed troubled. "You''re worried about his reaction?"


    "Everything with my father is about advantage," Wei Lin said, frustration creeping into his voice. "Who can provide what benefit, which connection leads to better opportunities. When he finds out I''m serious about someone from a normal family..." He trailed off.


    "Lin Mei''s talented," I pointed out. "She practically runs the herb gardens already."


    "I know that. You know that." Wei Lin sat up, running a hand through his hair. "But my father will only see a missed opportunity. He''s been hinting about arrangements with other merchant families or one of the big clans, connections that could ''advance our interests.''" The last words came out bitter.


    "Have you told him how you feel about that?"


    Wei Lin laughed quietly. "Feelings aren''t exactly part of the Wei family business strategy."


    "Maybe that''s exactly what he needs to hear," I suggested. "That for once, this isn''t about strategy or advantage. It''s just about you being happy."


    "You make it sound so simple."


    "It is simple. You''re his son, not just his business heir." I paused, choosing my words carefully. "And if he''s half as shrewd as you say, he''ll understand that having you genuinely happy and motivated is better for the family than any arranged alliance."


    Wei Lin was quiet for a long time. "You really believe that?"


    "I do," I said firmly. "And who knows, Lin Mei  might go on to revolutionize spirit herb cultivation within a few years. Your father might end up thanking you for making such a profitable connection."


    That got a genuine laugh out of him. "Using business logic to justify following my heart? You''re getting better at this."


    "I learned from the best," I grinned. "Now get some sleep. You''ll need your energy for all that family diplomacy."


    "Thanks," Wei Lin said quietly. "For listening."


    "What are friends for?"


    We settled into comfortable silence after that. Just before drifting off, I heard Wei Lin murmur, "She really does make me happy, you know?"


    "I know," I replied softly. "That''s what matters."


    In the quiet that followed, I found myself wondering about my own path. Would I end up like those legendary cultivators in the stories? The ones who live for thousands of years, always chasing the next breakthrough, the next realm, until one day they look back and realize they''ve walked their road entirely alone?


    It was a common theme in cultivation stories ¨C the powerful but solitary immortal, watching generations of family and friends pass while they remained forever apart, bound to their endless pursuit of power. Even now, I could feel that pull, the constant drive to improve, to solve the next challenge, to grow stronger.


    "You''re brooding," Azure observed.


    "Just thinking," I replied in my mind. "Seeing Wei Lin and Lin Mei together... it makes you wonder, doesn''t it? About balance. About what we might miss while chasing cultivation."


    "The path doesn''t have to be lonely," Azure said after a moment. "Even the World Tree had its forest."


    I smiled at that. Trust Azure to make his point with a cultivation metaphor. Still, he wasn''t wrong. Maybe there was a middle way ¨C one that didn''t require choosing between power and connections, between cultivation and humanity.

 Chapter 38: Arrogant Young Master

    I woke to the sound of raised voices filtering through the way station''s walls. Wei Lin was already up, standing by the window with a concerned expression.


    "Trouble?" I asked, reaching for my outer robe.


    "Young master throwing his weight around," Wei Lin replied. "Xiao clan, from the looks of it."


    I joined him at the window. In the courtyard below, a group had gathered around what appeared to be a confrontation. At the center stood a young man in elaborate silver-trimmed robes, his qi flickering with barely contained aggression. Around him stood several attendants, all wearing the cloud pattern that marked them as Xiao clan servants.


    "Xiao Feng," Wei Lin said before I could ask. "Third son of the Xiao clan''s fourth branch. Known for his... forceful negotiations."


    The target of Xiao Feng''s attention was a young cultivator in plain brown robes, the mark on his sleeve identifying him as a disciple from one of the smaller sects. The Star''s Rest Sect, if I remembered correctly ¨C barely worth mentioning in most cultivation circles.


    "You dare claim your sect''s spirit herbs are equal to the Xiao clan''s?" Xiao Feng''s voice carried clearly across the courtyard. "A third-rate sect like yours should know its place!"


    The Star''s Rest disciple stood his ground, though I could see the slight tremor in his hands. "Our herbs are grown with traditional methods passed down through generations. The quality speaks for itself."


    I felt movement beside me as Lin Mei slipped into our room, her expression troubled. "I heard the commotion. That disciple... his technique for growing Winter Frost Grass is actually quite innovative. I saw his samples yesterday."


    "Innovative or not," Wei Lin said quietly, "he should have known better than to compete with a Xiao clan merchant group."


    The crack of flesh striking flesh drew our attention back to the scene. Xiao Feng had backhanded the disciple, sending him stumbling back.


    The way station guards studiously looked elsewhere, their practiced indifference speaking of long experience with such "disputes."


    Lin Mei started forward. "We can''t just¡ª"


    I caught her arm, shaking my head. "Wait."


    "But¡ª"


    "Look," I nodded toward a figure at the edge of the crowd.


    A young man in simple but well-made robes, his hand resting casually on a sword hilt. His qi signature was carefully masked, but there was something about his bearing that caught my attention. The way he watched the scene, the controlled anger in his stance, could he be...


    "Amateur," Wei Lin muttered, following my gaze. "He''s going to¡ª"


    "How dare you!" The sword-bearing cultivator stepped forward, his voice ringing with righteous indignation. "Bullying a fellow cultivator over mere business? Have you no shame?"


    "And you are?" Xiao Feng turned, his expression a perfect mix of amusement and disdain.


    "Li Yuan, disciple of the Flowing Stream Sect." The young man''s voice carried that particular tone I''d come to recognize ¨C absolute confidence backed by either tremendous power or tremendous foolishness. "And I cannot stand by while you abuse your position."


    "Flowing Stream Sect?" Xiao Feng laughed. "At least the Star''s Rest sect knows herbs. What does a sect of river-watchers know of anything?"


    Li Yuan''s response was to draw his sword in one smooth motion. The blade seemed to catch the morning light and hold it. "Perhaps a demonstration is in order?"


    The crowd quickly backed away, forming a rough circle around the two cultivators. I noticed the guards shifting position, maintaining their studied disinterest while ensuring they had clear lines of sight.


    "Thousand Ripples Sword Art!" Li Yuan moved first, his blade tracing patterns that somehow reminded me of sunlight on water. The technique was genuinely impressive ¨C each strike flowing into the next with liquid grace.


    Xiao Feng sneered and raised his hand. "Stone Wall Palm!"


    Li Yuan''s sword strikes splashed against Xiao Feng''s defense like waves against a cliff, neither giving ground.


    "Not bad," Wei Lin murmured. "The Flowing Stream sect''s techniques are known for wearing down defenses over time. If he can maintain the pressure..."


    Li Yuan pressed his advantage, his sword moving faster. "Flowing Stream''s Third Form - Cascading Rapids!"


    The attack pattern changed, becoming more aggressive. Strikes rained down from multiple angles, each one testing Xiao Feng''s defense for weaknesses. It was beautiful to watch ¨C like a dance where every movement carried lethal intent.


    Xiao Feng''s expression shifted from contempt to concentration as he was forced to actively defend. His Stone Wall Palm technique began to show cracks, spiritual energy leaking through gaps in his defense.


    "Mountain Crushing Strike!" Xiao Feng suddenly abandoned defense for a single powerful attack. The qi-enhanced blow should have been devastating, but Li Yuan''s blade was already moving.


    "Flowing Stream''s Ultimate Technique - River Cuts Mountain!"


    The sword technique shifted again, transforming from multiple strikes into a single perfect cut. Li Yuan''s blade found the exact point where Xiao Feng''s qi was weakest, slicing through his defense like water through sand.


    Xiao Feng went flying, landing hard among the market stalls. His elaborate robes were torn, and blood trickled from where the sword''s qi had cut his chest.


    The crowd was silent. Li Yuan stood calmly, his sword still glowing with that strange inner light. It was exactly the kind of scene that usually preceded a young master''s dramatic revelation of hidden power or...


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    Xiao Feng pushed himself up, wiping blood from his mouth. Then he started laughing.


    "Shit," I muttered. That kind of laughter never meant anything good.


    "Do you actually think," Xiao Feng''s voice was eerily calm, "that I would travel alone?"


    The air suddenly grew heavy with killing intent. Two figures materialized from nowhere ¨C cultivators in the same cloud-marked robes as the other servants, but these ones radiated power that made my skin crawl.


    "Elemental Realm," Wei Lin breathed. "Both of them."


    Li Yuan''s confident stance faltered as the pressure of their combined auras pressed down on him. "You... you would hide behind servants? Where is your cultivator''s pride?"


    "Pride?" Xiao Feng''s smile was cruel. "Pride is for those who can afford it. Power is all that matters. Chang Li, teach him."


    One of the Elemental Realm cultivators ¨C Chang Li, apparently ¨C vanished. He reappeared directly in front of Li Yuan, who was still trying to make some speech about justice and righteousness. The guard''s hand moved in a casual backhand that sent Li Yuan flying through several market stalls.


    I winced at the sound of impact. From the angle of Li Yuan''s neck as he lay among the wreckage, I was pretty sure we wouldn''t be seeing any dramatic comeback.


    "Destroy the body," Xiao Feng ordered, brushing dust from his robes. "Make sure there''s nothing left to find."


    Chang Li nodded and raised his hand. A ball of pure white fire formed in his palm ¨C not regular fire, but spiritual flame hot enough to incinerate both flesh and soul. He flicked his fingers and the flame engulfed Li Yuan''s broken form.


    I watched as the body crumbled to ash in seconds, not even bones remaining. Well, there went any hope of Li Yuan being a secret protagonist who would return later for revenge. Even in cultivation novels, it was hard to come back from having both your body and soul reduced to nothing.


    "Let that serve as a lesson about knowing one''s place," Xiao Feng announced to the silent crowd.


    I added ''completely destroyed by Elemental Realm spiritual fire'' to my mental notes about the "training accident" report the guards would undoubtedly file.


    Another would-be protagonist, another tragic end. In cultivation novels, the hero always survived such encounters through plot armor or hidden powers. Reality was rarely so accommodating.


    "And that," Wei Lin said quietly as the crowd began to disperse, "is why we don''t interfere in young master''s business."


    Lin Mei was pale but nodded. "I... I understand. But it''s not right."


    "Right doesn''t matter," I said, surprising myself with the bitterness in my voice. "This world operates on power. Everything else is just pretty words we tell ourselves."


    Wei Lin gave me an odd look. "That''s... surprisingly cynical coming from you."


    I shrugged, not trusting myself to explain further.


    How could I tell them that I''d seen this scene play out countless times in stories? That for every successful protagonist who rose from humble beginnings to shake the heavens, there were thousands of nameless cultivators who died thinking they could change things through determination alone?


    "The problem is," I said carefully, "many cultivators speak and act like they¡¯re Heaven¡¯s Chosen. They make grand speeches about justice and righteousness, challenge young masters without regard for consequences, and believe their determination will somehow overcome vast power gaps."


    "And that''s... bad?" Lin Mei asked.


    "It''s suicidal," Wei Lin answered before I could. "The cultivation world isn''t a story. Power is real, consequences are real, and acting like you''re the hero of some grand tale is a good way to end up dead."


    I nodded. "You either need to be completely insane or have absolute confidence in your abilities to act like that. And it''s always safer to assume someone has that confidence for a reason."


    "My father always says the successful merchant is the one who assumes everyone else is stronger, richer, and smarter than they appear," Wei Lin added. "Same principle applies here."


    The way station was returning to its normal morning routine, merchants already setting up replacement stalls as if nothing had happened. The Xiao clan guards had resumed their posts, and Xiao Feng was holding court among his followers as if the entire incident had been merely amusing entertainment.


    "We should get moving," Wei Lin said, checking the sun''s position. "Better to be well away before the young master decides he needs more entertainment."


    As we gathered our things and prepared to leave, I couldn''t help but think about Li Yuan. Had he really believed his righteousness would protect him? Or had he known the risks and chosen to act anyway?


    "His qi had signs of recent advancement," Azure commented. "Likely drunk on his breakthrough to the seventh stage of Qi Condensation. Combined with what appeared to be a legendary grade sword... a common recipe for tragedy. Young cultivators often mistake new power for invincibility."


    I nodded slightly. Azure had a point - I''d noticed the sword''s unique glow myself. Too bad the Xiao Clan had ''confiscated'' it.


    But how many resources had the Flowing Stream Sect invested in Li Yuan, only for him to throw it all away in a moment of righteous indignation?


    Either way, his story had ended here, just another cautionary tale reminding me about the difference between cultivation novels and reality.

 Chapter 39: Rocky

    The morning sun was just starting to burn away the mist as we made our way along the road toward Myriad Paths City. According to Wei Lin, we were only a few hours away from our destination, but something felt... off.


    Maybe it was the memory of ash scattering in the wind, or maybe something more immediate, but I couldn''t shake the feeling off.


    I found myself scanning the treeline more frequently, paying extra attention to any rustling leaves or odd shadows. The road had been suspiciously peaceful ¨C no bandits, no spirit beasts, not even a single crazed hermit demanding we acknowledge his enlightenment.


    Lin Mei noticed my unease. "What''s on your mind? You keep looking around like you''re expecting trouble."


    "It''s just..." I hesitated, not wanting to sound paranoid. "The journey''s gone surprisingly well, hasn''t it? Almost too well."


    Wei Lin groaned. "And now you''ve done it. You never say things like that out loud! It''s like inviting the heavens to prove you wrong."


    "Hey, don''t blame me," I protested, raising my hands. "I just answered a question!"


    "Next thing you know, we''ll be ambushed by spirit beasts," Wei Lin continued dramatically. "Or maybe some rogue cultivators will demand we hand over all our treasures. Or perhaps¡ª"


    "A wandering immortal will descend from the heavens and challenge us to a poetry competition?" Lin Mei suggested with a grin.


    "Don''t even joke about that," Wei Lin shuddered. "My father once told me about a time he actually met a drunk immortal who insisted everyone communicate in five-character verses for an entire day."


    "You''re making that up," I accused.


    "I wish I was! Apparently, the whole city had to..." Wei Lin trailed off, his eyes widening as we rounded a bend in the road.


    Standing before us, completely blocking the path, was what could only be described as a living mountain. The creature was easily fifteen feet tall, with a body that seemed to be made entirely of craggy stone. Its broad features were vaguely humanoid, but in the way a child might carve a face into a boulder ¨C all rough angles and approximations.


    We all tensed, dropping into defensive stances almost instinctively. The creature made no aggressive moves, however. Instead, it simply stood there, massive arms extended with its palms up, as if... waiting for something?


    "Wei Lin," I said slowly, "you didn''t mention anything about having to pay an entrance fee to a rock."


    "That''s because we don''t," he replied, frowning. "I''ve never seen anything like this on the road to the city before."


    "One hundred spirit stones to pass!" a high-pitched voice announced from above.


    We looked up to see a small figure drop from a nearby tree, landing on the stone giant''s shoulder. It was a boy who couldn''t have been more than eleven or twelve, with wild black hair and the kind of grin that immediately made you want to check if your money pouch was still there. He wore simple brown robes that had clearly seen better days, and he patted the stone creature''s head affectionately.


    "Isn''t that right, Rocky?" the boy asked. The stone giant ¨C apparently named Rocky ¨C rumbled in what seemed like agreement.


    "We''re not paying anything," Wei Lin stated firmly. "This is a public road."


    "Ninety spirit stones?" the boy countered immediately. "That''s a bargain! Rocky here usually charges way more, don''t you, buddy?"


    The stone giant nodded, though I got the distinct impression it was just copying the boy''s movements.


    ¡°That¡¯s not happening,¡± Wei Lin replied.


    "Fifty spirit stones?" the boy tried again. "Come on, that''s practically giving it away!"


    "Listen," Lin Mei stepped forward, her voice gentle. "Where are your parents? It''s not safe for a child to be out here alone."


    The boy''s grin vanished instantly. "I''m not a child! And I''m not alone ¨C I have Rocky! And don''t try to act all concerned, you... you old lady!"


    Lin Mei''s kind smile froze in place. I could practically feel the temperature drop.


    "Azure," I thought quietly, "what can you tell me about that creature?"


    "It''s a Stone Guardian," Azure replied. "A type of elemental spirit beast that typically forms in mineral-rich areas. They can grow quite powerful by absorbing precious stones and metals. This one, however, is only at the fifth stage of Qi Condensation. Given their natural growth rate, it must be quite young or severely undernourished."


    "Fifth stage?" I frowned. That was still well above any of our cultivation levels. "And the boy?"


    "There''s a soul bond between them," Azure confirmed. "Quite strong, actually. The boy must have encountered the Guardian when it first formed."


    The negotiation was deteriorating quickly. The boy had dropped all pretense of bargaining and was now just shouting increasingly creative insults, with a particular focus on Lin Mei''s "advanced age¡±.


    "Last chance!" the boy announced. "Pay up or face the consequences!¡±


    When he got no reply, his face reddened. ¡°Rocky, show them what you can do!"


    The boy leaped back into the trees as Rocky''s massive fist came hurtling toward us. We scattered in different directions as the blow struck the ground where we''d been standing, leaving a crater nearly six feet wide.


    I met Wei Lin and Lin Mei''s eyes, and we exchanged quick nods. We''d trained together enough to know each other''s styles.


    Drawing on my qi, I reached out to the natural energy in the ground. A thick vine erupted from the earth behind Rocky, wrapping around his stone limbs.


    Sweat immediately beaded on my forehead. This was nothing like practice. The creature''s raw strength was incredible, and every movement threatened to snap my control. I could maintain the technique for a few seconds at most ¨C hopefully enough time for the others to act.


    "Flowing River Strike!" Lin Mei''s voice rang out as she executed her technique. A concentrated blast of water qi struck Rocky''s chest with surprising force, sending him staggering backward. My vines snapped under the strain, but they''d served their purpose.


    "Wind Blade Art: Crescent Moon Slash!" Wei Lin followed up immediately, his qi forming into sharp crescents that struck Rocky''s limbs with precision. The stone giant roared as deep gouges appeared in its rocky flesh, sending it crashing to the ground.


    As I caught my breath, I analyzed what had just happened. On paper, we shouldn''t have been able to defeat a fifth-stage creature so easily ¨C the gap in pure qi levels was simply too large.


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    But it was obvious that Rocky had never been properly trained. His movements were simple and predictable, like a child swinging their fists. All that raw power, but no real technique behind it. The boy clearly hadn''t been able to teach Rocky how to actually fight ¨C probably didn''t know how himself.


    Wei Lin stepped forward, qi gathering for a finishing blow, but a small figure suddenly dropped between us and the fallen guardian.


    "Stop!" the boy screamed, tears and snot running down his face. "Don''t hurt Rocky anymore! He''s my only friend!"


    Behind him, the stone giant was making a sound that could only be described as crying ¨C a deep, resonant rumble that somehow conveyed pure distress. Small pebbles actually fell from its eyes like tears.


    I let out a long sigh. "We just beat up a kid''s pet rock, didn''t we?"


    "Guardian Spirit Beast," Azure corrected.


    Wei Lin lowered his hands, dispersing his gathered qi. "Okay, enough. Everyone calm down. No one else is getting hurt." He turned to the boy. "What''s your name, kid?"


    The boy sniffled, wiping his nose on his sleeve. "Liu Chen. And I''m not a kid!"


    "Alright, Liu Chen who is definitely not a kid," Wei Lin said patiently. "Want to tell us why you and Rocky are out here charging tolls?"


    "We need spirit stones," Liu Chen mumbled. "Rocky''s hungry. He''s supposed to eat precious stones to grow stronger, but..." He looked down, shoulders slumping. "I can''t afford any good ones. Just regular rocks don''t help him get stronger anymore."


    Lin Mei''s expression softened despite her earlier annoyance. "Where are you from? Surely someone must be looking for you."


    "Nowhere!" Liu Chen said quickly. Too quickly. "It''s just me and Rocky. We take care of each other."


    I shared a look with Wei Lin. There was definitely more to this story.


    "Listen," I said, an idea forming. "What if we could help Rocky get stronger without charging tolls?"


    Liu Chen looked up suspiciously. "How?"


    "Well," I glanced at Wei Lin, who nodded slightly, understanding my intention. "We happen to be heading to Myriad Paths City. I bet they have all sorts of mineral deposits that would be perfect for a growing Stone Guardian."


    "Really?" Liu Chen''s eyes lit up, then narrowed. "But... they wouldn''t just let Rocky eat their precious stones."


    "Maybe not," Wei Lin cut in smoothly, "but I know some people who might be willing to make arrangements. Legitimate ones," he added quickly. "No more highway robbery required."


    "I don''t know..." Liu Chen looked uncertain. "The last time we went near a city, the guards..."


    "You''ll be with us," Lin Mei assured him. "And Rocky can wait in the forest nearby. We''ll bring samples out to him."


    The boy looked between us and his stone friend, clearly torn. Rocky made a gentle rumbling sound and carefully patted Liu Chen''s head with one massive finger.


    "Fine," Liu Chen finally said. "But if you try anything funny..." He attempted to look threatening, which was somewhat undermined by him having to wipe his nose again.


    "No funny business," I promised solemnly. "Just some civilized discussion about proper mineral nutrition for growing Stone Guardians."


    As we stood around the fallen Stone Guardian, Liu Chen ran his small hands over Rocky''s damaged limbs.


    To our surprise, the deep gouges from Wei Lin''s wind blades began to fill themselves in, loose pebbles and gravel floating up from the ground to merge with Rocky''s form. It was like watching a puzzle reassemble itself, each piece finding its proper place with soft grinding sounds.


    "Come on, Rocky," Liu Chen encouraged, patting the stone giant''s chest. "You can do it!"


    Rocky''s body rumbled, and suddenly the process accelerated. Chunks of stone lifted themselves from the crater his fall had created, spinning through the air before locking into place. Even the dust from our battle swirled upward, filling in the smallest gaps until his rocky hide was as solid as before.


    With a sound like a small avalanche, Rocky pushed himself up to his feet. The movement was surprisingly graceful for something so massive, each limb shifting and adjusting until he stood at his full height once again. He flexed his restored arms experimentally, pebbles clicking as they settled into their final positions.


    "That''s... actually pretty impressive," I said staring at the reformed giant.


    "Rocky''s the best!" Liu Chen beamed proudly. "He just needs a little time to pull himself together."


    I couldn''t help but smile at the proud tone in the boy''s voice.


    "I can''t believe you actually said the journey was going too well," Wei Lin muttered as we resumed walking, now with two rather unusual additions to our group.


    "Hey, at least it wasn''t bandits," I pointed out. "Or wolves. Or that crazy hermit you mentioned."


    "Don''t even start," he warned. "We still have two hours until we reach the city."


    Ahead of us, Liu Chen was chattering excitedly to Rocky about all the different kinds of stones they might get to try. The stone giant nodded along enthusiastically, occasionally making rumbling sounds that might have been attempts at conversation.


    Lin Mei fell into step beside me. "You know we just adopted a child and his pet mountain, right?"


    "Could be worse," I shrugged. "At least he seems well-behaved. He does behave, right?"


    We all turned to look at Liu Chen.


    "Hey kid," Wei Lin called out. "Quick question about Rocky''s... destructive tendencies. He doesn''t randomly smash things when he''s excited, does he?"


    "Of course not!" Liu Chen protested. "Rocky''s very gentle! Well... except for that one time with the merchant caravan, but they started it! And maybe the incident with the bridge, but that was already pretty rickety anyway. Oh, and there was that small landslide, but that wasn''t his fault since he was just trying to scratch his back against the mountain..."


    As Liu Chen continued listing various "not technically Rocky''s fault" incidents, each worse than the last, I found myself thinking that maybe this was exactly the kind of trouble we were supposed to run into. Not every challenge needed to be life-or-death, and sometimes the best solution wasn''t about who could hit harder.


    Though I did make a mental note to never again comment on how smoothly a journey was going. There were some temptations you just don''t risk.

 Chapter 40: Myriad Paths City

    Myriad Paths City lived up to its name.


    As we approached, I could see why it was called the City of Countless Roads ¨C dozens of major thoroughfares converged on its walls like spokes on a wheel, each one a vital artery connecting to some distant part of the cultivation world.


    Trade caravans and travelers flowed along these paths in an endless stream, giving the city the appearance of a massive spider web with the urban center as its heart.


    "Every major road in the Eastern Continent passes through here," Wei Lin explained, noticing my wide-eyed observation. "The original city was built at the intersection of three ancient spirit veins. Over time, as cultivation sects established themselves across the continent, new roads were built to connect them all through this central point."


    "The spirit veins are why it became such an important hub?" I asked, genuinely curious.


    "Partly," Wei Lin nodded. "The veins made it easier to maintain the massive formation arrays that protect the city. But honestly? It''s mostly just geography. We''re at the perfect midpoint between the major mountain ranges where most sects build their strongholds."


    The forest surrounding the city was unlike anything I''d seen near Azure Peak.


    Ancient trees with trunks wider than houses created a natural barrier, their branches interweaving so densely that barely any sunlight reached the forest floor. The roots of these giants had broken through the earth in places, creating natural archways and hollows that looked like they could hide any number of secrets.


    "This is perfect!" Liu Chen declared, leading us to one such hollow beneath a particularly massive tree. "Rocky will be safe here, and no one will bother him!"


    I watched as the boy hugged his stone friend''s massive leg, his small arms not even reaching halfway around. "I''ll be back soon, okay? Really soon! And I''ll bring you the best stones I can find!"


    Rocky made a low, rumbling sound that somehow managed to convey both reassurance and sadness. The stone giant carefully patted Liu Chen''s head with one massive finger, showing surprising gentleness for something that could probably uproot the ancient tree we stood beneath.


    "You have to promise to stay hidden," Liu Chen continued, his voice wavering slightly. "No matter what! Even if you hear something interesting, or smell some really nice stones, or if someone''s being mean to a small animal ¨C I know how you get about that ¨C you have to stay right here!"


    Wei Lin leaned close to me, whispering, "We won''t even be gone that long. Isn''t this a little... excessive?"


    I watched as Liu Chen continued listing increasingly specific scenarios that Rocky wasn''t allowed to intervene in, including but not limited to: stopping bandits, helping lost travelers, or attempting to befriend any passing spirit beasts.


    "The kid clearly doesn''t have anyone but Rocky," I replied quietly. "He''s probably terrified something will happen while he''s gone."


    I didn''t add my other concern ¨C that an elemental guardian of Rocky''s caliber would be quite valuable to the right person. The cultivation world wasn''t always kind to powerful beings without strong backing.


    "Rocky¡­promise," Rocky rumbled in a voice like grinding stones, surprising all of us. It was the first time we''d heard him actually speak.


    "You can talk?" Lin Mei gasped.


    "Little... bit..." Rocky seemed to concentrate hard on each word. "Hard... to... form... words..."


    "See? Rocky''s super smart!¡± Liu Chen beamed proudly. "He''s been practicing!"


    I couldn''t help but smile at the genuine pride in the boy''s voice. Looking at the gentle stone giant carefully patting his small human friend, it was hard to imagine him as the fearsome guardian he was supposed to be.


    I noticed Lin Mei practically vibrating beside me, her hands clasped together as she watched the interaction. She caught my amused look and defended herself: "What? They''re so cute! Look at how gentle Rocky is with him!"


    Finally, after what felt like an hour of increasingly emotional goodbyes, Liu Chen stepped back. Rocky''s form began to shift, his massive body compressing and reshaping itself until all that remained was an ordinary-looking boulder, maybe six feet across at its widest point.


    The transformation was so complete that I couldn''t detect even a trace of spiritual energy from the stone.


    "That''s... actually brilliant," I murmured.


    "Indeed," Azure agreed in my mind. "The level of qi control required to suppress his signature so completely while maintaining consciousness... I wouldn''t be able to detect him if I didn''t know what to look for."


    "Well, at least we don''t have to worry about him being kidnapped," I thought back. "Though now I''m slightly concerned about him being used as impromptu training equipment by some cultivation-obsessed maniac."


    I had vivid memories of all the cultivation novels where ambitious young cultivators would start their body-tempering by punching boulders. Poor Rocky might end up as someone''s practice target.


    "The statistical likelihood of someone choosing that specific boulder for training purposes is quite low," Azure assured me, though I detected a hint of amusement in his tone.


    As we approached the city gates, I could see why Wei Lin had insisted on bringing Liu Chen with us rather than letting him sneak in on his own.


    The walls were impressive ¨C easily a hundred feet tall and gleaming with the subtle sheen of protective formations. Guards in the colors of the Jin Clan, the city''s ruling family, patrolled the battlements while cultivation-enhanced hounds prowled the base of the walls.


    "You!" One of the guards at the gate suddenly shouted, pointing at Liu Chen. "Back again to cause trouble?"


    The guard was at the peak of Qi Condensation, his qi sharp and controlled in a way that spoke of extensive combat experience. His partner had a similar cultivation level, though his energy felt more defensive in nature.


    "We''ve had multiple reports about you intimidating travelers," the first guard continued. "And where''s that dumb monster of yours? That walking pile of rocks you use to threaten people?"


    "Rocky''s not dumb and he¡¯s not a monster!" Liu Chen shouted back, his small fists clenched. "He''s my friend! And we never hurt anyone!"


    "Never hurt anyone?" the guard scoffed. "What about the merchant caravan last week? Or the bridge you destroyed?"


    "That bridge was already falling apart!" Liu Chen protested. "And those merchants started it! They tried to capture Rocky!"


    The argument might have continued escalating if Wei Lin hadn''t stepped forward, smoothly inserting himself between Liu Chen and the guards. "Good morning, Senior Brothers. The boy is with me ¨C I''ll take full responsibility for his behavior within the city."


    The guards'' demeanor changed immediately upon recognizing Wei Lin. "Young Master Wei! Our apologies for the disturbance. We didn''t realize he was under your protection."


    "No harm done," Wei Lin replied. "You were just doing your duty. I assume there won''t be any problems?"


    "Of course not, Young Master Wei! Please, go right ahead."


    As we passed through the gates, I noticed Liu Chen looking back one last time toward the forest, even though Rocky''s hiding spot was long out of sight. I placed a hand on his shoulder, surprising both of us with the instinctive gesture.


    "Don''t worry," I said softly. "You''ll see him soon."


    The boy nodded, trying to look tough despite his obvious concern. "I know. I just... I''ve never left him alone before."


    "He''ll be fine," I assured him. "He''s smart enough to stay hidden, and strong enough to protect himself if he needs to. Plus, what cultivator would expect a powerful guardian beast to be disguised as a random boulder?"


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    "I guess..." Liu Chen didn''t sound entirely convinced, but he squared his shoulders and turned to face the city. "So... where are we going first?"


    "We should head to the main marketplace," Wei Lin suggested. "It''s on the way to the Wei compound, and you haven''t seen the real heart of Myriad Paths City yet." He grinned at Liu Chen. "Wait until you see the spirit beast tamers'' displays. They usually have at least a few interesting demonstrations going on."


    "Spirit beast tamers?" Liu Chen perked up immediately. "Do you think they''d know anything about helping Rocky get stronger?"


    "Probably not with Stone Guardians specifically," Lin Mei said. "But it couldn''t hurt to listen. And the marketplace here really is something special."


    "My father won''t expect us for a few hours anyway," Wei Lin added. "He''s probably still in meetings about the latest trade routes. Might as well show you the best parts of the city first."


    I stared up at the Myriad Paths City skyline, where towering buildings made of white stone rose high into the clouds. Several cultivators were flying overhead on swords, completely ignored by the busy crowd below. The city¡¯s main street was filled with a cacophony of different languages - traders from the Southern Isles bargaining in their flowing speech, Northern Continent cultivators speaking in sharp, clipped tones, even a few Western merchants with their distinctive accents.


    Thanks to whatever had brought me here, I understood them all perfectly - each language sounding like normal speech to my ears.


    Liu Chen pressed closer to our group as a particularly loud argument broke out between a shop owner and a customer - their words incomprehensible to him but perfectly clear to me.


    "What are they saying?" he whispered to Wei Lin.


    "No idea," Wei Lin shrugged. "Sounds like one of the Western languages."


    I almost explained before catching myself. It probably wouldn''t be wise to reveal that I could somehow understand every language being spoken. That wasn''t exactly a common ability, even among cultivators.


    "First time seeing a real cultivation city?" Wei Lin asked, noticing my expression.


    "That obvious?" I smiled sheepishly. "Everything''s so... alive."


    "You should see it during the spring auction season," he replied. "This is actually quiet by comparison."


    We made our way through the crowded streets, Wei Lin occasionally pointing out landmarks. "That''s the Celestial Pavilion ¨C best spirit wine in the Eastern Continent. And over there''s the Hall of Ten Thousand Formations. They say the building itself is one massive formation array, though no one''s ever proven it."


    Every few steps, Liu Chen would crane his neck to stare at some new marvel ¨C floating lanterns that shed different colored light based on the viewer''s cultivation level, signs that rearranged their text to match the reader''s native language, even simple things like the sheer variety of cultivation robes on display.


    "The mineral market is this way," Wei Lin gestured down a side street. "It''s part of the larger cultivation resources district."


    The new street was notably quieter, with fewer casual shoppers and more serious-looking cultivators examining goods through special viewing formations. The buildings here were reinforced with spirit metal and carved with protective arrays ¨C necessary precautions when dealing with volatile cultivation materials.


    As we walked through, Liu Chen was practically bouncing with each step, eyes wide at the various spirit stones on display.


    "Actually," I said, watching him press his face against yet another shop window, "while we''re here, do you know if any shops sell earth essence?¡±


    "Several shops should have it. Master Tao might even..." Wei Lin paused, considering. "No, for pure earth essence, we should try the Nine Elements Pavilion first. They specialize in elemental essences."


    "What''s earth essence?" Liu Chen asked, finally tearing himself away from a display of glowing crystals.


    "It''s a purified form of earth energy," Lin Mei explained as we walked. "Very useful for certain cultivation methods."


    The Nine Elements Pavilion was larger than the other shops, with nine different entrances each marked by a different elemental symbol. Wei Lin led us through the doorway marked with a mountain sigil.


    Liu Chen gasped as we entered. The shelves were lined with crystal bottles containing essences of varying colors and consistencies. Even Rocky would probably appreciate the pure earthen energy radiating from some of the containers.


    A young woman in earth-toned robes approached us. "Young Master Wei," she bowed. "How may we assist you today?"


    "We''re looking for earth essence," Wei Lin replied. "The highest purity you have in stock."


    The woman''s eyes brightened. "Ah, we just received a new shipment. Please, follow me."


    She led us to a display case where a single crystal bottle sat on a cushion of brown spiritual light. Inside, what looked like liquid stone swirled in mesmerizing patterns.


    "Wow," Liu Chen breathed, pressing close to the display. "It looks like... like what Rocky feels like inside, but liquid!"


    "Ninety-five percent purity," the attendant said proudly. "Extracted from the heart of the Stone Dragon Mountains."


    "That''s exceptional quality,¡± Lin Mei nodded. ¡°The herb gardens usually only get fifty percent purity for our earth-attribute plants."


    "The price?" Wei Lin asked.


    "One thousand five hundred spirit stones per bottle."


    I tried not to wince. That was 500 spirit stones more than what Senior Bu had offered it for.


    "That''s... that''s a lot, right?" Liu Chen whispered, clearly trying to understand the cultivation world''s economy. "Like, more than the special stones for Rocky?"


    "Much more," Lin Mei confirmed softly.


    Wei Lin caught my expression and shook his head slightly. "Thank you, but we''ll have to pass for now.¡±


    As we left the shop, I sighed. "I guess Senior Bu''s offer was more generous than I realized."


    "Earth essence is getting more expensive," Wei Lin explained. "There''s been increasing demand from the major sects, and the extraction process is both dangerous and time-consuming." He patted my shoulder. "Don''t worry, we''ll find another way."


    "Maybe Rocky could help?" Liu Chen suggested. "He''s good at finding special stones and earth stuff..."


    "We should focus on getting Rocky his own stones first," Lin Mei suggested. "But it''s not a bad idea.¡±


    I found myself considering Liu Chen''s suggestion more seriously than I''d initially expected to. A Stone Guardian''s natural affinity for earth energy could be incredibly valuable for finding and extracting earth essence.


    Most cultivation sects had to rely on expensive formation arrays and specialized tools, but Rocky might be able to sense rich deposits naturally. And if he continued growing stronger...


    A dark thought crossed my mind - if I were a demonic cultivator, the simplest solution would be right in front of us.


    Rocky himself was essentially a massive concentration of high-quality earth essence. A few specialized techniques and... I pushed the thought away, feeling slightly sick. The gentle giant had cried actual pebbles when hurt... no, I couldn''t imagine harming him, even if he was made of exactly what I needed.


    "Azure," I thought, "what do you think about the potential of a Stone Guardian helping with earth essence extraction?"


    "Quite promising," Azure replied. "Their innate connection to earth energy would make them perfect for the job.¡±


    I made a mental note to explore this idea further once we were on our way back to the sect. If Rocky could help locate earth essence deposits, it would save me a significant amount of spirit stones. And it would be a much better use of his abilities than extracting tolls from travelers.

 Chapter 41: Sect Invitation

    The Earth''s Heart Pavilion was a smaller shop than its neighbors but had an air of understated quality. Instead of flashy displays, its windows showed simple pedestals holding individual specimens, each carefully lit to highlight its unique properties.


    A bell chimed softly as we entered. The interior was cool and dim, with shelves of carefully labeled specimens lining the walls. Each stone sat on its own cushion of spiritual energy, suspended in perfect stillness.


    "Young Master Wei," an elderly man emerged from the back room, his eyes bright despite his apparent age. "It''s been too long."


    "Master Tao," Wei Lin bowed. "I hope you''re well?"


    "Well enough, well enough." The old man''s gaze swept over our group, lingering briefly on Liu Chen''s worn clothing before returning to Wei Lin. "What brings you to my humble shop today?"


    "We''re looking for some quality spirit stones," Wei Lin replied. "Specifically, ones suitable for a young Stone Guardian''s consumption."


    Master Tao''s eyebrows rose slightly. "A Stone Guardian? How fascinating. They''re quite rare in these parts." His sharp eyes focused on Liu Chen. ¡°Ah, would this young friend happen to be the one I''ve heard about? The clever boy with a stone companion who''s been... shall we say, collecting unofficial road taxes?"


    Liu Chen shuffled his feet but managed a respectful bow, his cheeks reddening. "Yes, honored senior. His name is Rocky."


    "Rocky?" Master Tao''s lips twitched. "A... distinctive name. And what has Rocky been consuming up until now?"


    "Just... regular rocks," Liu Chen admitted quietly. "Whatever we could find."


    "I see, I see." Master Tao stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Well, we can certainly do better than that. Let me show you some options."


    He disappeared into the back room, returning moments later with a tray holding several specimens. "Now then, what we have here..."


    The first stone was a deep bronze color with swirling patterns that seemed to move in the light. "Desert Star Stone," Master Tao explained. "Forms in places where earth and metal essence naturally combine. Excellent for developing a Guardian''s outer defense."


    The second was pure white with occasional flashes of rainbow light. "Moon Frost Crystal. Very pure earth essence, helps stabilize a Guardian''s core and smooth out any imperfections in their stone form."


    The third was the most striking ¨C a deep blue-black stone that seemed to drink in the light around it. "And this is what we call Void Weight Stone. Found only in places where gravity itself has been warped by natural phenomena. Helps a Guardian develop better control over their mass and density."


    Liu Chen stared at the stones with obvious longing but didn''t reach for them. "They''re... they''re probably very expensive..."


    "They are," Master Tao agreed frankly. "But Young Master Wei wouldn''t have brought you to my shop if price was a concern."


    Wei Lin stepped forward, already pulling out his token pouch. "We''ll take all three."


    "But..." Liu Chen protested weakly.


    "Consider it an investment," Wei Lin said with a wink. "After all, it''s good business to help promising young talents. Right, Ke Yin?"


    I couldn''t help but smile, recognizing the same calculating kindness he''d shown me. Wei Lin had a gift for making his generosity sound like pure self-interest.


    "Now then," Wei Lin turned to Master Tao. "About the price..."


    What followed was a masterclass in cultivation world haggling. Wei Lin and Master Tao traded references to market conditions, recent spirit vein discoveries, and transportation costs like skilled duelists exchanging blows.


    "Three hundred and fifty spirit stones is my final offer," Master Tao declared. "And that''s only because you''re one of my favorite customers, Young Master Wei."


    "Two hundred," Wei Lin countered. "The Desert Star Stone''s pattern is slightly irregular, and I noticed the Moon Frost Crystal has a minor inclusion in the lower left quadrant."


    They went back and forth several more times before settling on three hundred spirit stones. Even at the reduced price, Liu Chen''s eyes nearly fell out of his head. Master Tao carefully wrapped each stone in silk cloth inscribed with protective formations.


    "Perfect for keeping their energy stable during transport," he explained to Liu Chen. "You''ll want to unwrap them one at a time when feeding them to your friend. Too much at once could cause indigestion."


    Liu Chen clutched the package to his chest like it was made of solid gold. "Thank you," he whispered, bowing deeply to both Wei Lin and Master Tao.


    As we left the shop, I could see Liu Chen practically vibrating with excitement. He kept glancing between the package and the city gates, clearly eager to share his treasure with Rocky.


    "Liu Chen," I said, making a decision. "After you''ve fed Rocky, would you like to come back to Azure Peak Sect with us?"


    The boy froze mid-step, his eyes going wide. "M-me? To an immortal sect?"


    "Why not?" I smiled. "You''ve already got a powerful spirit beast companion. That''s more than most disciples start with."


    "But..." Liu Chen looked down at his worn robes. "I''m just... I don''t deserve..."


    Lin Mei stepped forward, gently ruffling his hair. "Don''t say that. Never say that."


    "She''s right," I added. "And even if we haven''t tested your cultivation potential yet, the fact that you formed a soul bond with Rocky suggests you have talent. That''s not something just anyone could do."


    I''d been watching the boy closely during our journey. The way he moved, the casual way he''d dropped from that tree ¨C there was a natural grace there that went beyond normal human limits. The soul bond with Rocky had clearly affected him, granting him abilities that bordered on cultivation techniques.


    "And if Rocky keeps getting stronger," I continued, "you''ll need proper training to keep up with him. A soul bond goes both ways ¨C as he grows, you''ll need to grow too."


    Liu Chen''s eyes grew even wider as he processed this. I could practically see the gears turning in his head as he thought about the opportunities this represented.


    "But... what about Rocky?" he asked cautiously. "Would he be allowed to come too?"


    "The sect has plenty of remote areas where he could stay safely," Lin Mei assured him. "And I''m sure the elders would be fascinated by a genuine Stone Guardian. They might even help with his development."


    "I..." Liu Chen bit his lip, then squared his shoulders. "Can I go give these to Rocky first? He''s really hungry, and I promised..."


    Wei Lin laughed. "Of course! Go on, we''ll wait here."


    The boy clutched his precious package and darted off through the crowds with impressive agility, already familiar enough with the city layout to take the most direct route to the gates.


    I watched him go with a slight frown. "Should we..."


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    "He''ll be fine," Wei Lin assured me. "The guards won''t bother him now that they know he''s with us. And Rocky isn''t far."


    "Besides," Azure added in my mind, "if anything threatened the boy, Rocky would know instantly through their soul bond. Stone Guardians are extremely protective of their bonded partners."


    I nodded, relaxing slightly. Still, I made a mental note to ask Liu Chen about his background once he was more comfortable with us. His reaction to being invited to the sect, that immediate "I don''t deserve it" ¨C there was definitely a story there, I just don¡¯t know if it was a protagonist-level story.


    "Young Master Wei!"


    A voice called out from the crowd, and I turned to see a middle-aged man in blue merchant''s robes hurrying toward us. He had the same facial features as Wei Lin, though his cultivation was notably lower, probably at the first stage.


    "Cousin Zhang," Wei Lin greeted him. "I didn''t expect to see you here."


    "I''ve been looking everywhere for you!" Cousin Zhang said breathlessly. "Your father sent me to find you as soon as he heard you were in the city. He wants you to come home immediately ¨C there''s some situation with the Sun Clan..."


    Wei Lin''s expression tightened slightly. "What kind of situation?"


    "I don''t know the details, but apparently they''re trying to undercut us on the new spirit herb shipments. Your father says it''s urgent."


    Wei Lin glanced at us apologetically. "I should probably..."


    "Go," I waved him off. "We''ll wait for Liu Chen and make sure he gets back safely. You handle your family business."


    "Are you sure? I don''t want to abandon you..."


    "We''ll be fine," Lin Mei assured him. "We can show Liu Chen around a bit more while you''re busy. Maybe look at some basic cultivation supplies for him?"


    Wei Lin nodded. "I''ll try to make this quick. Meet me at the main gates in two hours?"


    "We''ll be there," I promised. "And Wei Lin? Remember what we talked about. About some things being more important than business."


    He gave me a small smile. "I remember. Though in this case, I think protecting our spirit herb shipping routes might actually be important for everyone. The Sun Clan has some... questionable quality control standards."


    With that slightly ominous statement, he hurried off with his cousin, leaving Lin Mei and me to wait for our young friend''s return.


    "So," I said after a moment, "want to look at cultivation robes while we wait? I think Liu Chen could use something a bit more suitable for sect life than what he''s wearing now."


    Lin Mei''s eyes lit up. "Oh! And he''ll need basic cultivation materials too. Meditation cushions, practice weapons, writing supplies for technique study..."


    I couldn''t help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Should we be worried that we''re already acting like overprotective seniors when he hasn''t even officially joined the sect?"


    "Please," she sniffed. "I''ve seen how you watch out for him. You started doing it the moment we met him, even when he was trying to rob us."


    "He grows on you," I admitted. "Like a very small, very determined fungus."


    Lin Mei laughed, then grew more serious. "Do you think he''ll tell us what happened? Why he was out there alone?"


    "Eventually," I said. "Once he trusts us more. For now, let''s just focus on making sure he knows he has people he can rely on."


    We spent the next hour browsing shops for basic cultivation supplies, putting together what Lin Mei called a "proper disciple''s starter kit." I contributed what I could, though Wei Lin had already made it clear he would handle the majority of the expenses, though I estimate it wouldn¡¯t be total up to more than ten spirit stones.


    "It''s not charity," he had insisted earlier. "It''s investing in the sect''s future. And if my father asks, we can call it ''strategic resource allocation for long-term asset development.''"


    I smiled at the memory. Wei Lin had a gift for making kindness sound like pure business sense. It was probably a necessary skill, growing up in a merchant family that valued practical advantages over emotional considerations.


    Eventually, we made our way back toward the city gates. I could sense Liu Chen''s approach before I saw him.


    The boy practically skipped up to us, his face split by the biggest grin I''d ever seen. "Rocky loved them! Especially the blue-black one! He said it made him feel all tingly inside, and now he can make his arms super heavy or super light whenever he wants!"


    "The Void Weight Stone," I nodded. "Sounds like it''s working as intended."


    "And the white one made his stone form all smooth and pretty," Liu Chen continued excitedly. "And the bronze one made his outer layer super hard! He tried to show me by hitting himself with a boulder, but I told him that was a dumb way to test it."


    Lin Mei and I exchanged amused glances. Trust a young boy''s first instinct with new powers to be "hit it really hard and see what happens."


    "Speaking of Rocky," I said carefully, "have you thought about our offer? About coming to the sect?"


    Liu Chen''s expression sobered slightly, but his eyes remained bright. "I... I''d like that. If you''re sure it''s okay. Rocky says he wants to come too ¨C he thinks it sounds interesting!"


    "Then it''s settled," Lin Mei smiled. "Though we should probably get you some proper clothes first. Can''t have our newest disciple showing up in rags."


    Liu Chen looked down at his worn robes, then back up at us with suspicious brightness in his eyes. "You don''t have to..."


    "We want to," I cut him off gently. "Consider it your welcome gift from your new sect siblings."


    The boy ducked his head, but not before I caught his wide smile. "Thank you," he whispered. "For everything. Me and Rocky will never forget this!"


    Just then, I sensed Wei Lin''s familiar qi signature approaching. He looked slightly harried but satisfied as he joined us.


    "Family business handled?" I asked.


    "For now," he nodded. "Though my father wants to meet all of you for dinner. He''s... very interested in meeting my sect brothers and sisters."


    The slight emphasis he put on those words made it clear this wasn''t just a social invitation. I glanced at Lin Mei, who had tensed slightly.


    "All of us?" she asked quietly.


    "All of you," Wei Lin confirmed, reaching for her hand. "No more hiding."


    I smiled, proud of my friend''s decision. Then I gestured to Liu Chen, who was watching the interaction with innocent confusion. "In that case, should we get our newest disciple properly outfitted first? Can''t have him meeting the head of the Wei family looking like he just finished wrestling spirit beasts in the forest."


    "Even if that''s exactly what he''s been doing," Lin Mei added with a laugh.


    Wei Lin looked at Liu Chen''s worn clothing and nodded. "Definitely. I know just the place ¨C they specialize in cultivation robes for younger disciples."

 Chapter 42: Wei Clan

    The Wei family estate was exactly what I expected from a wealthy merchant clan - grand without being ostentatious, practical luxury balanced with good taste. The main courtyard featured a modest fountain surrounded by carefully maintained spirit herbs, likely samples from various business ventures.


    Wei Lin led us through corridors decorated with landscape paintings and cultivation artifacts displayed in subtle alcoves. The message was clear: "We''re rich enough to own these things, but tasteful enough not to flaunt them."


    We found the family gathered in a private dining room, where servants were laying out the final dishes on a massive round table.


    Wei Lin''s father, Wei Ye, rose to greet us. He was tall and dignified, with sharp features that reminded me of Wei Lin. Though mortal, he moved with the grace of someone who regularly consumed cultivation resources - likely age-delaying pills and energy-enhancing elixirs.


    "Welcome!" Wei Ye smiled. "So, these are your sect siblings we''ve heard so much about."


    Beside him stood Wei Lin''s mother, Wei Ting. She was strikingly beautiful, with long black hair and kind eyes that crinkled at the corners when she smiled. "Lin''er has told us so much about you in his letters!"


    A young man who could only be Wei Lin''s older brother, Wei Guang, gave us an appraising look. He shared his father''s height and his mother''s gentle features, though there was a shrewd intelligence in his eyes that matched Wei Lin''s.


    "Everyone, this is my family,¡± Wei Lin gestured towards them. ¡°Father, Mother, Brother, these are my friends from Azure Peak Sect." He gestured to each of us in turn. "This is Brother Ke Yin, Sister Lin Mei, and..." he hesitated just slightly, "our newest recruit, Liu Chen."


    Wei Ye''s eyebrows rose slightly at Liu Chen''s worn appearance, but Wei Ting immediately swooped in. "You must be hungry after your journey! Come, sit, sit! And no business talk at dinner - I insist!"


    We arranged ourselves around the table, with Wei Lin carefully positioning himself between Lin Mei and his father. I ended up between Liu Chen and Wei Guang, while Wei Ting sat on Liu Chen''s other side, already fussing over whether his bowl was full enough.


    The spread was impressive - dishes I recognized from cultivation novels as expensive delicacies mixed with homely comfort foods.


    Spirit beast meat braised in herb-infused sauces sat alongside simple vegetable dishes. A spiritual energy-infused soup steamed in decorated bowls, while plain rice was served in jade-lined vessels that helped preserve its perfect temperature.


    "Try the Phoenix Tail Fish," Wei Ting urged, using her chopsticks to place a fat piece in Liu Chen''s bowl. "It''s Lin''er''s favorite. The chef uses spirit herbs in the marinade - good for your cultivation!"


    I noticed Wei Ye looking at Liu Chen with a critical eye. "So, Liu Chen," he said casually, "I understand you have quite an interesting companion? A Stone Guardian, was it?"


    Liu Chen tensed slightly but nodded. "Yes, sir. His name is Rocky."


    "Rocky?" Wei Guang coughed, clearly hiding a laugh. "That''s... descriptive."


    "It suits him," Liu Chen said defensively.


    "I''m sure it does," Wei Ye smiled. "You know, Stone Guardians are quite valuable. The right buyer might pay handsomely for one. Say... a thousand spirit stones?"


    Liu Chen''s eyes went wide at the amount, but his jaw set stubbornly. "Rocky''s not for sale. He''s my friend."


    "Two thousand?" Wei Ye pressed, watching the boy''s reaction. "That''s quite a lot for a young man like yourself. You could start your own business, buy cultivation resources..."


    "Father," Wei Lin cut in. "Liu Chen and Rocky will be joining Azure Peak Sect. They''re not looking for business opportunities."


    "Ah, my apologies," Wei Ye raised his hands in mock surrender. "Just a merchant''s instinct, always looking for good investments. Though speaking of the sect..." he turned to me, "how are you finding it, young master Ke Yin? I understand you''ve shown quite some talent."


    I swallowed my bite of Phoenix Tail Fish before responding. "It''s been¡­interesting. Senior Sister Liu runs a tight training program." I smiled slightly. "But their library access alone makes it worth joining."


    Wei Ye nodded. "And your family? Are they involved in any particular... industries?"


    "My father''s a tailor in Floating Reed Village," I replied simply.


    "Ah, cultivation robes perhaps? Special materials?" Wei Ye asked.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "No," I said. "Just regular clothes for the villagers."


    Wei Ye''s smile faltered for just a moment before he smoothed it over. He turned quickly to Lin Mei. "And you, young miss? I understand you work in the herb gardens?"


    "Yes, sir," Lin Mei replied politely. "I look after the daily operations and cultivation of several rare spirit herbs."


    "Fascinating! And your family''s background in herbalism must be extensive, to have earned such responsibility so young?"


    Lin Mei''s smile didn''t waver. "Actually, I learned everything at the sect. My parents are farmers in the outer provinces."


    Wei Ye''s expression went completely still. His eyes darted briefly to his son before he set down his teacup. The slight clink of porcelain against wood seemed unusually loud in the silence.


    "I see," he said. "How... interesting."


    I saw Wei Lin''s fingers tighten slightly around his chopsticks, though his face remained blank.


    "Dear," Wei Ting interrupted firmly, "what did I say about business talk at dinner? Lin''er''s friends are here to enjoy a meal, not undergo an interrogation."


    Wei Ye chuckled smoothly. "Of course, my apologies. Old habits die hard. More soup, anyone?"


    The conversation shifted to lighter topics after that, though I could practically feel Wei Ye categorizing and dismissing us based on our lack of valuable connections. Wei Lin maintained his composed expression, but there was a tension in his shoulders that hadn''t been there before.


    Wei Guang, interestingly, seemed more amused than anything. "So, Brother Ke Yin," he said quietly while the others were distracted by Wei Ting telling an embarrassing story about young Wei Lin, "how did my little brother really end up with such an... eclectic group of friends?"


    "Pure chance," I replied honestly. "We just happened to work well together."


    He nodded thoughtfully. "You know, when Lin''er first left for the sect, Father was convinced he''d immediately start building connections with all the prestigious families. Instead, his letters were full of stories about herb gardens and you two." Wei Guang''s lips twitched. "It was probably the first time in his life he just... made friends."


    "Your father seems concerned about that," I observed quietly.


    Wei Guang snorted softly. "Father''s concerned about everything. It''s what makes him a good merchant. But..." he glanced at Wei Lin and Lin Mei, who were sharing a private smile over some inside joke, "sometimes I think he forgets that not everything needs to be a business transaction."


    The meal continued with Wei Ting doing her best to keep the atmosphere warm and friendly. She kept Liu Chen''s bowl constantly full, praised Lin Mei''s knowledge of herbs, and asked me genuinely interested questions about sect life that had nothing to do with status or connections.


    "More fish?" she offered Liu Chen, who was clearly trying to maintain proper manners despite his obvious hunger. "You''re a growing boy, you need to eat well! And take some of these vegetables - they''re excellent for your cultivation."


    "Thank you," Liu Chen mumbled around a mouthful of food, then quickly swallowed and blushed. "I mean, thank you, honored madam."


    "Just call me Auntie Wei," she smiled warmly. "Now, tell me more about Rocky. He sounds like such a gentle soul!"


    As Liu Chen eagerly launched into a story about Rocky helping a lost spirit beast cub (while carefully leaving out the part about them robbing travelers), I noticed Wei Ye and Wei Lin exchanging a look that clearly meant "we''ll discuss this later."


    Wei Guang caught my eye and leaned closer. "Don''t worry too much," he murmured. "Father''s bark is worse than his bite. And Lin''er''s more stubborn than he looks - gets it from Mother."


    I glanced at Wei Ting, who was now scolding her husband for trying to sneak in another business question, and had to agree. There was steel beneath her gentle exterior.


    "Besides," Wei Guang continued with a slight smirk, "I think Father''s actually impressed, even if he won''t admit it. Lin''er''s shown more backbone in choosing his own path than either of us expected."


    "You don''t seem bothered by your brother''s... unconventional choices," I observed.


    Wei Guang shrugged. "I''m the heir. I''ll handle the family business, make the proper connections, marry strategically - all that boring stuff. Lin''er deserves a chance to find his own way." He paused, then added more seriously, "Just... watch out for him, would you? He acts tough, but he takes everything to heart."


    I nodded, understanding the request beneath the casual tone. "We will. He''s family."


    Wei Guang''s eyes widened slightly at my choice of words, then he smiled. "Good answer."


    As the meal wound down, Wei Ye made one last attempt. "Liu Chen, you''re absolutely sure about that Stone Guardian of yours? Five thousand spirit stones is my final offer. Think of what you could do with that much..."


    "Father!" Wei Lin''s voice carried a rare edge of genuine anger.


    But Liu Chen just shook his head firmly. "Rocky is my friend," he said simply. "Friends aren''t for sale."


    Wei Ye opened his mouth again, but Wei Ting cut him off. "Husband! The boy has given his answer. Now, who would like dessert? The kitchen prepared something special with spirit fruits!"


    I caught Wei Lin''s eye across the table and gave him a subtle nod. He relaxed slightly, some of the tension leaving his shoulders.


    The dessert turned out to be a delicate confection that literally glowed with spiritual energy - spirit fruits transformed into crystalline shapes that dissolved on the tongue with bursts of pure essence.


    Liu Chen''s eyes went wide at his first taste.


    "This is amazing!" he exclaimed, then quickly remembered his manners. "I mean, thank you for the wonderful meal, honored... um, Auntie Wei."


    Wei Ting beamed. "Such a polite boy! You must come visit again. And bring Rocky next time - I''m sure we could find some nice stones for him in the garden."


    "Mother," Wei Lin groaned, "please don''t encourage him to bring a fifteen-foot stone giant to dinner."


    "Why not? The dining room could use some excitement," Wei Guang grinned. "Besides, he can''t be any worse than that time you tried to negotiate with that spirit beast merchant and ended up with three cursed artifacts and a very angry goose."


    "That was one time!" Wei Lin protested as Liu Chen perked up with obvious interest. "And we agreed never to speak of the goose incident!"


    The rest of the evening passed more pleasantly, with Wei Guang sharing embarrassing stories about Wei Lin''s childhood business ventures ("He tried to corner the market on candy when he was eight!") while Wei Ting fussed over everyone having enough dessert.


    Wei Ye remained quiet but even he seemed to soften slightly by the end of the meal. Though I had no doubt he''d be having a serious discussion with Wei Lin later about his choice of associations.


    After the dinner plates were cleared and Wei Ting had finished pressing the last of the leftovers into our hands, I caught Wei Lin''s eye once more. He gave me the slightest of nods.


    It was time to talk business.

 Chapter 43: The Challenge

    "Father, I''d like to redeem the wind essence."


    The comfortable post-dinner atmosphere shifted subtly. Wei Ye paused in the act of sipping his tea, eyes sharp despite his relaxed posture. "Oh? And why is that?"


    "Does it matter?" Wei Lin met his father''s gaze steadily. "I have enough contribution points saved up."


    I blinked, suddenly understanding something about how the Wei family operated. They had an internal point system, like a sect or a business, where family members earned points through completing tasks and could redeem them for resources.


    It was oddly businesslike for a family, but then again, they were merchants. In a way, it probably helped develop independence and business acumen in the younger generation.


    Still, I felt a twinge of guilt knowing Wei Lin was spending his hard-earned points on my behalf.


    Wei Ye''s lips curved into a knowing smile. "The points may be yours to spend, but I have a feeling you''re planning to gift it to one of those two." His gaze flickered between Lin Mei and me.


    Liu Chen watched the exchange with wide eyes, clutching his package of leftover spirit stones for Rocky. Wei Ting had paused in her fussing over the table arrangements, while Wei Guang leaned back in his chair with poorly concealed interest.


    "Does it matter what I do with it?" Wei Lin''s voice held a note of challenge.


    Wei Ye sighed, setting down his teacup. "Boy, have you forgotten everything I taught you? Nothing comes for free in this world."


    "It isn''t free," Wei Lin replied firmly. "Ke Yin and I already have our own arrangement."


    Wei Ye''s laugh was sharp and knowing. "Oh? And knowing you, whatever you''re getting in return might as well make it free." He turned his gaze to me. "So, it¡¯s for you¡­¡±


    I nodded slowly, meeting his eyes. "Yes, sir. I need it for my cultivation. And I will absolutely ensure Wei Lin''s investment is properly compensated."


    "Oh?" Wei Ye leaned forward slightly. "And what cultivation method requires elemental essence at the Qi Condensation realm?"


    "The World Tree Sutra."


    The room went quiet. Wei Ye''s eyes widened, and then he began to laugh - a genuine, delighted sound that seemed to surprise even Wei Lin. "I was wrong about you, boy! You really have been taking my lessons to heart after all!"


    "Husband," Wei Ting interrupted, "perhaps this business discussion could wait until¡ª"


    "No, no, this is perfect timing!" Wei Ye studied me with new interest, his gaze sharp and assessing. After a moment, he nodded to himself. "Very well. But I won''t take your contribution points, Lin''er. If the boy wants the wind essence... he''ll have to earn it himself."


    Wei Ye raised his voice slightly. "Chen Wu!"


    A young man stepped into the dining room. He wore simple but well-made robes, and his qi was carefully controlled - a cultivator at the fifth stage of Qi Condensation. One of the Wei family''s hired experts, no doubt.


    "If you can defeat Chen Wu in combat," Wei Ye announced, "the wind essence is yours."


    "Father¡ª" Wei Lin started to protest, but Wei Ye raised a hand, silencing him.


    "Oh my," Lin Mei murmured softly beside me. Liu Chen was practically bouncing in his seat with excitement, previous sleepiness forgotten at the prospect of a fight.


    I frowned, considering the challenge. At the peak of the third stage, fighting someone at the fifth stage would be difficult enough. This wasn''t like fighting Rocky - Chen Wu''s qi control spoke of proper training and combat experience. The Wei family wouldn''t hire anything but the best.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Wei Ye''s smile widened as he watched my expression. "Ah, I see you understand the difficulty. But..." he tilted his head slightly, "you''re very close to breaking through to the fourth stage, aren''t you? I''ll give you three days. After that, if you want the wind essence, you''ll need to win."


    My eyes widened slightly at his casual assessment of my cultivation level. "Azure," I thought quickly, "can you tell if he''s secretly a cultivator?"


    "I''m not detecting any qi from him," Azure replied thoughtfully. "However, there are many possibilities. He could have a treasure that conceals his cultivation, or one that allows him to detect others'' cultivation levels. Given his position and resources, there are numerous ways he could have gained this knowledge."


    I bowed formally to Wei Ye. "I accept your challenge."


    "Excellent!" Wei Ye clapped his hands together. "Chen Wu will meet you at the family''s private training ground in three days'' time. Do try not to damage anything too expensive during the match."


    "This is so exciting!" Liu Chen burst out, unable to contain himself any longer. "Can Rocky and I watch? We''ve never seen a proper cultivation duel before! Well, except for when we fought you guys, but that wasn''t really a proper duel since we were trying to rob you and¡ª" he cut himself off, suddenly remembering Wei Ye''s presence.


    Wei Ting covered her mouth, trying to hide her amusement, while Wei Guang openly chuckled.


    "Chen Wu will meet you at the family''s private training ground in three days'' time," Wei Ye announced, rising from his seat. "And of course, you''ll all stay here as our guests. We have plenty of room, and it would be poor hospitality to send you to the inns."


    "I''ll have the guest rooms prepared immediately," Wei Ting said. Then she paused, glancing at Liu Chen. "Though perhaps..."


    "I can stay with Rocky!" Liu Chen said quickly. "He gets lonely at night and¡ª"


    "Absolutely not," Wei Ting cut him off. "You''ll stay in a proper bed. Rocky will be fine in the garden for a few days."


    "But¡ª"


    "The garden is perfectly safe," Wei Guang interjected smoothly. "And you''ll be able to see him first thing in the morning."


    Wei Ye waved a hand dismissively. "As long as he doesn''t damage the formations or crush my spirit herbs, the stone giant can stay."


    "See?" Wei Ting beamed. "Now, Lin Mei dear, you''ll take the east guest room - it has a lovely view of the herb garden. Liu Chen can have the room next to Lin''er''s old bedroom, and Ke Yin..." she glanced at her husband with a slight smile, "perhaps the south room? It''s quiet there, good for meditation."


    I caught the subtle implications in the room assignments. Lin Mei would be in the family wing near Wei Lin but with proper discretion, Liu Chen would be close enough for Wei Lin to keep an eye on him, and I''d be positioned for easy access to training while also being somewhat separated from the others. Wei Ting might play the simple hostess, but she was every bit as strategic as her husband.


    "Thank you for your hospitality," I bowed politely.


    "I''ll show them to their rooms," Wei Lin offered.


    "In a moment," Wei Ye held up a hand. "Chen Wu, please escort young Liu Chen to his rocky friend. I believe he''s anxious to deliver those spirit stones my wife so thoughtfully gifted."


    After Liu Chen had practically dragged the stoic guard from the room, Wei Lin led us through the sprawling compound. The buildings were arranged in a way that seemed random at first glance, but I began to notice subtle patterns - sight lines, defensive positions, easy escape routes disguised as decorative paths.


    "Father had the compound designed by a formation master," Wei Lin explained, noticing my interest. "Everything serves multiple purposes."


    He grinned. "Especially those. Mother''s quite clever about such things." His expression softened. "Though I think she genuinely wants Lin Mei near the herb garden.¡±


    We reached Lin Mei''s room first. It was spacious and elegant, with a large window overlooking a garden filled with glowing spirit herbs. Lin Mei''s eyes widened at the sight.


    "The gardens here are amazing," she breathed. "I''ve never seen some of these varieties before..."


    "You can explore them tomorrow," Wei Lin promised. "Mother won''t mind - she''ll probably join you, actually. She''s always wanted to learn more about spirit herb cultivation."


    My room, when we reached it, was simple but elegant. A large window looked out over a small private courtyard, and I could sense the subtle qi-gathering formations built into the walls - likely to aid in meditation.


    "Will you be alright?" Wei Lin asked quietly. "Three days isn''t much time for a breakthrough."


    "I''ll manage," I replied. "I''ve been close for a while now. Sometimes pressure is exactly what you need."


    He nodded, understanding I needed space to focus. "Well... good night then. And Ke Yin? Thank you for not refusing Father''s challenge. I know it puts you in a difficult position."


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me, I should thank you, if it wasn¡¯t for you-¡°.


    "Ke Yin," he cut me off, "you''re my friend. My sworn brother from the sect. That means something." He paused, then added more quietly, "Father''s always taught us to recognize good investments. Well, I''d say having a friend who cultivates the World Tree Sutra is about as good an investment as it gets."


    I had to laugh at that. "Using your father''s business logic against him?"


    "Of course! He''s the one who taught me to always have multiple justifications ready for any deal." Wei Lin grinned. "Now get some sleep. I need to go make sure Liu Chen hasn''t convinced Chen Wu to let Rocky redecorate the garden."


    After he left, I sat cross-legged on the meditation mat, feeling the gentle pull of the formations around me. Three days to reach the fourth stage of Qi Condensation. No time for training or preparation - just pure cultivation.


    "Azure," I thought as I began to settle into meditation, "let''s make these three days count."


    "Yes, Master.¡±

 Chapter 44: Breakthrough!

    I settled into a meditation pose in the private courtyard outside my guest room, appreciating how the Wei family''s formations enhanced the natural qi flow.


    The night air was pretty cool and crisp, it carried the subtle fragrances of spirit herbs from the nearby gardens. Perfect conditions for cultivation.


    "The formations here are quite sophisticated," Azure observed in my mind. "They''re designed to gather and purify ambient qi, making it easier to absorb."


    I nodded mentally, already feeling the difference. Since starting the World Tree Sutra, I''d noticed how much easier it was to cultivate in places rich with plant life. The spiritual herbs in the Wei family garden only enhanced this effect.


    As I deepened my meditation, I became aware of the plants around me responding to my presence. Thin vines slowly crept across the ground, while leaves from nearby bushes turned toward me like flowers following the sun.


    The World Tree Sutra''s influence had grown stronger with each passing day, making local flora increasingly responsive to my qi.


    "Interesting," Azure commented. "The plants seem to recognize the Genesis Seed''s presence. They''re creating a natural formation pattern around you."


    He was right. The vines and branches were arranging themselves in subtle spirals, unconsciously mimicking the qi circulation patterns I used while cultivating.


    I didn''t fight it, letting them gradually wrap around my seated form. Their gentle presence actually helped focus the ambient qi, making it easier to draw in spiritual essence.


    I directed my attention inward, to where the Genesis Seed pulsed steadily in my inner world. With each beat, it drew in the purified qi I was gathering, converting it into the pure spiritual essence needed for my breakthrough.


    The process reminded me of watching Lin Mei extract essence from spirit herbs ¨C patient, methodical work that couldn''t be rushed.


    "Your inner world has expanded significantly since your last breakthrough," Azure noted. "Consider using some of that additional space."


    Taking his advice, I began channeling the remaining water essence I''d been storing. Like a steady stream, it flowed toward the Genesis Seed, which absorbed it eagerly. The combination of external qi and stored essence created a powerful resonance, making the seed pulse faster.


    Hours passed as I maintained this steady rhythm. The plants continued their slow dance around me, now so thick that someone walking by might have mistaken me for part of the garden. Their presence helped stabilize the growing pressure of spiritual energy building in my core.


    "Master," Azure''s voice held a note of warning, "the breakthrough is beginning. Brace yourself."


    I felt it too ¨C that familiar tension as my spiritual essence reached its peak.


    The Genesis Seed''s pulses were now sharp and demanding, each one sending ripples through my inner world. This was always the trickiest part, managing the transformation without losing control.


    The pressure built rapidly, far more intense than my previous breakthroughs. The Genesis Seed seemed to grow with each pulse, its roots spreading deeper into my inner world while its crown reached higher. Energy coursed through these spiritual pathways like sap through a tree''s vessels, restructuring and expanding them.


    "Remarkable," Azure commented. "The World Tree Sutra''s natural approach seems to make breakthroughs smoother, if more intense."


    He was right ¨C despite the pressure, there was none of the violent energy fluctuations I''d read about in other cultivation methods.


    The Genesis Seed acted like a filter, processing and distributing the power in measured waves. Still, I could feel sweat beading on my forehead as I fought to maintain control.


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    The final push came suddenly. The Genesis Seed pulsed once more, and everything clicked into place. My inner world expanded dramatically, nearly doubling in size as new spiritual pathways formed and settled. The seed itself grew proportionally, its presence now impossible to ignore.


    ¡°Congratulations on the successful breakthrough, Master!¡±


    Current status:


    Cultivation: Qi Condensation Stage 4


    Inner World: 125 cubic meters


    Soul Essence: 800/800


    Spiritual Essence: 700/700


    Physical Essence: 700/700


    "The Genesis Seed''s growth is particularly noteworthy," he added. "It''s now roughly twice its previous size, and the quality of energy it produces has improved significantly."


    I nodded, taking stock of my new capabilities. "These numbers... they''re quite high for someone who just reached the fourth stage, aren''t they?"


    "You¡¯re right," Azure confirmed. "You''re already at the upper echelons of what''s possible at this level. Cultivating a beyond Heaven rank cultivation method clearly has its advantages.¡±


    "But it¡¯s still not enough, is it?" I asked quietly. "Not to defeat someone at the fifth stage."


    "The gap between stages becomes exponentially larger as you progress," Azure agreed. "While your current stats are exceptional for the fourth stage, Chen Wu will still have significant advantages in terms of raw power and refined qi control."


    I felt the familiar pull then - that strange sensation that had come before my previous journeys to the Two Suns world. But this time, something was different. I could feel that I had a choice - I could resist the pull, stay grounded in this world.


    "Azure," I thought, "we were right, I really can control it now."


    "Yes," he replied. "But do you wish to stay here?"


    I considered it carefully. The duel was in less than three days, and I''d just undergone a major breakthrough. Conventional wisdom said I should focus on stabilizing my cultivation and practicing combat techniques.


    But conventional wisdom hadn''t gotten me this far.


    "Time flows differently there," I said finally. "We could spend days or weeks in the Two Suns world, and barely any time would pass here. It''s the perfect opportunity to grow stronger before the fight."


    "And your physical body?" Azure asked, though I could tell he already knew my answer.


    "The formations here will protect it," I replied. "The Wei family''s private training ground is probably one of the safest places in the city. And if anything goes wrong..." I smiled slightly, "I''m sure the plants will warn us."


    The vines around my body had grown quite extensive, forming a natural barrier that would hide me from casual observation. The tree above had shifted its branches to provide better coverage, and even the grass had grown thick enough to obscure the stone floor.


    "Very well," Azure said. "Though I feel compelled to ask if you''re certain about this. We know very little about the Two Suns world or why you''re being drawn there."


    "No," I admitted. "But I''m certain about needing more power. Whatever''s waiting for us there, it''s our best chance at getting stronger quickly."


    I could feel the pull growing stronger, like a tide trying to draw me out to sea. This time, instead of fighting it or being caught off guard, I consciously relaxed into it.


    "Besides," I added as the world began to fade, "I have a feeling we''re supposed to go. That these trips are part of something bigger."


    The last thing I felt was the gentle pressure of vines adjusting around my physical body, like a mother tucking in a child. Then everything went black, and I felt my consciousness hurtling through that familiar void between worlds.


    Somewhere in the distance, two suns waited.

 Chapter 45: Skybound Sacrifice

    The twin suns blazed overhead as my consciousness settled into this familiar yet foreign body. This time, there was no disorientation, no moment of confusion.


    I acted instantly as I remembered that there was an arrow incoming, my body twisted to the side before Maya could even reach for me.


    "Has fear addled your wits, To¡ª" Maya''s words cut off as she stared at me, her hand still extended where she''d meant to pull me to safety. "How did you..."


    The arrow quivered in the wooden post behind me, exactly where my head had been a moment ago. I could still feel the wind of its passage against my cheek.


    "Maya," I said quietly, meeting her eyes. The memory of her disappearing beneath that avalanche of ice-covered stone was still fresh, still raw. "I''m so sorry."


    "Tomas?" Her brow furrowed in concern. "Are you¡ª"


    "Raiders!" Henrik''s familiar shout cut through the moment. "They''re breaking through the east gate!"


    I watched him stride toward us, that same determined expression on his face. In a few hours, he would charge the Skybound with an axe, dying in a futile attempt to buy others time to escape. Just like last time. Just like every time.


    Maya thrust the rusty sword toward me ¨C that same damn sword. "Here. Try not to stab yourself with it."


    I took it automatically, muscle memory from two previous loops making the motion smooth. "Maya, I..." The words caught in my throat. How do you say goodbye to someone who won''t remember you, who''s died in front of you twice already?


    "The Seventh Band will try to flank through the south wall," I said instead, the warning automatic by now. "Get people there before¡ª"


    "How did you know that?" Her eyes narrowed. "Tomas, what''s going on with you today?"


    I turned away, unable to meet her gaze. "I''m sorry," I said again, then sprinted toward the village outskirts.


    "Tomas!" Maya''s voice followed me. "Where are you¡ª" Her words cut off as the raiders'' first wave hit the barricade, forcing her attention back to defense.


    "Master," Azure''s voice held a note of concern as I ran, "are you certain about this?¡±


    "No," I admitted, vaulting over a fallen cart. "But we can''t save them, Azure. Not yet. Not without more power." The words tasted bitter in my mouth, but they were true. "We''ve tried twice now. All we managed to do was slightly delay the inevitable."


    "Your logic is sound," he agreed, "though I note significant emotional distress in your vital signs."


    I laughed harshly, ducking through an alley I remembered from last time. "Emotional distress? I''m abandoning people to die. People I know. People who trust me." I paused at a corner, checking for raiders. "Even if it''s a time loop, even if they''ll be ''fine'' next time... it feels wrong."


    "Can you sense the Skybound?" I asked, trying to focus on the practical aspects of survival.


    "No significant spiritual signatures detected," Azure reported. "Though given its demonstrated ability to mask its presence..."


    "Right." I picked up the pace as best I could with this body''s limited stamina, heading for the tree line. "We just have to hope we can get clear before it arrives. Last time it showed up right after the Sun-Touched started transforming."


    I broke through the last line of buildings, my legs trembling with exhaustion. This mortal body wasn''t made for running. Sweat soaked through my clothes as I forced myself onward, counting down the endless distance. The tree line seemed to mock me with its proximity - a hundred yards that felt like miles. Seventy. Fifty. Thirty. Ten.


    "I did it?" I wheezed as I finally reached the forest edge, doubling over to catch my breath. My legs felt like water, and my heart was hammering so hard I worried it might burst. But somehow, impossibly, I''d made it.


    I turned back toward the village, guilt warring with practicality in my chest. "I¡¯ll be back," I whispered to the distant figures still fighting at the walls. "I''ll find a way to save you. Permanently. But I need to be stronger first."


    "Master..." Azure''s warning came just as I turned back toward the forest.


    My heart nearly stopped.


    The Skybound floated before me, its frost-covered robes rippling in a wind I couldn''t feel. That same ethereal cold radiated from its presence, making the air crystallize around us.


    "You¡­you¡¯re afraid?¡± it said, studying me with those burning eyes.


    I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "Who wouldn''t be terrified of seeing a frost-robed figure floating in front of them?"


    The Skybound shook its head slowly. "You can drop the pretense. You¡¯ve been caught, I sensed you the moment I arrived." Its voice carried that same aristocratic disdain I remembered. "Though I must admit, you shouldn''t be here at all."


    My thoughts raced. Did it remember me from the previous loops? I cursed myself for assuming I was the only one who retained memories between cycles. But then why hadn''t it recognized me the last two times?


    "It''s quite impressive that you managed to escape the academy," it continued. ¡°I''m curious ¨C who is your master? Perhaps Elder Alric? Or maybe you''re one of Elder Kaelin¡¯s disciples.¡±


    The Skybound continued listing names I''d never heard of, then paused, tilting its head. "Though I must say, your control is surprisingly... crude. Not bothering to hide your core''s fluctuations? That''s a basic mistake, especially for someone skilled enough to escape the academy''s barriers."


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    I stared at it in confusion, pieces clicking together. Then I understood - it could sense the red sun core inside me, probably mistaking me for some kind of junior disciple from whatever organization it belonged to.


    The Skybound seemed to take my silence as defiance. It shook its head. "It doesn''t matter. I''ll deal with this village, then escort you back to the academy. Your masters can sort out your punishment."


    I had a split second to make a decision. I could play along, but that would only delay the inevitable - I''d be exposed as an impostor the moment we reached their academy. On the other hand, the Skybound hadn''t immediately tried to kill me this time, probably because it sensed the red core. Maybe...


    "I''m not from your academy," I said carefully, watching for any sign of attack. "I''m just a villager who... changed."


    The Skybound went very still, those burning eyes studying me with new intensity. The silence stretched for what felt like years, though Azure helpfully informed me it was only 12.3 seconds.


    Then it laughed. The sound was like ice cracking. "Interesting. You''re telling the truth." It drifted closer, frost patterns spreading across the ground beneath it. "This is perfect, actually. I''ve been lacking in contribution points, and recruiting a natural awakening... yes, this will do nicely."


    I barely held back a sigh of relief. Honesty had been a gamble, but apparently a successful one.


    "Come," it said, already turning back toward the village. "We should save your people before it''s too late."


    I blinked. "I''m sorry, what?"


    "Save the village," it repeated, as if speaking to a particularly slow child. "If we don''t hurry, there won''t be anything left to save."


    It lowered itself to just above ground level, clearly expecting me to follow. I did, mind reeling from this unexpected turn of events. The same being who had methodically slaughtered everyone twice before was now talking about saving them?


    "You seem confused," it noted as we moved toward the sounds of combat. "I''m not doing this out of kindness, you understand. I''m sparing them because of you."


    "Me?"


    There was a smile in its voice as it replied, "When an initiate graduates, they''re sent to sacrifice their village. It''s a tradition created by the noble families."


    My stomach lurched at the casual way it discussed mass murder. The Skybound laughed coldly at my reaction.


    "That''s natural," it assured me. "All commoners react that way at first. Give it a few years ¨C you''ll find the thought quite...appealing."


    I didn''t bother arguing. The villagers would live today ¨C that was what mattered. Whether I''d still be in this world in a few years was another question entirely.


    "The raiders are nearly through the east gate," I said instead, focusing on immediate concerns. "And the Seventh Band is trying to flank through the south wall."


    "You know their movements well for someone who was fleeing," it observed.


    "I''ve... seen them raid before," I said carefully. It wasn''t even a lie, technically.


    The Skybound nodded. "Good. Tactical awareness will serve you well at the academy."


    The village was in chaos when we returned. Sun-touched warriors had broken through the eastern barricade, their crystalline forms glowing with crimson light as they tore through the defenders'' lines. I could see Henrik trying to organize a retreat while Maya directed archers from the rooftops.


    "Tomas?" One of the villagers spotted me first, then his eyes went wide with terror as he saw who accompanied me. "SKYBOUND!"


    The warning spread like wildfire. Defenders abandoned their positions, fleeing from the frost-robed figure floating beside me.


    "Tomas, get away from it!" Maya shouted from her position, bow half-drawn. The fear in her voice cut deep ¨C she thought she was watching me walk to my death.


    The Skybound seemed amused by their reactions. "Show me what you can do," it said, gesturing toward the nearest Sun-touched warrior.


    I studied my opponent carefully. The transformation had twisted its human form into something monstrous ¨C nearly eight feet tall, with crystalline growths jutting from its shoulders and arms. Crimson tattoos pulsed across its skin in time with the red sun overhead, and its eyes burned with mindless hunger.


    I reached into my inner world, touching the crimson sphere nestled within the Genesis Seed. Power flooded through me instantly, red lines tracing themselves across my skin as they followed my meridians. The surge of strength was intoxicating after being trapped in a mortal body.


    Status Update:


    Soul Essence: 800/800


    Spiritual Essence: 0/700


    Physical Essence: 115/700 (Enhanced by Red Core)


    Special Notes: Red Core active, enhancement duration 60 seconds


    I frowned at the numbers.


    My physical essence was barely at first-stage Qi Condensation levels. If I''d had time to properly rebuild this body''s foundation using the Tri-Essence Harmony method before activating the red core... but there was no point dwelling on what-ifs.


    It was time to fight.

 Chapter 46: Goodbye

    The Sun-touched roared, finally deciding I was a threat. It charged forward with surprising speed, crystalline claws extended. I waited until the last possible moment, then activated Phantom Strike.


    Even with my limited power, the technique carried me through its guard like smoke. My fist connected with its chest, enhanced strength driving through crystalline armor to crush the vital organs beneath. The monster''s roar cut off in a wet gurgle as it collapsed.


    "Very good," the Skybound nodded approvingly. "You have a natural talent for combat."


    I didn''t have time to acknowledge the praise. A howl of rage announced the arrival of another Sun-touched, this one even larger than the first. The crimson patterns on its skin were more intricate, suggesting a deeper connection to the red sun''s power.


    "Master," Azure warned, "this one''s physical capabilities appear equivalent to second-stage Qi Condensation."


    The warning came just in time. I barely dodged a strike that would have taken my head off, the crystalline claws passing so close I felt them brush my hair. This one was faster, stronger, and clearly enraged by its companion''s death.


    "Forty seconds remaining on the enhancement," Azure reported as I narrowly avoided a deadly strike that would have crushed my ribcage.


    I weaved between the Sun-touched''s strikes, but each movement brought its claws closer to connecting.


    A particularly vicious swipe caught my sleeve, crystalline talons shredding the fabric and leaving shallow cuts along my arm. The pain was sharp, immediate ¨C a reminder that even with the red core''s enhancement, I was far from invulnerable.


    "Thirty seconds remaining," Azure reported as I rolled under another attack.


    I launched a counter-strike at its midsection, putting all my enhanced strength behind the blow. The impact felt like punching a stone wall. The Sun-touched barely stumbled, while my knuckles screamed in protest.


    "Physical damage minimal," Azure noted. "Its crystalline armor appears significantly more developed than the previous one."


    A backhand caught me in the ribs before I could retreat, sending me sprawling. Even through the red core''s protection, I felt something crack. I turned the fall into a roll, barely avoiding the follow-up strike that cratered the ground where I''d landed.


    "Fifteen seconds."


    I needed an advantage, something to even the odds. As I circled the monster, trying to catch my breath, I felt something at the edge of my awareness.


    Plants. I could still sense them in this world thanks to the World Tree Sutra. Nearby weeds and grass, their life force dim but present. And there, half-hidden by debris ¨C a dormant vine that had once climbed the village walls.


    The Sun-touched charged again, but this time I was ready. I reached out with my will, connecting to that vine like I''d done countless times before. The red core''s power flowed through the connection, transforming the simple plant into something else entirely.


    The vine erupted from the ground, now a deep crimson color with thorny protrusions that looked almost crystalline. It wrapped around the Sun-touched''s legs mid-charge, thorns digging into its crystalline hide. The monster''s momentum worked against it, sending it crashing face-first into the dirt.


    "Now!" Azure urged as the monster thrashed against the crimson vine.


    I snatched up a fallen sword ¨C a simple iron blade, already notched from previous combat.


    The Sun-touched''s crystalline armor was nearly impenetrable, but all creatures had weak points. There, at the base of the skull where flexibility was necessary, the crystal formations were thinner, with small gaps between the plates.


    I drove the blade into that spot with every ounce of strength the red core granted me. The sword punched through with a sound like breaking glass, crimson light erupting from the wound. The blade shattered, steel proving no match for the crystalline body, but it had gone deep enough.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    The Sun-touched convulsed, its massive form thrashing as that inner light began to fade. The crystalline growths that had seemed so otherworldly in life now dulled, becoming cloudy like sea glass. Those burning eyes dimmed, and the crimson tattoos that had pulsed with power grew still.


    As it was dying, its body began to change ¨C the crystal formations crumbling into fine powder, leaving behind a corpse that looked almost human again, except for the patches of glassy skin that caught the red sunlight like frozen blood.


    As its last tremors stilled, I felt the red core''s power fade. The crimson lines receded from my skin, leaving me once again trapped in a mortal body. The vine withered and crumbled to ash, its brief moment of demonic transformation ending with my enhancement.


    I pressed a hand to my ribs, wincing at the pain. Without the red core''s power, every injury felt twice as intense. But I was alive, and my opponent wasn''t. For now, that would have to be enough.


    The Skybound actually applauded. "Extremely rare," it said, sounding genuinely impressed. "Most Rank 1 Skybound can''t manipulate elements at all. Those who show such talent early..." it paused meaningfully, "they tend to accomplish great things. Assuming they survive that long."


    Before I could respond, it rose higher into the air. "Watch closely," it commanded. "This is how a true master handles vermin."


    What followed was both beautiful and terrifying. Crimson-tinted ice materialized throughout the battlefield, each formation perfectly placed to impale or entrap the remaining raiders.


    The first Sun-touched to notice the Skybound actually bowed. "Great One, we serve the same¡ª"


    Its words cut off in a wet gurgle as ice speared through its chest.


    The other Sun-touched warriors finally realized their danger. Their confusion was evident even through their monstrous forms as they backed away from the being they''d clearly expected to lead them.


    "My Lord, why do you betray your own ki¡ª" Another fell, frozen solid mid-plea.


    "We are blessed by the same sun! We are your serv¡ª" This one managed to partially dodge the first ice spear, only to be impaled by three more.


    Their superhuman strength meant nothing against the Skybound''s power.


    The last Sun-touched, cornered against a half-destroyed wall, raised its hands in as it supplicated. "Please, we are your children! The Red Sun chose¡ª"


    Ice bloomed through its chest, cutting off its final appeal.


    What caught my attention was something I hadn''t noticed in previous loops ¨C streams of essence rising from the fallen, flowing into the Skybound like crimson mist. I could only see it because of my own red core, I realized. The Skybound wasn''t just killing them ¨C it was harvesting their essence.


    When it was over, the survivors ¨C villagers only, every raider was dead ¨C stared up at their unlikely savior with a mix of terror and confusion. No one seemed to know whether to run, fight, or bow in gratitude.


    "Come," the Skybound said, completely ignoring the villagers'' reactions. "It''s time we departed for the academy."


    "Tomas, wait!" Maya pushed through the crowd, her face a mix of emotions I couldn''t quite read. "You can''t just leave with... with that!"


    I met her eyes, remembering how many times I''d watched her die. "I''m glad I could help save everyone this time," I said quietly, careful not to mention that according to the Skybound, I''d be expected to sacrifice them all eventually.


    Movement at the back of the crowd caught my eye ¨C Tomas'' father, the miller, pushing his way forward. My breath caught. I couldn''t face him, couldn''t try to explain to this body''s family why their son was leaving with a being known only for death and destruction.


    "Maya," I said quickly, "tell my parents I''m sorry, and..." I swallowed hard. "Tell them to take care of themselves."


    "But Tomas¡ª"


    I turned away before she could finish, jogging to catch up with the Skybound. Behind me, I could hear the villagers'' confused murmurs, their mixture of relief at surviving and uncertainty about what had just happened.


    "A clean break is best," the Skybound commented as we left the village behind. "They''ll move on, forget. And when you return..." it glanced at me, those burning eyes unreadable, "well, they won''t be in any condition to remember anyway."


    I said nothing, focusing instead on keeping pace with its floating form.


    "Master," Azure observed, "the red core is actively absorbing energy from the red sun above. At this rate, full power should be restored in..." he paused, calculating, "roughly five minutes.¡±


    I glanced up at the crimson orb in the sky, feeling the connection more clearly now that Azure had pointed it out. Like a plant drinking in sunlight, the core was slowly replenishing itself, drawing in traces of that reality-warping power.


    "Is it safe?" I thought back, remembering how the red sun''s direct light drove people mad.


    "The Genesis Seed appears to be filtering the energy, much like it did when we first absorbed the core," Azure replied. "The madness-inducing aspects are being stripped away, leaving only pure power. Quite efficient, actually."


    "Thanks, Azure, that''s good to know, but right now I''m more¡ª" I let out a heavy sigh, watching the Skybound''s frost-covered form ahead of us, "¡ªconcerned about what kind of ''academy'' teaches its students to sacrifice their home villages."


    The village disappeared behind us as we headed toward the mountains, where the red sun''s light painted the peaks in shades of blood. Somewhere ahead waited answers about this power I''d stumbled into ¨C assuming I lived long enough to learn them.

 Chapter 47: Resonance

    The mountain path wound endlessly upward, each turn revealing another stretch of steep terrain. I tried not to show how much this mortal body struggled with the climb, but my burning legs and aching lungs made it difficult to maintain dignity.


    A question had been nagging at me since we left the village. After checking that my breathing was steady enough for conversation, I finally asked, "Why did you kill the Sun-touched? I thought they also served the red sun."


    The Skybound ¨C who had been floating beside me, apparently immune to concepts like physical exertion ¨C let out a small laugh. "The Seventh Band? They''re just mortals playing at greatness. Yes, they worship us, but they''re nothing more than pawns."


    It glanced at me, frost patterns shifting across its robes. "Usually, we need authorization from the Order to take large numbers of lives. What I attempted in that village was... technically against our rules. Which is why I had to ensure there were no survivors. The Seventh Band''s deaths were merely convenient loose ends."


    The casual way it discussed mass murder reminded me uncomfortably of how some cultivators viewed mortal lives ¨C insignificant specks, barely worth noticing. I''d seen that attitude plenty of times in the Azure Peak Sect, though never quite this extreme.


    "I trust," it added, its voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "that you understand the importance of discretion regarding this matter?"


    I nodded quickly. "Of course. I wouldn''t want to cause any... problems."


    "Good." The frost patterns in its robes settled. "You had other questions?"


    "The Order," I said, grateful for the change in subject. "What exactly is it?"


    "The Order of the Last Light," it replied, something like pride coloring its voice. "We who have been blessed by the red sun''s power. When the twin suns first appeared in our sky, most fled from the red sun''s light, fearing the madness it brought. But our ancestors saw its true nature ¨C not a curse, but a gift. They learned to harness its power through runic inscriptions, transforming themselves into something beyond mortal."


    I tried not to visibly wince at the religious fervor in its voice. This sounded exactly like the kind of propaganda you''d feed initiates to make them ignore the obvious "turn people into crystalline monsters" part of their power source.


    "The Order was born from those first enlightened ones," it continued, its frost patterns shifting with enthusiasm. "They built our floating citadels to stay closer to the red sun''s light, away from the ignorant masses below who still cower from its radiance. We are the chosen of the Last Light, the final illumination that will transform this world."


    The one who had casually murdered an entire village was now spouting what sounded like memorized passages from "Cult Recruitment 101." Though given what I''d seen of the red sun''s effects, maybe this was actually an improvement over complete madness.


    "There are nine ranks among the Skybound," it finished, "from Rank 1 initiates like yourself to the Rank 9 elders who commune directly with the crimson light. Each rank brings greater understanding of the sun''s mysteries and deeper connection to its power."


    "And probably greater mental instability," I thought, though I kept my face neutral. I needed their knowledge, not their philosophy. Though I had to admit, the Genesis Seed''s protection might be the only reason I could still see how concerning all this was.


    I listened intently as it then explained their system of advancement. They didn''t call it cultivation here ¨C instead, they used the term "Resonance." Each rank brought greater attunement to the red sun''s power, marked by the acquisition of runic markings.


    "The first three ranks focus on fundamental control," it explained. "Rank 1 establishes your core connection through the Fundamental Rune. Rank 2 strengthens that connection, allowing for elemental attunement. Rank 3 is where most initiates truly begin to understand the deeper mysteries."


    I glanced at it robes, searching for these runes it mentioned. "I don''t see any marks on you."


    It stopped floating and turned to face me fully, only then did it lower its hood.


    I nearly stumbled. The Skybound was a young woman of otherworldly beauty ¨C pale skin like moonlight, features that would make sculptors weep, and eyes that held the same crimson fire I''d seen burning in the sun above. On her forehead, a complex runic pattern shifted and swirled like living frost, somehow both delicate and predatory.


    The cognitive dissonance was staggering. Only in these fantasy worlds could someone who looked like an angel be such a prolific killer. But then I remembered there was a saying back on Earth about the relationship between beauty and insanity in women ¨C if there was a scale, she''d be maxed out on both axes.


    "This is my Fundamental Rune," she said, her voice surprisingly soft. She held up her hands, showing intricate ice-based runes traced across her palms. "And these are my elemental markings, through which I channel my ice techniques."


    She studied me with new interest. "You haven''t even inscribed a Fundamental Rune yet. Technically, you''re not even Rank 1." Her head tilted slightly. "It''s extremely rare to find someone who can utilize the red sun''s power without runic stabilization. The risk of madness is..." she trailed off, watching me as if expecting me to start frothing at the mouth any second.


    "The elders will definitely want to examine you personally," she added thoughtfully.


    That caught my attention. Back in the Azure Peak Sect, the elders had never shown any interest in my progress. Then again, I''d been deliberately keeping a low profile there ¨C in a world where death was truly final, caution was essential.


    Here, with the time loop... I could afford to be a bit more daring.


    "As long as my soul remains intact, I should be fine," I thought to myself. "Even if this body dies, I''ll just return to my original world. The only real danger would be soul damage."


    The prospect of direct instruction from their elders was tempting. I needed power quickly if I wanted any chance against that fifth-stage Qi Condensation cultivator waiting back home. Regular initiate training would be too slow ¨C but if I could catch an elder''s eye...


    "As long as they don''t decide to use me as a test subject," I mused silently.


    "Master," Azure chimed in, "the silence is becoming awkward."


    He was right. I realized I''d been lost in thought while staring at my companion. Proper introductions were way overdue. I gave a small bow, trying to match the formality I''d seen in her bearing.


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    "I should have done this earlier," I said. "My name is Tomas."


    She smiled, and for a moment I could almost forget I''d watched her casually murder dozens of people. "Vayara," she replied. "Though you''ll need to refer to me as Senior Sister once we reach the academy."


    "Of course, Senior Sister." The title felt strange on my tongue ¨C not because of the formality, but because it was so similar to what I''d use in the cultivation world. These parallels between the two systems were fascinating.


    We resumed our journey, the path growing steeper. The red sun hung lower in the sky now, its light catching Vayara''s frost patterns and making them shimmer like bloody diamonds.


    "Tell me about the academy," I said, partly out of genuine curiosity and partly to distract myself from my protesting muscles. "What should I expect?"


    "Survival, primarily," she replied with that same serene smile. "Many initiates don''t last their first year. The red sun''s power..." she gestured to the crimson orb above us, "it changes you. Those who can''t adapt, who can''t control the resonance..." She shrugged. "Well, the crystals in the Failure Garden are quite beautiful."


    "Crystals?" I asked, though I had a sinking feeling I knew what she meant.


    "When an initiate loses control, the transformation is... thorough." Her eyes gleamed. "We keep the more interesting specimens as warnings to new students. Some of them even retain enough awareness to scream."


    I carefully kept my expression neutral. "That sounds... educational."


    "Oh, it is!" Her enthusiasm was genuinely unsettling. "Nothing motivates proper resonance control like seeing what happens without it. Though I suspect you''ll have... different challenges."


    "Because I can use the power without runes?"


    She nodded. "It''s rare, as far as I know. Most untrained vessels either die or transform within days of exposure. Yet here you are, apparently stable despite lacking basic protections." Her gaze turned calculating. "The elders will definitely want to understand how that''s possible."


    I thought of the Genesis Seed, of how it had integrated and purified the red core''s power. The World Tree Sutra''s influence protected me from the madness that seemed to plague others but I couldn''t let them know that.


    "I look forward to learning," I said diplomatically.


    "Oh, you''ll learn. One way or another." She gestured to a break in the clouds ahead. "We''re nearly there. Welcome to your new home, initiate."


    I followed her gesture and felt my breath catch. Through the crimson-tinted clouds, I caught glimpses of impossible architecture ¨C floating spires of ice and crystal, connected by bridges of pure light.


    The academy wasn''t built on the mountain ¨C it was suspended above it, a city in the sky that seemed to laugh at concepts like gravity or structural integrity.


    "It''s..." I searched for words that wouldn''t offend.


    "Magnificent? Terrifying? Both?" Vayara smiled. "Yes, most initiates react that way. The Order of the Last Light accepts only those who can transcend mortal limitations." She glanced at me. "Though you''ve already begun that journey, haven''t you?"


    I thought of the cultivation world. "You could say that."


    "The questions will begin soon," she warned as we approached what appeared to be a floating dock of crystalline ice. "The elders will want to know everything about your awakening, your abilities, your control." She paused, then added almost kindly, "Try not to die too quickly. You''re far too interesting for that."


    When she reached base of the dock, Vayara reached into her robes and withdrew what looked like a silver pen with a crimson tip. "Remove your shirt," she instructed.


    I must have looked as nervous as I felt, because she actually laughed. "It''s a temporary rune to help you fly," she explained. "Unless you''d prefer to climb several thousand steps?"


    "Flying sounds better," I admitted, pulling off my shirt. The mountain air was bitter cold against my skin.


    "Hold still," she said, stepping closer. "This requires precision."


    The pen''s tip was ice-cold as she began tracing patterns on my chest. Each stroke left behind lines that glowed with a faint crimson light. I tried not to shiver as she worked, watching the complex design take shape over my heart.


    "The Skybound Rune," she explained as she drew. "Temporary version, of course. The permanent one is... significantly more involved." She finished the last stroke with a flourish. "There."


    I looked down at the glowing pattern. It reminded me of a snowflake crossed with a burning sun, all sharp angles and radiating lines.


    "Now," she pressed her palm against the rune, "this might feel strange."


    "Strange" was an understatement. As she channeled her power into the mark, it felt like my chest was simultaneously freezing and burning. The rune flared bright crimson, and suddenly my whole body felt lighter.


    Then I was floating.


    "Woah!" I pinwheeled my arms as I drifted a few feet off the ground, completely unable to control my movement. "How do I¡ª"


    "Focus," Vayara instructed as I slowly rotated upside down. "The rune responds to intent. Think about the direction you want to move."


    "Master," Azure chimed in, "the rune appears to be creating a localized distortion in gravitational forces. Try visualizing it as a current you can swim through."


    Both of their tips helped. I imagined the air as water, using subtle movements to right myself. After a few more awkward moments, I managed to achieve something approaching stability.


    "Not terrible," Vayara said, which I chose to take as praise. "The rune will last about an hour or so ¨C plenty of time to reach the academy and get you properly registered. Try to keep up."


    She began ascending the crystalline dock while I followed more cautiously, still occasionally wobbling when I moved too quickly. But I was starting to get the hang of it, and by the time we were halfway up, I''d found a rhythm.


    The view was spectacular, even if I was trying very hard not to think about how far up we''d come.


    "Ready?" Vayara asked as we neared the top of the dock. "The real challenge begins now."


    I nodded, feeling the rune pulse steadily against my skin. Whatever waited in those crystal spires, I would face it. Would learn from it. Would take their power and make it my own.


    And hopefully avoid ending up as a screaming crystal in their garden of failures.

 Chapter 48: Transcendence

    As we crested the crystalline dock, I got my first proper look at the academy.


    The floating citadel was even more impossible up close ¨C massive structures of ice and crystal suspended in mid-air, connected by bridges that seemed made of pure light. The red sun''s rays caught every surface, creating an array of crimson reflections that made the whole complex look like it was bleeding.


    "Impressed?" Vayara asked, noting my expression.


    "It''s... not what I expected," I admitted. The architecture defied everything I knew about physics, even by cultivation world standards.


    "The founders built it to be closer to the red sun''s power," she explained, leading me toward what appeared to be the main entrance ¨C a towering arch of crystalline ice carved with countless runic patterns. "Though I suspect they also enjoyed reminding the masses below of their transcendence."


    As we approached, I noticed two robed figures floating on either side of the arch, their hoods were pulled low, hiding their features.


    "Vayara," one of them called out, his voice carrying that same aristocratic tone I was starting to associate with the Order. "This is unexpected. Your patrol wasn''t due back for another week. I didn¡¯t expect you to be back with a stray."


    "Circumstances changed, Brother Chen," she replied smoothly. "We have a natural awakening."


    Both guardians went very still. Then the second one laughed ¨C a sharp, disbelieving sound. "A natural? Here? The odds of that are¡ª"


    "See for yourself," Vayara interrupted, gesturing at me.


    The guardians drifted closer, runic patterns shifting across their robes as they studied me. I felt a subtle probe of power brush against my core, their resonance seeking to confirm what Vayara claimed.


    "By the Last Light," the first guardian breathed. "It''s true. No runes, yet the power flows through him."


    "Fascinating," the second agreed. "Though rather crude. The resonance is barely contained."


    I bristled slightly at that, but kept my expression neutral. Let them underestimate me ¨C it would make things easier in the long run.


    "The elders will want to see this immediately," the first guardian decided, making way for us. "You can pass.¡±


    "First rule," Vayara said as we entered, "never fly without authorization. The temporary rune I gave you is a courtesy for new arrivals. After today, unauthorized flight outside of the training ground will result in... immediate correction."


    The way she said ''correction'' made me think it involved more than just a stern talking-to. "Understood, Senior Sister."


    "Second rule ¨C address everyone by their proper titles. Initiates are Brother or Sister. Those of higher rank are Senior Brother or Senior Sister. Teachers are Master. Elders are Venerable One." She glanced at me. "Mistakes in etiquette are punished severely here."


    "For an academy of killers, you seem to have a lot of rules," I observed.


    Veyara''s laugh was like ice cracking. "Due to initiates'' tendency to... lose control, we maintain absolute discipline. Every aspect of life here is regulated, down to when you breathe during meditation."


    This wasn''t just a school ¨C it was worse than any maximum security prison I''d heard of back on Earth. At least prisoners got yard time and some basic rights. Here, they controlled everything, even your breathing patterns.


    "What happens if someone breaks the rules?" I asked, though I was starting to suspect I didn''t want to know.


    "Minor infractions result in physical correction." Her frost patterns shifted in what might have been amusement. "Major ones..." She gestured to a distant crystalline spire that seemed to glow with a sickly light. "Well, you''ve seen our garden of failures. Some of them were quite promising initiates, before they decided the rules didn''t apply to them."


    The casual way she discussed turning people into crystalline decorations made my skin crawl. No wonder she¡¯d been so quick to assume I''d escaped ¨C who wouldn''t try to flee from this?


    Though, unlike the others trapped here, I had options. I could feel that familiar pull to the cultivation world humming at the edge of my consciousness ¨C a gateway I could choose to take at any time.


    Even if everything went wrong, even if I somehow ended up in their garden of failures, my soul would simply return to my real body back in the Wei family compound.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    In a prison built to contain those touched by the red sun''s power, I was probably the only truly free person. The Order''s absolute control, their carefully cultivated fear, their threats of permanent consequences ¨C none of it could truly bind me.


    "Something amusing?" Veyara asked, noticing my expression.


    "Just thinking about paths and destinies," I replied carefully. The irony of the situation was almost too perfect ¨C they thought they were gaining a particularly interesting prisoner, when really, they were giving their secrets to someone who could disappear at any moment.


    Now I just had to learn everything I could before deciding when to leave.


    We walked through corridors that seemed to be carved from solid ice, though the temperature remained surprisingly comfortable. Other initiates passed us, all wearing similar runic robes. They gave Vayara respectful bows and me curious looks.


    ¡°Is there an entrance examination I need to complete?" I asked, wondering how quickly I could get access to their cultivation methods.


    "Usually," she replied, "initiates must survive a resonance trial to prove their worth. But for someone who can already manipulate the red sun''s energy without runic support..." She shook her head. "It would be redundant. The elders will want to evaluate you personally."


    "The elders themselves?"


    "Indeed. Your situation is rather unique. Being a natural awakening will draw significant attention. In fact," her voice took on a thoughtful tone, "I suspect they''ll fight over who gets to claim you as their disciple."


    "You make that sound like a bad thing?"


    "It paints a target on your back." Her voice dropped lower. "Even if an elder chooses you, they won''t protect you from the others'' schemes. In fact, it often makes things worse. Their games can be... lethal."


    "Politics," I sighed. "Some things are universal."


    "Indeed. Though here, political failures tend to end up as decorative crystals." She stopped before a massive door made of what looked like frozen lightning. "The elders await. Remember your etiquette, and try not to die."


    "Any last advice?"


    "Yes." She turned to face me fully. "Whatever you do, don''t lie to them. They''ll know, and the punishment..." She shuddered slightly. "Just don''t."


    The doors swung open silently, revealing a circular chamber that seemed to float in open air. The walls were transparent crystal, offering a dizzying view of the clouds far below. Seven figures sat in thrones arranged in a semicircle, each radiating power that made my skin crawl.


    I''d never met a sect elder back in the Azure Peak Sect ¨C they were too far above my station to bother with low-level disciples. But now, standing before these beings, I finally understood what the word ''transcendental'' truly meant.


    "Master," Azure whispered in my mind, "their power signatures are... terrifying.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but agree. Their presence was overwhelming. Each one felt like a force of nature given form, their power so dense it distorted the very air around them. The red sun''s light seemed to bend toward them, as if even it acknowledged their authority.


    "Step forward, child," one of them commanded. His voice resonated with multiple harmonics, like several people speaking in perfect synchronization.


    I approached the center of the chamber, trying not to show how much their combined pressure affected me. The Genesis Seed pulsed reassuringly in my inner world, its familiar presence helping me stay centered.


    "Vayara tells us you can channel the red sun''s power without runic stabilization," another elder said. This one''s runes crackled with electrical energy. "Show us."


    I reached for the crimson core nestled within the Genesis Seed, letting its power flow through my meridians. The familiar red lines traced themselves across my skin, following the pathways the seed had created.


    "Interesting," a female elder murmured. Ice crystals formed and melted around her with each breath. "The resonance is crude, but stable. How long have you had this ability?"


    "A few weeks.¡±


    "Impossible," one of the elders scoffed. His runes burned with intense flame. "Without stabilization, he should have transformed or died within hours."


    "Unless," another countered, this one surrounded by swirling winds, "he''s a Natural."


    There it was, that word again, like it was a formal classification.


    "It''s not unprecedented," the ice elder agreed. "There are records of others who could instinctively channel the red sun''s power. Though none in recent memory."


    "The headmaster should be informed," the flame elder said.


    "The headmaster is in seclusion," the wind elder reminded him. "This cannot wait. The boy needs proper training immediately, before his resonance destabilizes."


    "I will take him," the flame elder declared. "Fire resonance is clearly dominant in his core."


    "Nonsense," the lightning elder countered. "Look at his control ¨C he needs precision training. Lightning resonance would suit him better."


    I watched with a mix of amusement and concern as they argued over me. It felt oddly nice getting the protagonist treatment for once, though Vayara''s warning about painted targets kept it from going to my head.


    "He should start at the bottom, like everyone else," one elder insisted. This one''s runes had an earthy quality to them. "Natural or not, proper foundation is essential."


    The others dismissed his suggestion almost immediately. "Waste of potential," the wind elder said. "He needs specialized training to stabilize his unique resonance."


    "The choice should be his," the ice elder said finally. All eyes turned to me. "Well, child? Who would you have as your master?"


    I''d expected some kind of test - loyalty oaths, probing questions about my background, anything to ensure I wasn''t an enemy agent.


    But as they waited for me to choose, I understood why they hadn''t bothered. To them, I was less than an ant. My potential schemes or hidden loyalties meant nothing in the face of their overwhelming power.


    "They likely have other means of surveillance," Azure suggested. "Being a Natural probably means you''ll be watched constantly."


    "You''re right," I thought back. "We should assume everything we do will be monitored."


    The thought made me pay closer attention to the elders themselves, studying their power signatures more carefully. Most of them radiated energies that were, no surprise, completely foreign to me.


    "Master," Azure''s voice held a note of surprise. "That one on the left... are you sensing what I''m sensing?"


    I was. There, almost hidden beneath the crimson energy ¨C one of them had a trace of something I recognized.

 Chapter 49: Reclusive Profound Expert

    The elder sitting furthest to the left had a hint of wood energy mixed with his red sun power. It was faint, barely noticeable, but to someone who cultivated the World Tree Sutra... it called to me like a beacon.


    "If you would have me," I said, bowing to the wood elder, "I would learn from you, Venerable One."


    The chamber went silent. The wood elder''s eyebrows rose slightly ¨C the first expression I''d seen on his otherwise stoic face.


    "Interesting choice," he said finally. His voice was quieter than the others, but carried just as much weight. "Why?"


    I chose my words carefully. "I feel... a connection to your energy, Venerable One. As if it resonates with something in me."


    ¡°Hmm,¡± he murmured as he studied me for a long moment. "Very well. I accept."


    "A waste," the flame elder muttered, but didn''t openly object.


    "Then it is decided," the ice elder declared. "He will study under Elder Molric. See that proper documents are filed." This last part seemed directed at no one in particular, but I noticed several shadowy figures detach themselves from the walls and disappear through hidden doors.


    "Come," Elder Molric said, rising from his seat. He was a tall and thin middle-aged man, with bark-like patterns on his robes. "We have much to discuss."


    As we left the chamber, I caught Vayara''s approving nod. She''d seen how I manipulated that vine during the raid - my choice of Elder Molric probably made perfect sense to her. After all, why wouldn''t someone who could control plants choose the wood element master?


    "A logical choice," she murmured. "I was wondering if you''d be tempted by the more... flashy elements. Many initiates forget that true power comes from mastering what you already know, not chasing after every new technique."


    She shook her head, "well, my task here is done. Try not to die too quickly - I''ve invested quite a bit of time in bringing you here."


    With that characteristically unsettling farewell, she turned and glided away. I watched her disappear down one of the crystalline corridors, leaving me alone with the elder.


    "A focused path is often the wisest," Azure agreed. "You''ve barely scratched the surface of wood element techniques."


    They were both right. Back in the Azure Peak Sect, I''d only begun to explore wood element cultivation. The World Tree Sutra had shown me glimpses of what was possible, but I was still a beginner. Now I had a chance to learn from a master of wood techniques, even if his energy source was different.


    "The principles should be similar," I thought back to Azure. "Even if the red sun''s energy works differently from Qi, the fundamentals of how it interacts with plants can''t be completely foreign."


    Besides, I''d already proven I could manipulate the red sun''s power. Better to build on that foundation, combining it with wood element techniques, than to start learning an entirely new element from scratch. Elder Molric might use different methods, but his understanding of plant life and energy would be invaluable.


    Sometimes the best path forward wasn''t the most impressive ¨C it was the one that built on what you already knew.


    Elder Molric led me through a series of increasingly narrow corridors, each one seeming to branch off like the limbs of some great crystal tree. The other initiates we passed pressed themselves against the walls, bowing deeply as we passed. Their fear was palpable.


    "You''re wondering about the wood energy you sensed," he said suddenly, not turning around.


    I nearly missed a step. "Yes, Venerable One."


    "Few notice it. Fewer still understand its significance." We emerged onto a small balcony that offered a view of dense forests far below. "The red sun''s power transforms everything it touches. Some changes are obvious ¨C the Sun-touched, for instance. Others are more subtle."


    He gestured to the forests. Even from this height, I could see patches where the trees had taken on a crystalline quality, their leaves catching the red sunlight like shards of ruby.


    "I study these changes," he continued. "How life adapts to the red sun''s influence. Most consider it a lesser path than pure elemental resonance, but..." A small smile crossed his face. "Nature has much to teach us about survival."


    "Is that why you accepted me as your disciple?" I asked. "You sensed my connection to..." I hesitated, not wanting to reveal too much about the World Tree Sutra.


    "To life energy? Yes." He turned to face me fully. "Though I suspect there''s more to your story than you''re telling."


    I kept my expression neutral, remembering Vayara''s warning about lying to the elders. "There''s much I don''t understand myself, Venerable One."


    "Hmm." His eyes ¨C a deeper crimson than most I''d seen here ¨C studied me intently. "Well, we''ll have time to unravel those mysteries. For now..." He reached into his robes and withdrew what looked like a seed made of red crystal. "Your first lesson begins."


    I took the crystalline seed carefully. It pulsed with an inner light that reminded me of my own red core.


    "What do you feel?" he asked.


    I extended my spiritual sense toward the seed. "It''s... alive? But not like normal life. The energy patterns are twisted, as if..."


    "As if what?"


    "As if it''s caught between states," I said slowly, watching the energy flow through the crystal structure. "Not fully crystal, not fully plant. It''s... adapting?"


    His eyebrows rose slightly. "Very good. Most initiates can''t perceive the transformation process at all." He took the seed back, rolling it between his fingers. "The red sun''s power forces evolution, drives change. Most resist it, try to control it through runes and resonance. I prefer to... guide it."


    His words resonated with something deep in my understanding of the World Tree Sutra. The Primordial Wood Arts also emphasized guiding rather than forcing growth, working with the natural flow of life energy rather than trying to dominate it.


    Maybe this was why his energy had called to me ¨C our philosophical approaches were more similar than I''d initially realized.


    I watched as the seed began to sprout in his hand, growing crystalline roots and leaves that caught the light like prisms. Within moments, a small tree of living crystal stood in his palm, its branches swaying in a wind I couldn''t feel.


    "Beautiful," I breathed, genuinely impressed.


    "Beauty is a byproduct," he said dismissively. "What matters is understanding. The red sun''s power isn''t just about destruction and madness ¨C it''s about transformation. Those who truly grasp this..." He closed his hand, and the crystal tree shattered into dust that swirled away on the wind. "They achieve things others think impossible."


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    "Is that what you''ll teach me?"


    "Among other things." He turned back toward the door. "Come. You need to be properly registered, given quarters, and..." He glanced at my villager''s clothes with distaste, "appropriately attired."


    Analyzing Elder Molric...


    Social Link Established


    Relationship Level: Enigmatic Master


    Trust Level: 5%


    Archetype: Reclusive Profound Expert


    Note: Subject displays classic traits of the heterodox path cultivator. Isolated from mainstream practices, likely possesses unique insights others have overlooked.


    Warning: May be involved in technically forbidden research.


    Recommended Approach: Cautious respect with demonstrated interest in his theories.


    I had to suppress a smile, Azure¡¯s assessment wasn''t wrong. Elder Molric did fit perfectly into that classic archetype of the unorthodox master who''d discovered some profound but controversial dao.


    These types usually ended up one of three ways - either as revolutionary figures who changed their world forever, ostracized heretics who died bitter and alone, or the especially tragic ones who pushed their research too far and ended up as cautionary tales after they exploded from pursuing forbidden knowledge.


    "Though given this academy''s attitudes," I thought back to Azure, "I''m betting on the ''lonely heretic'' path. At least he hasn''t started ranting about how all the other elders are short-sighted fools who don''t understand his profound insights yet."


    "That usually doesn''t start until chapter three of their story arc, Master."


    ***


    The next few hours were a blur of administrative tasks. I was measured for robes, assigned a small room in one of the lesser spires, and given what felt like an endless series of documents to sign. Most seemed to be various forms of liability waivers, which did nothing to ease my concerns about survival rates here.


    "These will help stabilize your resonance until you develop proper runic control," the quartermaster said, handing me a set of silver bands inscribed with crimson markings. "Wear them at all times."


    I slipped them on, feeling their power integrate with my red core. The constant pressure I''d been feeling from the red sun eased slightly.


    "And these," she continued, placing a stack of books on the counter, "are your initial study materials. Elder Molric expects you to be familiar with the basics of resonance theory before your first lesson tomorrow."


    I stared at the pile. There had to be thousands of pages there. "Tomorrow?"


    She smiled thinly. "Welcome to the academy, initiate. Sleep is a luxury you can no longer afford."


    As if to emphasize this point, a bell tolled somewhere in the complex. Immediately, every initiate in sight stopped what they were doing and formed neat lines along the walls.


    "Evening meditation," the quartermaster explained. "You''ll learn the schedules soon enough. For now, follow them to the meditation hall. Try not to die on your first day ¨C the paperwork is tremendous."


    I joined the nearest line, trying to mimic the other initiates'' rigid posture. The boy next to me shot me a quick glance, then whispered, "You''re the Natural everyone''s talking about?"


    "Eyes forward, spine straight!" A senior disciple''s voice cracked like a whip. "Meditation line is silent!"


    I noticed the boy had fresh bruises on his face, probably from similar corrections. Clearly, Vayara hadn''t been exaggerating about the strict discipline here.


    The line began moving with military precision through the crystalline corridors. Every few steps, we passed senior disciples who watched for the slightest deviation in posture or spacing.


    The meditation hall turned out to be a vast chamber near the top of the main spire. Thousands of individual crystalline platforms floated at various heights, each just large enough for one person to sit comfortably.


    "Find your resonance level," a senior disciple instructed me quietly. She must have noticed my confusion, because she added, "The platforms are arranged in tiers based on cultivation level and resonance strength. The higher the platform, the more concentrated the red sun''s energy becomes. Attempting to meditate above your level can be..." she glanced at a section of platforms that seemed darker than the others, "fatal."


    I reached out with my spiritual sense, letting my red core''s power flow naturally. Several platforms near the middle of the chamber glowed in response, their crystalline surfaces resonating with my energy.


    "Impressive," the senior disciple murmured. "Most new initiates can barely reach the bottom levels - their resonance is too weak to handle anything higher. The bottom five tiers are for those still developing their Fundamental Rune. The middle sections are for those who have stabilized their core resonance. Only the highest platforms are for those who are close to breaking through to Rank 2." She studied me thoughtfully. "But then, I guess being a Natural changes things.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Sister,¡± I bowed.


    I then made my way to one of the responding platforms and settled into a meditation pose. Around me, other initiates found their own levels, creating a living constellation of practitioners. The arrangement wasn''t just for show - I could feel how the higher platforms channeled progressively more intense streams of the red sun''s power.


    "The tiered system prevents practitioners from overreaching," Azure noted. "Each level requires perfect resonance with the current tier before the next becomes accessible."


    "Through resonance, we transcend," thousands of voices chanted in unison. "Through transcendence, we serve the Last Light."


    I had to suppress a smile. Even the phrasing was perfect cult material - vague promises of transcendence, servitude framed as enlightenment, and that melodramatic ''Last Light'' title.


    "Begin," a voice commanded from somewhere above, and I could almost picture some hidden elder conducting this choir of devoted followers.


    Still, I reminded myself, cult or not, they had power. Real, measurable power that I needed.


    If chanting some melodramatic phrases was the price of learning their techniques, then I could live with that.

 Chapter 50: Genesis Seed VS Arrogant Sun

    I settled onto the crystalline platform, feeling it resonate with my crude attempt at channeling the red sun''s power.


    Unlike the other initiates with their sophisticated resonance techniques, I was basically just gathering energy like a beginning qi cultivator. It wasn''t elegant but it would have to do until I could learn proper methods from my new master.


    "Your method is... unorthodox," the senior sister who had guided me here remarked with a slight frown. "But I suppose that''s to be expected from a Natural."


    "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Sister," I replied politely before closing my eyes to begin meditation.


    The platform''s energy began flowing into me immediately. I directed my attention inward, examining my inner world.


    Since arriving in this realm, the Genesis Seed had spat out the red sun core and let it exist separately. It was an unusual sight, seeing it out, one I was still getting used to. The crimson sphere cowered in its corner like a chastised pet, occasionally casting what felt like nervous glances at its much more powerful neighbor.


    "Still trying to understand why it''s doing that?" Azure asked.


    "It''s definitely new behavior," I replied silently. "The Genesis Seed usually just absorbs everything."


    "Perhaps it sees some value in maintaining a separate red sun core in this world," Azure suggested. "Or maybe it''s just amusing itself."


    Shaking my head, I focused on the stream of energy entering my body. The red sun immediately began devouring it, it grew larger and larger, its crimson light growing more intense with each passing moment.


    "Quite the glutton," Azure observed dryly. "Though its processing efficiency is remarkably crude compared to the Genesis Seed''s methods."


    He wasn''t wrong. While the tiny sun absorbed massive quantities of energy, most of it seemed to dissipate uselessly into my inner world. Only a small fraction actually contributed to strengthening my red core. Still, with the sheer volume of power the platform provided, even this inefficient method produced noticeable results.


    As I watched, something changed in the miniature sun''s behavior. Its movements became more pronounced, almost swaggering, as it swelled to nearly twice its original size. The raw power it had absorbed seemed to have gone to its head, giving it a kind of primitive consciousness ¨C or at least the spiritual equivalent of arrogance.


    "Oh dear," Azure sighed. "It appears your little sun has developed delusions of grandeur."


    The miniature sun, now bloated with absorbed energy, turned its attention to the Genesis Seed. It pulsed aggressively, sending out waves of crimson power in what seemed like a challenge. The display reminded me of a young cultivator showing off their abilities to an elder, completely unaware of the vast gulf in their actual powers.


    The Genesis Seed''s response was remarkable in its complete lack of interest. It continued its steady rhythm of energy conversion, paying about as much attention to the miniature sun as a mountain would to an ant.


    This apparent dismissal seemed to irritate the sun, which flared brightly and launched itself toward the seed in what could only be described as a spiritual tantrum.


    "This should be fun," Azure commented, his tone caught between amusement and second-hand embarrassment.


    The Genesis Seed''s reaction was swift and absolute. One moment the miniature sun was charging forward, all bluster and borrowed power. The next, with a motion that somehow conveyed both irritation and disdain, the Genesis Seed simply... swallowed the red sun core.


    For a moment, I felt the seed perform an exaggerated chewing motion, as if to emphasize just how little effort this had required. Then, with what I could only interpret as disdain, it spat the sun back out.


    The once-proud miniature sun, now drastically reduced in size and power, looked deflated as it floated limply. It retreated to the furthest corner of my inner world, trying to make itself as inconspicuous as possible.


    "Well," Azure said after a moment of silence, "I believe the hierarchy has been firmly established."


    I had to agree. The Genesis Seed had completely drained the red sun''s absorbed energy, converting it into something different than what I was used to.


    While the red sun core typically provided energy that enhanced my physical essence by around 100 points, this purified version reminded me more of spiritual qi.


    I watched the converted energy flow through my inner world, temporarily stored in the space the Genesis Seed had created. It wasn''t ideal - like trying to hold water in cupped hands rather than a proper vessel.


    "Your inner world can contain this energy for now," Azure explained, "but it''s admittedly crude. When you form your Foundational Rune, that will serve as a more suitable reservoir for this type of power. Think of it like having a proper dantian specifically designed for red sun essence."


    I nodded. It made sense - the Foundational Rune would likely provide structure and stability that my makeshift approach lacked. But for now, this would have to do.


    "The Genesis Seed just converted most of that unstable energy into something more useful. I could probably handle a higher platform now."


    "True," Azure agreed. "Though moving up would draw attention."


    I considered my options carefully. Moving to a higher platform would mean faster development of my red sun core - crucial for eventually forming a Foundation Rune, as Vayara had mentioned. But it would also make me even more conspicuous than I already was.


    "They already know I''m different," I decided. "Being cautious won''t make them forget. If they''re going to target me anyway..." I looked up at the higher platforms. "Might as well get strong enough to survive it."


    With that, I stood up, immediately drawing attention from the nearby initiates. Their whispers followed me as I made my way to one of the highest platforms in the chamber.


    The senior sister who had explained the platform system earlier noticed my movement and frowned slightly. "Initiate, meditation period is not yet¡ª" She fell silent as I stepped off my platform.


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    Steps materialized beneath my feet - another piece of the academy''s impressive formation network. "This place really does think of everything," I murmured.


    Each step took me higher, past dozens of occupied platforms where other initiates cracked their eyes open to see what was going on.


    The whispers started almost immediately.


    "Is he insane?"


    "Those platforms are for peak Rank 1 cultivators..."


    "He''ll burn out his core!"


    I ignored them, focusing instead on maintaining my balance as I climbed. The red sun''s energy grew noticeably stronger with each tier I passed, but the Genesis Seed handled the increase without difficulty. Finally, I reached the highest occupied platform level ¨C nearly twice as high as my original position.


    The moment I settled into meditation position, I felt the difference. The red sun''s power here was incredibly concentrated, pouring into my spiritual core like a crimson waterfall.


    "The platforms appear to be arranged in a logarithmic progression,¡± Azure explained. ¡°The energy density at this height is at least eight times greater than your previous position."


    The miniature sun, seemingly recovered from its earlier humbling, began cautiously absorbing the enhanced flow of energy.


    "Don''t get cocky this time," I thought at it, though I doubted the construct could actually hear me.


    Sure enough, as more energy accumulated, the sphere began to swell again. Its previous lesson apparently forgotten, it once more grew proud and aggressive. When it reached what it clearly thought was sufficient size, it turned its attention back to the Genesis Seed.


    I could almost hear Azure sighing.


    The confrontation played out almost exactly as before. The red sun core, drunk on its temporary power, challenged the Genesis Seed. The seed, apparently even less impressed this time, simply devoured it, processed the energy, and spat out the depleted remains.


    I retracted my spiritual sense from my inner world and noticed that the whispers around me had only grown more intense.


    "He''s not even using proper resonance techniques..."


    "Look at his energy signature - no runes at all!"


    "I heard Elder Molric took him as a direct disciple..."


    "The Natural everyone''s talking about?"


    The senior sister had given up trying to warn me, though I could feel her watching intently. Her expression mixed concern with fascination, probably wondering how an initiate with no proper training could handle such concentrated power.


    "If she only knew," Azure mused. "The Genesis Seed is doing most of the work. Without it..."


    "I''d probably be crystallizing like those failures in the garden," I agreed. It was a sobering thought. The World Tree Sutra''s protection was the only thing keeping me sane in this madhouse of a cultivation system.


    Hours passed in this pattern. The red sun core would gorge itself on power, challenge the Genesis Seed, get thoroughly humbled, and start the cycle again. Each iteration left me with a bigger storage of pure red sun energy.


    When the bell finally rang to end meditation, I opened my eyes to find nearly every gaze in the chamber focused on me. The whispers had evolved into a constant murmur, despite the senior disciples'' attempts to maintain silence.


    As I descended to rejoin the lines, the senior sister who''d first guided me approached.


    "That was... impressive," she said carefully. "And concerning. No one should be able to handle that level of resonance without proper runic foundations."


    I bowed politely. "The crimson light illuminates all paths, Senior Sister. As the ancient saying goes - a drop of water finds its own level, just as resonance finds its natural vessel."


    It was complete nonsense of course - I''d made up that "ancient saying" on the spot. But in my experience, most would rather accept a flowery non-answer that sounded profound than admit they didn''t understand something.


    To my surprise, her eyes widened. "The crimson light... yes, of course! Just as water shapes itself to any container, resonance must..." she trailed off, lost in thought.


    "I can''t believe that actually worked," I thought to Azure as she walked away, still muttering to herself about water and vessels.


    "Sometimes, Master," Azure replied dryly, "the most effective nonsense is the kind that lets others find their own profound meanings."


    As we filed out of the meditation hall, I could hear her excitedly explaining her "insight" to another senior disciple. Something about natural resonance patterns and fluid dynamics that had absolutely nothing to do with what I''d said.


    "I should probably feel bad about that¡­¡±


    "Who knows?" Azure replied. "Perhaps you''ll accidentally trigger her breakthrough. It wouldn''t be the first time in history that profound insights came from misinterpreted nonsense."


    Our conversation was interrupted when the boy who''d tried to talk to me earlier fell into step beside me. Despite the rules about silence, he couldn''t seem to help himself.


    "That was amazing," he whispered. "I''ve never seen anyone go straight to the top platforms before. How did you-"


    A sharp crack interrupted him as a discipline whip struck the ground near our feet.


    "Silence in the lines!" The senior disciple''s voice held genuine anger now. "Next violation earns physical correction!"


    The boy paled and snapped back to proper posture. I did the same, though my mind was already racing ahead to tomorrow''s lessons. If my crude method was drawing this much attention already, I''d need to learn proper resonance techniques quickly.


    "At least the Genesis Seed seems up to the task," I thought.


    "For now," Azure agreed. "But we should probably learn the proper foundations before someone decides to ''help'' by forcibly inscribing runes on you."


    Given what I''d seen of this place so far, that was a disturbingly plausible concern.

 Chapter 51: Studying

    The wooden door creaked open to reveal my new quarters in the lesser spire, and I couldn''t help but let out a small sigh. After the grandeur of the academy''s exterior ¨C all gleaming crystal and impossible architecture ¨C the reality of an initiate''s accommodations was decidedly... plain.


    A narrow bed that could have been carved from stone occupied one corner, its thin worn-out mattress not promising any comfort. The simple wooden desk beneath the window looked sturdy enough, though the chair beside it wobbled slightly when I tested it.


    At least the view was impressive ¨C the window stretched nearly from floor to ceiling, offering a dizzying vista of clouds drifting far below the floating citadel.


    "I''m just glad it''s private," I murmured, thinking of the barely-concealed madness I''d seen in the other initiates'' eyes. Better a cramped room than sharing space with one of those sociopaths.


    I set down the intimidating stack of books the quartermaster had given me on the desk with a large thud. The room was barely large enough for one person, but it would do the job.


    "And secure," Azure added. "I''m detecting multiple protective formations built into the walls. Though whether they''re meant to keep threats out or keep students in..."


    "Probably both." I replied as I ran my fingers along one wall, feeling the subtle warmth emanating from it. "The heating formation alone must be essential up here. I can''t imagine how cold it gets at this altitude."


    "The ambient temperature at this elevation would be lethal without protection," Azure stated matter-of-factly. "The air pressure alone would¡ª"


    "Right, thanks Azure," I cut him off with a small cough. Sometimes I forgot that my casual observations tended to trigger his analytical side. "Well, we''d better get started. Elder Molric expects us to understand the basics by tomorrow."


    As I sat down, I looked down at the first book, it was bound in dark leather and its title embossed in silver: "Fundamental Principles of Resonance and Runic Theory."


    Opening it carefully, I began to read:


    "Resonance is the fundamental principle that governs all power within our realm. Unlike crude physical forces, resonance represents the harmony between practitioner and celestial energy. The red sun''s power does not submit to mortal will ¨C it must be understood, respected, and guided through proper resonant frequencies..."


    "Interesting," Azure interrupted. "It''s similar to how cultivation methods emphasize harmony with natural laws, but they seem much more focused on this specific energy source."


    I nodded, continuing to read: "Through proper runic inscriptions, practitioners create stable resonant patterns that allow them to channel and direct the red sun''s power. Each rune acts as both a focus point and a stabilizing influence, preventing the raw energy from overwhelming the practitioner''s physical and mental capabilities..."


    "That''s definitely different from our meridians," I murmured. "We cultivate our bodies to naturally contain and process qi. They''re using external tools to achieve similar results."


    "Not entirely external," Azure corrected. "The runes seem to become part of their being once inscribed. It''s more like... permanent cultivation formations tattooed into their essence."


    I was about to respond when the next section made me pause.


    Warning: Attempting to establish resonance without proper runic stabilization typically results in uncontrolled transformation or death. The few recorded exceptions (Natural Vessels) are considered anomalies and should not be used as precedent for normal training methods."


    "They really want to hammer home that point about runes being necessary," I mused. "Makes me wonder how many people died trying to skip that step."


    "The emphasis is warranted," Azure replied. "Their system seems to lack the gradual conditioning that cultivation provides. Without proper foundations, the energy would be far too volatile for most to handle."


    "Well, they need to try harder," I muttered, remembering Vayara''s casual disregard for human life. "More than half the initiates I''ve seen look one bad day away from massacring a village."


    I then flipped through several more pages to find technical diagrams showing proper rune placement and energy flow patterns. The similarities to cultivation were striking, but there were crucial differences.


    "Look at this," I said, pointing to a particular passage:


    "Unlike primitive energy manipulation methods that rely on slowly expanding one''s capacity, proper resonance allows practitioners to immediately access higher levels of power through careful runic regulation. This is what enables the Skybound to achieve their signature ability ¨C unassisted flight ¨C as early as the second rank."


    "Huh. That explains how Vayara was flying around so casually," I said, thinking back to her descending on the village. "She can''t be past Elemental Realm in terms of pure power, but she was moving through the air like a Stellar Realm cultivator."


    "Yes," Azure confirmed. "Most cultivators spend hundreds or even thousands of years trying to reach the Stellar Realm just to achieve what these practitioners can do at their second rank. Though I suspect there are significant trade-offs for such rapid advancement."


    After completing the first book, we moved onto the next, this one was titled "Ascension: A History of the Skybound Orders."


    Its opening chapters were... interesting:


    "The term ''Skybound'' originates from the earliest days of our order, when the first practitioners discovered that proper resonance with the red sun naturally drew them skyward. This was taken as a divine sign ¨C those worthy of the crimson light''s blessing would be lifted above the common masses, closer to their celestial benefactor.


    The nine ranks of the Skybound reflect the nine celestial spheres through which an initiate must pass to achieve true enlightenment. Each rank brings the practitioner closer to perfect resonance with the red sun''s will, until at the ninth rank, they achieve direct communion with the celestial power itself."


    "Rather grandiose, isn''t it?" I commented.


    "Most powerful sects have similar origin stories," Azure replied. "Though I noticed that they don''t mention anything about transcending to godhood or creating universes."


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    "Exactly," I said, thinking about what I knew of cultivation. "Their ultimate goal seems to be communion with the red sun, not surpassing it. It''s like they''re deliberately limiting themselves."


    After finishing the history book, I turned to the third book, "Crafting Your Fundamental Rune.¡±


    Unlike the dense theoretical works before it, this one was filled with practical diagrams and step-by-step instructions. I leaned forward in my chair, suddenly much more alert ¨C this was the knowledge we''d actually need to use.


    "Now this is more like it," I muttered, opening to the first chapter:


    "The design of one''s Fundamental Rune is perhaps the most crucial decision an initiate will make. This pattern will serve as the foundation for all future advancement, influencing everything from elemental affinity to technique compatibility.


    While the basic structure must follow certain universal principles to maintain stability, the specific imagery incorporated into the design shapes the practitioner''s path.


    Common motifs include:


    <ul>


    <li>Flames: Enhances fire affinity and aggressive techniques</li>


    <li>Waves: Promotes fluid energy movement and water manipulation</li>


    <li>Mountains: Strengthens defensive capabilities and earth attunement</li>


    <li>Lightning Bolts: Increases speed and electrical conductivity</li>


    <li>Leaves/Vines: Improves life force manipulation and growth techniques"</li>


    </ul>


    I studied each example diagram carefully, noting how the basic runic structure could be modified to incorporate these different elements. The flame designs were all sharp angles and upward spirals, while the wave patterns flowed in graceful curves. Each variation seemed to channel the red sun''s power in subtly different ways.


    "A tree design would make sense," I said, tracing one of the leaf patterns with my finger. "It aligns perfectly with the Genesis Seed, and Elder Molric clearly understands how to work with wood-element runes. Having a master who''s already walked this path...that kind of guidance could definitely speed up the process."


    "A good choice," Azure agreed. "The Genesis Seed processes energy in patterns similar to these botanical designs. We can base the design of the Fundamental Rune on one of them."


    Flipping the page, I found what we''d been looking for, a chapter titled "The Forging of the Fundamental Rune."


    "To create your Fundamental Rune:


    <ul>


    <li>Achieve deep meditation state</li>


    <li>Allow the red sun''s power to flow naturally through your body</li>


    <li>Observe the natural patterns it creates</li>


    <li>Using blood and essence, trace these patterns while incorporating your chosen design</li>


    <li>When the pattern stabilizes, imprint it upon your chosen location (typically the forehead) WARNING: This process cannot be reversed. Choose your design carefully."</li>


    </ul>


    "That''s the problem," I sighed, closing the book. "If I imprint it on this body, the power stays here when I return, which would defeat the purpose of this trip.¡±


    "Look in your inner world," Azure suggested, and I recognized that subtle shift in his voice that meant he''d figured something out. "I''ve noticed something interesting."


    Curious, I closed my eyes and turned my attention inward to my inner world.


    The Genesis Seed was there as always, but as I watched more closely, I noticed what Azure had spotted ¨C the red sun''s energy that the seed had purified wasn''t just sitting there anymore. It was moving, flowing into strange configurations before breaking apart, like it was trying to form patterns but couldn''t quite hold them.


    "It''s attempting to create a Fundamental Rune on its own?" I asked, fascinated.


    "Not exactly," Azure explained. "It''s more like... the energy naturally wants to form these patterns, but lacks the proper framework. If we learn the correct method here..."


    "We could create a Fundamental Rune directly in the inner world," I finished, excitement building. "One that would stay with us when we return."


    "Precisely. Though I suspect it will be significantly more difficult than the standard method."


    I nodded, turning back to study the diagrams more carefully. "Then we''d better understand exactly how this works."


    Hours passed as I pored over the books, taking careful notes on resonance theory and runic principles. The red sun''s light faded to a dim glow, replaced by the steadier illumination of the blue sun. My eyes grew heavy, but I forced myself to continue ¨C there was too much to learn, and too little time.


    "Master," Azure interrupted my reading sometime later, "you should rest. It will be dawn soon, and these texts suggest that the first day of training will be particularly demanding."


    I glanced at the stack of books I''d barely started. "How long was I reading?"


    "Approximately six hours. The red sun has set, and the blue sun will rise soon."


    I rubbed my eyes, feeling the strain of the day catching up with me. Between the flight, the elder council, meditation, and studying, I''d pushed this mortal body to its limits.


    "Can you add these books to your database while I sleep? We might need to reference them later."


    "I''ll analyze and index them thoroughly."


    "Okay, I¡¯ll get some rest then," I sighed, moving to the small bed. "Wake me before dawn?"


    "Of course, Master."


    I lay down on the thin mattress, not bothering to change out of my new robes. They were uncomfortable, but I was too tired to care.


    Yet even as exhaustion pulled at me, my mind wouldn''t stop turning over everything we''d learned. The Skybound system was fascinating ¨C more limited than cultivation in some ways, but with unique advantages we might be able to exploit. If we could successfully create a Fundamental Rune in my inner world...


    "Rest," Azure cut through my messy thoughts. "You can theorize about breaking their system tomorrow."


    I closed my eyes, knowing he was right. But as sleep finally began to take hold, one last thought drifted through my mind:


    "I really hope Elder Molric isn''t the ''experiments on his students'' type of unorthodox master..."

 Chapter 52: Experiment Forty-Seven

    The blue sun''s light was just beginning to creep through my window when Azure gently roused me from sleep. I groaned, every muscle protesting as I forced myself upright. The thin mattress had done nothing to help my already exhausted body recover.


    "Are you sure I can¡¯t get a few more minutes of sleep?" I groaned, rubbing my eyes.


    "Elder Molric''s instructions were quite specific about arriving at dawn," Azure reminded me. "And given his... eccentric nature, it would be unwise to test his patience so early in our apprenticeship."


    I couldn''t argue with that logic. After quickly freshening up and adjusting my new robes (which were somehow more comfortable after sleeping in them), I left my room to enter the main corridor.


    The academy was active even at this early hour. Initiates hurried past with haunted expressions, many clutching books or practice materials. None of them met my eyes ¨C whether out of fear, jealousy, or simple survival instinct, I couldn''t tell.


    "Any idea where Elder Molric''s chambers are?"


    "The quartermaster included a map with your materials,¡± Azure replied. ¡°His laboratory is in the eastern spire, near the apex."


    Of course it was. Because why wouldn''t the eccentric hermit have his sanctuary in the highest, most isolated part of the floating citadel?


    Finding the right tower was easy enough. Unlike the main spires with their pristine crystal architecture, this one had been overtaken by twisted plants wrapping around it like a mother caressing her chid.


    After walking up the never-ending flights of stairs, I stood before a heavy wooden door, noting how it seemed to be the only non-crystal surface in the entire corridor.


    "Enter," came the elder''s voice before I could knock.


    I pushed open the door and stepped into... exactly the kind of chaos I''d expected from an obsessed researcher.


    Every surface was covered with specimens ¨C plants in various stages of transformation, and what looked suspiciously like preserved body parts floating in jars of crimson liquid.


    The laboratory itself was massive, easily ten times the size of my tiny room. Multiple workstations were scattered throughout, each dedicated to different experiments. The walls were lined with shelves containing hundreds of books and scrolls, many looking ancient enough to crumble at a touch.


    And in the center of it all was Elder Molric, bent over a simple potted plant. His fingers traced patterns in the air, guiding threads of red energy that wove through the plant''s structure like embroidery.


    "Watch carefully," he said without looking up. "This is attempt number forty-seven at teaching plants to inscribe their own runes."


    I moved closer, unable to hide my interest. The plant''s stem was writhing, its surface rippling as if something was trying to push through from within. Then I saw it - patterns forming in the bark, crude but unmistakable runic shapes emerging like a child''s first attempt at writing.


    "The theory is sound," Elder Molric muttered, more to himself than to me. "If living things can be taught to generate their own stabilizing runes, the applications would be..." He trailed off as the patterns grew more complex, spreading across the plant''s surface like frost on a window.


    For a moment, it looked like it might actually work. The runes were almost complete, taking on that familiar silvery sheen I''d seen on other Skybound markings. But then something shifted - the patterns began to blur, running together like wet ink. The plant started vibrating, its glow intensifying from silver to angry red.


    "Ah," Elder Molric said with surprising calm. "Perhaps a bit too much resonance this time."


    The plant exploded in a shower of crystalline shards, forcing me to duck behind a nearby workbench. When I peeked out, there was nothing left but glittering dust and a cracked pot.


    Elder Molric sighed, brushing fragments off his robes. "And that would be failure number forty-seven. Though..." he picked up a larger shard, studying it with interest, "this one managed to maintain the runic structure for almost three seconds longer than attempt forty-six. Progress!"


    "The runes looked almost stable at the end there," I said, standing back up. "Why did it fail?"


    His eyes lit up at my question. "The living tissue begins to accept the runic patterns, but then..." He caught himself mid-gesture, remembering why I was there. "But that''s a discussion for another time. First, we should address your training."


    Moving to a clearer workbench, he began organizing some papers. "The academy has mandatory lessons for initiates ¨C resonance theory, runic basics, meditation techniques. They take up most of the day." He glanced at me. "As my direct disciple, you''re not required to attend these sessions. I expect you to master the basics on your own time, either through self-study or by attending whichever lessons you feel necessary."


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    I nodded, already planning to sit in on at least a few classes, if not in this cycle than a future one. "I understand, Master."


    "Good. Now then..." He turned to face me fully. "Let''s see if you completed your assignment. What are the three fundamental principles of resonance?"


    "Harmony, stability, and progression," I answered. This had been in the first chapter. "Harmony refers to the alignment between practitioner and celestial energy. Stability is maintained through proper runic foundations. Progression represents the natural evolution of one''s resonance as they advance through the ranks."


    He nodded. "And the five primary runic configurations?"


    "Circular for containment, spiral for transformation, linear for direction, branching for distribution, and..." I hesitated for a fraction of a second.


    "Triangular for focusing," Azure whispered in my mind.


    "Triangular for focusing," I finished smoothly.


    The questions continued, growing more complex. We moved into material from books I hadn''t had time to read, but Azure fed me the answers from his analysis. Elder Molric''s eyebrows rose slightly as I correctly described advanced runic theory that should have been well beyond my current level.


    Finally, he held up a hand. "Enough. Your grasp of the theoretical framework is... acceptable."


    Before I could respond, his expression shifted, and he launched into what I could only describe as a rant.


    "But you know what''s truly fascinating? The fundamental flaw in all these texts!" He began pacing, his movements growing more animated. "They all preach submission to the red sun''s power, as if that''s the only path! ''Submit to the crimson light,'' they say. ''Let it guide you to enlightenment.'' Nonsense!"


    He whirled to face me, his eyes burning with intensity. "Why should we submit to just one celestial power when two exist in our sky? The red sun may drive transformation, yes, but the blue sun..." He gestured excitedly. "The blue sun provides stability! Balance! The key to true transcendence isn''t submission to one force, it''s harmony between both!"


    I fought back a sigh. Azure had been right ¨C we hadn''t even made it to chapter three before the heterodox master revealed his controversial theories. Still... he wasn''t entirely wrong.


    While I''d experienced the red sun''s power firsthand - its ability to enhance physical capabilities and drive mutations - the blue sun remained a mystery. I''d seen it in the sky, felt its gentler light, but had no idea what powers it might grant. The books I''d read barely mentioned it, focusing almost exclusively on the red sun''s influence.


    If there were any way to break the boundaries of what is possible in this realm, it was likely linked to the combined power of the Two Suns.


    "The Skybound do seem to artificially limit themselves," I said carefully. "Even their name implies restriction ¨C bound to the sky rather than truly free."


    "Exactly!" He slammed his hand down on a workbench, causing several specimens to rattle alarmingly. "My research suggests that by properly combining both celestial energies, we could achieve something unprecedented. Imagine ¨C the transformative power of the red sun tempered by the blue sun''s stability. Perfect balance, perfect control!"


    He was practically vibrating with enthusiasm now, pulling out diagrams and research notes. "Look here ¨C my early experiments show that plant life can be modified to process both energies simultaneously. The failures are numerous, yes, but each one brings us closer to understanding the true nature of celestial power!"


    His voice dropped to a whisper. "The other elders call it heresy, of course. They''re too invested in the old ways, too afraid to question traditional teachings. But you..." He studied me intently. "You''re different. A Natural who can channel the red sun''s power without runes ¨C you''re already proof that the orthodox path isn''t the only way."


    I realized then why he''d accepted me as a disciple so quickly. To him, I wasn''t just a student ¨C I was validation of his theories. Living proof that the traditional understanding of celestial power might be wrong.


    Seeming to realize how carried away he''d gotten, Elder Molric coughed and straightened his robes. "But... that''s just something to consider. For now, show me how you manipulate the red sun''s energy without runic stabilization."

 Chapter 52: Experiment Forty-Seven

    The blue sun''s light was just beginning to creep through my window when Azure gently roused me from sleep. I groaned, every muscle protesting as I forced myself upright. The thin mattress had done nothing to help my already exhausted body recover.


    "Are you sure I can¡¯t get a few more minutes of sleep?" I groaned, rubbing my eyes.


    "Elder Molric''s instructions were quite specific about arriving at dawn," Azure reminded me. "And given his... eccentric nature, it would be unwise to test his patience so early in our apprenticeship."


    I couldn''t argue with that logic. After quickly freshening up and adjusting my new robes (which were somehow more comfortable after sleeping in them), I left my room to enter the main corridor.


    The academy was active even at this early hour. Initiates hurried past with haunted expressions, many clutching books or practice materials. None of them met my eyes ¨C whether out of fear, jealousy, or simple survival instinct, I couldn''t tell.


    "Any idea where Elder Molric''s chambers are?"


    "The quartermaster included a map with your materials,¡± Azure replied. ¡°His laboratory is in the eastern spire, near the apex."


    Of course it was. Because why wouldn''t the eccentric hermit have his sanctuary in the highest, most isolated part of the floating citadel?


    Finding the right tower was easy enough. Unlike the main spires with their pristine crystal architecture, this one had been overtaken by twisted plants wrapping around it like a mother caressing her child.


    After walking up the never-ending flights of stairs, I stood before a heavy wooden door, noting how it seemed to be the only non-crystal surface in the entire corridor.


    "Enter," came the elder''s voice before I could knock.


    I pushed open the door and stepped into... exactly the kind of chaos I''d expected from an obsessed researcher.


    Every surface was covered with specimens ¨C plants in various stages of transformation, and what looked suspiciously like preserved body parts floating in jars of crimson liquid.


    The laboratory itself was massive, easily ten times the size of my tiny room. Multiple workstations were scattered throughout, each dedicated to different experiments. The walls were lined with shelves containing hundreds of books and scrolls, many looking ancient enough to crumble at a touch.


    And in the center of it all was Elder Molric, bent over a simple potted plant. His fingers traced patterns in the air, guiding threads of red energy that wove through the plant''s structure like embroidery.


    "Watch carefully," he said without looking up. "This is attempt number forty-seven at teaching plants to inscribe their own runes."


    I moved closer, unable to hide my interest. The plant''s stem was writhing, its surface rippling as if something was trying to push through from within. Then I saw it - patterns forming in the bark, crude but unmistakable runic shapes emerging like a child''s first attempt at writing.


    "The theory is sound," Elder Molric muttered, more to himself than to me. "If living things can be taught to generate their own stabilizing runes, the applications would be..." He trailed off as the patterns grew more complex, spreading across the plant''s surface like frost on a window.


    For a moment, it looked like it might actually work. The runes were almost complete, taking on that familiar silvery sheen I''d seen on other Skybound markings. But then something shifted - the patterns began to blur, running together like wet ink. The plant started vibrating, its glow intensifying from silver to angry red.


    "Ah," Elder Molric said with surprising calm. "Perhaps a bit too much resonance this time."


    The plant exploded in a shower of crystalline shards, forcing me to duck behind a nearby workbench. When I peeked out, there was nothing left but glittering dust and a cracked pot.


    Elder Molric sighed, brushing fragments off his robes. "And that would be failure number forty-seven. Though..." he picked up a larger shard, studying it with interest, "this one managed to maintain the runic structure for almost three seconds longer than attempt forty-six. Progress!"


    "The runes looked almost stable at the end there," I said, standing back up. "Why did it fail?"


    His eyes lit up at my question. "The living tissue begins to accept the runic patterns, but then..." He caught himself mid-gesture, remembering why I was there. "But that''s a discussion for another time. First, we should address your training."


    Moving to a clearer workbench, he began organizing some papers. "The academy has mandatory lessons for initiates ¨C resonance theory, runic basics, meditation techniques. They take up most of the day." He glanced at me. "As my direct disciple, you''re not required to attend these sessions. I expect you to master the basics on your own time, either through self-study or by attending whichever lessons you feel necessary."


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    I nodded, already planning to sit in on at least a few classes, if not in this cycle then a future one. "I understand, Master."


    "Good. Now then..." He turned to face me fully. "Let''s see if you completed your assignment. What are the three fundamental principles of resonance?"


    "Harmony, stability, and progression," I answered. This had been in the first chapter. "Harmony refers to the alignment between practitioner and celestial energy. Stability is maintained through proper runic foundations. Progression represents the natural evolution of one''s resonance as they advance through the ranks."


    He nodded. "And the five primary runic configurations?"


    "Circular for containment, spiral for transformation, linear for direction, branching for distribution, and..." I hesitated for a fraction of a second.


    "Triangular for focusing," Azure whispered in my mind.


    "Triangular for focusing," I finished smoothly.


    The questions continued, growing more complex. We moved into material from books I hadn''t had time to read, but Azure fed me the answers from his analysis. Elder Molric''s eyebrows rose slightly as I correctly described advanced runic theory that should have been well beyond my current level.


    Finally, he held up a hand. "Enough. Your grasp of the theoretical framework is... acceptable."


    Before I could respond, his expression shifted, and he launched into what I could only describe as a rant.


    "But you know what''s truly fascinating? The fundamental flaw in all these texts!" He began pacing, his movements growing more animated. "They all preach submission to the red sun''s power, as if that''s the only path! ''Submit to the crimson light,'' they say. ''Let it guide you to enlightenment.'' Nonsense!"


    He whirled to face me, his eyes burning with intensity. "Why should we submit to just one celestial power when two exist in our sky? The red sun may drive transformation, yes, but the blue sun..." He gestured excitedly. "The blue sun provides stability! Balance! The key to true transcendence isn''t submission to one force, it''s harmony between both!"


    I fought back a sigh. Azure had been right ¨C we hadn''t even made it to chapter three before the heterodox master revealed his controversial theories. Still... he wasn''t entirely wrong.


    While I''d experienced the red sun''s power firsthand - its ability to enhance physical capabilities and drive mutations - the blue sun remained a mystery. I''d seen it in the sky, felt its gentler light, but had no idea what powers it might grant. The books I''d read barely mentioned it, focusing almost exclusively on the red sun''s influence.


    If there were any way to break the boundaries of what is possible in this realm, it was likely linked to the combined power of the Two Suns.


    "The Skybound do seem to artificially limit themselves," I said carefully. "Even their name implies restriction ¨C bound to the sky rather than truly free."


    "Exactly!" He slammed his hand down on a workbench, causing several specimens to rattle alarmingly. "My research suggests that by properly combining both celestial energies, we could achieve something unprecedented. Imagine ¨C the transformative power of the red sun tempered by the blue sun''s stability. Perfect balance, perfect control!"


    He was practically vibrating with enthusiasm now, pulling out diagrams and research notes. "Look here ¨C my early experiments show that plant life can be modified to process both energies simultaneously. The failures are numerous, yes, but each one brings us closer to understanding the true nature of celestial power!"


    His voice dropped to a whisper. "The other elders call it heresy, of course. They''re too invested in the old ways, too afraid to question traditional teachings. But you..." He studied me intently. "You''re different. Since you''re a Natural who can channel the red sun''s power without runes ¨C you''re already proof that the orthodox path isn''t the only way."


    It was then that I realized why he''d accepted me as a disciple so quickly. To him, I wasn''t just a student ¨C I was validation of his views. Living proof that the traditional understanding of celestial power might actually be wrong.


    Seeming to realize how carried away he''d gotten, Elder Molric coughed and straightened his robes. "But... that''s just something to consider. For now, show me how you manipulate the red sun''s energy without runic stabilization."

 Chapter 53: Celestial Spiral

    Elder Molric stared at me with an expectant look.


    I fought back a sigh - we''d already done the whole "look at the strange Natural" show for the elder council, but I supposed he wanted a closer look.


    "He''s probably hoping to understand how you manage it," Azure commented. "The council meeting was more about verifying your existence than studying your methods."


    Made sense. His earlier experiment with living runes showed he wasn''t content with just accepting things at face value - he wanted to understand the underlying principles.


    I closed my eyes and turned my attention inward to my inner world. The miniature red sun still cowered in the corner, but its power flowed easily enough when I called.


    I guided the energy through the pathways the seed had created, feeling the familiar warmth spread through my body. Red lines traced themselves across my skin as my physical essence increased by a hundred points.


    Looking down at my arms, I couldn''t help feeling underwhelmed. Even with the boost, this body was still pathetically weak compared to my cultivator form.


    I could have used the Tri-Essence Harmony technique to convert more soul essence into physical power, but what was the point? I wasn''t here for raw strength ¨C I needed to learn how to better manipulate plants for combat.


    Besides, most Rank 1 Skybound seemed to focus entirely on physical enhancement. Even in this weakened state, my ability to manipulate elements should give me an advantage if it came to a fight. The painful process of remodeling this body''s essence ratios just wasn''t worth it.


    Though knowing how these stories usually went, I''d be shocked if some arrogant young initiate didn''t try to challenge the new ''favored disciple'' within the week.


    These worlds all seemed to follow the same scripts - and the ''young master picking a fight with the protagonist'' chapter was practically mandatory.


    Elder Molric circled me slowly, muttering to himself as he examined the red lines. "Fascinating... the pattern is similar to Sun-Touched transformation, but the mental state remains completely stable. No signs of degradation or madness..." He clapped his hands together excitedly. "The implications are extraordinary! A natural resistance to the red sun''s corrupting influence, perhaps? Or some innate ability to process the energy more efficiently?"


    I kept my expression neutral, letting him theorize. He wasn''t entirely wrong ¨C the Genesis Seed did process and purify the red sun''s power, preventing the mental corruption that seemed to plague others. But I couldn''t exactly tell him that.


    After about a minute, I felt the familiar drain and let the transformation fade. The red lines receded, leaving my skin unmarked.


    "I hear you can manipulate plants directly," Elder Molric said, gesturing to a potted specimen on a nearby workbench. "Show me."


    I approached the plant carefully, aware that this was as much of a test as it was a demonstration. The vine looked ordinary enough ¨C green leaves, thin stems, nothing obviously altered by the red sun''s influence. Yet.


    "Master," Azure whispered in my mind, "remember to focus on the purified essence from the Genesis Seed. Raw red sun energy might be too volatile."


    He was right. I reached into my inner world, drawing not from the crimson core directly, but from the refined energy the Genesis Seed had processed.


    I extended my hand toward the vine, letting the energy reach out like gentle fingers. The plant responded immediately ¨C almost too eagerly.


    The vine''s leaves developed a crystalline sheen, its stem thickening and developing what looked suspiciously like muscle fibers. The main stem curled and uncurled like a tail, while smaller vines reached out toward me like seeking tendrils.


    It then began rubbing against my hand exactly like an affectionate cat, its metallic leaves somehow managing to feel soft rather than sharp.


    Elder Molric watched whilst muttering notes to himself that I couldn''t quite catch. Finally, he asked, "The transformation is complete, yet the specimen shows no signs of aggressive behavior. Did you will it to behave this way?"


    "No, Master. This just... happens whenever my energy touches plants. They transform and seem to recognize me as..." I hesitated, not wanting to say ''master'' since that might raise questions.


    "As a friend," I finished lamely.


    "Fascinating!" He closed his journal with a sharp snap. "Now, watch carefully." He approached another plant ¨C this one looked like a small bush with delicate purple flowers. Moving his hands in precise patterns, he channeled red sun energy through a series of runes that appeared in the air around his fingers.


    The bush responded to his power, growing and reshaping itself according to his will, but it didn''t undergo the dramatic transformation I''d caused. No demonic features, no apparent sentience ¨C just controlled manipulation of its natural form.


    "You see?" he said, directing the bush to weave its branches into a complex lattice. "With proper runic control, we can guide growth without triggering transformation. Much more... subtle."


    "The runes act as filters," Azure explained in my mind. "They structure the energy in ways that suppress its transformative aspects while enhancing its ability to influence natural growth patterns."


    I nodded, thinking how useful that would be back in the sect. The ability to use the red sun''s energy without creating demon plants would definitely help avoid awkward questions. No need to explain why every plant I touched started trying to eat people.


    "Your turn," Elder Molric said. "Try to manipulate the plant without causing a transformation."


    I took a deep breath and reached out again, trying to mimic the way he had channeled the energy. Without runes it was harder, but I attempted to use the Genesis Seed''s natural filtering ability to achieve the same effect.


    For a moment, it seemed to work. The plant grew larger, its leaves becoming more vibrant. But then the familiar crystalline sheen began creeping across its surface, and within seconds I had another affectionate demon plant trying to nuzzle my hand.


    "A good first attempt," Elder Molric said, though I noticed he was writing even more notes. He looked up suddenly, staring at me with intensity that made me want to step back. "Would you be willing to participate in some experiments? Nothing dangerous, of course! Just some simple tests to better understand your unique relationship with celestial energy and their effects on different plants."


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    And there it was ¨C the mad scientist coming out. Still, I needed his knowledge...


    "Maybe sometime in the future, Master," I said carefully, though I had no intentions of following through with that. "I think we should focus on basic training first?"


    He blinked, then laughed. "Ah yes, of course! Forgive my enthusiasm ¨C it''s rare to find such an interesting subject... er, student." Moving to a different workbench, he began gathering materials. "For now, we should focus on something more fundamental." He smiled slightly at his own pun. "Specifically, your Fundamental Rune."


    I perked up at this. After all my reading last night, I was eager to create my first rune.


    "Now, there''s some debate about optimal placement,¡± Elder Molric started. ¡°Traditionalists insist on the forehead - they believe being closer to the red sun increases power. Others prefer the heart, arguing that centralizing the rune provides better energy distribution." He gestured to his chest. "I fall into the latter camp, though both approaches have merit."


    That was a relief. I''d been worried about having to walk around with an obvious rune on my forehead like Vayara. "The heart seems more practical.¡±


    Elder Molric nodded approvingly and opened his robes enough to reveal his own Fundamental Rune.


    I leaned forward to take a closer look. The design was incredibly complex - a central tree motif whose branches formed intricate geometric patterns. The whole thing seemed to ripple slightly, as if the wood itself was growing and shifting beneath his skin.


    "Have you given any thought to your design?" he asked, re-fastening his robes.


    "Wood-based," I replied immediately. No point pretending I was considering other options.


    He smiled approvingly. "Good. I had to ask ¨C you''d be amazed how many initiates make completely illogical choices about their fundamental nature."


    "Yeah, probably because the red sun is slowly driving them all insane," I thought, keeping that comment to myself.


    "Wood-based Fundamental Runes typically fall into several categories," he continued, pulling out a scroll and spreading it across a workbench. "Tree designs emphasize growth and adaptation. Vine patterns excel at energy distribution. Root systems promote stability and resource gathering. Leaf motifs enhance sensitivity and control." He pointed to different examples as he spoke. "Some try to incorporate multiple aspects, but that requires perfect balance in the initial design."


    The scroll showed dozens of variations, each more intricate than the last. "The original design is crucial because while you can add to it as you advance in rank, you can never change the base pattern," he explained. "Many promising initiates have crippled their advancement by choosing poorly."


    I studied the examples carefully. "I''m thinking a tree design," I said finally. "The branches would provide natural paths for future additions, and it seems the most versatile."


    "Good reasoning. Though I should ask - are you interested in incorporating elements beyond pure wood energy?"


    "Is that possible?" I asked, though Azure had already noticed several multi-element examples on the scroll.


    Elder Molric nodded. "Possible, yes. Advisable? That depends entirely on your ability to maintain perfect balance. Without it, trying to juggle multiple elements becomes more of a crutch than an advantage."


    "Master," Azure chimed in, "I''m seeing several symbols that naturally promote balance - the golden ratio spiral, the Fibonacci sequence expressed through branch patterns, even simple yin-yang motifs could work."


    I nodded slowly. "What about incorporating balancing elements into the design itself? Using natural patterns that promote harmony?"


    Elder Molric''s eyebrows rose slightly. "Now that''s an interesting approach. Most initiates who attempt multiple elements try to brute force the balance through sheer power." He pulled out another scroll, this one covered in mathematical diagrams. "Natural patterns do have inherent stability. For example..."


    We spent the next hour discussing different options, with Elder Molric becoming increasingly animated as we delved into the theoretical aspects. His earlier rant about combining the two suns'' power seemed to have been forgotten, though I noticed he paid special attention whenever I mentioned concepts of balance and harmony.


    Finally, he straightened up and fixed me with a serious look. "You know the method, of course. Achieve meditation, let the power flow naturally, observe its patterns, use blood and essence to trace the design, then make the final imprint." His expression grew grave. "And remember - this cannot be undone. Choose carefully."


    I took a deep breath, considering my response carefully. After hours of study and discussion, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to create.


    "I want to incorporate the Celestial Spiral," I said, using the Skybound term for what I knew as the fibonacci spiral. "The main trunk will follow its curve, with branches extending at key points to form natural energy pathways." I gestured as I spoke, tracing the pattern in the air to demonstrate. "Each branch will terminate in a leaf motif, positioned to create perfect resonance with the trunk''s curve."


    Elder Molric''s eyes lit up. "Ah, the Celestial Spiral - the pattern we see in everything from storm clouds to growing vines. The rays of the red sun itself traces it across our sky." He stroked his chin. "An ambitious choice. Most initiates opt for simpler patterns."


    "The Celestial Spiral appears naturally in plant growth," I replied. "If we''re working with wood energy, why not use nature''s own preferred pattern?"


    "Why not indeed?" Elder Molric smiled. "Though managing the energy flow through such complex curves..." He paused, studying me. "Are you ready to begin?"


    I nodded. This was what I''d come for - the key to unlocking a new level of power that I could take back to my world.


    "I''m ready, Master."

 Chapter 54: My Fundamental Rune

    Elder Molric moved to a large cabinet in the corner of his laboratory. "Now, before we begin, let me get the practice materials." He opened the doors, revealing rows of neatly organized equipment. "Contrary to what you might have read, no one expects initiates to create their Fundamental Rune on their first attempt."


    He paused, a distant look crossing his face. "Back in my day, of course, we didn''t have all these safety measures. They just threw us in a room with a knife and told us to figure it out." He shuddered slightly. "Most of us either turned into monstrosities or exploded. The Failure Garden was much larger back then."


    "That''s... reassuring," I muttered as he gathered various items from the cabinet.


    "Oh, don''t worry!" He said cheerfully. "We''ve refined the process considerably since then. Now we only lose about one in twenty initiates during rune creation." He must have noticed my expression because he quickly added, "And those are mostly the ones who ignore their master''s instructions and try to rush things."


    I watched as he placed the equipment out on a workbench with surprising precision for someone who kept exploding plants.


    "This," he held up what looked like a silver pen with crimson inlay, "is a resonance stylus. It allows you to channel your energy in precise patterns without... well, without your arm melting off." He smiled at my expression. "Just a joke! Usually it''s only the fingers that melt."


    "Master," Azure whispered in my mind, "I don''t think he''s joking."


    "And this," Elder Molric continued, pointing to what appeared to be an ordinary potted plant with pure white leaves, "is a Blank Canvas Lily. Bred over hundreds of years specifically for rune practice. Its only purpose is to accept runic inscriptions without transforming or exploding."


    He stroked one of the white leaves almost affectionately. "The academies used to use regular plants for practice. Lost quite a few promising students that way. But these beauties..." He beamed with pride. "They''re completely stable. Well, mostly stable. Sometimes they develop consciousness and try to escape, but that''s quite rare."


    "And what do I use for the inscription?" I asked, eyeing the stylus.


    "Ah yes!" He produced a small vial of crimson liquid. "Resonance ink. Similar properties to blood but much less... permanent. Perfect for practice." He paused. "Though do try not to get any in your eyes. That batch of students took weeks to stop glowing."


    I was starting to understand why the academy had so many liability waivers.


    "I have hundreds of Blank Canvas Lilies prepared," he added, gesturing to a shelf lined with identical white plants. "Though I expect you''ll need less than thirty attempts. You seem..." he studied me thoughtfully, "unusually stable for an initiate."


    He then brought out another plant, this one with leaves that seemed to shift between crystal and organic matter. "This is a Meridian Lotus. When you''ve perfected your design, you''ll use your blood with the stylus to inscribe the final version here. Then simply press it to where you want your Fundamental Rune to manifest, and it will merge with your body."


    A thought occurred to me. "Couldn''t someone else create the rune using my blood? Someone with more experience?"


    "Everyone asks that!¡± Elder Molric laughed. ¡°But no ¨C the rune pattern must be created using your own red sun energy. Using another''s energy would make it incompatible with your body." His expression darkened. "People have tried. The results were... unfortunate."


    "How unfortunate?" I couldn''t help asking.


    "Let''s just say we had to add a new wing to the Failure Garden." He cleared his throat. "Now then, shall we begin?"


    I nodded, picking up the stylus. It felt warm in my hand, almost alive.


    "Remember," Elder Molric said, "this first attempt is just to get a feel for how your energy interacts with the resonance ink. Don''t expect too much."


    I took a deep breath and channeled my energy into the stylus. The crimson ink began to flow, responding to my will.


    "Start with the trunk," Azure suggested. "Follow the Celestial Spiral pattern we discussed."


    I touched the stylus to one of the lily''s leaves, trying to maintain steady pressure as I drew the main line. The ink spread smoothly at first, forming the beginning of the spiral. But as I tried to maintain the curve...


    "Too much energy," Azure warned, but it was too late.


    The line suddenly jagged sideways, ruining the perfect spiral. As if that wasn''t bad enough, the excess energy I''d channeled caused the ink to bubble and spread, turning my elegant design into something that looked like a child''s finger painting.


    "Ah," Elder Molric murmured, "I see you''ve discovered why we use practice plants." He pointed to the ruined lily, whose white leaves were now stained with random crimson splatters. "The resonance ink responds to both physical pressure and energy flow. Too much of either..."


    "Makes a mess," I finished, studying my failed attempt. At least it hadn''t exploded.


    "Indeed. Try using shorter strokes for the spiral. It''s easier to maintain consistent energy flow that way." He glanced at a complicated sundial near the window, "Actually, I have a class to teach." He sighed heavily. "Politics, you understand. They insist all elders must maintain some teaching duties, no matter how much valuable research time it wastes."Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "You don''t enjoy teaching?" I asked, though I could guess the answer.


    "Teaching itself isn''t the problem," he replied, gathering some materials. "It''s the curriculum. So rigid, so... limited. ''Stick to the approved techniques,'' they say. ''Don''t confuse the students with experimental theories.''" He shook his head in disgust. "As if innovation itself wasn''t born from questioning established practices!"


    As he headed for the door, still muttering about the inconvenience of teaching, I prepared another lily for my second attempt.


    "Let''s analyze what went wrong," Azure said. "The initial energy flow was stable, but you lost control trying to maintain the curve."


    I nodded, picking up the stylus again. "Shorter strokes then, like he suggested?"


    "Yes. And perhaps we could use the Genesis Seed to help regulate the energy flow."


    The second attempt went better... until I tried adding the first branch. The angle was wrong, disrupting the harmony of the spiral. The whole pattern destabilized, though at least this time the ink didn''t splatter everywhere.


    Third attempt: The trunk spiral was perfect, but the branches were too rigid, creating harsh angles that clashed with the natural flow.


    Fourth: Better branching, but the leaf motifs at the ends looked more like thorns. Definitely not the effect I was going for.


    "The problem," Azure observed during attempt number twelve, "is that we''re trying to force the pattern. Look at how plants grow naturally ¨C they don''t plan their branches, they respond to their environment."


    That sparked something. "You''re right... we''re approaching this like architects when we should be thinking like gardeners."


    The next attempt, I tried something different. Instead of planning every line, I let my energy flow more naturally, using the Genesis Seed''s instincts for plant growth. The result was... better. Not perfect, but the pattern had a more organic feel.


    "Good," Azure encouraged. "Now we just need to balance that natural flow with the mathematical precision of the Celestial Spiral."


    Hours passed as I refined the design. Each attempt taught me something new:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Attempt 15: Too much focus on symmetry made it feel artificial


    </li>


    <li>


    Attempt 17: Too little structure made it chaotic


    </li>


    <li>


    Attempt 19: Finally achieved the right balance, but the energy distribution was uneven


    </li>


    <li>


    Attempt 22: Perfect structure, but the flow was blocked at key junction points


    </li>


    </ul>


    By attempt 24, I felt it. Everything aligned ¨C the mathematical precision of the spiral, the natural flow of the branches, the perfect harmony of the leaf motifs. As I drew the final line, the entire pattern seemed to come to life.


    I sat back, studying my work. The design was beautiful in its simplicity: a central trunk following the Celestial Spiral, with branches extending at key points that corresponded to natural growth patterns. Each branch terminated in a leaf motif that echoed the spiral''s curve, creating perfect resonance throughout the entire pattern.


    "Impressive," Elder Molric''s voice made me jump. I hadn''t heard him return. "The integration of natural growth patterns with geometric precision... very elegant."


    He leaned closer, studying the pattern. "And you''ve incorporated subtle reinforcing elements here and here," he pointed to places where secondary lines strengthened the main pattern. "Very thoughtful. This design should allow for significant expansion as you advance."


    "Thank you, Master."


    "Are you ready to create the final version?"


    I nodded, though my heart was pounding. This was the moment of truth ¨C creating the pattern that would permanently mark my body.


    Well, "permanent" until I inevitably died horribly or reset the loop, but at least I''d get to keep the knowledge of how to do it right next time.


    Elder Molric handed me a small knife with a crystal blade. "Just a few drops in the ink reservoir," he said. "The resonance stylus will mix it with catalysts that make it suitable for inscription."


    I pricked my finger, letting several drops of blood fall into the stylus''s chamber. The crimson liquid swirled, taking on a subtle glow.


    "Now," Elder Molric said, placing the Meridian Lotus before me, "remember ¨C this must be perfect. Once the pattern is complete, you''ll have only moments to press it to your skin before the energy destabilizes."


    I took a deep breath, centering myself before I touched the stylus to the lotus leaf.


    This time, everything flowed perfectly. My hand moved with absolute certainty, guided by hours of practice and the Genesis Seed''s natural affinity for plant-based patterns. The blood-infused ink spread in perfect lines, each stroke exactly where it needed to be.


    As I drew the final leaf motif, the entire pattern began to glow crimson. The lines seemed to pulse in time with my heartbeat.


    "Now!" Elder Molric commanded.


    I pressed the leaf to my chest, directly over my heart. There was a moment of searing heat, then a sensation like roots spreading through my entire being. The pattern seemed to sink into my skin, becoming one with my body.


    Elder Molric released a long breath I hadn''t realized he''d been holding.


    "What was that about?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    He gave a slightly sheepish smile. "The moment of merging... it tells us whether the rune and body will accept each other or, well..." he made a small explosive gesture with his hands. "Oh, don''t worry though - the chance is extremely small, only about three percent!"


    "I thought it was a five percent chance of exploding if we didn''t follow instructions," I said. "You mean even doing everything perfectly still has a three percent chance of going wrong?"


    "Ah," Elder Molric''s smile turned slightly strained. "Well, the statistics are... complicated. But don''t worry, I would have stepped in and removed the rune before any explosion could occur. That''s why I was watching so carefully. Though it would have been quite painful for you," he added as an afterthought.


    Even though I hadn''t been in any real danger of becoming a new decoration for the Failure Garden, his attempt at reassuring me didn¡¯t make me feel much better.


    Still, there was no point dwelling on what could have happened. Instead, I turned my attention to what had actually worked. Looking down at my chest, I couldn''t help but admire what we''d created...


    The Fundamental Rune had turned out exactly as I''d hoped - a silver tree that seemed to live just beneath my skin. Its trunk curved in a graceful Fibonacci spiral, with branches sweeping outward and up, each ending in a delicate leaf pattern. The whole thing was about the size of my palm, it sat right over my heart, glowing softly like moonlight on water even at rest.


    Now I just had to figure out how to recreate this same pattern in my inner world - and without any of the specialized equipment that had made it possible here. That would be the real challenge.


    ¡°Master, the status of this body has updated,¡± Azure informed me.


    Before I could respond, Elder Molric let out a loud cough into his sleeve, pulling me from my thoughts.


    "So, how does it feel?" he asked.


    Pushing aside my curiosity about my new stats, I closed my eyes and focused on the heat radiating from the rune.


    "Like... like I''ve always had it. Like it¡¯s filling a part of me that was missing."


    "That''s exactly how it should feel," he said with a nod of approval. "Your body is already adjusting to its new foundation."


    "And what¡¯s next?" I asked.


    "Rest," he said firmly. "Let your body fully integrate with the rune. Tomorrow..." he smiled, and I felt a slight chill, "tomorrow we begin your real training."

 Chapter 55: Rank 1 Runes

    Yesterday''s exhaustion from creating the Fundamental Rune had knocked me out completely. I couldn''t remember the last time I''d slept so deeply - not since arriving in the cultivation world, at least.


    Between cultivation techniques, breathing exercises, and the constant threat that someone might try to kill you for your resources, proper sleep wasn''t exactly a common luxury for cultivators, even if you did have someone like Azure watching your back.


    But today, I woke up feeling strangely light, as if this world¡¯s gravity had loosened its hold on me. The sensation was subtle but unmistakable - this body felt less... mortal.


    "Master, you''re finally awake," Azure said, his tone carrying an odd note that made me pause.


    ¡°I can''t sleep in even if I wanted to," I sighed, already thinking about my lesson with Elder Molric. "The elder seemed pretty clear about starting my ''real training'' today."


    Azure''s response was not what I expected. "Master... you''ve been unconscious for three days."


    I sat up so quickly my vision blurred. "Three days?"


    "Yes," Azure confirmed. "I was concerned at first, but then I realized what was happening. This mortal body entered a sort of hibernation state as the red sun''s energy began modifying it.¡±


    Still trying to process this information, I pulled off my shirt to examine the changes. My eyes widened.


    Tomas''s once unremarkable frame had been transformed - lean, defined muscles now covered his body in a way that reminded me of when I''d converted soul essence to physical essence in a previous loop.


    Back then, I''d managed to match a third-stage Qi Condensation cultivator''s physical power. This body wasn''t quite at that level yet, but it was surprisingly close.


    "Not bad," I muttered. "But what are my current stats?"


    Azure displayed the information in my mind:


    Status Update - Current Body:


    Name: Tomas the Miller''s Son


    Soul Essence: 800/800 units


    Spiritual Essence: 0/700 units


    Physical Essence: 300/700 units


    Skybound:


    Rank 1 Fundamental Rune:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Type: Wood-Based Fibonacci Spiral Tree Pattern


    </li>


    <li>


    Core: Red Sun Resonance


    </li>


    <li>


    Location: Heart Position


    </li>


    <li>


    Red Sun Energy: 300 units


    </li>


    </ul>


    I studied the numbers carefully. The red sun energy level was particularly interesting ¨C equivalent to roughly a Peak 2nd Stage Qi Condensation cultivator in my world.


    By itself, it was nothing impressive compared to my main body''s 4th stage, but if I could figure out how to form this Fundamental Rune in my inner world, I could take this cultivation method back with me.


    The combination of two different power systems might give me the edge I needed against Chen Wu.


    "We should find Elder Molric," I said, getting up. "Apologize for sleeping in... though that feels like an understatement."


    "Though given his enthusiasm for experiments, he may not have even noticed your absence, Master."


    Fifteen minutes later, I stood before the door of Elder Molric''s laboratory. Just as before, his voice called out before I could knock.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    When I walked in, everything looked exactly as I remembered, though perhaps with a few more scorch marks on the ceiling. Elder Molric stood bent over a workbench, focused intently on another of his experimental plants.


    "Watch carefully," he said without looking up. "This is attempt number one hundred and fifty at teaching plants to generate their own stabilizing runes."


    My eyes widened slightly. Over a hundred experiments in just three days? His dedication was... impressive, if slightly concerning.


    The plant he was working on looked different from his previous attempts. Its stem was thicker, more crystalline, and strange patterns were already visible just beneath its surface. As I watched, Elder Molric traced complex patterns in the air, weaving threads of red energy around it.


    The plant responded immediately, its surface rippling as runic patterns began to form. Unlike the crude attempts I''d seen before, these runes had a natural grace to them, as if they were growing rather than being carved.


    For a moment, it looked perfect. The runes stabilized, taking on that familiar silver sheen. The plant even seemed to be thriving, its leaves becoming more vibrant.


    Then it simply... stopped living. The crystalline patterns remained, but the organic parts withered and died in seconds.


    "Yes!" Elder Molric exclaimed, immediately starting to take notes. "Did you see? The runes maintained stability for nearly thirty seconds after manifestation! And the plant didn''t explode this time!"


    ¡°It was impressive, Master,¡± I replied before bowing. "I¡¯m sorry for missing class, it seems my body needed time to adapt to the rune."


    He waved off my apology. "Perfectly natural, perfectly natural. I was expecting you to be out for at least seven days, actually." His eyes drifted back to his withered experiment. "Could have squeezed in a few more trials..."


    I fought back a sigh. So, he''d known this would happen but hadn''t thought to warn me? Instead, he''d stressed me out about starting "real training" the next day when he knew full well I''d be unconscious?


    "As beings live longer," Azure commented in my mind, "their perception of time often changes dramatically."


    That... actually made sense. It was like how cultivators could spend centuries in closed-door cultivation as though it were nothing more than a short retreat. To someone like Elder Molric, three days probably felt like a brief nap.


    "Now then!" Elder Molric clapped his hands together suddenly, making me jump. "Shall we begin your training?"


    He moved to a clearer workbench, pulling out several scrolls as he spoke. "Rank 1 Skybound practitioners can do more than simply channel the red sun''s power through their Fundamental Rune. Yes, the rune increases your capacity to hold red sun energy and strengthens the body, but that''s just the beginning."


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    He unrolled one of the scrolls, revealing detailed diagrams of the human body covered in complex runic patterns. "You can inscribe additional runes to enhance specific physical attributes. Strength, speed, durability ¨C each can be amplified through proper runic inscription."


    Another scroll showed elemental diagrams. "Normally, elemental manipulation doesn''t begin until Rank 2. However..." He gave me a considering look. "Given your unique situation and natural abilities, I think we''ll take a slightly different approach. We''ll split your training ¨C half on physical enhancement runes, half on preliminary elemental work."


    That was perfect. Learning both types of runes would give me more options when I returned to my world. I could experiment with incorporating them into my cultivation technique, perhaps even...


    "Master," Azure interrupted my thoughts, "he''s still talking."


    I quickly tuned back in to hear Elder Molric saying, "¡­which is why we¡¯ll start with some basic Rank 1 runes," as he ignored the scrolls and walked over to a massive bookshelf.


    After a moment of searching, he pulled out a thick leather-bound tome and placed it on the workbench with a satisfying thud.


    "The Complete Guide to Rank 1 Runic Inscriptions," he announced proudly. "I wrote it myself; it contains every standard rune a Rank 1 practitioner might need." He patted the book affectionately. "Of course, you could try creating your own runes, but..." he chuckled darkly, "even I would admit that would be suicide at this stage."


    I nodded seriously, though internally I was already thinking about the possibilities. With the time loop, I could experiment with creating new runes without any real risk as long as they didn¡¯t mess around with the soul. And if something were to go wrong, I''d just reset. But that was a project for another time.


    "I''ve been meaning to visit the library," I said, eyeing the book with interest. It seemed fate had saved me a trip.


    "For now," Elder Molric continued, opening the book to a marked page, "this book is all you¡¯ll need. I want you to learn the basics. We''ll start with three fundamental runes that I believe every initiate should master."


    He pointed to the first diagram. "Titan''s Crest ¨C the most straightforward strength enhancement rune available to Rank 1 practitioners."


    The name caught my attention. Titan? I wondered what other mythical creatures existed in this world. The books I''d read had focused almost entirely on the two suns and their effects.


    "Next, the Blink Step rune," Elder Molric continued, turning the page. "Grants explosive acceleration for short bursts. Excellent for closing gaps or dodging attacks instantly."


    Now that was interesting. I''d been missing a reliable movement technique for combat. Something like this could be incredibly useful, especially if I could figure out how to adapt it for my main body.


    "And finally, the Aegis Mark." He revealed a complex circular pattern. "Creates a layer of temporary, invisible armor that absorbs both blunt and sharp force before it reaches the body."


    My mind flashed back to my encounter with Vayara. When I''d struck her with Phantom Strike, the damage had been negligible. This must have been what she used, or something similar.


    Elder Molric looked up from the book, fixing me with an evaluating stare. "If you can become proficient in these three runes, combined with your natural ability to manipulate plants..." he paused meaningfully, "you should be able to defeat most, if not all, Rank 1 practitioners."


    Something about his tone made me suspicious. The way he emphasized combat capability, almost like he was preparing me for something...


    He must have noticed my expression because he suddenly became very interested in reorganizing some papers on his desk.


    "Ah, yes, well... I might have heard some rumors. Nothing to worry about, really. Just that one of the initiates has been..." he coughed delicately, "searching the academy, looking to challenge you to a duel."


    "Which initiate?" I asked, though I already had a feeling I knew where this was going.


    "Oh, what was his name..." Elder Molric furrowed his brow. "Ha something? No, that''s not it. Azar? No, no... Ah, well, the name isn''t important!"


    I wasn''t surprised by the elder''s words. In fact, I''d been expecting something like this since arriving at the academy. Being genre savvy was practically like having precognition - certain events were practically guaranteed to happen.


    "You see," Elder Molric explained, still trying to sound casual, "once an initiate forms their Fundamental Rune, they become eligible to participate in formal duels." He lowered his voice. "From what I hear, this particular initiate is quite eager to... ah... make a name for himself by defeating an elder''s personal disciple."


    "Face," I thought wearily. "It''s always about face."


    "But don''t worry!" Elder Molric''s expression turned almost mischievous. "At the rate you''re progressing, you''ll have mastered an elemental rune or two before he finds you. Won''t he be in for a nasty surprise when he discovers his opponent can do more than just enhance their body?"


    I had to hide a smile at that. That''s exactly how these confrontations always ended - the arrogant challenger discovering their opponent had powers they hadn''t expected. You''d think they''d learn eventually, but they never did. It was practically tradition at this point.


    The elder moved to another workbench and brought out several Blank Canvas Lilies. "For now, let''s focus on the Titan''s Crest. Practice the pattern here first ¨C once you''re confident, you can inscribe it anywhere on your body."


    A thought occurred to me. "Is there any chance of explosion this time?"


    Elder Molric laughed. "Not if the pattern is correct! Well, maybe a tiny chance, less than 1%. Nothing to worry about!"


    "Master," Azure whispered in my mind, "I don''t think we can entirely trust his assessment of safety risks."


    I shared a mental sigh with Azure. At least this time the elder had admitted to the possibility of explosion before we discovered it the hard way.

 Chapter 56: Protagonists Luck?

    I picked up the resonance stylus, studying the Titan''s Crest pattern carefully. It was simpler than the Fundamental Rune, but it had its own elegance ¨C a series of interlocking triangles that formed a larger hexagonal shape.


    "The key," Elder Molric explained, "is maintaining perfect symmetry while allowing for natural energy flow. Each line must be exactly the same length and depth."


    I began tracing the pattern onto the first lily, trying to maintain steady pressure. The resonance ink flowed smoothly, but my first attempt was clearly too rigid.


    "Don''t force it," Azure advised. "Remember what we learned with the Fundamental Rune ¨C let the energy guide your hand."


    The second attempt was better, but the angles were slightly off. The third showed promise until I rushed the final triangle. By the fourth try, I was starting to get a feel for the rhythm of it.


    "Your precision is improving," Elder Molric noted, examining my latest attempt. "But see how the energy pools here?" He pointed to a junction point. "That could cause instability during activation."


    I nodded, making mental notes. The next attempt, I focused on maintaining consistent energy flow through each line. The result was much cleaner ¨C each triangle perfectly balanced, the overall pattern harmonious.


    After about an hour of practice, I held up what I felt was my best work yet. The Titan''s Crest gleamed on the lily''s surface, each line crisp and precise.


    Elder Molric examined it carefully, turning the leaf to catch the light. "Good enough," he declared finally. "Time to make it permanent. Where would you like to place it?"


    "The location doesn''t matter for general enhancement runes like the Titan¡¯s Crest," he added quickly. "Though for more specialized runes like Blink Step rune, placement can be crucial."


    I considered the question. Though the placement didn''t matter, I still found myself eyeing the back of my left hand. It would be easier to carve there ¨C good visibility, flat surface, and I could keep my dominant hand free to work if something did go wrong in the process.


    "The back of my left hand," I said.


    Elder Molric nodded and handed me a crystal knife similar to the one we''d used for the Fundamental Rune. "Remember ¨C quick, clean cuts. The pattern must be perfect."


    I took a deep breath and began carving the pattern into my skin. The knife sliced through easily despite my enhanced durability, leaving deep lines that immediately filled with blood.


    "Good, good," Elder Molric murmured as he watched. "Now channel the red sun''s energy into it. Not too much at first ¨C let it adapt naturally."


    I channeled energy into my Fundamental Rune, causing the silvery tree pattern on my chest to flare with light.


    The branches seemed to ripple beneath my skin as they channeled energy down my arm and into the fresh cuts. The blood in the pattern began to glow crimson for a few seconds before settling into a dark red tattoo-like mark on my skin.


    "Master," Azure reported, "status update available."


    New Enhancement: Titan''s Crest


    Type: Strength Amplification


    Location: Left Hand


    Effect: +100 Physical Essence when activated


    Duration: 60 Seconds


    Energy Cost: 50 Red Sun Energy units per activation


    I studied the numbers carefully while pretending to admire the new marking.


    If I could successfully adapt the Fundamental Rune to my cultivator body, it should permanently increase my physical essence by at least 100 units. Add the Titan''s Crest on top of that... that would be a 200-unit boost.


    If my calculations were right, that combination would let me temporarily match the physical power of a 5th stage Qi Condensation cultivator. But I didn¡¯t want to win due to chance, I wanted to soundly defeat Chen Wu.


    "Excellent!" Elder Molric exclaimed, pulling me from my thoughts.


    He moved to the corner of the laboratory and returned with what looked like a solid stone cube. "Try it out ¨C channel energy into the rune and strike this testing block."


    I activated the Titan''s Crest, feeling power surge through my body as the pattern flared red. Then I struck the block with a straight punch.


    The stone cube exploded into fragments.


    Elder Molric beamed at me expectantly, clearly waiting for an appropriately awed reaction.


    In truth, I felt nothing special about it. Back at the sect, you couldn''t walk past a training ground without seeing disciples shattering stone pillars twice this size. But I could hardly let Elder Molric know that - it would raise too many questions about why such displays of power didn''t faze me.


    "That''s... incredible!" I managed, trying to inject wonder into my voice.


    "Master," Azure said, clearly amused by my attempt, "your acting could use some work. Perhaps try widening your eyes next time?"


    But fortunately, Elder Molric seemed satisfied with my reaction. "Just wait until you master the next two runes," he said with a smile.


    He then turned back to his workbench, muttering something about "breakthrough number one hundred and fifty-one" as he began setting up another experimental plant. I couldn''t help but smile at his single-minded focus.


    Picking up the book he''d left open, I began studying the diagram for the Blink Step rune. The pattern was fascinating - a series of overlapping crescents that formed what looked like a stylized wind gust, with small directional arrows woven throughout the design.


    "The arrows appear to be flow indicators," Azure observed. "They likely guide the energy''s direction during activation."


    That made sense. A movement technique would need clear pathways for energy flow. I grabbed a fresh Blank Canvas Lily and the resonance stylus, ready to begin practicing.


    "Remember how the Fundamental Rune taught us about natural energy flow," Azure advised. "These crescents probably work similarly."


    My first attempt went surprisingly well. The practice with the previous runes had clearly paid off - my hand was steadier now, more confident in handling the resonance ink.


    "Your control has improved significantly," Azure noted as I completed the third try. "The energy distribution is much more even than your early attempts with the Titan''s Crest."


    He was right. Where before I''d struggled to maintain consistent pressure and flow, now it felt almost natural. By the fifteenth minute, I held up a perfect rendition of the Blink Step rune.


    "Quite good," Elder Molric called from his workbench, where his latest plant experiment was starting to glow ominously. "Now try the Aegis Mark while I finish up here."


    The Aegis Mark was a more complex design - a circular shield pattern made up of interlocking hexagons, with smaller protective symbols woven between them. The whole thing reminded me of a honeycomb, if honeycomb could somehow deflect sword strikes.


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    "The symmetry will be crucial here," Azure said. "Each hexagon needs to connect perfectly with its neighbors to maintain the protective field."


    My first few attempts were frustrating. The hexagons would start out even, but by the time I reached the outer ring, small imperfections had accumulated into noticeable distortions.


    "Try working from the outside in," Azure suggested after my fifth try. "It might be easier to maintain the overall shape that way."


    The new approach worked better. Starting with the outer circle let me establish the boundaries first, making it easier to keep the internal patterns properly aligned. Still, it took another twenty minutes of practice before I produced a version that satisfied both Azure and myself.


    Elder Molric finally looked up from his work, which had somehow produced a plant that was simultaneously crystallizing and melting. He came over to examine my practice attempts.


    "Very good," he nodded approvingly. "Now, the Blink Step is traditionally carved on the legs or feet - it helps channel the energy more efficiently for movement techniques."


    "And the Aegis Mark?" I asked.


    "Either chest or back," he replied. "Most choose the back since it provides broader coverage."


    That made sense, but... "How do people manage to carve complex runes on their own backs?"


    Elder Molric chuckled. "Unlike your Fundamental Rune, these Rank 1 patterns don''t require the user''s personal energy during the inscription process. Anyone can draw them on your skin - you just need to channel your own red sun energy afterward to activate them."


    His expression turned slightly disapproving. "That''s why many young masters have their servants do all their runic work. They never bother learning to carve properly themselves."


    I shook my head at that. Even in this world, there were those who took shortcuts. "I prefer being self-sufficient."


    "Good!" Elder Molric beamed. "Now then, let''s start with the Blink Step. You can handle that one yourself."


    I rolled up my left pant leg and picked up the crystal knife. The Blink Step pattern was still fresh in my mind as I began carefully carving it into my thigh. The cuts stung, but it was nothing compared to remodelling my body, now that was torture.


    "Master," Azure commented, "your pain tolerance seems to have increased significantly since arriving in this world."


    Once the pattern was complete, I channeled red sun energy through my Fundamental Rune and into the fresh cuts. The blood in the lines began to glow before settling into another dark red marking.


    New Enhancement: Blink Step


    Type: Movement Enhancement


    Location: Left Thigh


    Effect: Grants instant acceleration in any direction


    Duration: 1 second


    Energy Cost: 30 Red Sun Energy units per activation


    Range: 30 meters maximum per activation


    "Perfect!" Elder Molric declared. He gestured for me to remove my upper robes. "Now for the Aegis Mark."


    I nodded, turning to give him access to my back. His movements were swift and precise - centuries of experience evident in every stroke of the knife. What would have taken me several minutes, he completed in seconds.


    "Channel your energy," he instructed as he stepped back.


    I did so, feeling the familiar warmth spread from my Fundamental Rune. The Aegis Mark activated with a brief flash of crimson light.


    New Enhancement: Aegis Mark


    Type: Defensive Enhancement


    Location: Back


    Effect: Creates an invisible barrier that absorbs 80% of physical damage


    Duration: 30 Seconds


    Energy Cost: 40 Red Sun Energy units per activation


    Bonus Effect: Barrier automatically strengthens against repeated attacks in the same location


    My eyes widened slightly at the bonus effect.


    That wasn''t mentioned anywhere in the book''s description. Could this be what cultivation novels called protagonist''s luck? After all, unique variations of common techniques were practically a requirement for any proper protagonist...


    "Master," Azure interrupted my thoughts. "I believe you''re overthinking this. The strengthening effect is a standard feature of properly drawn defensive arrays. It seems the academy''s teaching materials simply focus on the basic functions while overlooking the more technical aspects."


    I felt my face heat slightly. Of course - I should have known better than to jump to ''protagonist''s luck'' as an explanation.


    "Excellent!" Elder Molric stepped back, admiring his work. "Now comes the fun part."


    Before I could ask what he meant, he was already heading for the door. I hurried after him, still adjusting my robes.


    "Master?" I called out, catching up to him in the hallway. "Where are we going?"


    He glanced back with a slightly mischievous grin. "Well, as much as I don''t care what the other elders think of my... research interests, I still have my pride as a teacher." His eyes twinkled. "Can''t have my first disciple in decades getting beaten in a duel, now can I? Time for some proper combat training!"


    "Master," Azure commented, "I believe we''re about to discover why Elder Molric''s laboratory has so many scorch marks."


    Looking at the elder''s enthusiastic expression as he practically bounced down the hallway, I couldn''t help but agree. This was either going to be incredibly enlightening or incredibly painful.


    Probably both.


    "Your approach to learning is quite refreshing," Elder Molric said as we walked. "Most initiates come from established Skybound families, you see. They arrive with years of theoretical knowledge but..." he wrinkled his nose, "rather inflexible mindsets."


    He gestured animatedly as he continued. "They''re taught from childhood that there''s only one ''proper'' way to draw each rune, one ''correct'' method to channel the red sun''s power. When I try to explain how natural patterns can guide the process, they look at me like I''m speaking gibberish!"


    "Is it rare then?" I asked. "For the resonance talent to appear in villagers?"


    I already had an idea what the answer would be. It sounded exactly like cultivation talent - concentrated in the major clans and sects, rarely appearing in common villagers.


    "Quite rare," he nodded. "Though in my opinion, that has more to do with testing methods than actual potential. The standard evaluations are designed around that rigid theoretical framework I mentioned." His eyes twinkled. "Which is why I prefer to conduct my own tests. Much more... practical in nature."


    "Is that why you haven''t taken many disciples?"


    "Ah, well..." he coughed slightly. "There have been some... incidents. The last one tried to steal my research, and the one before that exploded, and then there was that unfortunate business with the sentient vine..."


    I decided it was probably better not to ask for details.

 Chapter 57: The Trash of House Tovel

    Kiran sighed heavily as he hurried out of his final class, his shoulders slumping with exhaustion.


    The day had been particularly grueling - starting with Runic Theory at dawn, where Elder Pane had spent three hours drilling them on the precise angles needed for advanced defensive runes.


    That was followed by Resonance Control, where they''d practiced maintaining multiple energy channels simultaneously until half the class collapsed from strain.


    After a brief break for lunch came Combat Applications, which always left him with new bruises despite his best efforts to avoid direct confrontation.


    Then, there had been Celestial Studies, where they endlessly dissected the meaning behind every subtle shift in the red sun''s light. At least in that class he could sit quietly and take notes without being called upon to demonstrate his inadequate abilities.


    But worst of all had been the final class - Spiritual Resonance.


    Elder Aria had made them sit perfectly still for four hours, maintaining their connection to the red sun while she critiqued their posture and breathing. Three students had passed out from the strain, and one poor soul had started bleeding from his eyes when his resonance slipped.


    The academy''s healers had rushed him away, but everyone knew what happened to initiates who showed signs of instability. The Failure Garden would likely have a new addition by morning.


    "And now I have my own practice to do," Kiran muttered to himself, rubbing his temples where a headache was forming.


    The examination at the end of the month loomed over every initiate like a death sentence. Those who failed to demonstrate sufficient progress would face consequences far worse than mere expulsion. The Failure Garden wasn''t just a metaphor, after all.


    It hadn''t always been this way.


    When Kiran first entered the academy two years ago, his family''s influence had secured him an apprenticeship under Elder Moth, one of the more respected instructors.


    But his persistent reluctance to embrace the more violent aspects of their arts had quickly tried the elder''s patience. After six months of attempting to mold Kiran into a proper Skybound warrior, Elder Moth had officially terminated the apprenticeship.


    His family''s reaction still stung.


    There had been no comforting words, no reassurances that he would find another path. Instead, his father''s face had hardened with disappointment, while his mother couldn''t even look at him. The generous allowance they had provided was cut to a bare minimum, just enough to maintain appearances.


    The message was clear - he was on his own.


    A dark thought slithered through Kiran''s mind, his eyes flashing crimson for a brief moment.


    How convenient that the graduation ceremony''s requirement to massacre one''s family only applied to commoner initiates. The nobles who created that tradition had carefully exempted themselves, of course. The image of his father''s shocked face as Kiran finally showed him true power was... disturbingly satisfying.


    Kiran shook his head violently, disgusted with himself. This was the red sun''s influence talking, not him.


    While others might crave the power it offered, he''d seen what that power had done to his older brother. The memory of his brother''s twisted smile as he''d "tested" his new abilities on the household servants still haunted him.


    Some called his cautious attitude cowardice, but Kiran considered it practical. How many of his fellow initiates now rested in the Failure Garden, their bodies transformed into crystalline warnings? Too many to count.


    Lost in his depressing thoughts, he failed to notice the group ahead until he collided with someone. The impact sent Kiran stumbling backward, landing hard on the polished crystal floor.


    He looked up to see Zoren - the fifth son of House Zoren - staring down at him with unconcealed disgust.


    "Well, well," Zoren drawled, his perfectly styled blonde hair catching the red sunlight streaming through the windows. "If it isn''t the disappointment of House Tovel. Tell me, Kiran, do your parents still pretend you don''t exist, or have they finally written you out of the family records entirely?"


    Kiran kept his head down, mumbling an apology as he tried to rise, but a boot planted firmly on his chest pushed him back down.


    "I asked you a question," Zoren said softly, his tone carrying an edge that made Kiran''s skin crawl. The crimson light in Zoren''s eyes was far too intense for comfort.


    "They... they haven''t disowned me," Kiran managed, hating how his voice shook.


    Two years ago, he would have met Zoren''s gaze with equal disdain. The fifth son of a lesser house would have been beneath his notice. But things had changed. Zoren had grown stronger, reaching the peak of Rank 1 through methods Kiran preferred not to contemplate.


    Meanwhile, Kiran remained stuck in the middle stages, his progress hampered by his own reluctance to fully embrace the red sun''s power.


    "Not yet," one of Zoren''s companions snickered. "But after the examination? When you fail again? Even the mighty House Tovel won''t be able to ignore that shame."


    "Speaking of shame," Zoren said, finally removing his boot. "Have you heard about our new celebrity? The ''Natural'' that Elder Molric took in?" His smile showed too many teeth. "A commoner with remarkable talent... it makes one wonder about the true worth of noble blood, doesn''t it?"


    Kiran''s heart sank. He was there to witness the new initiate''s performance with the resonance platforms. More importantly, he''d heard about how Zoren had been hunting for the newcomer, spouting some nonsense about "maintaining proper hierarchies" and "teaching respect."


    "I haven''t seen him," Kiran said quickly, perhaps too quickly. Zoren''s eyes narrowed.


    "Really? Because Hal swears he saw you speaking to him at the meditation chamber." Zoren crouched down, bringing his face uncomfortably close to Kiran''s. "You wouldn''t be lying to me, would you? Protecting some peasant who doesn''t know his place?"


    "N-no, I just..." Kiran''s denial was cut short by a sharp kick to his ribs. Not from Zoren - he preferred to keep his hands clean - but from one of his ever-present followers.


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    "You know what I think?" Zoren stood, brushing imaginary dust from his immaculate robes. "I think you''re sympathizing with him. The failed noble and the uppity peasant, both of you refusing to accept your proper places." He sighed. "It''s really quite pathetic."


    Another kick caught Kiran in the side, driving the air from his lungs. He curled instinctively, trying to protect himself as more blows rained down.


    After a minute or so, the kicks suddenly stopped.


    "Someone''s coming," one of Zoren''s companions whispered urgently. "We should go."


    "Fighting outside designated areas is forbidden," another added nervously, though everyone present knew that rule only mattered if you got caught.


    Kiran heard Zoren click his tongue in disappointment. "Lucky day for you, Tovel. But don''t worry¡ª" Zoren''s voice dropped to a menacing whisper, "¡ªI''ll be sure to pay you a proper visit another time."


    The sound of retreating footsteps echoed through the hallway. The corridors had emptied quickly when the confrontation began¡ªother initiates knew better than to be anywhere near Zoren when he was in one of his moods. And no witnesses meant no violations to report.


    Kiran waited until he was sure they were gone before slowly uncurling himself and sitting up with a wince. His ribs protested the movement, but nothing felt broken¡ªZoren''s lackeys knew exactly how much damage they could inflict without leaving visible evidence, which explained why they never used the red sun¡¯s energy, after all, it left a trace.


    As Kiran slowly got to his feet, he thought about Zoren''s attitude towards the Natural. The look in Zoren''s eyes had been disturbingly intense, far more serious than his usual casual cruelty. This wasn''t just about maintaining the social hierarchy anymore; something about the Natural''s existence seemed to personally offend Zoren.


    Kiran''s mind flashed back to his brief encounter with the Natural in the meditation chamber. They had barely exchanged words before the senior disciples enforced silence, but there had been something different about him. A quiet confidence that stood out among the usual mix of arrogant nobles and terrified commoners.


    "I should warn him," Kiran muttered to himself, pressing a hand against the wall for support as he straightened. He knew all too well what it was like to be Zoren''s target. The Natural might have remarkable talent, but he was still new to the Academy''s politics. Without family connections to protect him...


    And Elder Molric... Kiran snorted softly. Everyone knew the eccentric elder was more interested in his bizarre experiments than in actually teaching.


    The fact that he''d taken the Natural as a disciple had shocked the entire Academy, but it wouldn''t mean much in terms of protection. Elder Molric would probably forget he even had a disciple the moment an interesting research opportunity arose.


    Perhaps this was simply Kiran''s way of striking back at Zoren, using the Natural as a proxy for his own frustrated desires for revenge. But even if his motivations weren''t entirely pure, surely warning an unsuspecting newcomer about the danger heading his way was the right thing to do?


    His thoughts were interrupted by voices echoing down the corridor. One of them, enthusiastic and slightly manic, was immediately recognizable.


    "Your approach to learning is quite refreshing," Elder Molric was saying. "Most initiates come from established Skybound families, you see. They arrive with years of theoretical knowledge but rather inflexible mindsets."


    Kiran spotted them rounding the corner ¨C Elder Molric gesturing animatedly as he walked, followed by the Natural, who seemed to be listening intently. It was a strange sight. Kiran had never seen the elder so engaged with a student before.


    Just as Kiran opened his mouth to call out, Elder Molric''s eyes locked onto him. The elder''s smile took on an unsettling quality that made Kiran''s stomach drop.


    "Come here," Elder Molric said softly.


    The words carried a weight that transcended mere sound. Kiran felt reality twist around him, as if the very fabric of space had become a funnel with Elder Molric at its center. His body moved without his consent, drawn forward by an irresistible force.


    The sensation was beyond terrifying. Kiran had experienced many forms of Skybound techniques during his training, but nothing like this. It felt like being pulled into a void, every atom of his being screaming in protest as it was stretched and compressed.


    For one horrible moment, he was certain he was about to die.


    Then it was over.


    Kiran stumbled, barely staying on his feet as he materialized directly in front of the elder. His mouth opened and closed, but no coherent words emerged.


    "Perfect timing!" Elder Molric beamed, clapping his hands together like a child who''d just received a new toy. He turned to the Natural, his eyes twinkling with barely contained excitement.


    "I''ve found you a training dummy! Now, do try not to kill him ¨C the Council gets terribly upset about initiate deaths these days. All those noble families making such a fuss..." He sighed dramatically. "It was much better in my day, you know. Accidental deaths were seen as a sign of proper instruction!"


    Kiran''s eyes darted between Elder Molric''s delighted expression and the Natural''s face. The Natural''s expression was unreadable, but there was a flash of recognition in his eyes.


    "Now then," Elder Molric said, rubbing his hands together gleefully. "Shall we begin? Tomas needs to practice his new runes, and you, young Tovel, need to work on your... everything, really. Your resonance is absolutely dreadful." He shook his head. "How you''ve managed to stay in Rank 1 this long without exploding is beyond me. Though I suppose there''s still time for that!"


    "What have I gotten myself into?" Kiran thought, a cold sweat breaking out across his skin as he realized that Elder Molric''s reputation for eccentricity might have been understating things considerably.

 Chapter 58: The Crucible

    I looked at the terrified young man in front of me, recognizing him from the meditation chamber. He was the one who had tried to speak to me multiple times before one of the senior disciples had silenced him.


    His face was still bruised, though there seemed to be some fresh marks I hadn''t noticed earlier. The expression on his face made me feel a bit guilty - clearly, Elder Molric''s forceful summoning technique had left quite an impression.


    When the elder had mentioned combat training, I''d expected practice dummies or maybe some kind of automated training system. Using another initiate as a living target hadn''t crossed my mind.


    Though in retrospect, that had been rather naive of me.


    This was the Order of the Last Light after all - an academy that kept failed students'' crystallized remains as decoration. Of course they wouldn''t bother with training dummies when they had perfectly good initiates to use instead, it was probably considered inefficient to practice on anything that couldn''t scream.


    "Master," Azure said, "at least it''s not the elder himself offering to spar. That would likely end with you decorating the walls."


    I had to agree. Given Elder Molric''s... enthusiastic approach to everything, a spar with him would probably result in me becoming a permanent part of the academy''s architecture.


    Looking at the still-shaken initiate, I decided to try and salvage the situation. No point in making enemies through the elder''s... unique approach to teaching.


    "I''m Tomas," I said, keeping my voice friendly. "Sorry about..." I gestured vaguely at the space where Elder Molric''s technique had activated.


    "K-Kiran," he managed, his voice still a bit unsteady. "Kiran T-Tovel."


    "Enough pleasantries!" Elder Molric cut in before I could respond. He was already walking down the corridor, clearly expecting us to follow. "Time is precious, and we have much to accomplish!"


    I gave Kiran an apologetic look as we hurried after the elder. "Sorry about my master. He''s a bit..."


    "Intense?" Kiran offered with a weak smile. "Don''t worry, everyone''s heard stories about Elder Molric." He glanced ahead to make sure the elder was out of earshot before adding, "Though I''m starting to think the stories might have understated things."


    "The old man definitely heard that,¡± Azure chimed in.


    "Of course he did," I thought back. "He''s an elder after all."


    But I decided not to mention this to Kiran. The poor boy looked nervous enough already without me reminding him of the Skybound¡¯s supernatural hearing.


    Kiran seemed to have composed himself. "Listen, there''s something you should know," he leaned in to whisper. "Zoren''s been looking for you."


    Ah, that must be the young master that Elder Molric had mentioned.


    "Zoren?"


    "Fifth son of House Zoren," Kiran explained quietly. "He''s... well, he¡¯s not happy about all the attention you''ve been getting. Especially since you''re..." he trailed off awkwardly.


    "A commoner?" I finished for him.


    He nodded. "He¡¯s at the peak of Rank 1 and recently there¡¯s been rumors going around that you''re afraid of him, that you''ve been hiding in your room." Kiran grimaced. "Probably started by Zoren''s friends, but still..."


    I frowned at the mention of Zoren being at the peak of Rank 1.


    With my current capabilities, I wasn''t confident about facing someone at that level, the gap between early and peak stages was significant in any cultivation system. The three basic runes gave me decent combat potential, but against someone who''d had months or years to master their techniques?


    "Master," Azure chimed in, "perhaps we should consider this a tactical retreat until we''re better prepared."


    He had a point. I hadn''t intentionally been hiding ¨C unconsciousness tends to limit one''s social calendar ¨C but now that I knew which arrogant young master was coming after me, it would be smart to avoid him until I was ready. There was no sense in rushing into a fight I wasn''t prepared for.


    And if he actually believed spreading rumors about me hiding would draw me out due to pride or face, he clearly didn''t understand me at all. I''d died enough times to know that pride was worthless compared to survival.


    If I needed to hide, then that''s exactly what I would do. Let them call me a coward - I''d rather be a living coward than a dead hero. It wasn''t like being heroic fit the image of any Skybound anyway. From what I''d seen so far, they seemed to pride themselves more on efficiently killing their opponents rather than any noble ideals about fair fights or honor.


    "Master," Azure commented, "you only need to avoid Zoren until you learn a few elemental runes. By then, dealing with a Rank 1 practitioner will be trivial, no matter how ''peaked'' they claim to be."


    "We''re here!" Elder Molric''s voice interrupted my response.


    We stood before a massive crystalline structure that seemed to grow straight out of the mountain. Multiple spires reached toward the red sun, each one released waves of energy that formed intricate patterns across their surfaces.


    "The Crucible," Kiran explained, noticing my interest. "Each room is specially designed for combat training. The walls are reinforced with defensive formations, and there are healing runes built into the floor in case of... accidents."


    "Is it free to use?" I asked, studying the intricate patterns that covered every surface.


    "Oh right, you wouldn''t know about credits yet." Kiran brightened, seemingly more comfortable now that he was explaining something. "The academy has a merit system. You earn credits for things like training, completing tasks, or showing improvement. They can be exchanged for resources ¨C better accommodation, blank canvas lilies for rune practice, access to restricted texts, weapons, even private lessons with senior disciples. Some initiates from poorer backgrounds practically live in here, trying to earn enough credits to survive."


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    I nodded, not particularly surprised by the use of a credit system, the Azure Peak Sect also implemented one. But back there, I''d never had the chance to use a private training ground - they charged fees that were astronomical to an outer disciple.


    The contrast was striking.


    Here was an academy known for producing unstable killers, yet they actively paid their students to train. It was almost funny how a place dedicated to channeling the red sun''s madness seemed more invested in proper education than a righteous sect that lectured their disciples about becoming one with the Dao.


    Elder Molric approached one of the doors, triggering a series of defensive formations. Light blazed from the geometric patterns around the entrance, forming a barrier - but the elder simply waved his hand, his wood-aspect runes flaring as they neutralized the defenses.


    As we entered, I got my first real look at Rank 1 combat in this world. Two initiates were locked in what looked less like a spar and more like attempted murder.


    "You''re getting slower, Vale," taunted the initiate with beast-runes, his elongated claws gleaming as he slashed through the air. His face had taken on an almost feral quality, with sharpened teeth visible when he grinned. "Still relying on those basic enhancement runes? How... common."


    "At least I didn''t have to mutate myself to gain power, Kai," Vale shot back, his body blurring with speed as he unleashed a barrage of punches. "Though I suppose looking like a half-breed beast suits someone of your... standing."


    Their clash in the center of the room sent shockwaves through the reinforced floor. Kai''s claws left deep gouges in the stone as Vale narrowly evaded, the beast-rune user''s attacks becoming increasingly savage.


    "Stand still and let me gut you!" Kai snarled, his eyes taking on an unnatural amber glow. "I''ll hang your entrails from the practice room ceiling!"


    Vale''s enhancement runes pulsed with crimson light as he launched a devastating combo that would have pulverized ordinary stone. "Your father must be so proud - his only son, reduced to acting like a rabid dog!"


    But Kai had already activated some kind of movement technique, vanishing from the point of impact only to reappear behind Vale, claws aimed at his spine. "When I''m done with you, they won''t even be able to identify your corpse!"


    "Is this supposed to be a spar?" I asked Kiran quietly, disturbed by both the level of violence and the casual death threats. "Or a death match?"


    The way they fought and spoke, it seemed more like they were genuinely trying to kill each other rather than practice.


    Even Zhou, who had a reputation for crippling junior disciples during "friendly spars," maintained at least a thin veneer of civility.


    These initiates weren''t even pretending - they were openly declaring their murderous intentions.


    Kiran shrugged, looking uncomfortable. "There''s technically a waiver you sign before sparring, in case of... accidents."


    "Let me guess - these accidents happen a lot?"


    "Mostly to commoners," he admitted. "Or anyone without powerful backing. No one really cares if they die."


    The two combatants finally noticed our presence, stopping mid-fight to stare at the unexpected interruption. Their expressions shifted from confusion to wariness as they recognized Elder Molric.


    "Ah, transformation runes," Elder Molric sighed, shaking his head disapprovingly. "Always so crude, turning people into beasts. Now plants, that would be far more sophisticated! Just imagine - regenerative properties of certain species, the defensive capabilities of ironwood..." He continued enthusiastically, clearly warming to his topic.


    I had to hold back a smile. "I''m sure he''d love the World Tree Sutra," I thought to Azure as the elder continued enthusiastically listing the benefits of plant-based transformations.


    "Indeed," Azure replied, clearly amused. "Though perhaps we should avoid mentioning it. He might try to dissect you to study the effects."


    "My disciple needs this room," Elder Molric announced cheerfully, finally ending his impromptu lecture on the superiority of plant-based transformations. "Do make space."


    ¡°Of course, Elder,¡± they bowed quickly and headed for the exit, but not before giving me measuring looks. I could practically see them cataloging everything about my appearance.


    "The one with the beast runes is Kai Sen," Kiran whispered. "Only son of a minor noble house. The other is Ren Hale, from one of the merchant families that supply the academy. Both are at the later stage of Rank 1."


    I sighed internally. Was the elder intentionally trying to make enemies for me? The political landscape here was complicated enough without antagonizing everyone we met.


    Elder Molric must have noticed my expression because he smiled broadly. "You should be grateful your master is finding you future training dummies!" He clapped his hands together. "Now then, let''s begin!"


    He turned to Kiran, his smile taking on that slightly manic quality again. "No holding back, boy." Then he looked at me and added, almost as an afterthought, "Try not to kill him - his grandfather is a good friend of mine."


    "Master," Azure observed dryly, "I notice he seems more concerned about Kiran''s safety than yours."


    "Let''s hope that means he''s confident in my abilities," I thought back, though I wasn''t entirely convinced.


    We took our positions on opposite sides of the room. Kiran looked like he was expecting me to transform into some kind of berserker at any moment, his eyes constantly darting between me and the elder as though wondering if there were any way he could get out of this.


    The defensive formations activated around us, creating a containment field that would prevent any stray energy from escaping¡­or in this case, prevent us from escaping.


    Elder Molric raised his hand, his expression filled with entirely too much enthusiasm for someone about to watch two people try to beat each other senseless.


    "Begin!"

 Chapter 59: Bloodlines

    I settled into a defensive stance but made no move to attack. Some would say the best defense is a good offense, but this wasn''t a battle to the death - no matter what the Skybound might like to believe.


    This was training, and my main objective was to learn.


    Kiran looked slightly surprised that I hadn''t immediately charged forward like most initiates would. His stance was tense, clearly expecting some kind of trick.


    "Relax," I said, keeping my voice calm. "This is just training. We''re here to learn, not hurt each other."


    He nodded slowly, though I could tell he didn''t fully trust my words. My suspicion was confirmed when his body suddenly took on an iron-like sheen - he must have activated some kind of reinforcement rune.


    "Master," Azure commented, "his defensive rune appears quite basic, but well-executed. The energy distribution is remarkably even."


    After a few more moments of neither of us making a move, I decided to take the initiative. No point in standing around all day - Elder Molric was already starting to look impatient.


    I broke into a steady run towards Kiran, measuring his reactions. When I was within striking distance, I activated the Titan''s Crest. Red light flared from the marking on my left hand as power surged through my body.


    Physical Essence: 300 ¡ú 400


    Duration: 60 seconds


    Purified Red Sun Energy: 250/300 (Cost: 50)


    Kiran raised his guard, but his movements were hesitant. I launched a basic combination - two quick jabs followed by a low kick. He blocked the punches cleanly and stepped back from the kick, his technique solid but lacking any real counter-attack.


    I pressed forward with another combination, this time mixing in some feints. High punch, low kick feint into a spinning backfist. Kiran defended well, but again, he wasn''t taking any openings I deliberately left.


    "You''re holding back," I said, throwing a front kick that he deflected to the side.


    "I''m not-" he started to protest, but had to break off as I activated Blink Step.


    The world blurred briefly as I teleported to his left side, already spinning into a roundhouse kick. His eyes widened - he clearly hadn''t expected me to use a movement technique so early in the spar.


    The kick caught him in the ribs, sending him stumbling back several steps before he lost his balance and fell.


    Purified Red Sun Energy: 250 ¡ú 220 (Cost: 30)


    Blink Step Range Used: 5 meters


    I walked over and extended my hand. "Want to tell me why you''re not fighting back?"


    He hesitated for a moment before accepting my help up. Once on his feet, he glanced nervously at Elder Molric before answering in a low voice.


    "I... I don''t like using the red sun''s energy more than I have to," he admitted. "It affects people''s minds. Changes them."


    My eyes widened slightly. This was the first time I''d heard anyone openly acknowledge the mental effects of the red sun. Usually, Skybound either ignored it completely or welcomed the increasing madness as a sign of power.


    Kiran was studying my face intently. "But you''re different," he said slowly. "Your eyes are clear. I don''t see any hints of the madness, even when you channel the energy."


    I wasn''t sure how to respond to that. It wasn''t like I could explain about the Genesis Seed or my unique circumstances.


    "Perhaps one day you''ll be able to understand how the Genesis Seed purifies the red sun''s energy," Azure mused. "It could help others like young Kiran here."


    "Maybe," I thought back. "Though I suspect the blue sun''s energy would be more effective at counteracting the madness." I glanced at Elder Molric, who was starting to look annoyed at our impromptu discussion. "The old man''s research might actually save the Skybound, if he lives long enough to complete it."


    "IF being the operative word," Azure replied dryly. "Given his enthusiasm for potentially explosive experiments."


    Kiran was still looking at me hopefully. I sighed.


    "I can''t say I have all the answers," I told him. "Being a Natural might just make me different. But..." I added, seeing his shoulders slump, "you''re already doing well at resisting the red sun''s influence. Regular meditation can help maintain mental clarity. Try to control the power without letting it control you."


    I wasn''t entirely convinced meditation alone would be enough - sometimes the simplest solutions in cultivation novels felt a bit too convenient. But the words seemed to give him confidence, judging by his determined nod.


    "If you two are quite finished with your heart-to-heart," Elder Molric called out, "perhaps we could return to the actual training?"


    "Sorry, Master," I said quickly, stepping back into position. Kiran also apologized and resumed his stance.


    This time, to my surprise, Kiran took the initiative. He vanished in a blur of motion, reappearing on my right with his fist already racing toward my head. I recognized the technique - another Blink Step user.


    I activated the Aegis Mark just in time, raising my arm to block. His fist impacted against my forearm with considerable force, but the barrier absorbed most of the shock.


    Purified Red Sun Energy: 220 ¡ú 180 (Cost: 40)


    Aegis Mark Duration: 30 seconds


    Damage Absorption: 80%


    He followed through immediately with a series of quick strikes - jab, cross, elbow, knee. Each attack flowed smoothly into the next, forcing me to stay defensive. His technique was polished, showing years of proper training. Not surprising, given his noble background - he''d probably started learning martial arts before he could walk.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    I weathered the combination, using small movements to deflect or redirect rather than block directly. The Aegis Mark made this easier, letting me focus on positioning rather than worrying about damage.


    Kiran suddenly disengaged, jumping back to create some distance. When he landed, he was smiling - but there was something different about his expression now.


    "I don''t like using this technique," he said, "but since you''re going to be facing Zoren, you''ll need the practice."


    A strange rune began to materialize on his forehead - I hadn''t seen any marking there before, but now intricate lines were drawing themselves across his skin, forming a pattern that reminded me of interlocked bones.


    What followed was... disturbing.


    Kiran''s skin rippled as bones began pushing their way out of his body. Sharp protrusions emerged from his shoulders, elbows, and knees. His fingers elongated, the bones extending into claw-like points. The transformation looked incredibly painful, but Kiran''s smile only grew wider.


    Had this been a real battle, I would have struck the moment his skin began to ripple. Even waiting a fraction of a second was tactical suicide when cultivators and Skybounds could exchange dozens of strikes in the blink of an eye.


    Long transformations were the kind of thing you saw in martial arts novels, not actual combat.


    "Fascinating, isn''t it?" Elder Molric commented from the sidelines. "This is a sign of the noble blood of House Tovel. When they form their Foundational Rune, some rare individuals manifest a second, hereditary rune. Young Tovel here is quite talented, though he might not accept it himself."


    I looked back at my opponent. The transformation was complete now, leaving Kiran covered in bone-like armor with numerous sharp protrusions. But what caught my attention were his eyes - that earlier clarity was gone, replaced by an unsettling gleam of madness.


    Now I understood why he avoided using this ability.


    Kiran attacked without warning, moving faster than before despite the added weight of his bone armor. He pulled one of the protruding bones from his shoulder - it came free with a wet sound that made me wince - and swung it like a sword.


    I ducked under the swing, but had to immediately jump back as more bones shot out from his chest like projectiles. Several grazed my arms, leaving me with small cuts, despite my best efforts to dodge.


    Aegis Mark: 15 seconds remaining


    This was getting dangerous. I activated Blink Step again, trying to get behind him, but he somehow anticipated the move. A cage of bones erupted from his back just as I reappeared, forcing me to use another Blink Step to avoid being impaled.


    Purified Red Sun Energy: 180 ¡ú 120 (Cost: 60)


    "Master," Azure warned, "his reaction speed is remarkable. He''s predicting your movement patterns."


    I created some distance, studying my opponent. The bone manipulation was impressive, but it had to be costly in terms of energy. If I could force him to overextend...


    I focused on the miniature red sun in my inner world, drawing on its chaotic power. Crimson veins appeared across my skin as the energy suffused my body.


    Red Sun transformation duration: 60 seconds


    I Blink Stepped forward, channeling power into my fist for a Phantom Strike but just as my fist was about to connect, a bone plate materialized exactly where I was aiming.


    The collision sent Kiran stumbling backward, but the impact split the skin across my knuckles. Blood dripped from my hand as I jumped back to reassess.


    Purified Red Sun Energy: 120 ¡ú 90 (Cost: 30)


    I frowned, scanning the training room. If I had access to some plants, I could change the flow of battle completely. But of course, there was no vegetation here - why would there be? Wood element users were rare among the Skybound.


    I cursed myself for not carrying some seeds or at least a few vines. It was a rookie mistake, one I promised myself I wouldn''t repeat.


    Elder Molric seemed to realize what I was looking for. To my surprise, he pulled a vine from his pocket. I chose not to question why he carried such things around - with him, the answer could be either perfectly reasonable or deeply disturbing.


    "Here!" he called out, tossing it to me. "Do try to keep it intact - that''s a rare specimen from my latest experiments!"


    I caught the vine with my good hand, nodding my thanks. Across the room, Kiran was watching me with that unsettling, slightly crazed smile. The bone armor covering his body shifted constantly, ready to sprout new weapons at any moment.


    "Even with the vine, this won''t be easy," Azure cautioned. "Those bones are remarkably sharp, and he seems to have excellent control over their generation and movement."


    "I know," I replied mentally. "I''m going to have to figure out a way to trap him."


    The vine seemed to pulse with unusual energy in my hand - clearly one of the elder''s modified specimens. I just hoped it wouldn''t try to eat me or explode. With the old man''s experiments, either outcome seemed equally likely.


    "Shall we continue?" Kiran called out, his voice carrying an edge that hadn''t been there before.


    "Master," Azure observed, "his control is slipping. The red sun''s influence appears to grow stronger the more he uses this bloodline technique."


    I nodded slightly. Another reason to avoid dramatic power-ups in real fights - losing your mind mid-battle was generally not a winning strategy.


    Though watching bones emerge from his skin like living armor, I had to admit the technique itself was impressive. If he could maintain his sanity while using it...

 Chapter 60: The Crimson Spire

    When activating the runes carved into my body, I relied on the Foundational Rune - its tree pattern purified the red sun''s chaotic energy, making it safer to use.


    But for manipulating plants, to save pure red sun energy, I prefer to draw energy directly from the miniature red sun in my inner world. The raw, unpurified energy was more potent, though it tended to cause... interesting side effects.


    I channeled power from my inner world into the vine, watching as it responded to the red sun essence. Perhaps a bit too enthusiastically - the metallic sheen Elder Molric had given it darkened to a blood-red color, and crimson veins spread through its surface like corruption. The whole thing began writhing like an excited snake.


    I then sent the vine shooting forward, aiming to wrap around Kiran''s legs. He reacted instantly, bone spikes erupting from his shins to intercept. The vine struck the bones with surprising force, actually managing to scratch the surface before being deflected.


    "Interesting," Azure noted. "The elder''s modifications alongside the miniature red sun¡¯s energy seems to have given it enhanced cutting properties."


    Kiran didn''t wait for me to try again. He charged forward, pulling more bones from his body to use as weapons. Each extraction looked agonizing, but his crazed grin only widened.


    I jumped back as I made the vine lash out again, this time aiming for his upper body. But bone plates materialized just in time, deflecting the strike.


    "Your tricks won''t work!" Kiran''s voice had taken on a manic villainous edge. "I''ll show you true power!"


    He thrust both hands forward, and dozens of bone shards launched from his palms like arrows. I managed to dodge most of them, but several grazed my arms and legs, drawing blood.


    "Master," Azure cautioned, "we need a new strategy."


    He was right. Direct attacks weren''t working - Kiran''s bone armor was too responsive, and my energy wouldn''t last much longer at this rate. But there had to be a weakness...


    I watched carefully as Kiran generated another volley of bone projectiles. There - just for a split second when the bones first emerged, they were softer. Almost translucent before they fully hardened.


    "Azure, did you see that?"


    "Yes. There''s approximately a 0.3-second window before the bones solidify. Not much time to work with."


    "It''ll have to be enough."


    I let the vine coil around my arm, studying Kiran''s increasingly erratic movements. His attacks were getting stronger but less controlled. The red sun''s influence was clearly taking its toll.


    "Come on!" he shouted, voice cracking. "Fight me properly! Stop running away!"


    The bone armor covering his body had become more elaborate, with wickedly sharp spikes protruding from every surface. But I noticed his breathing was becoming labored. The technique must consume massive amounts of energy.


    Time to test my theory. I needed to get close enough to observe the bone generation without taking unnecessary risks.


    "Azure, monitor the bone formation speed when I engage. I''ll create an opening."


    "Understood, Master."


    I Blink Stepped to Kiran''s left side, drawing his attention. As expected, he reflexively generated bone armor to defend.


    The moment he committed to the defense, I Blink Stepped again, appearing on his right - but this time, I struck.


    My fist connected with his ribs just as the bones were beginning to emerge, the impact causing him to stumble back with a grunt of pain.


    His counter-attack still caught my arm, bone spikes grazing the skin, but I had what I needed. I jumped back to create distance immediately.


    Double Blink Step:


    Purified Red Sun Energy: 90 ¡ú 30 (Cost: 60)


    "Did you get it?" I asked Azure, ignoring the shallow cut.


    "Yes. The bones take exactly 0.27 seconds to fully harden after emerging from his skin. The formation pattern is also consistent - they always emerge in the same sequence."


    I nodded, already formulating our next move. "That''s our window then."


    Kiran was already charging again, lost in the frenzy of combat. I let him come, waiting until he was fully committed to his attack. When he was just a few steps away, I activated Blink Step one final time.


    Purified Red Sun Energy: 30 ¡ú 0 (Cost: 30)


    I reappeared directly above him, the vine already moving. As he instinctively tried to form bone armor, I manipulated the vine to strike precisely as new bones were emerging, its sharpened edge sliced through the still-soft material.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Before Kiran could react, it had wrapped around his torso, pinning his arms.


    "Now!" Azure called out.


    I landed behind Kiran and pressed my hand against the vine, channeling the more of the red sun¡¯s energy into it. The plant responded dramatically, sprouting dozens of smaller demonic tendrils that quickly encased Kiran''s entire body.


    To my surprise, the vine began to crystallize, turning semi-transparent while maintaining its grip. Kiran struggled briefly, but the crystalline prison held firm.


    "Well," I muttered, "that''s new."


    The fight was over.


    I released my hold on the vine, expecting it to maintain its crystalline form. Instead, it immediately reverted to normal and unwound itself from Kiran''s body. Before I could react, it had wrapped around my neck like an affectionate scarf.


    "I think it likes you," Azure commented, amusement clear in his voice.


    Kiran slowly pushed himself to his feet, the bone armor retracting into his body. His eyes had cleared, though he looked exhausted.


    "I''m sorry," he said quietly. "I lost control again. The hereditary rune... it makes it harder to resist the red sun''s influence."


    "Does Zoren have something similar?"


    ¡°No,¡± Kiran shook his head. ¡°But he wishes he did. Hereditary runes aren''t something you can control or predict. Some nobles are born with them, others aren''t. It''s considered a mark of powerful bloodlines, even if..." he trailed off, looking troubled.


    "Even if they''re as much curse as blessing?" I finished for him.


    He nodded gratefully, looking relieved that someone understood.


    "Excellent work, both of you!" Elder Molric''s voice made us both jump. I''d almost forgotten he was watching.


    He approached Kiran first, beaming. "Your bone generation is improving, young Tovel. The density and formation speed have increased significantly."


    Kiran straightened slightly at the praise, a small smile breaking through his earlier guilt.


    "And you," the elder turned to me, "good use of runes, and quite impressive martial arts skills. Where did you learn to fight like that?"


    I couldn''t exactly tell him I''d learned combat in another world, so I went with a partial truth. "Something I practiced in the village. It helped against the raiders."


    Elder Molric nodded absently, clearly more interested in examining the vine still wrapped around my neck. "Your plant manipulation shows promise, but we should work on some elemental runes to give you some variety.¡±


    I nodded in agreement. Without the ability to manipulate plants, my combat capabilities were nothing special compared to other Rank 1 practitioners.


    "Well?" The elder was practically bouncing with excitement. "What are you waiting for? It''s time to learn elemental runes!"


    I glanced out one of the tower''s windows at the dark sky. Even with the red sun''s perpetual presence, night had clearly fallen. "Master, I need to sleep."


    Elder Molric looked startled for a moment, then seemed to remember that normal people actually required rest. He coughed slightly. "Ah yes, of course. I sometimes forget the limits that you lower ranks have. Meet me at the lab tomorrow then. Oh, and no sleeping in!"


    With that, he strode away, already muttering about experimental runic combinations.


    Kiran and I shared an amused look as we began walking back. "Follow me," he said. "I know a route that''ll avoid Zoren''s usual haunts."


    As we walked through the corridors, a massive structure caught my eye. "What''s that tower?"


    "The Crimson Spire," Kiran replied. "Ninety-nine floors of combat trials. The first ten are for Rank 1 practitioners, the next ten for Rank 2, and so on up to the final nine floors for Rank 9."


    I frowned slightly, wondering why Elder Molric hadn''t used it for our training instead of forcing Kiran to fight. It seemed like the perfect place to work on combat skills. Still, I made a mental note of its existence ¨C it would be excellent preparation for the Outer Disciple tournament back in my world.


    "What level has Zoren reached?" I asked.


    "He completed the ninth floor last week." Kiran''s tone was grim. "He''s definitely at the peak of Rank 1."


    Something about the tower''s structure bothered me. "Wait, the last nine floors are for Rank 9 practitioners? But that''s supposed to be the highest rank. Who was powerful enough to create training challenges for peak Skybound?"


    Kiran glanced around before answering quietly. "No one knows. The two great academies have existed as long as anyone can remember, and so have their towers."


    My eyes widened slightly. Two academies? That meant there must be one for the blue sun followers as well.


    "The other academy?"


    "The Order of the First Light," Kiran replied, then quickly looked around. "We shouldn''t discuss them here. The academy... doesn''t appreciate initiates talking about the other side."


    Both academies having identical towers suggested whoever created them had given both groups equal opportunity to advance. Could they have been built by a transcendent? Someone who had broken free from both suns'' influence?


    As we walked in silence, the vine around my neck shifted slightly, as if sensing my thoughts. I reached up to stroke it.


    "Your new friend seems comfortable," Kiran observed with a slight smile.


    ¡°Apparently, I''ve been adopted by one of Elder Molric''s experiments,¡± I replied. ¡°But I can¡¯t complain about a vine that can cut through bone armor.¡±


    The vine gave what felt like an approving squeeze, and I found myself wondering about the possibilities of breeding my own combat-oriented plants.


    Having pre-enhanced flora ready for battle could be incredibly useful. Maybe after dealing with Chen Wu, I could experiment with creating variants specialized for different situations...


    When we reached a junction where the path split into three identical corridors, Kiran turned to face me. "So, this is where we go separate ways¡­¡±


    "Thanks for the help today, and sorry about..." I gestured vaguely at him.


    "Me nearly losing my mind and trying to kill you?" He smiled wryly. "I should be the one thanking you. Most people would have taken advantage of my loss of control, but you found a way to end the fight without seriously injuring me. I¡­I appreciate that."


    "Well, permanent injuries tend to make training partners less cooperative."


    "True enough,¡± he laughed. ¡°Though you might want to work on your own injuries before tomorrow.¡±


    I glanced down at my blood-stained robes. The cuts from Kiran''s bone attacks were still bleeding slightly. "Any suggestions?"


    "There''s a healing formation in your quarters. Just channel some energy into the floor runes and it''ll speed up your recovery." He started walking away, then paused. "Oh, and Tomas? Watch out for Zoren. He''s... not as reasonable as I am."


    I watched him disappear down the left corridor before heading to my own quarters. The vine shifted again, as though it was trying to inspect my wounds.


    "Yes, yes, don¡¯t worry, we''re going to get healed.¡±


    When I arrived in my quarters, I found the healing formations to be surprisingly effective. Within minutes of channeling energy into the floor runes, my wounds had closed completely, leaving only faint pink lines that would likely fade by morning.


    I settled onto the bed, finally letting exhaustion catch up with me. "Azure, remind me to ask Elder Molric about elemental runes that don''t require sacrificing body parts or risking insanity."


    "Noted, Master. Though given his enthusiasm for experimentation, I suspect his definition of ''safe'' might differ from yours."


    "Probably." I closed my eyes, already feeling sleep approaching. "Still better than becoming a human pincushion."


    The last thing I felt before drifting off was the vine adjusting itself into a more comfortable position around my neck, like a strange but well-meaning pet.

 Chapter 61: Worldroot Conduit

    I watched with a smile as Elder Molric''s latest experiment, number 210, began etching a rune into its own leaves. The vine around my neck tensed slightly, clearly not trusting this new development.


    The plant''s rune was surprisingly intricate for something that had basically just achieved sentience - a series of overlapping flame patterns that formed a perfect circle, with smaller fire symbols spiraling toward the center. The whole thing pulsed with an angry red glow that made me instinctively want to step back.


    "Fascinating!" Elder Molric exclaimed, leaning closer. "The symmetry is nearly perfect! And look at how it''s incorporated the thermal regulation symbols!"


    The plant''s response was to activate its newly created rune and breathe a massive stream of fire directly at the elder''s face.


    My vine immediately moved to shield me, but I wasn''t particularly worried. If there''s one thing I''ve learned about fantasy worlds, it''s that elders don''t survive to become elders by being careless.


    Sure enough, the flames simply dissipated as they reached Elder Molric, like water hitting an invisible wall. He just laughed, actually looking pleased. "Excellent power output! Though we''ll need to work on your targeting accuracy."


    The plant seemed to take this criticism personally. Its leaves began glowing again as it started drawing another, more complex rune.


    "Now, now," Elder Molric wagged his finger. "Let''s not be hasty."


    He casually drew several symbols in the air with his finger, leaving trails of crimson light. The runes hung there for a moment before rapidly expanding and solidifying into a crystalline cage that completely enclosed the angry plant. A smaller formation materialized around its head, effectively muzzling it.


    I couldn''t help but raise my eyebrows. Manifestation Realm techniques - so the elder was at least Rank 6. That explained a lot about his casual attitude toward potentially lethal experiments.


    The vine around my neck gave what felt like a disapproving squeeze, clearly unimpressed with the other plant''s behavior. I reached up to pat it. "Not all plants can be as well-behaved as you."


    "Where were we?" Elder Molric turned back to me, completely ignoring the muffled sounds of rage coming from the cage. "Ah yes, elemental runes!"


    He walked over to his workbench, pushing aside several ominously glowing experiments. "You know, your method of manipulating plants directly with energy is actually quite impressive. Many wood element users would kill for that kind of natural control."


    "But?" I prompted, sensing there was more.


    "But," he nodded, "relying solely on energy manipulation has its drawbacks. Those few microseconds you spend communicating your intent to the plants? In a real fight, that delay could be fatal." He gestured at my vine. "And I''ve noticed it consumes significantly more energy compared to activating a proper runic formation."


    I nodded. He wasn''t wrong - while my control was precise, it did require constant energy expenditure and was time-consuming. "So, what''s the solution?"


    "Well, there are two ways for a Rank 1 Skybound to advance to Rank 2," he began, pulling out several dusty tomes. "The most common method is successfully adding an elemental rune to their body."


    "But what about practitioners like me?" I asked. "My Fundamental Rune is already wood-based."


    Elder Molric shook his head. "Common misconception. Your Fundamental Rune''s primary purpose is to absorb and refine the red sun''s energy into something usable. Yes, its design can increase your affinity for certain elements, but that''s a secondary effect."


    He grabbed a piece of chalk and began drawing diagrams on a nearby slate. "Elemental runes serve a different purpose - they actively convert that refined energy into elemental power. At your current level, I''d strongly recommend sticking to wood runes. Any other element could destabilize your Foundational Rune''s energy flow."


    "And the second method?" I asked, genuinely curious.


    "Ah!" His eyes lit up. "The second path involves becoming so adept at manipulating red sun energy that you can draw runes directly in the air, like what I just did." He gestured at the caged plant, which was still attempting to set things on fire through its muzzle. "Of course, most practitioners don''t focus on this until later ranks - there''s only so much skin available for runes, after all. However," he gave me a pointed look, "at your level, you''ll need significantly more practice manipulating energy before attempting it."If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    He walked over to a cluttered shelf and began rummaging through scrolls, muttering to himself. "Now where did I... ah, here it is!" He pulled out a somewhat worn scroll.


    "This," he said, holding it almost reverently, "contains a method for improving energy control. It''s one of the few training techniques the academy actually got right." He unrolled it partially, revealing columns of precise calligraphy.


    "The first stage appears to be meditation-focused," Azure observed as we glimpsed the initial instructions.


    I nodded slightly. Some things really were universal across magic systems - whether you were refining qi or manipulating sun energy, it all started with meditation.


    "The exercises become progressively more challenging," Elder Molric explained, rolling the scroll back up and handing it to me. "Work through them in your own time. If you have questions, my door is always open." He paused, glancing at his fire-breathing plant. "Well, usually open.¡±


    I carefully tucked the scroll away as he moved on to the main topic. "Now, the elemental rune you''ll be learning is called the Worldroot Conduit." He pulled out another scroll, this one covered in detailed diagrams.


    The design was beautiful in its complexity - a series of interwoven roots that formed an endless knot, with smaller branching patterns filling the spaces between the main lines. Each curve seemed to flow naturally into the next, creating a sense of constant motion even in the static drawing.


    "You''ll need to connect this to your Fundamental Rune," Elder Molric explained. "Exactly how you merge them is up to you - every practitioner''s energy flows differently." His eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. "Once you''ve mastered that, we can move on to the really interesting combat runes!"


    With that, he wandered back to his caged experiment and began cooing at it softly, apparently unbothered by its continued attempts to immolate him.


    I found a quiet corner to study the diagrams more carefully. "Thoughts, Azure?"


    "The design is fascinating," he replied. "See how the root patterns echo the natural growth formulas we used in your Fundamental Rune? I believe we could integrate them quite effectively."


    I traced the patterns with my finger, following the flow of energy they would create. "The question is where to place it. We need to maintain the current balance while adding these new pathways."


    "The branches on the right side of your Fundamental Rune are less developed," Azure suggested. "We could expand them to incorporate the Worldroot pattern, using the existing growth points as anchor locations."


    I nodded slowly, seeing the possibility. "That would preserve the spiral''s harmony while adding the new functions. But we''d need to adjust the leaf motifs to accommodate the increased energy flow."


    "Perhaps we could modify them to resemble the secondary root patterns?" Azure mused. "It would create a natural transition between the two designs."


    The vine around my neck shifted slightly, seeming to follow our discussion. It extended a tendril to trace along the scroll, adding its own suggestion to the conversation.


    "Interesting," Azure said. "The vine appears to be suggesting an alternative connection point near the base of the spiral."


    I studied where it was pointing. "That... could actually work better. It would put less strain on the existing branches and create a more direct energy pathway." I glanced at the vine. "Since when are you an expert in runic theory?"


    The vine just curled back into its usual position, radiating what felt suspiciously like smugness.


    "I believe Elder Molric''s experimental modifications may have granted it some unexpected insights," Azure commented.


    I was about to reply when a loud explosion came from Elder Molric''s direction, followed by the distinct sound of something catching fire.


    "Wonderful progress!" the elder''s voice called out through the smoke. "Though perhaps a bit too much enthusiasm with the flame production..."


    I turned back to the scroll, deciding some things were better left uninvestigated. "Let''s focus on mapping out these integration points before something else explodes."


    "A wise decision, Master," Azure agreed. "Now, if we adjust the angle of these secondary roots by approximately 15 degrees..."


    We spent the next hour working out the details, occasionally interrupted by various sounds of chaos from Elder Molric''s ongoing experiment. The vine contributed several more surprisingly useful suggestions, though I was starting to suspect it just enjoyed being included in the planning process.


    Finally, I had a clear vision of how to merge the designs. The Worldroot Conduit would emerge from the base of my Fundamental Rune''s spiral, its patterns flowing naturally into the existing structure while creating new pathways for elemental energy conversion.


    "I believe we''re ready to try inscribing," Azure said. "Though maybe we should move to the other side of the laboratory first."


    I glanced over at Elder Molric, who was now engaged in what appeared to be a serious philosophical debate with his fire-breathing plant about the proper application of combustion techniques. Even from here, I could feel the heat from their "discussion."


    "Good idea."


    We made our way to the opposite end of the massive laboratory, where several unused workbenches sat below a wall of windows. The distance and various shelves of equipment between us and Elder Molric''s experiment provided at least some protection from any stray fireballs.


    The vine gave what felt like an approving squeeze as I set up the materials. Clearly, it had already learned an important lesson about survival in this laboratory - maintaining a safe distance from Elder Molric''s more enthusiastic experiments was just good sense.


    "Now then," I said, picking up a resonance stylus, "let''s see how many attempts this one takes.¡±

 Chapter 62: Elemental Runes

    Looking down at my tenth attempt at the Worldroot Conduit on the Blank Canvas Lily, I finally felt satisfied.


    The pattern flowed perfectly - each root seamlessly connecting to form an endless knot that somehow managed to look both precise and natural at the same time.


    "This one''s ready," I declared, holding up the lily for inspection.


    "Master, your inscribing speed has improved significantly," Azure noted. "The first attempt at the Fundamental Rune took considerably longer to perfect."


    The vine around my neck extended a tendril to trace the pattern, giving what felt like an approving pat on my shoulder.


    I had to admit, having a semi-sentient plant accessory that offered runic advice was not something I''d expected when I first arrived in this world.


    "Just one moment!" Elder Molric called out, making his way over from the other side of the lab. A series of muffled growls followed him, but he seemed entirely unconcerned. "Let me see your work."


    He examined the practice rune, turning the leaf this way and that to catch the light. After what felt like several minutes, he finally nodded.


    "Excellent integration points. The energy flow paths are particularly well-designed." He glanced at me curiously. "Where are you planning to connect it to your Fundamental Rune?"


    I pointed to the base of my chest where the tree pattern began. "Here, where the trunk emerges. The vine actually suggested it - the connection should create a more direct energy pathway while minimizing strain on the existing branches."


    Elder Molric''s eyes widened. "Oh? Speaking of the vine..." He reached toward it with an eager expression. "Perhaps it would like to come back to its creator for some additional experiments?"


    The vine''s reaction was immediate and dramatic. It coiled tighter around my neck and extended several thorny tendrils in the elder''s direction, making what sounded remarkably like a hissing noise.


    "Such ingratitude!" Elder Molric shook his head. "You should treat your creator with more respect."


    The vine''s only response was to tighten its grip around my neck - not enough to be uncomfortable, but definitely making its position clear.


    The elder sighed. ¡°You can keep him. Clearly, my own creation has abandoned me for a new master."


    "I don''t think either of us has much choice in the matter," I replied dryly, reaching up to pat the vine. The thorns immediately retracted under my touch.


    "Well then," the elder''s expression suddenly turned serious - a rare sight that immediately put me on edge. "Shall we proceed with the actual inscription? I should warn you, adding an elemental rune to your Fundamental Rune is... considerably more dangerous than our previous work."


    My eyes narrowed. If Elder Molric, the man who treated exploding plants that could easily kill a Rank 2 Skybound as a minor inconvenience, was being cautious...


    "How dangerous are we talking about?"


    "Oh, nothing too concerning," he waved his hand. "Just a small chance of your Fundamental Rune destabilizing and releasing all its stored energy at once. But don''t worry! I''ll be right here to contain any potential explosions."


    "Master," Azure commented, "I believe he''s trying to be reassuring."


    Strangely enough, I actually did feel somewhat reassured. Something about the look in the elder¡¯s eyes suggested he would actually focus on preventing disasters this time, rather than treating them as fascinating research opportunities.


    "No pressure then," I muttered, removing my outer robe to expose the silvery tree pattern on my chest. The vine helpfully shifted to give better access to the area.


    "Now," Elder Molric instructed, all traces of his usual scattered demeanor gone, "channel energy through your Fundamental Rune. We need it active during the merging process."


    I nodded as I drew on the power from the great red sun in the sky, sending it through the refined pathways of my Fundamental Rune. The tree pattern began to glow with a soft silver light, its branches rippling beneath my skin.


    "Master," Azure said, "begin the placement exactly three centimeters above the base point we identified."


    With careful movements, I pressed the Meridian Lotus leaf against my chest. The Worldroot pattern began to glow as it made contact with my energized Fundamental Rune.


    For a moment, nothing happened.


    Then I felt it - a sensation like roots burrowing into my very being.


    The Worldroot pattern seemed to come alive, its lines flowing like liquid as they merged with my Fundamental Rune. The tree pattern''s branches shifted and expanded, creating new pathways that perfectly matched our planned integration points.


    "Excellent," Elder Molric murmured, watching the process with narrowed eyes. "Now, try activating the elemental rune. Channel your energy through both patterns simultaneously."


    I took a deep breath, aware that this was the moment where things typically went catastrophically wrong for cultivation world protagonists. Still, no point in hesitating - if I was going to explode, better to get it over with.


    I channeled energy through the merged patterns, feeling it flow through the new pathways.


    There was a moment of resistance, then... nothing. No explosion, no searing pain, just a subtle shift in the quality of my energy.


    Where before it had been purely refined red sun essence, now it carried a distinct wood element quality.


    I released a breath I hadn''t realized I''d been holding.


    "HAHAHAHA!" Elder Molric''s laugh boomed through the laboratory as he slapped my back hard enough to make me stumble. "Perfect integration! Though your Fundamental Rune''s current capacity for red sun energy isn''t quite up to typical Rank 2 standards, your actual abilities won''t be any different. The efficiency of energy conversion is what truly matters at this stage."


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    He turned away and began rummaging through various scrolls and books scattered across his workbench, muttering to himself. "Now where did I put... no, that''s the flesh-melting variant... ah, here it is!"


    He emerged triumphantly holding a particularly thick scroll. "My personal compilation of the most useful wood element runes! Took decades to refine these designs."


    "Are these standard academy techniques?" I asked, genuinely curious.


    "Oh no, no," he waved dismissively. "The academy''s approved techniques are far too... rigid. These are my own improvements. Much more efficient, though occasionally prone to unexpected side effects." He paused. "Nothing too serious though. Usually."


    Why did that not fill me with confidence?


    The elder continued, either not noticing or choosing to ignore my skepticism. "Now, these runes have an interesting feature - if activated while focusing on a specific plant, they''ll enhance and control that plant. However, if there are no plants available, like in your match against young Tovel, the runes will create temporary constructs!"


    I nodded slowly. That could be incredibly useful, though... "I''m guessing construct creation uses more energy?"


    "Quite right! And at your current level, any plants you create will be essentially dead matter - you won''t be able to properly infuse them with life force until at least Rank 5." He grinned. "Though given your natural affinity for plant manipulation, you might manage it sooner."


    That aligned with my plans perfectly. I intended to keep seeds and small vines on me anyway - it would be far more efficient than creating constructs from scratch. Still, having the ability to generate plants in emergencies could be the difference between life and death.


    "Now then," Elder Molric spread the scroll across his workbench, revealing dozens of runic designs. "I''ve selected three runes that should suit your combat style particularly well."


    He pointed to the first pattern - a series of flowing lines that reminded me of a coiled whip. "The Vine Whip rune. Generates long, whip-like vines for ranged attacks. The more energy you input, the more vines you can control simultaneously."


    I studied the design carefully. It was essentially a more refined version of what I''d been doing instinctively. Having a proper rune for it would definitely improve both speed and efficiency.


    "The second," he indicated a compact pattern that somehow managed to look explosive even in its static form, "is the Explosive Seed rune. Creates seeds that detonate either on impact or after a short delay."


    "Master," Azure murmured, "that could be quite versatile. Scatter them as traps, use them as distractions, or even enhance existing seeds for surprise attacks."


    I agreed. There were many ways we could use them, especially if combined with the Vine Whip rune for delivery.


    "And finally," Elder Molric pointed to an elegant pattern that resembled interwoven tree bark, "the Woodweave Seal. It creates a temporary patch of woven wood fibers that can seal and heal wounds."


    Now that was interesting. My fight with Kiran had demonstrated just how valuable healing abilities could be. While this obviously couldn''t regrow limbs or repair major organs, it would be perfect for dealing with the cuts and puncture wounds that seemed to be so common in battles.


    "The inscription process is the same as your enhancement runes," Elder Molric explained. "Though given how long we spent on the Worldroot Conduit, perhaps I should handle these to save time? Then we can move straight to practice."


    I wasn''t about to turn down expert inscription, especially after seeing how quickly and precisely he''d carved the Aegis Mark.


    "Thank you, Master. For the Vine Whip, I''d like it on the back of my right hand." I held up my hand, indicating the spot. "The Explosive Seed here," I pointed to my right index finger, "as small as you can make it."


    The elder nodded approvingly. "And the Woodweave Seal?"


    "Left side of my chest," I decided. "Easy to access but out of the way of my other runes."


    "Good choices," he said, producing his crystal knife. "Now, hold still."


    What followed was another impressive display of his skill. Elder Molric''s movements were so swift and precise that the cuts barely had time to hurt before he was moving to the next location. In less than three minutes, all three runes were carved and ready for activation.


    "Channel your energy," he instructed. "Let''s make sure everything is working properly."


    I did as he said, sending red sun essence through my Fundamental Rune and into the new patterns. Each one activated smoothly, the marks shifting from bloody cuts to dark red tattoo-like designs.


    New Enhancements:


    1. Vine Whip


    <ul>


    <li>


    Type: Wood Element Combat


    </li>


    <li>


    Location: Right Hand, Back


    </li>


    <li>


    Effect: Generates and controls vine constructs


    </li>


    <li>


    Energy Cost: 20 units per vine


    </li>


    <li>


    Duration: Maintained


    </li>


    </ul>


    2. Explosive Seed


    <ul>


    <li>


    Type: Wood Element Combat


    </li>


    <li>


    Location: Right Index Finger


    </li>


    <li>


    Effect: Creates detonating seed constructs


    </li>


    <li>


    Energy Cost: 30 units per seed


    </li>


    <li>


    Duration: Until detonation (maximum 15 seconds)


    </li>


    </ul>


    3. Woodweave Seal


    <ul>


    <li>


    Type: Wood Element Healing


    </li>


    <li>


    Location: Left Chest


    </li>


    <li>


    Effect: Creates healing wood fiber patches


    </li>


    <li>


    Energy Cost: 40 units per use


    </li>


    <li>


    Duration: 1 hour or until naturally healed


    </li>


    </ul>


    "Excellent!" Elder Molric clapped his hands together. "Now we can move on to the fun part - learning to use them effectively!"

 Chapter 63: Combat Training

    "Let''s begin with something simple." Elder Molric said as he raised his hand. "We''ll need a proper training ground first."


    My eyes widened as crimson light flowed from his fingers, forming complex runic patterns in the air. The runes expanded rapidly, covering the entire laboratory in a glowing network that hurt my eyes to look at directly.


    "Master," Azure commented, "the spatial complexity of these formations is... remarkable."


    He wasn''t wrong. Each rune seemed to twist in ways that shouldn''t be possible, like looking at a four-dimensional object projected into three-dimensional space. And there were thousands of them, all perfectly synchronized.


    Then reality... shifted.


    The laboratory''s walls began to ripple and flow like water, expanding outward impossibly far. The ceiling rose until it vanished into darkness, while the floor transformed into natural terrain - grass, rocks, and even a small stream appeared as if they''d always been there.


    I struggled to process what I was seeing.


    Intellectually, I knew that higher-ranked practitioners could do incredible things. The novels I''d read were full of immortals reshaping mountains and creating pocket dimensions. Hell, my own cultivation method entailed creating a universe.


    But seeing something like this firsthand, watching someone casually manipulate reality itself...


    "Fascinating, isn''t it?" Elder Molric grinned at my expression. "Rank 7 practitioners can manifest physical constructs from pure energy. With enough skill, we can even make them permanent." He gestured proudly at our new surroundings. "Though this is just temporary - it''ll revert when we''re done training."


    His eyes twinkled as he pointed to several glowing formations embedded in the ground. "I''ve also included absorption arrays throughout the training ground. They''ll gather and purify ambient red sun energy, making it easier for you to replenish what you expend. Should help you train for longer periods without depleting your reserves completely."


    The vine around my neck tightened slightly, apparently as unnerved as I was by this casual display of power. I reached up to pat it reassuringly.


    "Now then!" The elder clapped his hands together. "Let''s start with the Vine Whip rune. Show me what you can do without using any runes first - I want to establish a baseline."


    I nodded, drawing on the raw energy from my inner world''s miniature red sun. The vine around my neck unwound itself, ready to join whatever I created.


    Focusing carefully, I reached out to the grass around us, pulling strands together and infusing them with energy until they merged into a single long vine. The process took several seconds - much longer than I''d like in a real fight.


    "Good, good," Elder Molric nodded. "Now try controlling multiple vines."


    I gritted my teeth and tried to form a second vine while maintaining control of the first. It was like trying to write with both hands simultaneously - possible, but awkward. The vines moved jerkily, barely responding to my commands.


    "As I thought," the elder mused. "Your natural control is excellent, but splitting your attention reduces precision significantly." He pointed at my new rune. "Try it with the Vine Whip now."


    I channeled energy through my Fundamental Rune, letting it flow into the whip pattern on my hand. The effect was immediate - three vines burst from the grass, moving with a fluidity I''d never been able to manage before.


    "The rune handles the basic control framework," Elder Molric explained. "You just need to direct their overall movement. Much more efficient!"


    He was right. Where before I''d had to actively maintain each vine''s structure and movement, now they responded to my intentions almost instantly. I made them weave complex patterns in the air, testing the limits of their mobility.


    "Excellent control!" The elder beamed. "Now, let''s see how you handle some pressure." He snapped his fingers, and suddenly we were surrounded by twelve training dummies arranged in a circle around us.


    Each one stood my height, shaped like featureless humanoids made of softly glowing red light. They swayed and shifted in a way that made the hairs on my neck stand up.


    "Master," Azure said, "their movement patterns appear to be randomized, but we should be able to spot patterns.¡±


    I nodded slightly, watching as the dummies began to move. They darted and weaved across the grass, feet barely touching the ground. One would sprint forward, then suddenly change direction mid-step, while another would leap and twist through the air like a dancer.


    But after a few seconds, I started to see it - they were moving in overlapping figure-eight patterns, each one slightly offset from the others.


    My vines lashed out in a coordinated attack. The first vine swept low, forcing three dummies to jump. The second vine curved around to catch them mid-air, while the third struck directly at a fourth dummy that was trying to slip through the gap.


    Each strike drove them closer together, gradually tightening the circle.


    "Good strategy," Elder Molric called out. "But remember - in a real fight, you''ll need to do more than just control their movement."


    As if on cue, the dummies'' hands began to glow. They raised their palms in unison, releasing a barrage of crimson energy bolts that crackled through the air like angry fireflies.


    I quickly wove two of my vines into a cross pattern, creating a living shield that the bolts splashed harmlessly against. The third vine kept up its assault, striking through gaps in their formation whenever one appeared.


    "Much better!" The elder gestured, and six more dummies materialized around us.


    These dummies were carrying swords and spears made of red sun energy. They immediately joined the attack, their weapons leaving trails of light as they slashed and thrust. "Now, let''s work on your timing. The key to effective vine control is..."This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    A flicker of movement caught my eye - one of the dummies had vanished from my peripheral vision.


    Pure instinct made me activate Blink Step, and the world blurred for a split second as I teleported three meters to the left.


    Just in time - a blade of red light sliced through the space where my head had been.


    Before the dummy could recover, my vines were already moving. Two of them struck its legs while the third wrapped around its sword arm, immobilizing it completely.


    "Excellent reflexes!" Elder Molric''s voice held genuine approval. "The runes are already becoming instinctive. Now, try incorporating your pet vine as well."


    The vine around my neck didn''t need much convincing, it immediately unwound itself, its dark green length almost invisible compared to the glowing dummies.


    It moved like a snake, weaving between energy bolts and blade swings to slam into the nearest dummy''s chest. Working in concert with my other vines, it created a defensive web that caught and deflected attacks from multiple angles simultaneously.


    "See how much smoother that is?" The elder gestured at the coordinated movements as my vines danced through the air, blocking, striking, and repositioning in a fluid dance. "The rune standardizes the energy distribution, letting you focus on strategy rather than basic control."


    He was right again.


    Even with four vines moving simultaneously - deflecting an energy bolt here, tripping a dummy there, wrapping around a sword arm, shielding against a spear thrust - I wasn''t feeling the mental strain I''d experienced before.


    The rune handled all the fine details of energy flow and structural maintenance, leaving me free to focus on reading the dummies'' movements and planning my next sequence of attacks.


    "Now," Elder Molric''s eyes brightened, "let''s try something more interesting." He waved his hand, and four new training dummies appeared that glowed ominously. "These ones explode when destroyed. Show me how you''d prevent that."


    Direct attacks would be dangerous now - I needed a way to disable the dummies without triggering their explosive properties. Maybe if I...


    "Master," Azure interrupted my thoughts, "the Explosive Seed rune might be useful here. We could create a localized shock wave to disrupt their movement without destroying them, but be careful, too much energy will trigger an explosion."


    That... was actually brilliant. I channeled energy into the seed rune on my finger, watching as a small, dark seed materialized.


    I had one of my vines gently grab the seed and draw back as far as it could, then I commanded it to snap forward, launching the seed toward where four dummies had clustered together. The timing would be crucial here...


    "Now!" Azure called out.


    I detonated the seed just before it reached the dummies. The blast wasn''t particularly powerful, but it created enough force to knock them off balance.


    Before they could recover, my vines shot forward in perfect sync. One vine wrapped around each dummy''s legs while another secured their arms, careful not to squeeze too tight against their unstable surfaces.


    "Very creative!" Elder Molric nodded approvingly. "Good use of combined techniques.¡±


    He waved his hand again, dispelling the captured dummies and creating a new set. These ones were nearly twice my height, with what looked like bronze armored plating covering their bodies.


    One stepped forward from my left, its footsteps leaving deep impressions in the grass. Two more circled to my right, while the remaining three spread out behind me in a pincer movement.


    "Let''s see how you handle targets that can''t be easily restrained," Elder Molric said, watching as the armored giants closed in from all sides. "Remember - the Explosive Seed rune can be used for more than just straight detonations."


    I frowned slightly, tracking their movements.


    The one on my left was closest, its massive arm already drawing back for a strike. Two more were approaching from behind, their heavy footsteps creating a sound similar to drumbeat.


    The rune''s energy cost was higher than Vine Whip, but it was more versatile than I''d initially thought. Maybe if I...


    Working quickly, I created four seeds and commanded the vines to move - one vine swept low to deposit a seed while another curved high to place another, weaving between the dummies'' strikes as they attacked.


    Within seconds, I had formed a perfect square of seeds around me, just as three of the armored giants stepped into range.


    The vine around my neck sensed my intention and unwound itself, rapidly expanding and weaving around my body into a lattice. Its usual dark green color took on a metallic sheen as it hardened, forming a flexible armor that covered me from neck to toe.


    Instead of triggering the seeds immediately, I pulsed energy through the rune in a rhythmic pattern, like a heartbeat.


    Dark green tendrils burst from the seeds, spreading through the soil faster than the dummies could react. I could see the ground rippling as the root network spread, creating a web of glowing lines that connected all four points.


    The nearest dummy''s fist was less than a meter from my face when I released the built-up energy.


    The force of the explosion rippled against my living shield, but the vine absorbed most of the impact, its lattice structure flexing and redistributing the energy harmlessly around me.


    Three of the armored constructs weren''t so lucky - they went spinning through the air like thrown dolls, crashing down nearly twenty meters away in different directions and leaving small craters where they landed.


    The remaining dummies stumbled back as they were hit by the residual energy.


    "Excellent!" Elder Molric clapped. "Using the root network to direct the explosion - very clever! And that defensive adaptation with your vine companion... most impressive. Though you might want to work on reducing the setup time."


    I nodded as my vine unwound from its armor configuration, resuming its usual position around my neck while maintaining a slightly more alert posture.


    The basic principle was sound, but in a real fight, I''d need to be much faster.


    The next hour was a blur of constant motion as I worked to integrate all my new abilities. The Vine Whip rune let me maintain consistent control over multiple vines, the Explosive Seed provided ranged options and crowd control, and Blink Step gave me the mobility to avoid getting cornered.


    Every time I started to get comfortable with a situation, Elder Molric would add new complications.


    Sometimes the dummies would split into smaller versions when hit. Other times they''d reform unless completely destroyed. Some were even able to attack using their own runes.


    Each variation forced me to adapt and combine my techniques in different ways.


    "Remember," he called out as I narrowly avoided a particularly nasty energy blast, "the runes are tools for you to use, not crutches. Don''t let them limit your thinking!"


    He had a point. I''d been relying heavily on the standard vine formations the rune created. But maybe if I modified the energy flow pattern...


    I channeled power through the Vine Whip rune differently, trying to recreate some of the modifications I''d managed with raw energy manipulation.


    To my surprise, the vines responded by developing thorny protrusions and a metallic sheen similar to what Elder Molric''s experiments had shown.


    "Now that''s more like it!" The elder''s approval was clear. "The basic patterns are just starting points. Once you understand the energy flow, you can customize the effects!"


    Encouraged by this, I began experimenting more. I discovered that by varying the energy input, I could change the properties of both my vines and explosive seeds. More power meant harder hits but reduced control. Less power allowed for more precise movements but sacrificed raw strength.


    Finally, after what felt like hours of constant combat, Elder Molric called a halt. The training dummies dissolved into motes of crimson light, leaving the transformed laboratory eerily quiet.


    "Well done!" he said, looking genuinely pleased. "You''ve made excellent progress with the basic applications. Though you might want to work on your stamina - you''re looking a bit tired."


    That was an understatement.


    Even with the formations working full-time to replenish any red sun energy expended, my reserves were completely depleted, and even my inner world''s miniature sun felt dimmer than usual. Every muscle ached from constant movement, and my mind felt fuzzy from maintaining so many simultaneous techniques.


    "Here," the elder tossed me what looked like a small crystal. "Absorption Stone. It''ll help replenish your energy faster."


    I caught the crystal, feeling immediate relief as it began converting ambient red sun energy into a form my body could easily absorb. "Thank you, Master."


    "Now then," he continued, already moving on to the next lesson, "let''s talk about the Woodweave Seal.¡±

 Chapter 64: Healing Arts

    "Now then," Elder Molric continued, already moving on to the next lesson, "let''s talk about the Woodweave Seal."


    His tone was light, almost casual, but something in his expression made me tense. The vine around my neck clearly sensed it too, tightening slightly in anticipation.


    "The thing about healing runes," he said, raising his hand, "is that they require a very particular understanding."


    "Wait!" I held up my hands, backing away slightly as I caught on to what he was planning. "I can make my own injuries for practice."


    The elder''s hand dropped, a frown on his face. "Oh. Well, I suppose that works too." He sighed. "Though my method would have been much more interesting..."


    Ignoring that concerning statement, I pulled out a small knife I''d started carrying for rune carving practice. The vine around my neck tensed as I brought the blade to my forearm.


    "It''s okay," I whispered to it. "Just a small cut for training. It won''t hurt much."


    The vine remained skeptical but loosened its grip slightly, though it kept one tendril hovering near my arm as if ready to intervene.


    With careful precision, I drew the knife across my skin, creating a shallow cut about three inches long. Blood welled up immediately, but the wound wasn''t deep - just enough to practice on without risking any real damage.


    "Good control," Elder Molric nodded. "Now, channel energy through your Fundamental Rune into the Woodweave Seal. Focus on the wound and activate the pattern."


    I did as instructed, drawing on the refined energy my Fundamental Rune had gathered. The tree pattern glowed softly as energy flowed through its branches into the new healing rune on my chest.


    The Woodweave Seal flashed with a dull red light... and almost nothing happened. A few tiny wood fibers materialized above the cut, then immediately dissolved.


    "Hmm." I adjusted the energy flow, trying to maintain a more steady stream rather than the burst I''d used before. The rune flashed again, but the result was even less impressive - this time the fibers barely formed at all.


    "As I thought," Elder Molric stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The combat runes came naturally to you because you already understood their fundamental principles - restraint, force, explosion. But healing?" He shook his head. "You can''t just activate the rune and expect it to work. You need to understand the process you''re trying to accelerate."


    That made sense. I tried to recall what I remembered about wound healing from high school biology. There was something about blood clotting first, then...


    "Master," Azure said in his lecture voice, "allow me to assist. The wound healing process is made up of the following phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation."


    Images and diagrams flashed through my mind as Azure shared his knowledge. Blood vessels constricting to slow bleeding, platelets gathering to form clots, white blood cells rushing to fight infection...


    "The Woodweave Seal," Azure continued, "should be able to accelerate these natural processes. Perhaps if we structure the energy flow to mirror each phase?"


    I nodded slowly, studying the cut on my arm. "So first, we need the wood fibers to act like fibrin proteins, creating a framework for the clot..." I channeled energy differently this time, visualizing the molecular structures Azure had shown me.


    The rune activated again, and this time fine wooden threads began weaving themselves across the wound. They formed a delicate lattice, similar to the fibrin mesh in blood clots, but made of plant matter instead of protein.


    "Better!" Elder Molric leaned closer, watching with interest. "Now maintain that pattern while transitioning to the next phase."


    I tried, but as I adjusted the energy to mimic inflammation, the wooden mesh started unraveling. The fibers lost cohesion and began falling apart.


    "Analyze the failure point, Master," Azure suggested. "The transition between phases appears to be the weak link."


    He was right. I''d been treating each phase as separate, dinstinct steps. But in the body, they overlapped - inflammation began while clotting was still happening, new tissue grew while inflammation was ongoing...


    "Let''s try again," I muttered, reformulating my approach. This time, I layered the energy patterns, letting each new phase build on the previous one rather than replacing it.


    The rune pulsed with steady crimson light as wood fibers once again formed across the wound. But now, instead of trying to force them through distinct transformations, I let the patterns evolve naturally.


    New fibers grew while the initial mesh was still strengthening, creating depth and structure that mimicked actual tissue regeneration.


    Gradually, a solid patch of woven wood formed over the cut. It was flexible but strong, with a surface texture surprisingly similar to skin. The edges blended almost seamlessly with my actual flesh, held firmly in place by microscopic root-like structures that anchored into the surrounding tissue.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Excellent work!" Elder Molric examined the patch closely. "Good cellular mimicry, proper tensile strength... though you''ll need to work on speed. In battle, you won''t have time for all this careful layering."


    I nodded, prodding the wooden skin experimentally. It felt strange but not uncomfortable.


    "And don''t get too ambitious," the elder continued. "The red sun''s energy isn''t exactly known for its healing properties. If you''re hoping to become some kind of miracle healer, you''ll likely be disappointed."


    "Is that what the blue sun''s energy is for?" I asked, thinking about the massive blue star that dominated half the sky.


    "That''s one of its properties, yes." Elder Molric''s eyes took on a distant look. "If only those blasted priests would let me run a few experiments... but no, it''s all ''heretic this'' and ''blasphemer that'' and trying to purify me with holy fire the moment I get close..." He trailed off, muttering something about ''improved capture techniques'' and ''better restraints this time.''


    Suddenly seeming to remember I was there, the elder coughed. "Ah, yes, well... that''s enough training for today. Practice these techniques on your own time." He waved a hand dismissively. "And go deal with that annoying brat who''s been prowling the corridors looking for you. I can sense him getting closer to my laboratory."


    I started to bow and leave, but hesitated.


    The World Tree Sutra needed both wind and earth energy to advance, winning the battle against Chen Wu would secure me the wind essence, leaving only the earth element left.


    I clearly didn¡¯t have enough spirit stones to buy it in the cultivation world, my only other option was to acquire it here.


    Who better to ask than a Rank 7 Skybound? Someone of his level must either have earth essence or know where to obtain it. The real question was how to approach the subject without revealing too much about why I needed it.


    "Thank you for the instruction, Elder," I said carefully. "But before I go... I was wondering if you might have any pure earth essence?"


    The elder frowned. "You''re focusing on wood element techniques. Why would you be interested in earth essence?"


    "Isn''t there significant overlap between them?" I asked carefully.


    That launched him into full lecture mode. "A common misconception! While both elements deal with physical matter, their fundamental natures are quite different. Earth essence represents stability, foundation, raw mineral power. Wood essence embodies growth, adaptation, vital energy..." He continued for several minutes before finally concluding, "Though I suppose they can complement each other effectively when properly combined."


    "So... do you have any?"


    "Of course I do!" He looked almost offended. "But it''s not free, boy."


    "What do you want for it?"


    Without answering, Elder Molric suddenly tossed several glowing crystals in my direction. I caught them, frowning at the familiar objects - they were not elemental stones, they were absorption stones.


    "What are these for?" I asked, not liking where this was going.


    A slow smile spread across the elder''s face. "Well... as much as I''d love to run a few experiments on a Natural like yourself, I did promise to be a better teacher this time." His expression grew distant for a moment. "Don''t want you ending up like my other students."


    Something about the way he said that made me very glad I''d refused his offer to create training injuries.


    "I''ve taught you the skills. Now let''s see how you bring them all together. Those stones should help keep you alive long enough to make things interesting." He straightened up, eyes gleaming. "Survive, and the earth essence is yours. Fail..." He shrugged, the gesture somehow more unsettling than any threat could have been. "Well, I''ll just have to use your corpse to further my research. Waste not, want not!"


    Before I could properly process that concerning statement, his finger was already moving. It left trails of burning crimson light in the air, forming a complex rune pattern that hurt my eyes to look at directly.


    "Try not to use them all at once!" he called out cheerfully, then snapped his fingers. "Good luck!"


    The rune exploded in a burst of crimson energy that seemed to tear reality itself apart. The laboratory''s carefully constructed training ground shattered like glass, its fragments dissolving into streams of red light that swirled around me like a tornado.


    When my vision cleared, I found myself standing in a forest.


    The trees were unnaturally still, their leaves a deep purple that seemed to absorb what little light filtered down from above.


    No birds sang, no insects chirped.


    The only sound was my own breathing, which seemed far too loud in the silence.


    The vine around my neck tightened protectively as we both sensed it - whatever this place was, we weren''t alone.

 Chapter 65: Hell-Level Difficulty

    "A forest," Azure commented dryly in my mind. "If one were to test a wood element practitioner, I suppose this would be the place."


    I nodded slowly, taking in our surroundings. The trees seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction, their twisted trunks creating shadows that played tricks on my eyes.


    "There are two possibilities here. Either Elder Molric is giving me an advantage..." I trailed off, watching as a nearby branch suddenly withered and crumbled to dust for no apparent reason.


    "Or?" Azure prompted, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.


    "Or this is going to be hell-level difficulty even with my supposed advantage."


    The air felt thick, almost syrupy. Every breath carried the metallic tang of concentrated red sun energy.


    "Given what we know of the elder''s... experimental tendencies," Azure mused, "I rather doubt he''s chosen to be merciful."


    "Yeah," I muttered, "that''s what I''m worried about."


    A faint rustling sound made me freeze, but it was just the vine shifting position to better guard my vital points. Still, no point in waiting around to see what had it so nervous. I pulled out one of the absorption stones Elder Molric had given me.


    The stone pulsed as I activated it, converting its reserves into refined red sun essence that flowed into my Foundational Rune. The familiar warmth spread through my channels as my energy levels steadily rose back toward their peak.


    Just as I finished absorbing the stone''s power, I felt the vine suddenly go rigid against my skin. Its usual supple length became as taut as steel cable, and I could feel tremors running through its form - almost like it was shivering.


    That... was not a good sign.


    "Where?" I whispered, knowing it would understand what I was asking.


    The vine''s tip extended shakily, pointing toward a particularly dense cluster of purple-leaved trees. The shadows there seemed deeper than they should be, moving in ways that had nothing to do with wind or natural motion.


    "Master," Azure''s normally calm voice held an edge of concern, "what do you intend to do?"


    I watched as something dark and sinuous began to emerge from those writhing shadows. "Well, the elder said to survive. He didn''t specify that I had to kill anything." A grin spread across my face that probably wasn''t entirely sane. "So, I''m going to do what any rational person would do in this situation."


    "And that would be?"


    "Run like hell in the opposite direction."


    I spun on my heel and bolted, not waiting to see what horror Elder Molric had cooked up in his laboratory. The forest blurred around me as I sprinted between twisted trunks and under branches that tried to reach down for me with grasping fingers.


    The vine had relaxed slightly once I started running, but it maintained a defensive posture, ready to react at a moment''s notice. Good thing too, because we''d barely covered sixty meters when Azure''s warning cut through my thoughts:


    "Master! Left side!"


    I didn''t hesitate. Pure reflex activated the Blink Step rune on my thigh, and reality blurred around me as I teleported three meters to the right.


    Not a moment too soon - something massive shot through the space where I''d been running, moving so fast it left afterimages in the air.


    My eyes widened as I got a good look at our attacker. It was... well, I suppose it was technically a snake. In the same way that Elder Molric''s fire-breathing plant was technically still a plant.


    The creature was easily eight meters long, its scales a sickly mixture of purple and green that seemed to shift and writhe even when it wasn''t moving.


    But what really caught my attention were the modifications - wooden growths burst from its body at regular intervals, forming what looked like organic armor plates. Its head was surrounded by a crown of thorny branches and its fangs appeared to be made of some kind of living wood.


    "The red sun energy emanating from it suggests mid-stage Rank 1," Azure reported as I dodged another lightning-fast strike. "Though these modifications are... concerning. It likely has some extra abilities."


    I had to agree. The wooden elements weren''t just attached to the snake - they were fully integrated, moving and growing as naturally as its scales. Someone, likely the elder, had done some seriously advanced work here.


    Part of me wanted to try manipulating it - after all, those wooden components had to be susceptible to my control...


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!The vine''s warning squeeze around my neck brought me back to reality. Right. Probably not the best time to experiment with mutant snakes, considering something much worse was still following us.


    "Shame," I muttered as I used Blink Step to avoid another attack. "Would''ve been interesting to see if I could influence those modifications."


    The snake''s next strike missed by a wider margin as I resumed running. Its frustrated hiss followed us deeper into the forest, but it didn''t give chase, instead it burrowed into the ground and disappeared.


    Smart of it - whatever was chasing us was getting closer.


    As I ran deeper into the forest, one thought kept circling through my mind: when (if) I survived this, I was definitely asking Elder Molric about flying runes. Running was great and all, but being able to soar above these mutated monstrosities seemed like a much better survival strategy.


    The more distance I covered, the denser the forest became, but what concerned me was that the trees themselves seemed to be changing, their bark taking on a metallic sheen that reminded me uncomfortably of the snake''s scales.


    Something was following me.


    I couldn''t see it clearly through the twisted trunks and writhing shadows, but I could feel it. Each impact of its movement sent tremors through the ground that made the metallic trees ring like hollow bells.


    Whatever it was, it was big. And it was getting closer.


    The vine around my neck tightened rhythmically - three quick squeezes, pause, repeat. It was trying to time something...


    "Master," Azure whispered, "the energy signature behind us is... significant."


    Another tremor shook the ground, stronger this time. Closer. The metallic ringing of the trees had taken on a desperate pitch, like warning bells in a doomed city.


    "How significant?" I asked, though I wasn''t sure I wanted to know the answer.


    "I can¡¯t say for certain yet, but I¡¯m beginning to understand why Elder Molric gave you those absorption stones."


    Great. Just great.


    The tremors were coming faster now, the intervals between them shortening as whatever was chasing us picked up speed. The sound of splintering wood and tearing earth filled the air as it carved a path of destruction through the forest.


    My lungs burned as I pushed myself to run faster. The Blink Step rune on my thigh was ready to activate at a moment''s notice, but I held back. Using it now would be a waste of energy.


    The vine''s warning pattern suddenly changed - two quick squeezes followed by a sharp tug to the right.


    "DODGE!" Azure''s shout filled my mind.


    I activated Blink Step instantly, the world blurring as I teleported. But something felt wrong. The usual smooth transition hitched, like reality itself had caught on something jagged.


    Then pain exploded across my left side as something massive struck me mid-teleport.


    The world spun violently as I was sent flying through the air. My body crashed through one tree, then another, the bark shattering like glass on impact. A third tree finally stopped my impromptu flight, its trunk cracking from the force of the collision.


    I hit the ground hard, the taste of blood filling my mouth. Through the haze of pain, I dimly registered the plants around me moving, responding to my distress. Purple leaves and twisted vines wove themselves into a protective cocoon around my battered body.


    "Master," Azure''s voice seemed to come from very far away, "you need to move. Now."


    Groaning, I forced my eyes open, looking up through gaps in the makeshift shield the plants had formed.


    My blood ran cold.


    The thing that had been chasing us emerged from the destroyed section of forest with deceptive grace for its size.


    It moved on six legs that looked like they''d been crafted from living stone, each step leaving deep impressions in the earth. Its body was a nightmare fusion of rock and plant life - granite plates interwoven with thick vines that pulsed with red sun energy. Multiple heads grew from its serpentine neck, each one a different horrific combination of stone and vegetation.


    But what made my face truly pale was the energy radiating from it. This wasn''t some Rank 1 mutated being like the snake. This... this was something else entirely.


    The monster''s heads turned toward my hiding spot, and six pairs of eyes began to glow with murderous crimson light.


    As our eyes met, one thought managed to push through my terror:


    I really should have asked more questions about those "failed experiments" the elder had mentioned.

 Chapter 66: Abomination

    The stone-plant monstrosity''s six heads loomed above me, each one a unique fusion of granite and twisted vegetation. My makeshift shield of purple leaves wouldn''t last more than a second against those massive jaws.


    "Any suggestions?" I muttered internally, trying to ignore the burning pain in my side.


    "Several," Azure replied. "Though none particularly promising. The creature appears to be a fusion of both earth and wood elements, likely one of Elder Molric''s more... ambitious experiments."


    "Ambitious is one word for it." I watched as the heads weaved back and forth. "Have you got a better reading on its energy levels?"


    ¡°Yes, it seems to fluctuate between Rank 1 and Rank 2."


    My eyes narrowed at this information. A Pseudo Rank 2 then, or as some would say, half-step into the second rank.


    The distinction was important - if this thing had been a true Rank 2, I wouldn''t have even survived that first hit. The gap between a Pseudo Rank 2 and a true Rank 2 was like the difference between a pond and an ocean - both contained water, but only one could drown continents.


    "Master, I¡­I don''t know if we can beat it," Azure''s tone held genuine concern.


    I nodded slightly, keeping my eyes fixed on the monstrosity. "But I think we can survive long enough.¡±


    The vine around my neck squeezed once - a warning. One of the heads had stopped moving.


    I didn''t wait to see what would happen next. The moment the head lunged forward, jaws wide enough to swallow me whole, I activated Blink Step. The world blurred as I teleported, leaving the protective plant cocoon to be crushed in my place.


    My landing was less than graceful. The earlier hit had definitely cracked some ribs, and the teleport sent fresh waves of pain through my chest. I stumbled, barely managing to stay upright as I materialized behind one of the metallic trees.


    The monster''s heads snapped toward my new position with terrifying speed. Two of them opened their mouths, and I caught a glimpse of something glowing deep in their throats.


    "Move!" Azure''s warning was unnecessary - I was already diving to the side as beams of concentrated red sun energy carved through the air where I''d been standing. The metallic tree I''d been hiding behind literally melted, liquid metal dripping to the ground with a hiss.


    Right. Note to self - don''t get hit by that.


    I activated the Vine Whip rune, calling forth three vines while the one around my neck maintained its protective position. The vines burst from the ground, weaving through the air in attack patterns. But something felt... wrong. The vines moved sluggishly, as if fighting against some unseen resistance.


    "The ambient energy is interfering with our control," Azure observed. "We''ll need more power to maintain the same level of manipulation."


    That explained it. I could feel it now - every plant I tried to control required significantly more energy than normal. The earth essence infused in everything was making wood manipulation much more difficult.


    The monster didn''t give me time to adjust my strategy. Its stone legs crashed against the earth as it charged, moving with impossible speed for something its size. All six heads struck simultaneously, attacking from different angles to cut off potential escape routes.


    I managed to avoid five of them through a combination of Blink Step and desperate dodging. The sixth caught me with a glancing blow, sending me tumbling across the ground. My vines tried to cushion the impact, but they were still moving too slowly to be fully effective.


    The familiar warmth of the vine around my neck was the only thing that kept me oriented as I rolled back to my feet. It was tense, ready to react, but I could feel it struggling against the same resistance affecting my other techniques.


    "We need a new approach," I gasped, pressing a hand against my injured ribs. "Direct control is taking too much energy."


    "Perhaps..." Azure''s tone held a note of calculation. "The Explosive Seed rune? The density of the environment might actually enhance its effects."


    Worth a shot.


    I channeled energy through my Fundamental Rune into the seed pattern on my finger, creating three small seeds. The process felt different here - the seeds were denser than usual, I wasn¡¯t sure what effect, if any, that would have.


    The monster''s heads were already moving to attack again. I had my vines launch the seeds in different directions - one at its legs, one at the base of its neck, and one into the air above it.


    "Now!"


    I detonated all three seeds simultaneously.


    The explosions were more powerful than I''d expected, each one releasing a concentrated blast that actually staggered the creature. Stone cracked and its own plant portions withered as the destructive force washed over its hybrid body.


    "Well done, Master," Azure commented, a note of approval in his voice.


    "Seems unlike our friend here," I gestured to the vine still wrapped protectively around my neck, "the elder''s other experiments aren''t quite as intelligent." My eyes tracked the creature''s movements as it regained its balance. "Though I guess this one makes up for it in raw power."


    As if to prove my point, the monster recovered almost instantly, its damaged sections already beginning to regenerate. Stones shifted back into place while fresh vegetation grew to replace the destroyed parts.


    "See, that''s just cheating."


    I created more seeds, but this time I had my vines plant them in a wide circle around the monster. If I couldn''t hurt it directly, maybe I could at least control its movement.


    The creature seemed to sense my intention. Four of its heads turned to track the seeds while the other two kept watch on me. It took a single step forward... then stopped.


    Something was wrong. Its eyes weren''t focusing on me anymore, and its movements had become almost hesitant.


    The vine around my neck suddenly went rigid.


    "Master," Azure''s voice held an edge of alarm, "the energy readings are changing. I believe it''s about to-"


    The monster''s body exploded.


    Not from my seeds - those were still inactive. No, its entire form simply... burst apart, sending chunks of stone and twisted vegetation flying in every direction.


    The blast wave hit me like a physical wall, launching me backward through the air.


    This time I was better prepared. I managed to activate the Aegis Mark on my back just before impact, and the barrier absorbed most of the force as I crashed through several trees.


    It wasn''t enough to prevent all damage though - I felt the sharp crack of ribs giving way, and branches tore at my skin as I flew past.


    I ended up flat on my back, blood trickling from a dozen cuts, my chest burning with each breath. The vine around my neck had somehow stayed with me through it all, though I could feel it trembling slightly from the impact.


    "That," I wheezed, "was unexpected."


    "Master, look, there¡¯s something emerging from the remains."


    I tried pushing myself up onto my elbows, but pain shot through my torso. The vine immediately wrapped around my shoulders, helping me sit up while its tip tapped urgently at the Woodweave Seal on my chest.


    Taking its hint, I channeled energy into the healing rune. Wooden fibers spread across my skin, weaving into patches over the worst injuries.


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    They wouldn''t fully heal the damage, but at least they''d keep me from bleeding out. The cracked ribs would have to wait - I needed to save energy for whatever was forming from the monster''s remains.


    I pushed myself the rest of the way up, looking back toward where the creature had been.


    The scattered pieces were... moving. Not just twitching or settling, but actively flowing back together like mercury. But they weren''t reforming into the six-headed monster.


    No, this was something new. Something worse.


    The materials merged and transformed, taking on a more humanoid shape. Stone flowed like water while plants wove themselves into complex patterns.


    Within seconds, a figure stood where the monster had been - roughly human-sized, but made entirely of perfectly integrated stone and vegetation.


    Its surface rippled continuously, stone becoming plant becoming stone in an endless cycle. When it opened its eyes, they glowed with the same crimson light as before, but now held a disturbing intelligence.


    "Fascinating, isn''t it?" The thing spoke with Elder Molric''s voice, though its mouth didn''t move. "One of my more successful fusion experiments. The ability to shift between forms while maintaining power output... truly remarkable!"


    I climbed to my feet, trying not to show how much that last impact had hurt. "You couldn''t have just given me a written test?"


    The creature - or Elder Molric, or whatever it was - laughed. The sound seemed to come from everywhere at once. "Where would be the fun in that? This is much more interesting.¡±


    ¡°For you, maybe.¡± I checked my remaining energy reserves. About half left, plus four absorption stones. Not great.


    "Oh, stop complaining." The hybrid being moved with liquid grace, its feet barely touching the ground. "This is valuable experience! Now..." It raised one hand, and I watched in horror as the appendage transformed into a blade of living stone wrapped in thorny vines.


    "Let''s see how you handle this form."


    It moved.


    One moment it was twenty meters away, the next it was right in front of me, stone blade already swinging for my neck. Pure instinct made me duck, and I felt the wind of its passage ruffle my hair.


    I activated Blink Step, trying to put some distance between us. But the moment I materialized, it was already there, launching another strike that I barely managed to deflect with a hastily grown vine shield.


    The blade carved through my defense like it wasn''t even there. Only the vine around my neck yanking me backward saved me from being cut in half.


    "Too slow!" Elder Molric''s voice echoed as the creature pressed its attack. Its free hand transformed into a mass of writhing vines that shot toward me like spears.


    I managed to dodge the first few strikes, but there were too many. Several vines wrapped around my legs while others caught my arms, holding me in place as the stone blade came in for the kill.


    Time seemed to slow down. I could see the blade''s edge gleaming as it approached my throat, could feel the vines tightening their grip to prevent escape. The vine around my neck was trying desperately to help, but it was caught up in the mass of attacking tendrils.


    In that frozen moment, as death approached with certainty, I reached desperately for any last reserves of power. My four vines moved to intercept, but they were too slow, too weak against the overwhelming force bearing down on me.


    The blade was less than an inch from my throat when reality... shattered.


    The forest dissolved like a painting in rain, colors running together until nothing remained but swirling patterns of crimson light. I felt a sensation of falling, or maybe rising - direction had no meaning in whatever space I was passing through.


    Then, with a jolt that made my teeth rattle, I found myself back in Elder Molric''s laboratory. The familiar walls looked almost painfully normal after the nightmare forest I''d just escaped from.


    I was on my knees, gasping for breath, my body covered in very real cuts and bruises from the fight. The vine around my neck was still tense, ready to defend against threats that were no longer there.


    "Well!" Elder Molric''s cheerful voice made me look up. The real elder stood before me, looking exactly as he had before the test began. "That was quite entertaining! You used every rune in combat - the Explosive Seeds for range, Vine Whip for control, Blink Step to dodge, Aegis Mark for defense, even the Woodweave Seal. Exactly what I wanted to see!"


    I opened my mouth to respond, but all that came out was a weak cough. My throat felt like I''d been gargling sand.


    "Oh, don''t be so dramatic," the elder waved dismissively. "You''re still alive, aren''t you? And you even managed to force my construct to use its second form! That''s better than most rank 1 initiates could hope to achieve."


    He reached into his robes and pulled out a small crystal vial filled with what looked like liquified stone. "Here''s your earth essence. Try not to waste it - this batch was particularly troublesome to refine."


    I stared at the vial, then back at him. "Would you really have killed me if I''d failed?"


    The vine chose that moment to help me up, winding around my torso and arm to carefully pull me to my feet. I swayed slightly, but its steady grip kept me standing.


    "Kill you?" Elder Molric looked genuinely offended. "Of course not! I was careful the entire time. You were never in any real danger." A slight smile crossed his face. "Well, not of death, anyway."


    "But you said you''d experiment on my corpse..."


    "I would never experiment on my student''s corpse!" He actually seemed hurt by the suggestion. "Even I have some boundaries. I just needed you to believe it - to fight with everything you had." His expression turned serious for a moment. "Resources aren¡¯t meant to be handed over freely. They need to be earned."


    I studied his face, trying to reconcile this almost reasonable version with the usually manic elder. "So, all that about using my body for research..."


    "Motivation!" He beamed. "Besides, it''s been quite entertaining having you around. Do you know how long it''s been since anyone''s properly appreciated my work?" He caught himself, coughing slightly. "The research data alone made this worth it.¡±


    I grabbed the vial before he could change his mind, trying not to think too hard about what kind of "research" he had in mind.


    As I limped toward the door, clutching my hard-won prize, the vine kept checking my injuries, its tip brushing over the worst cuts and bruises. A light tap on my ribs made me wince - definitely broken.


    "I''m fine," I muttered.


    The vine''s tip flicked against my cheek - its way of calling me out on obvious lies. It had seen exactly how hard that thing had hit me.


    "Okay, not fine. But alive." I managed a weak smile. "Thanks to you."


    It squeezed my arm gently in response, then tugged insistently toward the door.


    Right. We should probably get out of here before the elder came up with any more "tests."


    As we left, I made a mental note: next time I needed something from Elder Molric, I was bringing a written request. Preferably delivered from a safe distance.


    Maybe by messenger pigeon.


    The vine''s gentle squeeze around my arm suggested it approved of that plan.

 Chapter 67: Flight

    I woke to the red sunlight streaming through my window and the familiar weight of the vine around my neck. It had taken to draping itself across my eyes when it thought I was sleeping too long, but today it was just lounging contentedly, one tendril idly tracing patterns on my shoulder.


    Fortunately, after my lesson yesterday, there was no arrogant young master waiting for me outside. I had no plans of fighting a peak Rank 1 anytime soon, at least not until I was confident in winning.


    "Master, are you planning to train with Elder Molric today?" Azure asked, pulling me away from my thoughts.


    I suppressed a shudder. "Absolutely not. I don''t want to know what other lessons he has planned. Getting thrown into a nightmare forest once was enough, thank you."


    The vine tightened slightly at the memory, and I reached up to pat it. "Besides," I continued, pulling out the crystal vial of earth essence, "we have more important things to do. Time to see if this will work with the World Tree Sutra."


    "You''re concerned about the compatibility?"


    I turned the vial, watching the liquified stone swirl within. "It''s not exactly the same as cultivation world earth essence. The energy signature is... different." I could feel it even through the crystal - where normal earth essence felt like ancient mountains and deep caves, this had an almost metallic quality to it, sharp and somehow hungry.


    "The World Tree Sutra was specifically designed to handle various energy types," Azure replied thoughtfully. "And given how the Genesis Seed has already adapted to the red sun''s energy, it should be able to process this variant of earth essence. The fundamental principles remain similar, even if the exact manifestation differs."


    I nodded. That had been my reasoning as well. The World Tree Sutra was nothing if not adaptable - it had to be, given its ultimate goal of creating an entire universe. Still, best to be careful.


    Settling into a meditation pose, I placed the vial between my palms and closed my eyes. The process for absorbing the earth essence would be similar to how I''d handled the water essence, but I''d need to adjust the formation slightly to account for the different energy type.


    "Remember," Azure advised, "the Flowing Rivers Formation needs to be modified. Earth moves differently than water - more gradual, but with greater momentum."


    I could see the pattern he was suggesting in my mind - the flowing curves replaced by angular lines that intersected like tectonic plates. Following his guidance, I began channeling my qi through the new formation.


    My awareness shifted to my inner world. The Genesis Seed dominated the space as always, its massive form a constant reminder of what I was working toward. The miniature red sun still cowered in its corner, though it seemed to have grown slightly more comfortable with its role as an energy source.


    As I guided the earth essence through the formation, I could feel it responding differently than the water had. Where that had been fluid and eager, this moved with deliberate purpose, each particle of energy finding its precise place in the pattern before the next would flow.


    The Genesis Seed stirred as the first traces of earth essence reached it. Its surface rippled with interest, and I felt an almost questioning sensation - like it was evaluating this new offering. Then its mouth opened, accepting the essence with the same careful consideration it had shown for the water.


    The effect was immediate.


    Power surged through my inner world as the space expanded rapidly, growing by ten cubic meters. The air itself seemed to thicken with earth essence, and in places I could see the energy trying to coalesce into actual terrain. Small patches of ground would start to form, only to dissolve back into pure essence moments later.


    "The Genesis Seed appears to be establishing the foundational matrix for physical manifestation,¡± Azure commented. ¡°Once you acquire the wind essence, you should be able to begin actually shaping the environment."


    Current status:


    Cultivation: Qi Condensation Stage 4


    Inner World: 135 cubic meters


    Soul Essence: 800/800


    Spiritual Essence: 750/750


    Physical Essence: 700/700


    I nodded absently, more focused on an unexpected development - my spiritual essence had increased by 50 points.


    "That''s... interesting. I wouldn''t have expected essence from this world to affect my cultivation base directly."


    "Look closer at the Genesis Seed," Azure suggested.


    I directed my spiritual sense toward it and noticed something. The seed wasn''t just storing the earth essence - it was actively converting it, breaking down its structure and reforming it into something that matched the fundamental energy of my inner world.


    "The World Tree Sutra operates on spiritual essence as its base component," Azure explained. "Rather than trying to incorporate foreign energy types directly, it transforms them into a compatible form. Quite elegant, really."


    "That makes sense," I withdrew from my inner world, absently rubbing my temples.


    The conversion process had left me with a slight headache - not painful, exactly, but like I could feel my energy pathways adjusting to the new power.


    "So," Azure said after a moment, "will you be returning to the cultivation world now?"


    I glanced toward Elder Molric''s laboratory. "Soon. But I''d like to learn the flying rune first. Being able to fly would make things much more convenient back home." I paused, then admitted, "And... it would feel wrong to leave without saying goodbye to the elder. However crazy his methods might be."Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Oh?" Azure''s tone was teasing. "Have you grown fond of our eccentric instructor?"


    I shrugged, uncomfortable with the observation even though it was true. "He''s the first actual teacher I''ve had since being isekai''d. And even with all his... peculiarities... he genuinely wants to help. Most of the time. When he''s not trying to traumatize me for science."


    The vine chose that moment to wrap itself more securely around my neck, its familiar weight comforting. I reached up to touch it gently. "And I''m going to miss you most of all, little buddy."


    The vine unwound slightly so it could look at me properly, its tip tilted in a way that somehow managed to convey both confusion and concern. Then it rewound itself even more firmly than before, as if declaring it had no intention of going anywhere.


    "Azure," I asked quietly, "is there any way to take it with us?"


    "Theoretically possible," Azure replied, his tone gentle. "But not at your current cultivation level.¡±


    I sighed, continuing to stroke the vine''s length. "I know. And the next time we''re here, the loop will have reset. All our time together, all these memories... they''ll be gone."


    The vine''s grip tightened in protest, not understanding what I meant.


    "There may be techniques in the Azure Peak Sect that could help," Azure suggested. "Soul-sharing methods that would let you transfer memories when you return."


    I scratched the spot where the vine liked it best, just behind its sensory cluster. "Something to look into," I agreed. "I''m not giving up on you that easily."


    The vine rewarded me with a gentle tap on the nose - its way of telling me I was being unnecessarily dramatic. I couldn''t help but smile. Even though it didn¡¯t fully understand why I was sad, it was still trying to cheer me up.


    ***


    When I entered Elder Molric''s laboratory later that morning, I had to duck immediately to avoid a blast of crimson energy.


    The elder was in the middle of what appeared to be an experiment involving two massive plants locked in combat. Their leaves and branches clashed like swords while traces of half-formed runes flickered around them.


    The amount of power they were giving off was staggering ¨C well beyond what even a rank 2 practitioner should be capable of. I carefully edged around the perimeter of their battle, not wanting to end up as collateral.


    "Oh!" Elder Molric looked up from making notes, looking surprised. "I didn''t expect to see you for a while. You didn''t look particularly happy yesterday."


    I waved my hand dismissively. "Water under the bridge. Or earth essence under the bridge, as the case may be."


    Relief flickered across his face but he hid it quickly with a grin. "Excellent! What would you like to work on?¡±


    With a casual wave of his hand, he created barrier around the battling plants, containing their destructive energy.


    "I was hoping to learn the flying rune."


    His eyes lit up. "Oh, that''s a fun one!" He practically bounced over to a shelf, retrieving a scroll that looked significantly less weathered than most of his collection. "This is the basic flight rune for Rank 2 Skybound. Nothing too fancy - you won''t be breaking any speed records, and with your current energy capacity I wouldn''t recommend more than fifteen minutes of continuous flight. But it''s remarkably efficient in terms of red sun energy consumption."


    I studied the rune design carefully. The pattern resembled a pair of wings, but with geometric precision that reminded me of the aviation diagrams I''d seen in my old world. Straight lines represented lift vectors, while curved segments suggested air flow patterns. At the center, a complex knot of lines formed what looked like a miniature vortex.


    "The back is the ideal location," Elder Molric continued, already reaching for his carving tools. "Helps with energy distribution and makes it easier to maintain proper orientation during flight. So, would you like me to do the honors?¡±


    At my nod, he produced the familiar ritual knife. The blade glowed faintly red as he charged it with energy.


    "This might sting a bit," he warned, though his grin suggested he wasn''t particularly concerned about my comfort. "Try to hold still."


    The process was quick ¨C less than a minute of sharp, precise cuts. Each stroke burned briefly before fading to a dull ache as the rune took hold. The vine watched the entire process intently, ready to intervene if the elder got too enthusiastic with the knife.


    "Now then!" The elder stepped back, clapping his hands together. A familiar gleam entered his eyes as he formed a complex series of hand signs. "Let''s give you some room to practice!"


    The laboratory ceiling suddenly shot upward, expanding until it was lost in shadow at least thirty meters above us. The walls seemed to ripple and stretch, creating a space roughly the size of a large courtyard.


    "Start with the basics," he instructed. "Channel energy through your Fundamental Rune into the flight pattern. Focus on generating lift first - don''t worry about directional control until you''ve mastered hovering."


    I nodded, directing power through the tree pattern on my chest. The new rune activated immediately, sending a strange tingling sensation across my back. My feet left the ground... for about half a second before I crashed back down.


    "Less power," Azure suggested. "You''re overwhelming the lift vectors. Try reducing the input by thirty percent."


    My next attempt got me a full meter up before I started spinning uncontrollably. The vine had to shoot out several tendrils to grab nearby shelves, stabilizing me before I could knock over any of the elder''s experiments.


    "Good!" Elder Molric looked delighted. "Your little friend¡¯s help is quite effective, but try to maintain your own balance. Focus on keeping your core centered."


    The next hour was filled with various attempts at mastering basic flight.


    I learned that too much power sent me shooting toward the ceiling, while too little resulted in an awkward hopping motion that the elder found highly entertaining.


    Directional control was even trickier - my first attempt at forward movement somehow sent me backward and slightly to the left.


    But gradually, with Azure''s adjustments and Elder Molric''s practical advice, I began to get the hang of it. The key was treating it like swimming through air - smooth, controlled movements rather than the jerky corrections I''d been trying.


    By the time we finished, I could maintain stable flight at various heights and move in any direction without accidentally spinning or crashing into walls. It wasn''t exactly graceful yet, but it was functional.


    "Well done!" Elder Molric clapped as I landed somewhat less awkwardly than my previous attempts. "You''ve picked it up faster than most. Though I suspect having two teachers helped." He winked at the vine, which had finally stopped hovering anxiously every time I went more than a meter off the ground.


    As I opened my mouth to thank him, I was interrupted by hesitant footsteps in the corridor. A young initiate appeared in the doorway, hand raised to knock. When he saw Elder Molric, he immediately dropped into a deep bow.


    "My sincerest apologies for the interruption, Honored Elder," he said, voice trembling slightly. "But there''s an urgent matter..." His eyes darted to me meaningfully.


    Elder Molric waved his hand dismissively. "Yes, yes, what is it?"


    The initiate straightened but kept his eyes lowered respectfully. "They have Kiran!"


    "Who are they?" I asked, though I had a sinking feeling I already knew. The vine around my neck tensed, sensing my sudden anxiety.


    "Zoren." The initiate''s voice cracked. "He''s holding Kiran in the eastern training grounds. Says he won''t let him leave until you come fight him."


    I frowned. "The academy has strict rules against¡ª"


    "Obviously he''s not calling it a hostage situation," the initiate cut in with a scowl. "You know how he works. He knows exactly how to phrase things to stay just within the rules while..." He trailed off, running a hand through his hair.


    "I''ll be there," I said quietly.


    The initiate bowed again to Elder Molric before hurrying away.


    "Master," Azure''s voice was cautious, "what do you plan to do?"


    I glanced at the doorway. "Even if this is just a loop... I can''t leave him like this. Kiran tried to warn me about Zoren. They¡¯re after me, not him, he doesn¡¯t deserve this."


    "Do you think you can defeat him?"


    I shook my head. "I couldn''t handle a half-step Rank 2, and while I might stand a chance against a peak Rank 1, beating one?" I let out a hollow laugh. "Not likely."


    "Then what exactly do you plan to do?"


    A smile slowly spread across my face as an idea took shape. I turned to Elder Molric, who had gone back to making notes on his experiment. The vine perked up, clearly recognizing my expression - the one that usually meant I was about to do something either brilliant or incredibly stupid.


    "Elder... would you happen to have a robe I could borrow?"

 Chapter 68: Rank 2 Skybound

    Kiran sat cross-legged on the grass of the eastern training ground, surrounded by Zoren and his fresh group of followers.


    The faces around him were different from last week''s crowd - Zoren went through lackeys like most people went through clothes, discarding them the moment they showed any signs of weakness or independent thought.


    The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the training ground, painting everything in shades of crimson that made his skin crawl. He could feel his bloodline stirring restlessly beneath his skin, responding to both the red sunlight and his own growing anxiety.


    "Comfortable, Tovel?" Zoren'' asked. He stood a few paces away, perfectly positioned so that his shadow fell across Kiran''s face. "I do hope you''re not finding our little wait too tedious."


    Kiran remained silent, focusing on his breathing as he had been for the past hour. It helped keep the bloodline quiet, though he could still feel it pushing against his control, wanting to emerge. The familiar sensation of bones shifting beneath his skin made him want to scratch until he bled, but he kept his hands still in his lap.


    He hadn''t expected to end up here when he''d decided to use the eastern training ground for some extra practice after classes.


    In retrospect, he should have known better. The eastern grounds were closer to the dormitories used by the common-born initiates ¨C exactly where someone hunting for Tomas might set up watch.


    Zoren had grown tired of searching for his prey and decided to make the prey come to him instead. When Kiran had walked in, alone and distracted by his own thoughts, the choice had practically made itself.


    After all, everyone had now heard how Kiran and the ¡®Natural¡¯ were training buddies.


    The rune on Kiran''s forehead flickered, trying to manifest as his thoughts darkened. He pushed it back down, ignoring the way his bones ached in protest. Even if he let the bloodline take over, it wouldn''t be enough. Zoren was at the peak of Rank 1, and his followers weren''t far behind. Fighting would only make things worse.


    More importantly, Kiran knew the politics at play. The longer this dragged on, the harder it would be for the academy to maintain its ignorance. There were limits to what even Zoren could get away with in broad daylight.


    Better to endure some temporary humiliation than escalate things to a point where the academy would be forced to take notice ¨C and possibly take action that would benefit no one.


    "Young Master Zoren," one of the lackeys spoke up, a thin boy with close-cropped hair whose name Kiran could never remember. "Perhaps we should send another message? It''s been over an hour..."


    Zoren''s hand shot out, catching the boy across the face with a casual backhand that made him stumble back.


    "Did I ask for your opinion?" he asked softly, never taking his eyes off Kiran. "These commoner types are all the same ¨C too proud for their own good. He won''t be able to resist playing the hero. The Natural will come, won¡¯t he Tovel?¡± His lips curved into a cruel smile. "And when he does..."


    Kiran sincerely hoped not. The whole situation was absurd ¨C using him as bait to lure out someone who was probably even less capable of handling Zoren than Kiran himself. If Tomas had any sense at all, he''d stay far away.


    "He won''t come," Kiran said, keeping his voice steady. "He barely knows me."


    This earned him a kick to the ribs from another of his followers that sent him sprawling.


    "Liar," the scarred boy spat. "We know all about your combat practice. You seem pretty friendly to me."


    Kiran pushed himself back into a sitting position, wincing. "We exchanged maybe ten words. That''s hardly¡ª"


    Another kick cut him off, this time catching him in the shoulder. The pain sent a surge of energy through his bloodline, and for a moment, bones began to push through his skin before he forced them back with gritted teeth.


    "Oh?" Zoren''s eyebrows rose with interest. "Was that the famous Tovel bloodline trying to emerge? Please, don''t hold back on my account." His smile showed too many teeth. "I''d love to see if it lives up to the stories."


    Kiran knew better than to rise to the bait. His family''s bloodline technique was impressive, yes, but it came with a price. The longer he used it, the more the red sun''s influence affected his mind.


    Even if by some miracle he managed to defeat Zoren''s lackeys, he''d probably end up losing control and killing someone in the process. The academy might overlook a lot of things, but murder was still technically forbidden.


    Besides, he consoled himself, Zoren wouldn''t dare go too far. House Tovel might not think much of Kiran anymore, but they still had appearances to maintain. A minor noble house like Zoren''s couldn''t risk severely injuring a scion of one of the great houses, no matter how disappointing that scion might be.


    Tomas, on the other hand, had no such protection. If he actually showed up...


    A sudden movement in Kiran''s peripheral vision made him tense, but it was just another of Zoren''s cronies shifting position. They were all on edge, he realized. Despite their show of confidence, they knew they were pushing boundaries. If the wrong person happened to pass by...


    "Senior Brother Zoren," the youngest of the group ¨C Bane, if Kiran remembered correctly ¨C called out softly. "Perhaps we should move somewhere more... private?"


    "Scared, Bane?" Zoren''s tone was light, but there was an edge to it that made the younger student flinch. "Don''t worry. I''ve made sure we won''t be interrupted. The regular patrols have been... redirected."


    That explained the lack of supervisors. Zoren must have called in some favors, arranged for this particular area to be conveniently overlooked.


    It was the kind of detailed planning that made him truly dangerous ¨C not just his cultivation, but his ability to manipulate the academy''s systems to his advantage.


    Time crawled by with excruciating slowness. The red sun continued its journey across the sky, its crimson light growing more intense as it approached the seventh hour.


    Kiran could feel its influence pressing against his mind, making the bone rune pulse with increasing urgency. The bloodline wanted out, wanted to fight, to prove its worth through violence.


    "Young Master," another lackey called out, this one a tall girl with elaborate braids. "Someone''s coming."


    Above them, suspended impossibly in mid-air, a robed figure hung motionless against the backdrop of the red sun. The figure''s presence seemed to command attention, drawing all eyes up as though pulled by an invisible force.


    The robes were unmistakable ¨C only a Rank 2 Skybound would dare to wear that shade of blue within the academy walls. The golden trim along the edges marked them as an elder''s direct disciple, one of the few granted the privilege of flight within the academy.


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    The figure began descending, their blue robes rippling unnaturally in the still air. They landed on the training ground without disturbing a single blade of grass. Their hood was drawn up, concealing their face in shadows deeper than natural darkness - a common enchantment meant to maintain the mystery of higher-ranked disciples.


    A glance at Zoren''s face confirmed what Kiran had already suspected ¨C this wasn''t part of the plan. The young noble''s carefully maintained expression of superiority had cracked, revealing a flash of genuine uncertainty. Whatever backing Zoren had arranged for this confrontation, it clearly hadn''t included intervention from a Rank 2 disciple.


    Hope flickered briefly in Kiran''s chest. Had the academy actually sent someone to maintain order? But no ¨C his experiences had taught him that the higher one climbed in cultivation, the more unstable they tended to become. For all he knew, this could make things even worse.


    Zoren recovered quickly, dropping into a respectful bow. His followers immediately mimicked the gesture, though Kiran noticed their movements were stiff and forced.


    "Honored Senior," Zoren said smoothly, though there was a slight tremor in his voice. "How may we be of assistance?"


    The hooded figure remained silent for a moment, and Kiran could have sworn he saw a flash of amusement in the shadows where a face should be. When the figure finally spoke, the voice was oddly distorted, as if coming from everywhere and nowhere at once.


    "I find myself curious about this gathering," the figure said. "What brings so many students to the training grounds at this hour?"


    Zoren straightened from his bow, though he kept his head slightly lowered in deference. "Nothing of importance, honored senior. We''re simply waiting for a friend to join us for some additional practice."


    His followers nodded eagerly in agreement, but Kiran noticed they were carefully avoiding looking directly at the hooded figure. Something about the senior''s presence seemed to unsettle them on an instinctive level.


    The figure''s hood turned slightly, focusing on Kiran. "Is that so? Because I''ve heard rather different rumors. Something about an initiate being held against their will?"


    Zoren shot Kiran a warning look ¨C one that promised severe consequences for any deviation from the story. But Kiran had already decided. If this senior was actually here to help, lying would only make things worse. And if they weren''t... well, the truth couldn''t make his situation much worse.


    "They''ve kept me here since classes ended," Kiran said, managing a respectful bow of his own despite being seated. "I should be studying for the examination, but instead I''m forced to waste time as part of their game."


    The hood tilted slightly, and Kiran felt the weight of hidden eyes examining him. Then the figure raised one hand, and a familiar rune flashed briefly on their palm ¨C a wood element marking that made Kiran''s breath catch in his throat.


    The grass around them began to stir, despite there being no wind. Small shoots and vines emerged from the perfectly maintained lawn, twisting and growing at an impossible rate. They gathered around the hooded figure like attendants awaiting orders, their movements carrying an unsettling sense of intelligence.


    Zoren took an involuntary step back, his carefully maintained facade crumbling. "Honored Senior, I... there seems to have been a misunderstanding. I apologize for any offense-"


    "An ant dares to lie to me?" The figure''s distorted voice carried an edge that made everyone present flinch. The plants responded to their master''s displeasure, drawing closer to Zoren and his followers with predatory grace.


    "No! I mean, yes ¨C I mean..." Zoren dropped into another bow, deeper this time. "It was a momentary lapse in judgment! Please forgive this junior''s thoughtlessness!"


    The plants paused in their advance as Zoren continued to grovel, practically pressing his forehead to the ground.


    Seeing their leader''s complete submission seemed to break something in his followers ¨C they began backing away, their earlier bravado completely forgotten.


    "The boy can go," Zoren said quickly, gesturing at Kiran without looking up. "I won''t trouble him again. He''s free to leave-"


    "You presume," the hooded figure cut him off, the plants tensing at their words, "to decide who may go or stay?"


    "No! Of course not!" Zoren''s voice had risen almost to a squeak. "That was presumptuous of me. I apologize, honored senior!"


    The figure remained still for a long moment, then, with a casual wave of their hand, they dismissed the gathered plants. The vines and shoots retreated, returning to their original positions as if they had never moved at all.


    "Leave," the figure said simply, making a dismissive gesture.


    Zoren and his followers didn''t need to be told twice. They scrambled to their feet and fled, nearly tripping over each other in their haste to escape. Kiran caught fragments of their panicked conversation as they ran.


    "Young Master, what about Senior Baldric?" one of them whispered urgently. "He''s Rank 2 as well, surely he could-"


    "Shut up!" Zoren hissed furiously. "Senior Baldric won''t risk moving against an elder''s direct disciple, you fool! Do you want me to be slapped to death?"


    Their voices faded into the distance, leaving Kiran alone with the mysterious senior. He quickly got to his feet and bowed deeply.


    "This junior thanks the honored senior for their intervention," he said, keeping his eyes lowered.


    "There''s no need to bow, Kiran," the figure replied in a completely normal voice. "It''s what friends do."


    Kiran''s head snapped up, his eyes widening. That voice...


    The figure reached up and pulled back their hood, revealing Tomas¡¯ familiar face wearing an amused smile. A vine poked out from behind his neck, giving what could only be described as a cheerful wave.


    "But... how?" Kiran stammered. "Those robes... the flying... you''re Rank 1!"


    Before Tomas could answer, a massive explosion shook the ground beneath their feet. The impact was so powerful that both of them had to fight to maintain their balance.


    "What was that?" Tomas frowned, the vine around his neck tensing as if preparing for danger.


    Kiran''s blood ran cold as he recognized the particular resonance of that explosion. He''d heard similar sounds during his family''s lessons on siege warfare and academy defense.


    "I think," he said slowly, his voice barely above a whisper, "the academy is under attack."

 Chapter 69: Lightweavers

    Another explosion rocked the academy grounds, this one close enough that I felt the heat on my face. The crimson sky above had become a battlefield, filled with floating figures hurling devastation at each other.


    "Who would attack the academy?" I asked Kiran, though I had a sneaking suspicion I already knew the answer. "Who even has that kind of power?"


    "Only the Order of the First Light would attempt something this bold," Kiran replied, his face grim. "They''ve grown more aggressive lately, but this..." he shook his head in disbelief, "this is unprecedented."


    The Order of the First Light - followers of the blue sun, sworn enemies of the academy and everything it represented. I''d stumbled into more than just a conflict between villages and raiders.


    This was a war between two ancient powers, each claiming divine right through their respective celestial patrons.


    "Follow me," Kiran said, already moving. "The academy has evacuation points for situations like this. There''s one in the lowest levels that can shield us from..." He ducked as debris rained down from another explosion. "...from that."


    I couldn''t help but laugh, though there was no humor in it. "The irony," I muttered as we started running. "First I was fleeing from the Skybound, now I''m fleeing with them."


    "What?" Kiran glanced at me in confusion.


    "Nothing." I shrugged off the blue and gold-trimmed robe Elder Molric had lent me.


    It had belonged to his previous student back when he was Rank 2, and while the disguise had served its purpose with Zoren, it would only draw unwanted attention now.


    "What are you doing?" Kiran asked, pausing to look back at me.


    "Higher-ranked robes will catch the eye of their elites," I explained, letting the expensive garment fall. "Better to look like an ordinary initiate."


    Kiran nodded in understanding as we continued running.


    Above us, the academy''s defensive barrier shimmered with each impact - a vast dome of interlocked runic patterns that stretched from horizon to horizon. The attacks hitting it were visible now - massive spheres of blue energy that exploded against the shield in spectacular displays of light.


    Kiran must have noticed my concerned stare. "Don''t worry," he said, managing a tight smile. "That barrier has stood for millenniums. It would take something far more powerful than¡ª" Kiran''s face suddenly drained of what little color remained.


    The barrier vanished.


    Not gradually, not with any warning ¨C one moment it was there, the next it simply ceased to exist.


    The sudden absence was like a physical blow, leaving me dizzy as the protective energies I hadn''t even realized I was sensing disappeared.


    "That''s impossible," Kiran whispered. "Unless..." His eyes widened in realization. "Someone betrayed us. They either disabled the barrier from inside or gave the Order information about the runic formations."


    "Master!" Azure''s warning cut through my thoughts. "Incoming attack, left side!"


    I grabbed Kiran without hesitation, activating Blink Step.


    We vanished in a blur of motion just as a sphere of blue fire screamed through the space we''d occupied. The fireball detonated against the ground with devastating force, turning the perfectly maintained grass into a smoking crater twenty feet wide. The heat was intense enough that I felt it even from our new position.


    "That..." Kiran swallowed hard. "That was a Rank 3 attack."


    We looked up to see two figures battling far above - one in the purple robes of a Rank 3 Skybound, the other in the white and gold vestments of what looked like a priest. They moved almost too fast to follow, their exchanges marked by explosions of blue and red energy. The fireball that had nearly killed us had been nothing more than a deflected attack.


    "Are they actually priests?" I asked, noting their religious-looking attire.


    Kiran shook his head with a hint of disgust. "Lightweavers. They like to act holy, dress up in those vestments and call themselves priests, but it''s all theater. They''re runic practitioners like us, just drawing power from the blue sun instead of the red. The religious act is just their way of justifying their actions and manipulating the mortals."


    The false priest above us unleashed another barrage of azure flames, each blast carrying enough power to level a building. The Skybound countered with shields of crimson energy, but some of the attacks still broke through, leaving scorch marks on their robes.


    "Seems like effective theater," I commented, watching another explosion light up the sky.


    "The Order of the First Light knows how to put on a show," Kiran agreed with a frown. "But don''t let the act fool you. They''re just as ruthless as any Skybound. Maybe more so, since they''ve convinced themselves they''re righteous."


    "Master," Azure called me, "it appears everyone in this world is driven mad by the two suns. The methods and justifications differ, but the end result seems to be the same - violence and fanaticism."


    I looked up at the twin celestial bodies hanging in the sky - one a comforting blue that seemed to promise stability and peace, the other a bloody crimson that stirred something primal in my core.


    I frowned, realizing how naive I''d been. I''d assumed the followers of the blue sun would be the sane ones, the reasonable counterpoint to the red sun''s obvious corruption. But if Kiran was right and not just spouting propaganda, then they were actually worse - their madness just wore a prettier mask.


    Was the Two Suns world some sort of cursed realm?


    "But right now, we need to get inside," Kiran continued, pulling me toward the academy''s main structure. "The evacuation points are in the lowest levels."


    As we made our way to the main building, the sky above us was chaos incarnate.


    Everywhere I looked, battles raged between Skybound and Lightweavers. Runic formations lit up the air like constellations - circles of power that unleashed devastation in a dozen different forms.


    A Rank 4 Skybound traced wind runes in the air, their fingers leaving trails of crimson energy. The runes pulsed once before unleashing a barrage of wind blades, each one sharp enough to slice through stone. The attack turned the very air into a lethal storm of invisible edges.


    The Lightweaver countered with a barrier of pure azure light that shimmered like a soap bubble. The wind blades crashed against it in a cacophony of shrieking air and flashing energy, each impact sending ripples across the barrier''s surface.


    Not waiting for the assault to end, the Lightweaver spun their hands, manifesting a complex runic array that sent pillars of blue fire spiraling toward their opponent.


    The Skybound responded by forming more wind runes, creating a swirling vortex that dispersed the flames and sent them scattering harmlessly into the sky.


    Another battle nearby ended in an instant when a Lightweaver''s light blade severed his opponent''s head, sending the body tumbling from the sky. But before he could celebrate, a blast of crimson energy from above reduced him to ash.


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    Watching the sheer power being thrown around made me feel small and insignificant. Even with all my enhancements, I was nothing compared to these titans. The energy radiating from their clashes alone made my skin crawl and my bones ache.


    "Don''t focus on them," Kiran advised. "Right now, only the higher ranks are fighting. The Order''s Rank 1 disciples won''t enter the battle until the skies are cleared. That''s when we''d be expected to fight." He tugged my arm. "Until then, our job is to get to safety."


    I nodded, trying to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. Then something caught my eye ¨C a familiar figure floating high above the academy''s western courtyard.


    Vayara.


    She faced off against a Lightweaver wielding a staff made of condensed light, their battle illuminating the clouds above. Her ice runes activated in complex patterns across her skin as she wove between the false priest''s attacks, retaliating with precisely aimed spears of crimson-tinted ice.


    "You dare challenge the beloved''s chosen?" The priest shouted. "Your corruption ends today!"


    "Spare me your zealotry," Vayara snapped back, frost crystallizing in the air around her. "I''ve heard enough sermons from the elders for one lifetime."


    She gestured sharply, and dozens of ice needles materialized around her. Each one caught the red sunlight differently, creating a deadly rainbow as they shot toward her opponent.


    The priest''s light rune flared as he spun his staff, creating a dome of pure radiance that shattered the ice projectiles before they could reach him. "Your parlor tricks cannot stand against true faith!"


    "Faith?" Vayara laughed, the sound as cold as her powers. "Let me show you something worth believing in."


    The temperature plummeted as she activated her trump card ¨C a rune hidden beneath her hair. Frost spread across her skin in intricate patterns as she gathered power, the air itself becoming solid around her.


    The priest must have sensed the danger. His barrier expanded, layers of light stacking on top of each other as he poured everything he had into defense.


    It wasn''t enough.


    Vayara''s attack struck with the force of an avalanche, flash-freezing everything in its path. The priest''s barriers shattered one after another, each layer buying only a fraction of a second before succumbing to the cold.


    When the ice cleared, the priest lay broken on the ground, his robes covered in frost. For a moment, I thought it was over.


    Then light began gathering around his body.


    The Lightweaver stood, his injuries closing before my eyes as sacred energy knit flesh and bone back together. His expression was serene as he faced Vayara again, now floating at ground level.


    "The beloved''s light cleanses all wounds," he said simply, raising his staff. "Your ice cannot triumph over divine grace."


    Vayara''s eyes widened as she realized the truth ¨C she''d exhausted herself landing a killing blow, only to watch her opponent literally rise from the dead. She turned to flee, but her movements were sluggish from fatigue.


    "There is no escape from judgment." The priest''s light rune blazed as he gestured with his staff. Spears of pure radiance materialized around him, each one aimed at Vayara''s heart.


    She managed to raise a hasty ice shield, but she was too exhausted to make it thick enough. The light spears pierced through her defense like it wasn''t there.


    The first spear caught her in the shoulder, spinning her around. The second punched through her chest. The third and fourth struck her legs.


    She fell like a broken doll, her connection to the red sun failing as she plummeted toward the ground. Her body struck the academy''s courtyard with a sickening sound, bouncing once before coming to rest in a crumpled heap.


    I watched it happen with mixed emotions.


    This was the same woman who had massacred an entire village without remorse, who had seen mortal lives as insignificant. Yet seeing her cut down so easily was... unsettling.


    It was a harsh reminder that in this world, power was relative. Today''s unstoppable force could become tomorrow''s victim in an instant.


    "We need to get inside," Kiran said, as we arrived at the academy''s main building. "Now."


    We weren''t the only ones fleeing inside. Other initiates rushed past us, their faces showing varying degrees of panic and determination. Some clutched weapons or treasured possessions, while others ran with nothing but the robes on their backs.


    Their conversations carried to us in fragments as we joined the flow of students.


    "Did you see Elder Lune fall?"


    "The barrier - how did they disable it so quickly?"


    "My brother''s in the outer dormitory - has anyone seen-"


    "Just keep running! The evacuation point-"


    We descended deeper into the academy, passing through corridors I''d never seen before. The architecture grew older the further down we went, changing from precise geometric patterns to more organic shapes carved directly into the living rock.


    "These tunnels pre-date the academy itself," Kiran explained for some reason as we ran. "Some say they were built before the twin suns appeared."


    I didn¡¯t have the luxury to reply as more explosions rocked the building, sending dust raining down from the ceiling. I could hear fighting getting closer - the battle was spreading from the sky to the ground.


    Finally, we reached our destination ¨C a massive chamber deep beneath the academy.


    The room itself was a marvel of ancient engineering. Runic arrays covered every surface, their patterns more complex than anything I''d seen in the modern academy. At the center stood a raised platform covered in activation circles, clearly meant to trigger whatever defenses the chamber possessed.


    "We need to seal the room!" someone shouted over the noise. "Before they reach us!"


    "My sister''s still out there!"


    "We can''t wait forever!"


    "Better we survive than no one!"


    One of the older initiates ¨C I recognized the aura rolling off him as a peak Rank 1 Skybound ¨C strode toward the central platform. "We don''t have time to debate this," he announced. "I''m activating the seal now."


    His hand reached for the activation circle¡ª


    ¡ªand stopped.


    A white-haired middle-aged man in silver robes stood beside him, one hand gently but firmly restraining the initiate''s wrist. I hadn''t seen him enter. By the shocked expressions around me, no one had.


    "I knew you would gather here," he said softly. "I volunteered to handle this task myself. After all..." His smile was gentle, almost fatherly as he surveyed the room full of terrified students. "Someone needs to purify the red sun''s spawn. Don''t be afraid, children. You''ll soon join the ranks of the beloved... in the next life."

 Chapter 70: Fighting a Rank 2 Lightweaver

    My first instinct when I saw the priest was to grab Kiran and Blink Step us both to safety.


    Unfortunately, that instinct led us straight into an invisible barrier with enough force to knock the breath from my lungs. We stumbled backward, and I cursed under my breath as I realized what was happening.


    Behind us, the priest had forced the peak Rank 1 Skybound''s hand onto the activation rune. The chamber''s ancient defenses had sealed us inside with our would-be executioner.


    "Master," Azure''s voice cut through my rising panic, "the Lightweaver... he''s Rank 2."


    That information should have been reassuring. After all, theoretically, a Rank 2 was much less threatening than the Rank 3 and 4 practitioners currently devastating the academy above. But something about the priest''s serene smile made my blood run cold.


    I didn''t have any confidence in beating a Rank 2, but if the chamber wasn''t sealed, I might have at least been able to escape. Now though...


    "Kiran," I asked, keeping my voice low, "how long will the chamber stay sealed?"


    He shook his head, eyes fixed on the priest. "There''s a master rune outside. Only an elder with the corresponding key can deactivate it. The plan is usually for them to let us out when it''s time to join the battle, but now..."


    A rune flickered to life on the priest''s hand ¨C the one still gripping the peak Rank 1 Skybound''s wrist. The marking was beautiful in a terrible way, resembling a blooming flower made of pure light.


    The Skybound tried to pull away, but it was already too late. Light spread from the priest''s hand like liquid fire, engulfing the student''s body. The screaming started immediately ¨C raw, animal sounds that made several initiates cover their ears.


    I forced myself to watch as the "purification" consumed the Skybound. His flesh seemed to dissolve, breaking down into motes of light that scattered like dust in the wind. In seconds, there was nothing left but empty robes drifting to the ground.


    The priest calmly wiped his hands, as if he''d just finished some minor household chore. "That''s one who has returned to the beloved''s embrace," he announced.


    Looking around the chamber, I saw terror written across every face. These were Skybound initiates¡ªpeople who had been trained since childhood to embrace violence, to revel in the red sun''s madness.


    But faced with such a methodical, almost peaceful form of execution, they looked like what they really were: scared children.


    I couldn''t blame them.


    The red sun''s influence might drive its followers toward violence and bloodshed, but at least that was a primal, understandable kind of madness. What I saw in the priest''s eyes was something far worse¡ªthe absolute certainty of a true believer.


    I turned to Kiran, who was staring at the empty robes with his mouth partially open. "We don''t have a choice," I said quietly. "We need to fight."


    "What''s the point?" He gestured at the priest, who was now smiling benevolently at the terrified initiates. "We can''t beat that thing."


    I felt myself smile¡ªprobably not the most reassuring expression given the circumstances. "If we''re going to die anyway, might as well try to take it down with us. What do you say?" I met his eyes. "Want to help me kill a Rank 2?"


    Kiran stared at me for a long moment, then shook his head with a laugh. "You''re right." The rune on his forehead flared to life, his eyes taking on that familiar crimson glow. "Might as well make it count."


    I watched as bones began pushing through his skin, forming that disturbing but impressive armor. The transformation looked even more painful up close, but Kiran''s smile only grew wider as madness crept into his expression.


    Meanwhile, I looked around the chamber with growing frustration. No plants, not even a hint of moss in this underground room. I''d have to work with what I had. Activating my wood element rune, I generated three vine constructs, each one hiding a nasty surprise.


    "Listen up!" I shouted at the other Skybound initiates. "You have two choices ¨C fight or die! Which will it be?"


    They hesitated, looking between each other uncertainly. Then I saw recognition flash across several faces as they noticed the elemental rune on my palm. Whispers spread through the group¡ª


    "Elemental runes?"


    "Rank 2?"


    "We might have a chance..."


    I didn''t bother correcting their assumption. If they wanted to believe a ¡®senior¡¯ was fighting alongside them, let them. It might give them the courage they needed to survive the next few minutes.


    The first attack came from a muscular girl with tiger-like stripes burning across her skin. Her transformation rune blazed as she launched herself at the priest, moving fast enough to leave afterimages.


    Three others followed her lead, their bodies warping in different ways¡ªone growing crystalline armor, another extending blade-like claws, a third seemingly activating a bloodline rune to dissolve into a shadow.


    The priest didn''t move as they charged. He simply raised one hand, a rune on his palm flaring with golden light. A barrier materialized around him, catching all four attacks simultaneously. The initiates bounced off like insects hitting a window.


    "Your conviction is admirable," he said, his voice still gentle. "But misplaced."


    The rune on his palm pulsed once, and beams of light shot outward like spears. The tiger-striped girl managed to dodge, but the others weren''t so lucky. The light pierced through their enhanced bodies like they were made of paper, leaving perfectly circular holes where vital organs should have been.


    They didn''t even have time to scream.


    More initiates joined the fight, desperation driving them forward. A boy with metallic skin tried to grapple the priest while another with multiple arms attempted to strike his blind spots. A girl whose runes let her generate waves of force attacked from range while others used their enhanced speed to probe for weaknesses.


    None of it mattered.


    When the priest tapped the metallic boy on the forehead, a rune on his fingertips turned the student''s own enhancement against him, transmuting his metal skin into pure light that scattered like dust.


    The multi-armed initiate''s extra limbs were severed by a casual gesture, cauterized instantly by the same light that cut them.


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    I watched it all, analyzing his movements, looking for patterns. "Kiran," I said quietly, "I need you to make me an opening."


    He nodded, his bone armor shifting as he took aim. Deadly projectiles shot from his body like arrows from a dozen bows, each one aimed at a different vital point.


    The priest''s barrier flickered into existence again, deflecting the bones with ease. But I noticed something¡ªthe barrier only appeared where it was needed, suggesting he couldn''t maintain it constantly. Was he trying to conserve energy?


    While Kiran kept up his barrage, I watched the priest continue his methodical execution of the other students. He caught one by the neck, lifting the struggling initiate with inhuman strength. The snap of breaking bones was lost amid the chaos of battle.


    That''s when I saw it¡ªa microscopic delay between dropping his barrier and beginning his next attack. I didn''t hesitate. My vines shot forward, wrapping around his limbs like serpents.


    The priest''s serene expression flickered for just a moment, showing genuine surprise as he glanced down at the plants restraining him. The vines constricted further, making him grunt as he tried to break free.


    They wouldn''t be able to hold him for long, but they didn''t need to.


    "Now!" I shouted.


    Kiran didn''t hesitate. He charged forward, a massive spear of bone extending from his right arm. The priest¡¯s eyes widened as he tried to raise another barrier, but the vines restricted his movement just enough¡ª


    The bone spear punched through the priest''s abdomen with a wet sound, emerging from his back in a spray of blood. For a moment, everything stopped. The remaining initiates held their breath, hoping...


    Then the priest laughed.


    His mouth opened impossibly wide, revealing a rune carved onto his tongue. It flared with a golden light, and before anyone could react, a beam of pure radiance struck Kiran directly in the chest.


    The hole it left was perfectly circular, cauterized by the intense heat. Kiran stood there for a moment, mouth open in shock, before collapsing to the ground. His bone armor began crumbling away as the light faded from his eyes.


    "No..." The word escaped me before I could stop it. We''d barely known each other, but seeing him fall... something inside me burned.


    The priest casually ripped my vines away from his limbs, already opening his mouth to deliver another sermon¡ª


    That''s when the explosive seeds I''d hidden inside the vines detonated.


    The blast was impressive, even by my standards. The shockwave knocked several nearby initiates off their feet, and for a moment, the chamber was filled with smoke and flying debris.


    My satisfaction lasted exactly as long as it took for the smoke to clear.


    The priest stood there, his wounds rapidly knitting themselves closed with threads of light. He reached down and pulled the bone spear from his abdomen, tossing it almost casually. It struck another initiate in the chest, killing them instantly.


    "A Rank 1 Skybound using elemental attacks," he said, his peaceful expression finally cracking into something closer to anger. "Just what kind of abomination are you?"


    I opened my mouth to reply, but he vanished in a flash of golden light. One moment I was staring at empty air, the next I was looking directly into his eyes as he materialized inches from my face.


    Pain exploded through my chest. I looked down to find his hand buried in my torso, glowing with that terrible light. Blood filled my mouth as I tried and failed to move.


    The priest''s smile returned, gentle as ever. "For you, I''ll have to perform a more thorough cleansing."


    The few remaining initiates tried to help, but a bubble of light expanded around us, cutting off any interference.


    The vine hidden under my robe shot toward the priest''s throat in a desperate attack. His free hand caught it easily, holding it as it writhed and struggled to break free.


    "Oh?" He examined the vine with a look of interest. "You want to protect your master? How touching." His grip tightened. "Well, I suppose I''ll have to purify you as well."


    As the priest¡¯s gaze fell back on me, the hand in my chest began to glow, and suddenly every nerve in my body was on fire. I tried to scream but couldn''t¡ªmy muscles were locked in place by whatever power he was channeling into me. His other hand lit up as well, and I heard my vine''s shriek of agony.


    I could feel myself coming apart, my very essence being converted into that same golden light I''d seen claim so many others. The pain was beyond anything I could have imagined, even worse than I was transformed into a Sun-Touched.


    My thoughts started to fragment, reality breaking down along with my body.


    "Master!" Azure''s voice cut through the haze of agony. "Focus!"


    With the last of my concentration, I channeled every drop of Red Sun energy I had left into the explosive seed rune carved into my index finger. The priest seemed too caught up in his own speech to notice, his voice ringing through the chamber as he addressed the horrified audience.


    "Watch closely, children of corruption," he proclaimed, that gentle smile still fixed on his face. "See how the Beloved''s light cleanses even the most twisted souls. The red sun''s taint runs deep in this one¡ªa Rank 1 wielding elements, defying the natural order. But through sacred purification, all can be redeemed."


    His free hand gestured at my dissolving body. "The pain you witness is merely the resistance of corrupted flesh. Soon, the Beloved''s light will wash away all impurity, leaving only¡ª"


    Then he felt it. The surge of power was impossible to miss.


    His eyes snapped down to meet mine, and despite the agony of being purified, I managed to force my dissolving lips into a smile.


    "Boom," I whispered.


    The explosion was nothing like the ones before. This was everything I had, every scrap of power, all compressed into a single point and then released. The light barrier containing us actually helped, focusing the blast inward instead of letting it dissipate.


    The last thing I saw was the priest''s expression of genuine fear before everything within the barrier was reduced to ash.


    There would be no regeneration for him this time. No coming back. No body left to heal.

 Chapter 71: Rank 8

    Elder Molric hummed quietly to himself as he traced intricate patterns in the air, his fingers leaving trails of crimson energy that hung suspended like strands of silk.


    The runes he drew were complex - far more elaborate than anything he taught the initiates.


    "Yes, yes," he muttered, adding another set of interconnected symbols. "The growth matrix needs to be perfectly balanced with the consciousness framework. Can''t have another incident like last time... poor thing thought it was a dragon for three days straight."


    Various half-finished experiments and mysterious apparatus surrounded him, but for once, the elder''s full attention was focused on a single task.


    "Now for the tricky part," he announced to no one in particular. His hands moved faster, weaving dozens of runes together into increasingly complex patterns. The individual symbols started merging, their separate meanings combining into something greater.


    Where the runes met, reality itself seemed to bend. The air shimmered like heat waves rising from sun-baked stone, and a sweet, garden-like scent filled the laboratory.


    At the center of the convergence, something began to take shape - not an energy construct, but actual living matter coalescing from pure runic power.


    Stems formed first, weaving themselves together into a sturdy central structure. Leaves sprouted in perfect symmetry and sensory clusters developed at key points.


    The end result was a vine unlike any found in nature - similar in many ways to the one that had chosen to follow his student, but with its own unique characteristics.


    Where his student''s companion had been primarily green with hints of silver, this one displayed subtle patterns of crimson that shifted like flowing water beneath its surface.


    Elder Molric stepped back to admire his handiwork, nodding in satisfaction. "Not bad, not bad at all. Now then..."


    He took a deep breath, gathering his power. When he exhaled, the breath that left him was tinged with red sun energy. It carried more than just power - it held fragments of consciousness.


    The vine shuddered as the breath reached it. Its leaves trembled, and the crimson patterns beneath its surface began to pulse like a heartbeat. Though it couldn''t speak, its movements became more purposeful, more aware. It turned toward Elder Molric with an almost questioning motion.


    "There we are!" The elder clapped his hands together in delight. "Welcome to existence, little one. I''m your creator - though I suppose you''ve already figured that out, haven''t you?"


    The vine bobbed in what could only be described as a nod, its tip curving into a gesture that somehow managed to convey both respect and curiosity.


    "Now then," Elder Molric''s expression grew serious, "we need to have a talk about loyalty. You have to be good to your creator, understand? Your older brother left me for a new master - can you believe it? Left me for my own student! The betrayal!¡±


    The vine immediately wrapped itself into a complex knot - a gesture that, in the language of living plants, represented an unbreakable bond. The meaning was clear: it would never betray its creator.


    "Ah, so confident!" Elder Molric''s serious expression melted into a fond smile, but then he shook his head. "Only make that promise after you meet my student. He has a way with plants, that one. He''ll probably seduce you too! The boy barely understands his own abilities and he''s already stealing my creations..."


    The vine unwound itself, tilting its tip in a way that suggested confusion.


    "Oh, don''t worry about it," the elder waved dismissively. "Now then, let''s get down to business. First lesson - channeling the red sun''s energy."


    He traced a simple rune in the air - one of the basic patterns taught to initiates. "See this? This is the foundation of all runic arts. The key is not just drawing the pattern, but understanding how the energy flows through each line. Try it yourself."


    The vine studied the floating rune, its tip moving slightly as if memorizing the pattern. Then it slowly began attempting to trace the same shape. Red energy flickered around it, trying to form into the proper configuration...


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    Only to collapse with a small fizzle.


    Elder Molric opened his mouth to offer some advice, but suddenly froze. His eyes focused on something distant, seeing through the walls of his laboratory to something far beyond. The playful eccentricity drained from his expression, replaced by an intensity that would have shocked those who only knew his usual demeanor.


    Without a word, he vanished.


    ***


    High above the academy, a group of figures floated in the air. The elders of the Order of the Last Light stood like statues, their faces grim as they watched their impenetrable barrier - the pride of the academy for millennia - simply cease to exist.


    "Impossible," muttered Elder Jirok, the master of formations. His usually pristine white beard was disheveled from running his hands through it in agitation. "There is no way they could have figured out how to bypass the barrier. The formations are perfect! There must be a traitor."


    Elder Molric appeared beside them, his arrival marked only by a slight distortion in the air. "How bad is it?"


    Elder Avery, her flame-red hair whipping in the wind, turned to face him. "From the higher realms, they''ve brought multiple Rank 7 practitioners. And..." She hesitated, her expression darkening. "Two Rank 8s."


    "Two Rank 8s?" Elder Molric''s eyes widened.


    Even one practitioner of that level was rare enough to shift the balance of power between sects. Two was unthinkable.


    Elder Jun nodded. "It seems that brat Kal has broken through yet again." He spat the name like a curse. "I told you we should have ended him years ago when we had the chance."


    "Elder Leo tried that," Elder Avery cut in. "And now look at him ¨C dead. Who would have thought a Rank 5 could slaughter a Rank 7?" She shook her head. "Kal was always different. Even before he joined the Order of the First Light, his talent was¡ª"


    Their discussion was interrupted by a presence that made even these transcendent beings fall silent. A figure simply appeared before them - no flash of light, no dramatic entrance. One moment there was empty air, the next he stood among them as though he had always been there.


    The Headmaster looked young - far too young to command such power. His hair was the color of fresh blood, his eyes the same shade but somehow clearer than any other practitioner of the red sun''s arts. Where others showed signs of the madness that came with power, his gaze was sharp and focused. He wore red robes of the simplest design, yet they seemed to contain depths that hurt the eyes to look at directly.


    Most striking was his lack of presence. While the elders each radiated overwhelming power, the Headmaster seemed to have none at all. If not for their eyes confirming his existence, they might have doubted he was there at all.


    The elders immediately lowered their heads in greeting.


    The headmaster didn''t acknowledge them immediately. Instead, he gazed directly at the red sun overhead, his clear eyes showing none of the madness that tainted everyone else who dared look upon it.


    "The academy stood before Kal was in his mother''s womb," he said finally. "And it will stand long after he is dust."


    The elders nodded, though several exchanged glances that suggested they weren''t entirely convinced.


    "Elder Avery, take the eastern quarter. Elder Jirok, the west. Elder Jun..." The Headmaster continued issuing orders, but he paused when he noticed one elder wasn''t paying attention.


    Elder Molric stood apart from the others, his head tilted as though listening to something only he could hear. A small vine had manifested next to him - not his newest creation, but another that seemed to be delivering some kind of message.


    "Elder Molric," the Headmaster called, his voice cutting through whatever communication was taking place. "What''s wrong?"


    The usually energetic elder turned slowly, his face drained of color. For the first time in centuries, the Headmaster saw real grief in the elder''s eyes.


    "My student," Elder Molric whispered. "He¡­he¡¯s dead."

 Chapter 72: Im Back

    Death has a peculiar way of focusing the mind.


    One moment, I was being transformed into pure light by a fanatical priest. The next, I was opening my eyes to find myself cocooned in a protective shell of vines within the Wei family''s training ground.


    The transition was even smoother this time ¨C perhaps I really was getting used to dying.


    "Master?" Azure''s voice carried a note of concern. "How are you feeling?"


    I took a deep breath, appreciating the simple act of having lungs that weren''t being converted into divine energy. "I''m fine." The night air was cool against my skin, carrying the scent of spirit herbs from the nearby gardens. "How long was I gone for?"


    "Approximately two hours here," Azure replied. "Though you spent about a month in the Two Suns world."


    I nodded, letting that sink in. Still plenty of time before the duel with Chen Wu. More importantly, though...


    I turned my attention inward, examining my inner world. The Genesis Seed still floated at the center, while the miniature red sun cowered in one corner, as usual. But what really drew my attention was the new addition ¨C a tiny blue sun huddling in the opposite corner, as far from its red counterpart as possible.


    "Congratulations on another power-up, Master," Azure said, a hint of pride in his voice.


    I couldn''t help but smile. "If it wasn''t for the Genesis Seed''s ability to purify the energy and prevent me from going insane like the others, I wouldn''t dare bring something like this back. Hell, I probably wouldn''t return to that world at all."


    The differences between the two energy sources were fascinating. The red sun''s power seemed heavily focused on physical enhancement at Rank 1, only branching into elemental manipulation at Rank 2.


    The Lightweavers, on the other hand... I''d only seen Rank 2 and above, but they all demonstrated impressive healing abilities alongside their light manipulation.


    "Though I doubt they''re limited to just that," I said internally. "The Two Suns'' magic system operates on runes at its core. The main difference is just the energy source they use to power them. I wouldn''t be surprised if you could power Skybound runes with blue sun energy..."


    "We can test that theory another time, Master."


    "You¡¯re right,¡± I nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s see what effects the raw power of the blue sun has."


    I focused back on my inner world and reached for the blue sun''s energy, but the celestial orb proved surprisingly reluctant. It tried to shrink away, but the Genesis Seed''s attention snapped toward it like a stern parent. The tiny sun practically wilted under that gaze, releasing its energy with what felt like a sulky huff.


    The red sun started glowing slightly brighter ¨C almost smug ¨C until the Genesis Seed turned its attention that way. The red sun immediately dimmed, radiating an almost palpable sense of "I wasn''t doing anything!"


    As the blue energy flowed through my body, my brown eyes flickered with an azure light. The lingering exhaustion from my death vanished instantly, replaced by... something else. For a brief, disturbing moment, I had an overwhelming urge to start preaching about divine light and sacred purification, but it passed almost immediately thanks to the Genesis Seed''s influence.


    "The blue sun''s madness really is more potent than the red sun," I murmured as the urge passed. "They just do a better job hiding it."


    Focusing on the sensation helped me understand the priests better, though. This energy was absolutely overwhelming in its vitality. It wasn''t just "full of life" ¨C that description fell woefully short. Every cell in my body felt supercharged with pure, righteous power.


    "The true strength of the blue sun isn''t healing or light manipulation," I realized. "It''s the fundamental promotion of life itself. The healing is just a side effect." I let out a dry laugh. "No wonder they convinced so many people they were the ''good guys.'' This energy practically radiates divine righteousness."


    "Master," Azure interrupted my thoughts, "your soul essence has increased by 50 points."


    Cultivation: Qi Condensation Stage 4


    Inner World: 135 cubic meters


    Soul Essence: 850/850


    Spiritual Essence: 750/750


    Physical Essence: 700/700


    Special Features: Blue sun active


    Notes: Soul enhancement active, duration unknown


    Looking at the 50 points increase, I nodded. It made sense.


    While the red sun focused on the physical, the blue sun seemed to resonate more with the soul ¨C which explained all that "purification" nonsense. Both could affect spiritual energy, but they each had their specialties.


    But then I thought of something that deeply concerned me. "Azure..."


    "What''s wrong, Master?"


    "That Rank 2 priest couldn''t permanently damage my soul, but a higher-ranked Lightweaver might be able to." I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "We should probably avoid the Two Suns world for now. Or at least steer clear of any Lightweavers if we do go back."


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    "A wise precaution," Azure agreed. "Though the Genesis Seed''s protection might extend to your soul as well. It''s worth investigating... carefully."


    The blue sun''s energy gradually faded, returning my stats to their base, but leaving me feeling surprisingly refreshed.


    "Do you need rest before we begin training?" Azure asked.


    I shook my head. "The blue sun took care of that. Let''s figure out how to create a Fundamental Rune in this world."


    We discussed our options. The first was trying to weave the rune directly in my inner world using red sun energy ¨C theoretically possible, but incredibly advanced. The second was the traditional method of inscribing it on my physical body.


    "You don''t have enough practice creating runes with pure energy," Azure pointed out. "Elder Molric mentioned it was a higher-level technique."


    "True. I have exactly zero practice with that." I nodded. "The physical inscription method is probably safer. We can channel the red sun''s energy through it afterward."


    I commanded the plants that were covering me to withdraw so I could stand up, I then stretched muscles that felt surprisingly good thanks to the blue sun''s lingering effects.


    It was time to gather the equipment needed to inscribe the rune.


    The Wei compound was quiet at this hour, but I managed to find a servant to guide me to Wei Lin''s room.


    Wei Lin looked up in surprise when I knocked. "Why are you here, I thought you''d be breaking through for at least another..." He trailed off, studying my face more closely. His eyes widened. "You... you''ve already broken through!"


    I couldn''t help but smile at his excitement. "I was only a hair''s width away anyway."


    Relief flooded his expression ¨C clearly, he''d been more worried about the duel than he''d let on. "Did you want to get some combat practice in? We could¡ª"


    "Actually, I need a knife."


    "If you''re hungry, you could have asked a servant," he said, looking confused. "Though we did just eat... then again, breakthroughs can work up an appetite¡ª"


    "No," I cut him off with a smile. "I need a knife capable of cutting through the skin of a fourth-stage Qi Condensation cultivator."


    Wei Lin opened his mouth, probably to ask why, then seemed to think better of it. "Come in," he said instead, shaking his head. "I should have a few."


    His room was exactly what I''d expect from a merchant''s son turned cultivator - practical luxury with hidden depths. The furniture was expensive but chosen for durability, and what looked like simple decorative carvings were actually storage seals. A desk near the window was covered in papers full of neat calculations and lists.


    Wei Lin rummaged through one of the many boxes until he eventually produced a knife. The blade was dark metal with subtle patterns that seemed to shift in the lamplight, and the handle was wrapped in what looked like spirit beast hide.


    I raised an eyebrow at how casually he handled such an expensive item. "That''s... not a common tool."


    Wei Lin shrugged. "You can have it if you want. I don''t even use it. Father''s always sending me cultivation resources I didn''t ask for. I think he hopes I''ll eventually focus more on combat techniques."


    He then studied my face carefully, was that the look of guilt in his eyes?


    "I keep thinking about Father''s challenge. Are you sure about this? Chen Wu isn''t just some hired muscle ¨C he''s one of our best combat specialists."


    "I noticed," I replied dryly. "The way he controls his qi... he''s had proper training."


    Wei Lin nodded. "Father hired him specifically because he''s good at testing potential recruits. He can fight at exactly the level needed to push someone to their limits without accidentally killing them." He paused. "Usually."


    "How reassuring."


    "I''m serious, Ke Yin. If you want to back out..."


    I shook my head. "I need that wind essence." I didn''t add that after what I''d just experienced in that other world, a spar with a 5th Stage Qi Condensation cultivator seemed almost relaxing.


    Wei Lin sighed, but there was a hint of a smile on his face. "I thought you''d say that. Well, if you''re determined to do this..." He handed over the knife to me.


    "Thank you." I carefully accepted the blade, testing its weight. "Could you find out what you can about Chen Wu''s fighting style? Any techniques he favors?"


    Wei Lin''s laugh surprised me. "Already on it. Did you think I''d let my brother face one of Father''s cultivators without proper intelligence? By morning, I''ll know everything from which leg he leads with when he attacks to his favorite breakfast."


    I left feeling oddly touched by his dedication.


    Back in my room, I settled onto the meditation mat and opened my robe, exposing my chest. The knife felt cool against my palm as I centered myself, preparing to inscribe the Fundamental Rune that would let me store the red sun¡¯s energy.


    "Ready, Master?"


    I took a deep breath, visualizing the pattern we''d practiced so many times in the Two Suns world.


    "Ready."

 Chapter 73: Recovering Skybound Cultivation

    "The angle of the first cut is crucial," Azure advised as I positioned the dark blade over my chest. "The trunk spiral needs to be deep enough to hold the energy, but not so deep that it damages the muscle beneath."


    I took a deep breath. This was going to be very different from using Elder Molric''s specialized tools. No practice runs, no safety measures, just cold steel and determination.


    "I don''t suppose you could just magically know the exact depth needed?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.


    "Unfortunately not, Master. But I can guide you based on what we learned in the Two Suns world."


    "Right then." I pressed the blade to my skin, angling it carefully. "Here goes nothing."


    The first cut hurt more than I expected. The knife was incredibly sharp, but without the specialized resonance ink to guide the energy flow, I had to rely purely on physical precision. Blood welled up immediately, threatening to obscure the lines.


    "Slightly too deep," Azure observed. "Adjust your angle by about fifteen degrees for the curve."


    I wiped away the blood with a cloth torn from my inner robe, then continued the spiral.


    Each cut had to be perfect ¨C this wasn''t like drawing on the Meridian Lotus where if I made a mistake, I could just start over with a new plant.


    "The curve is drifting," Azure warned. "Remember how the growth patterns flow in nature."


    I paused, studying what I''d done so far. The beginning of the spiral was decent, but Azure was right ¨C I was starting to lose the natural flow. The next section needed to follow the Fibonacci sequence exactly, or the whole pattern would be thrown off.


    "Maybe we should have practiced with regular tattoos first," I muttered, wiping away more blood.


    "I believe that would have defeated the purpose of saving time, Master."


    "Was that sarcasm?"


    "I''m merely stating facts, Master."


    I smiled despite the pain. "Let''s focus on getting this right. The main trunk needs to be finished before the blood loss becomes an issue."


    The next series of cuts went better. I''d found the right rhythm ¨C cut, wipe, pause to ensure the angle was correct, then continue. The spiral gradually took shape, each curve flowing naturally into the next.


    "Now for the first major branch," Azure said. "This junction is critical ¨C it needs to split from the trunk without disrupting the energy flow."


    I nodded, adjusting my grip on the knife. This was the part that had given us trouble even with the specialized tools. Without them, it would be even trickier.


    The branch began well enough, but halfway through I realized my hand was shaking slightly from the continuous precision work. The line wavered.


    "Stop," Azure commanded. "Take a moment to steady yourself."


    I took a deep breath, aware of the blood running down my chest. The room''s privacy formations would prevent anyone from sensing what I was doing, but they did nothing to help with the actual task.


    "The pattern is still salvageable," Azure assured me. "The natural variation might actually help with the energy distribution."


    "Silver linings," I said dryly, then continued the cut.


    The next hour was a study in focused precision. Each branch had to be exactly the right length and angle, each leaf pattern had to flow perfectly into the overall design. The floor around me was littered with bloody cloths as I repeatedly wiped away the evidence of my work to check the lines.


    Finally, the last leaf pattern was complete. I sat back, feeling light-headed from the sustained concentration.


    "Well?" I asked Azure. "How does it look?"


    There was a moment of silence as Azure analyzed the pattern. "The execution is different from our practice versions, but the fundamental structure is sound. The variations actually create interesting resonance points that might enhance energy flow."


    I studied the bloody pattern carved into my chest. It was beautiful in a primal sort of way ¨C a tree of life drawn in blood and pain. The main trunk spiraled out from just above my heart, with branches sweeping up and out in elegant curves. Each branch ended in a delicate leaf pattern that somehow looked natural despite being carved into flesh.


    "Time for the moment of truth," I said, reaching for my inner world.


    The miniature red sun seemed to perk up with interest as I drew on its energy. I was careful to only take a small amount ¨C while the room''s formations would mask most of the energy signature, I didn''t want to risk anyone sensing the almost demonic nature of the red sun''s power.


    I channeled the energy into the carved pattern. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the cuts began to glow with a deep crimson light. The blood still seeping from the wounds seemed to catch fire, burning away as the energy suffused the pattern.


    The glow intensified, becoming almost blinding. I felt the red sun''s energy surging through the rune, testing every line and curve, seeking any flaws that would cause it to fail.


    Then, as suddenly as it began, the light faded. Where bloody cuts had been, there was now a silvery pattern that seemed to live just beneath my skin. The tree design looked almost like it was growing there naturally, its lines precise yet organic.


    My status flickered before my eyes:


    Cultivation: Qi Condensation Stage 4


    Inner World: 135 cubic meters


    Soul Essence: 800/800


    Spiritual Essence: 750/750


    Physical Essence: 800/800


    Skybound Cultivation: Rank 1


    Fundamental Rune:


    Type: Wood-Based Fibonacci Spiral Tree Pattern


    Core: Red Sun


    Resonance Location: Heart


    Red Sun Energy: 300 units


    "Congratulations, Master," Azure smiled. "Your Physical Essence has now broken through to what is equivalent to a 5th Stage Qi Condensation cultivator."


    I nodded, then shook my head. "I''ve just entered the lower part of the 5th stage for physical essence, I expect Chen Wu to be a bit higher."


    Looking at my Skybound cultivation status, I couldn''t help but smile. "But now that I''ve unlocked skybound cultivation in this world, I can start adding my physical and elemental runes. With all of them combined with my immortal cultivation..." I let out a small laugh. "It would be more surprising for me to not win."


    Before I could continue, exhaustion hit me like a physical blow. My vision swam, and I nearly collapsed onto the bloody meditation mat.


    "Master!" Azure''s voice seemed to come from very far away. "The transformation of your physical body has exhausted you, just like in the Two Suns world. Your body needs to rest."


    As consciousness started to fade, I reached desperately for the blue sun in my inner world. This time, the tiny celestial orb responded immediately, sending its energy coursing through my body. My eyes flashed azure, and the exhaustion vanished within a few seconds.


    I took a moment to orient myself, then sighed. "If I didn''t have the blue sun, I probably would have been knocked out for three days and missed the battle entirely, now that would have been embarrassing."


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    "Actually," Azure corrected, "it only took three days for Thomas''s body because he was mortal. For your cultivator body, you would probably only be in deep sleep for a day."


    "Yes," I agreed, "but that''s still a day of training wasted."


    "What''s next, Master?"


    "Now?¡± I smiled. ¡°Now I''m going to recover my skybound cultivation completely."


    Getting to my feet, I looked around at the bloody scene around me. The meditation mat was probably ruined, there were bloodied cloths scattered everywhere, and things were only going to get more messy. The Wei family servants were going to have some interesting questions in the morning.


    I gathered up the evidence of my work, making a mental note to dispose of it properly later. For now, though, I had more runes to inscribe. The Fundamental Rune was just the beginning ¨C I needed to rebuild my entire array of combat and utility runes before facing Chen Wu.


    The knife felt lighter in my hand now, almost eager. Or maybe that was just the lingering effects of the blue sun''s energy making everything seem more alive. Either way, I had work to do.


    "The Worldroot Conduit next," I said, studying the silvery tree pattern on my chest. "No point in adding combat runes if we can''t power them properly."


    "Agreed," Azure replied. "Though connecting it to the Fundamental Rune will be... delicate."


    I grimaced at the understatement. The Worldroot Conduit wasn''t just another rune ¨C it was the foundation for all elemental manipulation. One mistake in its connection to the Fundamental Rune could destabilize the entire system.


    "At least we had plenty of practice in the Two Suns world," I said, positioning the knife at the base of the tree spiral. "Though they did have those nice specialized tools..."


    The first cut was different from the Fundamental Rune. Where that pattern had followed natural growth patterns, the Worldroot Conduit was all about flow and interconnection. The knife traced an arc that would form part of the endless knot, blood welling up in its wake.


    "Slower on the curves," Azure advised. "These lines need to be perfectly smooth for proper energy flow."


    I adjusted my pace, watching as the pattern gradually emerged. Unlike the tree''s upward-reaching branches, these lines wove together like roots seeking water, each curve flowing naturally into the next. The overall effect was hypnotic ¨C even half-finished and drawn in blood, it seemed to shift and move as if alive.


    "Now comes the tricky part," Azure said as I neared the connection point with the Fundamental Rune. "The patterns need to merge seamlessly."


    I wiped away the blood, studying how the silver lines of the tree pattern pulsed softly. The Worldroot Conduit''s curves needed to interweave with those existing lines, creating new pathways for elemental energy while maintaining the original flow.


    "Like grafting branches," I murmured. "The connection has to be perfect, or it''ll fail to take."


    The next few cuts required absolute precision. Each line of the endless knot had to connect at exactly the right angle, creating a seamless transition between the two patterns. One wrong move could disrupt the entire energy system.


    "Master," Azure warned as I hesitated before a particularly crucial cut, "the blue sun''s energy is starting to fade."


    I noticed he was right ¨C the divine vitality that had been masking the pain was beginning to ebb. Rather than draw more, though, I let it fade. I needed to feel exactly what I was doing for these final cuts.


    The pain returned gradually, sharp and clarifying. Each slice of the knife sent fresh blood trickling down my chest, but I barely noticed. All my focus was on the emerging pattern ¨C the way each new line created subtle resonances with the existing rune.


    Finally, the last curve was complete. The Worldroot Conduit spread out below the tree pattern like the roots beneath a great oak, its endless knot design creating paths for energy to flow and transform.


    "The connection points are stable," Azure confirmed. "You can now activate it."


    I reached for the red sun''s energy again, but this time I directed it differently. Instead of filling the entire pattern at once, I let it flow through the Fundamental Rune first, then gradually seep into the new pathways.


    The endless knot began to glow, each curve lighting up in sequence as the energy found its way through the pattern. Where the two designs met, the light pulsed and shifted, testing the connections.


    For a moment, nothing seemed to happen.


    Then the entire pattern flared with crimson light as the energy flows synchronized. When it faded, the Worldroot Conduit had transformed into the same silvery lines as the tree above it, the two patterns now perfectly integrated.


    I let out a breath I hadn''t realized I was holding. "Well, that''s the hard part done."


    "Excellent work, Master," Azure said. "The patterns are fully integrated."


    I nodded, already feeling how the new rune changed my energy flow. Where before I could only store pure red sun energy, now I could feel it being converted into wood essence as it passed through the Worldroot Conduit.


    "Now we can add the combat runes," I said, picking up the knife again. "Should we start with a physical enhancement or elemental rune?¡±


    "Perhaps the Woodweave Seal first," Azure suggested. "In case something goes wrong with the others."


    ¡°Always thinking ahead. Alright then, healing rune first."


    As I positioned the knife for the first cut of the Woodweave Seal, I couldn''t help but appreciate the irony. Here I was, voluntarily carving mystic patterns into my flesh in a merchant''s mansion, all to prepare for a duel that was really just an elaborate test of character.


    Wei Ye probably thought he was being clever, setting up this challenge to test both my combat ability and my determination. He couldn''t know that compared to being vaporised in likely what was some sort of cursed world, this was practically a vacation.


    The knife bit into my flesh again, beginning the complex pattern that would let me weave wood essence into healing seals.


    The night stretched on as I worked, and by the time the date for the battle arrived, I would be ready. Chen Wu might be expecting to face a talented but inexperienced sect disciple. Instead, he would find himself fighting someone who had literally died to perfect their art.


    Poor man probably wouldn''t know what hit him.


    But first, I had more runes to carve, and the night wasn''t getting any younger. I adjusted my grip on the knife and began the next pattern.


    At least this time I had proper painkillers, even if they came in the form of divine energy from a miniature blue sun. The false priests may have been insane, but they certainly knew how to make things hurt less.


    Now if only they hadn''t been quite so zealous about trying to convert everyone into pure light...

 Chapter 74: The Power of the Twin Suns

    A few hours later, I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my guest room, examining my handiwork in the dim light.


    "Better to keep the more obvious runes hidden," I murmured, tracing the interlocking triangles that formed the hexagonal pattern on my stomach ¨C the Titan''s Crest.


    "Yes, Master," Azure agreed. "Cultivators would recognize runic patterns, even if they couldn''t decipher their exact purpose."


    I nodded. In this world, anyone who saw patterns like these would immediately assume they were formations of some kind. And while they wouldn''t be entirely wrong, it was better to avoid unnecessary questions.


    The exceptions were runes like the Explosive Seed, etched into my right index finger, and the Vine Whip rune on the back of my right hand. Some patterns simply worked better in specific locations.


    My gaze drifted to the pair of black gloves sitting on the desk ¨C another gift from Wei Lin. I''d offered to pay for them, but he''d just laughed.


    "These?" he''d said with a dismissive wave. "I never wear them. Not my style at all. Besides, I''m sure you''ll make better use of them than I would."


    The gloves would completely cover my hands, perfect for maintaining a low profile, at least until I no longer needed them.


    Taking stock of my progress, I mentally cataloged the runes I''d inscribed so far:


    The Fundamental Rune on my chest, its tree-like pattern branching out from just above my heart. Below it, the Worldroot Conduit''s endless knot design created the pathways needed for elemental manipulation. The Woodweave Seal sat on the right side of my chest, ready to provide healing if needed.


    The Titan''s Crest on my abdomen would give me bursts of enhanced strength, while the Blink Step rune on my left thigh would let me cover short distances instantly. The Vine Whip and Explosive Seed runes on my right hand would give me ranged attack options.


    That left only two runes from my original set: the Aegis Mark and the flying rune. The latter wasn''t a priority ¨C flying wasn''t exactly common at the Qi Condensation level anyway. Better to keep that particular trick hidden for now.


    The Aegis Mark, however... I sighed, trying to twist around to see my own back. That one would have been extremely useful for the fight with Chen Wu. Unfortunately, some places were simply impossible to reach alone.


    Now would be a really great time to develop some sort of cloning ability.


    "You seem troubled, Master," Azure observed.


    "Just frustrated," I replied, giving up on my contortionist attempts. "If I had more time, I could probably figure out how to manipulate vines precisely enough to inscribe the pattern."


    "Do you trust them enough for that level of detail work?"


    ¡°No, which is exactly why I''d need time to practice first. One wrong line and the whole rune could backfire spectacularly."


    "The physical runes are only a temporary solution anyway," Azure reminded me. "Once you¡¯re proficient at pure energy inscription, location won''t matter."


    "True." I nodded, thinking of the eventual goal.


    Once I mastered creating runes purely from energy, I could integrate them directly into my elemental system. Then it wouldn''t matter which world I traveled to; I would have access to my Skybound cultivation.


    I moved to the private training ground to begin testing out the runes to make sure there were no nasty surprises.


    Starting with the Woodweave Seal, I made a shallow cut on my arm with Wei Lin''s knife, then activated the rune. Wooden fibers emerged sluggishly from the edges of the wound, their growth uneven and stuttering.


    I frowned in concentration, trying to guide the process like Elder Molric had shown me, but healing had never been my strong suit. The fibers wove together clumsily, forming a rough, bark-like patch that barely covered the cut.


    "Your control needs work," Azure observed diplomatically.


    Looking at the unsightly patch, then at the miniature blue sun in my inner world, a thought occurred to me.


    "What is it, Master?"


    "What would happen if I tried channeling the blue sun''s energy into the Fundamental Rune?"


    "Given that these runes were likely created by Skybound cultivators specifically to channel the red sun''s energy," Azure replied, "it would be surprising if they could handle the blue sun''s energy."


    "Would there be some sort of explosion if I tried?" I asked, only half-joking.


    "No," Azure assured me. "The Fundamental Rune wasn''t designed to explode upon encountering different energy types. It will most likely just reject any energy it wasn''t designed for."


    "Well, in that case I might as well give it a try." I reached for the blue sun''s energy, my eyes flashing azure as I carefully directed a small amount towards the Fundamental Rune.


    The silvery pattern began to absorb the energy for a brief moment before quickly rejecting it, pushing it back out without any other reaction.


    I sighed. "What about the other runes?"


    I activated the Titan''s Crest and tried channeling the blue sun''s energy through it, but nothing happened at all.


    "It seems these runes were not built with the blue sun''s energy in mind," Azure observed.


    I shook my head, then paused as another thought occurred to me. "Azure," I said slowly, "you know how the red sun''s energy gives off that demonic aura when I use it?"


    "Yes, Master."


    "What if I channeled the blue sun''s energy through my body at the same time I activate one of the runes using the purified red sun¡¯s energy? Wouldn''t its overwhelming righteousness mask the demonic qualities?"


    There was a moment of silence before Azure responded. "That''s actually something I''ve been wanting to suggest you try. Shall we test it now with the Woodweave seal? You still have that cut to heal after all."


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    "Might as well," I replied, glancing at the unsightly bark-like patch. "It certainly can''t make it look any worse."


    I channeled the blue sun''s energy through my body, and not into the rune itself. My eyes flashed azure, the righteousness of it was almost overwhelming ¨C like being dunked in holy water while a choir of angels sang overhead.


    The wooden fibers suddenly grew, weaving together in patterns that matched my skin''s texture perfectly. Within seconds, what had been a rough patch now looked like it had been crafted by a master healer.


    I stared at the seamless healing, mind racing. The two energies hadn''t just coexisted - they''d enhanced each other. ¡°Azure... what if the two suns aren''t meant to be enemies at all? What if they''re actually meant to work together?¡±


    ¡°An interesting theory, Master, the priests and skybound cultivators saw them as opposing forces, but maybe that was their mistake.¡±


    I nodded slowly, watching the last traces of red and blue energy fade from the now-perfect healing patch. ¡°The red sun brings destruction, the blue sun brings life - but maybe you need both for true cultivation.¡±


    "Master, we still need to test if the blue sun''s energy truly masks the demonic aura,¡± Azure reminded me. ¡°The Woodweave Seal''s energy signature was quite subtle - perhaps we should try something more dramatic?"


    I nodded as I carefully added the red sun''s power into the Titan''s Crest. The usual demonic undertones seemed to dissolve into the blue sun''s radiance.


    A quick Blink Step took me to a training dummy, where a simple punch reduced it to scattered fragments of wood and straw.


    I couldn''t help but smile, even as I thought about how impressive that would have been if I didn''t know these particular dummies were only designed to handle attacks up to the 4th Stage of Qi Condensation.


    "Did any of the red sun''s aura leak through?" I asked.


    "None that I could detect," Azure replied. "Though you did appear to be the very model of righteous power."


    "Let''s not go quite that far down that road,¡± I shuddered slightly, remembering the fanatical light priests. ¡°And let''s see if that holds true for the elemental runes as well."


    Maintaining the blue sun''s energy coursing through my body, I activated the Vine Whip rune. The plants growing around the training ground responded instantly, three thick vines rising from the earth like serpents. I guided them through a series of complex movements, pleased with how responsive they were. The vines struck another training dummy, wrapping around it tight enough to leave deep grooves in the wood.


    Finally, I tested the Explosive Seed.


    Still keeping both energies flowing, I touched my right index finger to the ground, channeling power through the tiny rune. A small, innocent-looking seed appeared where my finger had been. I Blink Stepped back about twenty meters, then triggered the detonation.


    The explosion wasn''t huge, but it was focused - perfect for creating distractions or setting traps.


    "Even with the elemental manipulations, I couldn''t detect any trace of the demonic aura," Azure confirmed. "The blue sun''s energy seems to mask it completely, regardless of which rune you''re using, but you might want to check your stats.¡±


    The familiar display appeared before my eyes:


    Cultivation: Qi Condensation Stage 4


    Inner World: 135 cubic meters


    Soul Essence: 850/850


    Spiritual Essence: 800/800


    Physical Essence: 800/800


    My eyes widened. I thought I felt something different when channeling both energies together, but seeing the numbers confirmed it. "The spiritual essence..."


    "Yes," Azure confirmed. "It seems each energy source has its specialty. The red sun primarily affects physical essence, the blue sun influences soul essence, and using them together provides a boost to spiritual essence."


    "And that''s just with raw blue sun energy," I mused. "If I could create something similar to the Fundamental Rune for it, the soul essence increase would probably be permanent ¨C maybe even double what we''re seeing now. And the spiritual essence boost from combining them would likely increase as well."


    ¡°Master, I believe you may be right about the two suns. They don''t seem to be opposing forces at all, but rather complementary ones that work best in harmony."


    I nodded. The possibilities were intriguing, but they''d have to wait. I had no immediate plans to return to the Two Suns world. Being transformed into pure light once was enough for now, thank you very much.


    I let the blue sun''s energy fade, my stats returning to normal. My eyes stopped glowing, and that overwhelming sense of righteousness receded to manageable levels.


    The sun was high in the sky by the time I finished cleaning up the remains of the training dummies, I did the best I could, though I suspected the Wei family servants were used to cleaning up after cultivation practice.


    Back in my room, I finally allowed myself to feel the bone-deep exhaustion that came with inscribing so many runes in one night. Even with the blue sun''s energy keeping me going, my body needed rest to properly integrate all the new patterns.


    As I lay down, I couldn''t help but smile slightly. Less than two days until the duel with Chen Wu. Hopefully Wei Lin would have detailed information about his fighting style by the time I wake up ¨C he seemed to take intelligence gathering very seriously.


    "You know what they say," I murmured as sleep began to take hold, "battles are won in the preparation, not the execution."


    "That''s very wise, Master," Azure replied. "Though I believe the original quote was about war, not individual battles."


    "Same principle," I yawned. "And tomorrow, we continue our preparation."

 Chapter 75: Day of the Duel

    I woke to the sound of birds chirping outside my window and Rocky''s unmistakable rumbling snores from one of the many gardens in the Wei compound.


    "Good morning, Master," Azure''s familiar voice echoed in my mind. "How are you feeling?"


    "Ready," I replied, sitting up and beginning my morning stretches.


    "Are you going to go over the details again, Master?"


    "Knowledge is power," I replied as I recalled Wei Lin''s briefing from two days ago.


    Wei Lin had been true to his word about gathering intelligence ¨C he''d shown up at my door barely an hour after I had woken up, practically vibrating with information.


    Chen Wu practiced the Stone Mountain Heart Method, an Earth-rank technique that focused on stability and overwhelming force. It wasn''t flashy like some of the higher-ranked methods, but it was extremely effective, especially at the Qi Condensation realm where most cultivators were still learning to control their power.


    "The method has three main aspects," Wei Lin had explained, pacing back and forth in my room while referring to a stack of notes. "First, it reinforces the body with earth-attributed qi, making the user extremely durable. Second, it allows them to draw strength from the ground itself, increasing their power the longer they maintain contact. And third, it gives them limited control over stone and earth ¨C nothing fancy like some Earth-element techniques, but enough to be dangerous in close combat."


    He''d gone on to detail Chen Wu''s typical fighting style: "He likes to start defensive, letting his opponent wear themselves out against his stone-reinforced body. Once they start showing signs of fatigue, he switches to overwhelming offense. It''s particularly effective against younger disciples who tend to go all-out from the beginning."


    The specifics had been impressive. Chen Wu preferred to lead with his left foot when attacking. He had a slight tendency to overextend on his third strike in any combination. His earth-control abilities had a range of roughly twenty meters. He could maintain his stone reinforcement for approximately thirty minutes before his qi reserves started to strain.


    "How did you get all this information?" I''d asked, somewhat amazed by the level of detail.


    Wei Lin had just smiled. "Father has Chen Wu test all potential recruits for our security forces. I''ve been watching those matches since I was old enough to understand cultivation. And..." he''d added with a slight smirk, "having access to the family records helps."


    With that knowledge at hand, I spent a good portion of the past two days developing various strategies, but I knew better than to get too attached to any single plan. Flexibility was key, especially against an opponent who specialized in defense.


    A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. "Brother Ke Yin!" Liu Chen''s excited voice called out. "Are you awake? Rocky wants to show you something before breakfast!"


    I opened the door to find Liu Chen practically bouncing with enthusiasm, his previous wariness completely forgotten after two days of being spoiled by Wei Ting''s mothering. His robes were new ¨C clearly a gift from Wei Lin''s mother ¨C and much better suited to a young cultivator than his old worn ones or even the ones we bought for him.


    "Rocky''s been practicing!" he announced proudly. "Come see!"


    I followed him out to the garden where Rocky stood amid what looked like it had once been a very orderly rock garden. The stone giant was carefully arranging boulders in what appeared to be...


    "Is that supposed to be a face?"


    "It''s art!" Liu Chen declared. "Rocky''s been learning from watching the gardeners arrange the rocks. See? That''s supposed to be you!"


    I tilted my head, studying the rough arrangement of stones. If I squinted and used a lot of imagination, I supposed the vertical rock in the center could be a nose...


    "It''s very... creative."


    Rocky made a pleased rumbling sound, carefully adjusting a small pebble that apparently represented an eyebrow.


    "Ah, I see you''re admiring Rocky''s artistic endeavors." Wei Guang''s amused voice came from behind us. ¡°Mother''s quite taken with his... unique aesthetic vision. Though Father nearly had a stroke when he saw what happened to his imported spirit stone arrangement."


    "Rocky put them back!" Liu Chen said quickly. "Mostly. We only had to replace three of them. And Auntie Wei said it gives the garden character!"


    Wei Guang laughed. "That she did. Though I suspect she just enjoys how it bothers Father. Come on, breakfast is ready, and Mother insisted everyone eat together this morning."


    The Wei family''s dining room was already bustling when we arrived. Wei Ting was fussing over Lin Mei, who had apparently spent the past two days completely reorganizing the family''s herb garden. Wei Ye sat at the head of the table, somehow managing to read reports while simultaneously having what looked like three separate business conversations via transmission jade.


    As I walked to my seat, I felt a strange feeling wash over me. It had been a month since I''d last seen them ¨C at least from my perspective in the Two Suns world ¨C though here, barely any time had passed.


    They hadn''t changed, how could they? But I had lived through an entire month of experiences, faced death and worse, learned secrets about my cultivation that I still hadn''t fully processed.


    The cognitive dissonance was... unsettling.


    Wei Lin caught my eye as I sat down, raising an eyebrow in silent question. I nodded slightly to indicate that I was okay and that I was ready as I was going to be.


    "Everyone eat up!" Wei Ting announced, somehow managing to add more food to Liu Chen''s already full plate. "Especially you, Ke Yin. You''ll need your strength today."


    "Thank you, Aunty." I accepted a bowl of congee that shimmered slightly with spiritual energy.


    "Rocky said the stone arrangement is supposed to be a portrait of Brother Ke Yin," Liu Chen announced to the table at large, causing Wei Guang to choke slightly on his tea.


    "Did he now?" Wei Ye looked up from his reports with raised eyebrows. "And here I thought it was meant to be an abstract representation of market fluctuations in the spirit stone trade."


    "Dear," Wei Ting scolded, though her eyes twinkled with amusement, "you know very well Rocky has been working hard these past few days."


    "Of course, of course." Wei Ye waved a hand dismissively. "Far be it from me to criticize a stone giant''s creative vision. Though perhaps next time he could express himself with slightly less expensive materials?"


    "Father," Wei Lin interjected smoothly, "about the wind essence..."


    "Ah yes." Wei Ye''s expression grew more serious. "The duel will be held at midday. That should give everyone time to finish their morning business." He glanced at me. "Unless you''d prefer to get it over with sooner?"


    I shook my head, taking another bite of the qi-infused congee. "It¡¯s fine."


    "Good, good." Wei Ye returned to his reports, though I noticed his eyes weren''t actually moving across the pages anymore. He was watching me, analyzing every movement I made.


    "About the duel," Wei Guang leaned forward slightly. "I''ve been reviewing the records of Chen Wu''s previous matches. His win rate against fourth-stage cultivators is..." he paused significantly.


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    "One hundred percent," I finished for him. "Wei Lin already told me."


    What followed after that was a tense silence as Wei Ye slowly lowered his teacup, fixing his younger son with a penetrating stare.


    "Did he now?" Wei Ye''s voice was carefully controlled. "And exactly how did you access those records, Lin''er?"


    Wei Lin met his father''s gaze. "The same way you taught me to gather information on business competitors, Father. Through thorough research, careful observation, and..." he smiled slightly, "strategic use of available resources."


    For a moment, Wei Ye maintained his stern expression. Then the corner of his mouth twitched. "I see." He picked up his teacup again, but not before I caught the flash of pride in his eyes. "And I suppose you also shared your analysis of Chen Wu''s fighting style?"


    "Of course," Wei Lin replied. "It seemed like relevant information for an important business transaction."


    Wei Ye actually chuckled at that. "Using my own teachings about proper preparation against me? Well played, son." He shook his head, turning back to me. "Though I should point out that those weren''t just random fourth-stage cultivators. Some of them were genuine prodigies from prestigious families."


    "Good thing I''m just a tailor''s son then," I replied mildly, taking another spoonful of congee. "Less pressure."


    Wei Guang stared at me for a moment, then burst out laughing. "I like you," he declared. "You remind me of Lin''er when he was younger ¨C before he got obsessed with business."


    "I was never that calm," Wei Lin protested.


    The rest of breakfast passed in a blur of conversation. Wei Ting kept insisting everyone eat more, while Liu Chen entertained us with stories about Rocky''s latest adventures.


    Apparently, the stone giant had developed a particular fondness for arranging pebbles in spiral patterns when he thought no one was watching.


    "He''s very artistic," Lin Mei agreed diplomatically. "Though perhaps we could redirect his talents toward something less... structurally integral to the garden?"


    "Oh! And I''ve been teaching him to write characters!" Liu Chen announced proudly. He turned toward the open doors, where Rocky was sitting cross-legged on the ground, munching on a particular large stone for breakfast.


    "Rocky! Show them what we practiced!"


    We all watched as Rocky carefully used one massive finger to scratch something into the earth of the garden. Wei Ye''s eye twitched slightly at the deep grooves being carved into his manicured lawn.


    "That''s... very good," Wei Ting said encouragingly, squinting at the marks. "Is it supposed to be ''tree''?"


    "It''s ''friend''!" Liu Chen beamed. "See? This part here is the person, and this is... um..." he tilted his head. "Well, it was ''friend'' yesterday."


    "Fascinating," Wei Ye muttered, making a note in his ledger that probably involved replacing more garden tiles.


    ***


    After breakfast, I made my way to the private training ground behind my guest room. Not to practice ¨C I''d prepared enough over the past two days, and pushing myself now would only leave me tired for the actual fight.


    Instead, I settled onto a meditation mat in the shade of a gnarled old tree, letting my mind settle into calm focus.


    An hour after I had closed my eyes, I heard the distinctive sound of stone grinding against stone, followed by much lighter footsteps.


    "Brother Ke Yin!" Liu Chen called out. "Are you doing that sleeping-while-sitting thing that cultivators do?"


    Done meditating, I opened my eyes to find Liu Chen peering at me curiously, Rocky looming behind him like a particularly interested mountain.


    "It''s called meditation," I explained, unable to help smiling at his description. "It helps cultivators focus their qi and calm their minds. You should try it sometime."


    "Really?¡± Liu Chen''s eyes lit up. ¡°Can you teach us? Rocky too?"


    I glanced at the stone giant, who had somehow managed to arrange himself into a rough approximation of my meditation pose, despite being made entirely of rock.


    "Well... I suppose the principles would apply to any kind of qi cultivation..."


    The next thirty minutes was spent trying to teach meditation basics to an excitable eleven-year-old and his fifteen-foot-tall stone friend. Liu Chen couldn''t seem to sit still for more than thirty seconds at a time, while Rocky''s attempts at controlled breathing sounded like small avalanches.


    "I don''t get it," Liu Chen complained after his fifth failed attempt to maintain the proper posture. "How do you just... sit there? And think about nothing?"


    "You don''t think about nothing," I explained patiently. "You focus on the flow of qi through your body, or in your case breathing..."


    "That''s boring though!" He flopped backwards onto the grass before changing the subject. "I played with Chen Wu yesterday, he seems nice. For someone who''s supposed to beat you up."


    "Liu Chen!" Lin Mei''s voice came from behind Rocky as she entered the training ground. "That''s not... I mean, it''s a formal duel, not..."


    "But that''s what Father said," Wei Lin appeared beside her, grinning. "Just with more elegant phrasing about ''testing resolve'' and ''valuable learning experiences.''"


    I had to laugh at his impression of Wei Ye''s merchant-speak. "Your father does have a way with words."


    Time passed quickly as we talked, my friends doing their best to keep the atmosphere light despite the upcoming duel.


    Finally, Wei Ye himself appeared at the courtyard entrance.


    "It''s time," he announced simply. "Are you still certain about this, young man?"


    I nodded, standing up and straightening my robes. The black gloves felt comfortable now, natural.


    We walked as a group to the training ground. The rest of the family was already there ¨C Wei Ting looking worried but supportive, Wei Guang maintaining his usual amused expression though his eyes were sharp.


    The training ground itself was impressive ¨C a large open space surrounded by stone pillars carved with protective formations. The ground was natural stone, specially treated to withstand cultivation battles while providing excellent qi conductivity. Perfect for Chen Wu''s earth-based techniques.


    Chen Wu stood at one end of the field, his usual plain robes replaced with proper fighting attire. His qi was calm and controlled, betraying no nervousness or aggression.


    As I took my position opposite him, he spoke quietly. "I''m not delusional. I can see your talent ¨C in a year or perhaps even in a few months, I likely wouldn''t be a match for you." His eyes turned serious. "But right now, you will lose. It doesn''t bring me any pleasure to make others suffer. So, I''ll give you a chance now to surrender."


    I couldn''t help but smile slightly. At least he wasn''t one of those arrogant young master types ¨C this was pure professionalism, one cultivator respecting another''s potential while still being realistic about the present situation.


    "Because I like you," I replied, "I''ll give you the same chance."


    Chen Wu didn''t reply, he simply turned his head to Wei Ye who smiled and said a single word:


    "Begin."

 Chapter 76: Fighting a 5th Stage Qi Condensation Cultivator

    "This is madness," Lin Mei whispered, watching Ke Yin and Chen Wu face each other across the training ground. "Chen Wu has never lost to anyone below the sixth stage."


    "Brother Ke Yin will win!" Liu Chen declared, though his fingers were white-knuckled where they gripped Rocky''s stone leg. The giant made a low, worried rumble.


    "Careful Rocky," Wei Ting called out gently. "Those pillars are quite expensive to replace."


    Rocky shifted slightly, accidentally crushing a decorative stone anyway. Liu Chen winced.


    Wei Lin turned to his father. "I hope you stop this before it gets too far."


    "Getting cold feet about your friend''s capabilities?" Wei Guang asked, raising an eyebrow. "That''s not like you, little brother."


    Wei Ye smiled, his eyes never leaving the two combatants. "Chen Wu understands restraint. Don''t worry, your friend will be fine." He glanced at his younger son. "Though I notice you didn''t deny your older brother¡¯s comment. Having doubts?"


    "It''s not that I don''t believe in Ke Yin," Wei Lin replied carefully. "But fighting above your cultivation realm isn''t an easy task. Chen Wu has broken talents before."


    "Nineteen, to be exact," Wei Guang supplied helpfully. "Though most recovered... eventually."


    Wei Ting shot her eldest son a sharp look. "That''s not helping, dear."


    "Someone who cultivates the World Tree Sutra isn''t simple," Wei Ye mused, ignoring the exchange. "They''re either insane, arrogant, or special." His lips curved slightly. "And your friend doesn''t seem to be the first two."


    "You think he''ll win then?" Wei Lin asked.


    Wei Ye laughed. "I said he''s special. The boy has potential, but that''s all it is right now ¨C potential. It wouldn''t surprise me if he does better than Chen Wu''s previous opponents, but to actually win?" He shook his head. "No, I don''t think he can."


    Wei Lin studied Ke Yin''s confident demeanor, remembering how his friend never acted without certainty. He turned back to his father. "Want to make it interesting?"


    Wei Ye''s eyebrows rose. "Oh? Now you believe in your friend?"


    "One thousand spirit stones," Wei Lin said firmly, ignoring his father''s tone.


    "Stop this nonsense, both of you," Wei Ting interjected. "This isn''t some common gambling hall."


    "It''s not gambling, Mother," Wei Lin replied, his eyes serious as he watched Ke Yin. "I know who he is. He''s my brother, and I believe in him."


    Wei Guang burst out laughing. "He''s got you there, Father. You''re always saying we should trust our judgment in investments."


    Wei Ye chuckled. "Using my own spirit stones to bet against me? And my own teachings too?" He shook his head in amusement. "Fine. One thousand spirit stones."


    "Brother Ke Yin better not lose," Liu Chen muttered. "That''s enough spirit stones to feed Rocky for a month!"


    Rocky made another concerned rumble, his stone eyes fixed on the two combatants.


    "Qi manipulation has already begun," Wei Guang observed quietly. "Look at the way the air is distorting around them."


    He was right ¨C though neither fighter had physically moved, the spiritual pressure in the training ground was building to suffocating levels.


    ***


    "Master," Azure''s voice echoed in my mind as I kept my eyes on Chen Wu, "his current stats are:


    Qi Condensation Stage 5


    Soul Essence: 750/750


    Spiritual Essence: 810/810


    Physical Essence: 920/920"


    I didn''t respond immediately, considering the numbers.


    With my Skybound cultivation and rune enhancements, I could reach Stage 5 levels myself, and the gap wasn''t insurmountable.


    But there was a catch ¨C while the Fundamental Rune let me use the red sun''s energy until my miniature sun was drained, I had no such luxury with the blue sun''s power. Without an equivalent rune, I could only maintain it for about a minute before it faded.


    Which meant if I wanted to avoid the Wei family thinking I was some kind of demonic cultivator, I needed to end this fight within sixty seconds of activating the blue sun''s energy.


    Doable, but risky.


    "What''s the plan, Master?"


    I smiled slightly. "Chen Wu''s an instructor. His martial arts are likely better than mine ¨C might as well get a feel for his level before we go all out."


    Without warning, I shot forward. My first strike was a probing jab aimed at his head, testing his defense. Chen Wu deflected it with minimal movement, his hand redirecting my force like water flowing around a stone.


    I followed with a combination ¨C three quick strikes aimed at different heights. High, low, middle. Chen Wu blocked each one, his movements efficient. No wasted energy, no flashy techniques. Just solid fundamentals backed by years of experience.


    He countered with a straight punch that I barely managed to slip past, the displacement of air telling me how much force had been behind it. I tried to capitalize on the opening, but his defense was like trying to punch through a mountain.


    We exchanged a rapid series of blows, our movements becoming faster and more complex. Each impact sent shockwaves through the training ground, the stone tiles beneath our feet cracking under the pressure of our qi-enhanced strikes.


    The protective formations along the walls flickered with each clash, struggling to contain the raw energy we were releasing.


    I noticed he really did favor his left foot when initiating attacks, just as Wei Lin had said. More importantly, there was that slight overextension on his third strike in combination attacks.


    I waited for it, timing my counter perfectly. As his third punch extended just a fraction too far, I slipped inside his guard and landed a clean hit to his ribs. The impact felt like striking solid stone. The ground beneath Chen Wu''s feet cratered slightly, spider-web cracks spreading outward from the point of impact.


    Chen Wu''s eyes widened slightly ¨C probably surprised I''d spotted the weakness so quickly. He adapted immediately, varying his combinations to mask the pattern.


    Our exchange continued, becoming more intense with each passing moment. Fists and feet moved in practiced patterns, each of us probing for weaknesses while defending our own. I managed to land a few more solid hits by exploiting his tendencies, but it was like trying to chip away at a boulder with a chisel.


    Meanwhile, his counterattacks were becoming more precise. A punch grazed my shoulder, the impact sending jolts of pain through my arm. A kick caught me in the side, and only a hasty application of qi prevented it from cracking ribs.


    After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few minutes, I disengaged, jumping back to create space. Despite the hits I''d taken, I couldn''t help but smile.


    This was exactly what I''d wanted ¨C practical combat experience against a superior martial artist. The kind of experience you couldn''t get from training or reading manuals.


    "Round two?" I asked casually, rolling my shoulders.


    Chen Wu raised an eyebrow but said nothing, settling back into his stance.


    I engaged him again, but this time with a plan.


    We traded another series of strikes, but I was waiting for the right moment. There ¨C as he threw a devasting straight punch that probably would have ended the battle right there had it landed, I let the vine I''d been hiding in my sleeve unfurl, wrapping around his extended arm.


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    His eyes widened in surprise, and I seized the opportunity.


    Channeling qi into my fist, I struck with Phantom Strike, catching him clean in the chest.


    The impact sent him skidding backward, a thin line of blood appearing at the corner of his mouth. He wiped it away, actually smiling. "You might not be as strong as me, but you''re crafty."


    Chen Wu¡¯s expression turned serious as earth-attributed qi began pouring into his body. A brownish aura surrounded him, making him look even more like a mountain given human form.


    "Master," Azure reported, "his Physical Essence just reached 1000 ¨C equivalent to the 6th Stage of Qi Condensation."


    "Guess we''ll have to get serious too," I replied mentally. "Can you find any weaknesses in that earthly aura of his?"


    I barely finished the thought before my instincts screamed at me to move. I jumped to my left side just as a massive hand of stone erupted from the ground behind me, its fingers closing on empty air where I''d been standing.


    Right ¨C twenty-meter range for his earth control. Need to stay outside that.


    Chen Wu clapped his hands together, and the ground in front of him shifted. Stone and earth rose up, forming what looked like a miniature fortress tower about chest-high. As I watched, holes appeared in its surface ¨C like arrow slits in a castle wall.


    "Oh, that''s not good," I muttered just before earth spears began shooting from the openings.


    The first volley was easy enough to dodge, darting between the earth spears as they thudded into the ground behind me. But Chen Wu quickly established a pattern of fire, launching volleys in overlapping arcs that left fewer and fewer safe spaces to move.


    When I couldn''t dodge, I weaved the vines into dense walls of plant matter. The earth spears struck with thunderous impacts, spraying fragments of shattered vegetation as they tore through the outer layers. But the layered defense held, each vine sacrificing itself to absorb the kinetic force until the spears finally lost momentum and fell to the ground.


    Two spears came at me from different angles, but instead of blocking or dodging, I had vines shoot up from the ground, their tips splitting into finger-like tendrils that caught the spears mid-flight.


    The impact made the vines strain and bend, their fibers creaking under the stress, but they held firm. With a thought, I redirected their momentum, sending them hurtling back at Chen Wu,


    He blocked them easily, his earth-reinforced arms swatting the spears aside with enough force to embed them deep into the ground. But that split second of defense, that brief moment where his attention shifted to the immediate threat, gave me the opening I needed.


    A third, thicker vine shot forward, wrapping around the turret''s base and began to constrict, creating a grinding sound as it crushed the stone and earth until the entire structure crumbled into rubble.


    "I''ve faced many cultivators at the 4th stage," Chen Wu said approvingly, "but none have caused me this much trouble."


    My eyes widened as he suddenly shot forward like a boulder launched from a catapult. This wasn''t in Wei Lin''s intelligence ¨C Chen Wu was supposed to wait until his opponents were tired before going aggressive.


    His fist streaked toward my face with devastating force. At that moment, my eyes flashed brilliant blue, and for just an instant, there might have been a hint of red hidden beneath the overwhelming azure radiance.


    The world seemed to slow as I activated Blink Step, vanishing just before the strike could connect. I reappeared at his side as Azure highlighted a slight fluctuation in his earth aura ¨C a weakness.


    I only had sixty seconds. It was time to end this.


    I activated the Titan''s Crest, feeling my Physical Essence spike by a hundred points. The air around my fist began to warp and the ground beneath my feet shattered as I launched forward. Combined with another Phantom Strike, I slammed my fist into the opening in his left side.


    The impact released a thunderous boom that sent birds scattering from trees hundreds of meters away. A visible shockwave of qi rippled outward, causing the protective formations to flare brilliant gold as they strained to contain it.


    Chen Wu''s earthly aura shattered like glass, fragments of golden-brown energy dissolving into the air as his body was launched high into the sky.


    But I wasn''t done.


    I quickly activated the Vine Whip rune on the back of my palm, causing the three vines hidden in my sleeve to shoot forward. The first wrapped around Chen Wu''s torso while the other two ensnared his arms, binding them to his sides. His eyes widened in surprise as the vines tightened their grip, thorny protrusions digging into his earth-reinforced skin.


    Even as he fell, Chen Wu''s body erupted with earth qi, the brown energy swirling around him like a sandstorm as he tried to break free. The vines creaked and strained against the onslaught of power, their fibers beginning to splinter, but they held just long enough. That was all I needed.


    "Boom," I whispered.


    The explosive seeds I''d hidden in the vines detonated with a thunderous crack. For a heartbeat, there was absolute silence as the initial shockwave sucked all the air away. Then the real explosion hit.


    A sphere of pure destructive force erupted from where Chen Wu hung suspended, the competing energies of his earth qi and my wood qi creating violent reactions where they met. His earthly aura cracked like a shattering mirror, golden-brown fragments dissolving into nothing as the blast overwhelmed his already weakened defenses.


    The explosion slammed him downward with devastating force. He crashed into the training ground like a meteor, the impact cratering the reinforced stone tiles.


    A cloud of dust and debris billowed outward, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. Through the chaos, I could see the protective formations along the walls flaring to life to contain the remnants of the blast.


    When the dust began to settle, Chen Wu lay in the center of the crater. His robes were now torn and scorched, revealing angry red burns and dark bruises across his exposed skin. The earth qi that had made him seem immovable was completely gone, leaving him looking surprisingly human as he struggled to push himself up on trembling arms.


    I didn''t give him the chance to recover. I Blink Stepped to stand before him, looking down at his struggling form.


    "It''s over," I said quietly. "Give up."


    Chen Wu looked up at me with wide eyes, and to my surprise, he shook his head and smiled. "You win." He coughed, spitting out a mouthful of blood, but the smile never left his face.


    I extended my hand, helping him to his feet. He swayed slightly but managed to stand, looking at me with newfound respect.


    "I don''t suppose," he said with a slight grimace, wiping blood from his chin with the back of his hand, "you''d be willing to tell me when exactly you planted those explosive seeds?"


    I couldn''t help but grin. "Now where would the fun be in that?"


    The protective formations around the training ground slowly powered down, signifying the end of the battle.


    I had won.

 Chapter 77: The Offer

    Wei Lin watched the battle unfold before him with growing concern. The initial exchanges had been impressive enough - Ke Yin matching Chen Wu''s techniques with surprising skill. But now something had changed. The air itself seemed to grow heavier as Chen Wu''s earth-attributed qi began to pour forth.


    "Watch carefully," Wei Ye said, his eyes never leaving the combatants. "This is why there are stages in the Qi Condensation realm."


    Wei Lin frowned, not liking the oppressive pressure radiating from Chen Wu. It reminded him uncomfortably of the few times he''d witnessed 6th Stage Qi Condensation cultivators displaying their power. The difference between stages wasn''t just about raw numbers - it was about quality of energy, about reaching fundamental breakthroughs in how qi could be wielded.


    But Chen Wu was only supposed to be at the peak of the 5th Stage...


    "Father," he started to say, but Wei Ye cut him off with a sharp gesture of his hand.


    "Good instincts," Wei Ye commented as Ke Yin narrowly avoided the stone hand that erupted from the ground. "Your friend has a natural talent for combat."


    Wei Lin nodded absently, struggling to track the increasingly rapid exchanges. Even with his Third Stage cultivation, the movements were starting to blur together. How was his father, a mortal, managing to follow the battle so easily?


    "Don''t get distracted," Wei Ye chided. "Watch carefully. Chen Wu will end it now."


    Wei Lin''s frown deepened as he watched Chen Wu suddenly launch himself forward like a boulder from a siege weapon. He didn''t care about losing the thousand spirit stones - he just didn''t want to see his friend seriously injured. Chen Wu was clearly done holding back.


    Then something impossible happened. Just before Chen Wu''s devastating strike could connect, Ke Yin... vanished. Not in the usual blur of high-speed movement, but genuinely disappeared, as if he''d never been there at all.


    Wei Lin heard his father''s sharp intake of breath. "That aura..." Wei Ye muttered, eyes widening.


    What followed happened so quickly that Wei Lin could barely process it. Ke Yin reappeared, unleashed a devastating combination of attacks, and then... explosions. When the dust settled, Chen Wu lay defeated in a crater.


    Wei Lin turned to see his father¡¯s reaction, but instead of expecting to see disappointment from losing both bets, he noticed a different look in his father¡¯s eyes.


    A look he knew all too well.


    ***


    Chen Wu coughed again, still leaning heavily on my shoulder. Despite the beating he''d just taken, he managed a weak smile. "That''s the first time anyone''s used my earth qi against me quite like that," he admitted between labored breaths.


    "The earth provides more than just defense," I replied, remembering some of Elder Molric''s lessons about elemental interactions.


    Before Chen Wu could respond, Wei Ting''s voice cut through the settling dust. She hurried over, her elegant robes somehow remaining spotless despite the debris-filled air. "Ke Yin! Are you hurt? Let me see¡ª"


    "I''m fine, Auntie Wei," I assured her with a slight bow, careful not to let Chen Wu fall. "Really, I wasn''t injured."


    She gave me a skeptical look before turning her attention to Chen Wu, who looked like he might collapse at any moment. Those explosions hadn''t been for show - I''d put everything I had into them, knowing I needed to end the fight quickly before the blue sun''s energy faded.


    "Chen Wu! Sit down before you fall down. Liu Chen, fetch my medicine box from the main house."


    "Rocky¡­get¡­faster!" Rocky rumbled, carefully setting Liu Chen down before lumbering toward the house with surprising speed for a fifteen-foot stone giant.


    "No, Rocky, wait¡ª" Wei Ting called out, but the guardian was already gone, his heavy footsteps sending tremors through the ground. She sighed. "I suppose I should be grateful he''s using the path this time instead of going through the walls."


    "He''s learning," Liu Chen said proudly. Then his eyes widened as he turned to me. "Brother Ke Yin, that was amazing! When did you learn to explode things? Can you teach me? Not for robbery!" he added quickly. "Just for... um... self-defense?"


    "Liu Chen!" Lin Mei scolded, though I caught her hiding a smile.


    "What? It was really cool! Did you see how he went all glowy and then BOOM!" Liu Chen punched the air enthusiastically, nearly losing his balance in the process.


    Wei Guang caught him by the back of his robes before he could fall. "Careful there, little warrior. Though I have to agree - that was quite a show." He gave me an appraising look. "I don''t suppose you''d be willing to explain exactly how you managed that disappearing trick?"


    "Just a movement technique," I replied with a slight smile, noting how Wei Ye''s eyes sharpened on me.


    Rocky returned then, carefully carrying a delicate-looking box in his massive stone hands. He moved with exaggerated care, like a child tasked with carrying something precious.


    "Thank you, Rocky," Wei Ting smiled, accepting the box. "You''re very gentle with delicate things."


    Rocky''s craggy features shifted in what might have been a pleased expression. "Try... be... careful," he rumbled slowly.


    "Here, stick out your arm," Wei Ting instructed Chen Wu as she began pulling various bottles and bandages from the box. "And no arguing about treatment - I saw that blast hit you directly."


    "Yes, madam," Chen Wu replied meekly. Even elite combat instructors, it seemed, knew better than to argue with Wei Ting when she was in healing mode.


    "Remarkable," Wei Ye said, approaching me while his wife fussed over Chen Wu. "Truly remarkable. You know, I don''t often admit to being wrong, but I clearly underestimated you." His smile was warm but there was something in it that made me feel uncomfortable. "Perhaps we could discuss your future plans? The Wei family is always looking to invest in promising talent."


    "Father¡ª" Wei Lin started to protest, but Wei Ye held up a hand.


    "Let me finish. Young master Ke Yin, I''m prepared to offer you a very generous arrangement. Full sponsorship of your cultivation resources, access to our family''s technique library, a position as our primary combat instructor..." He paused for effect. "And of course, a starting salary of ten thousand spirit stones per month."


    Liu Chen''s jaw dropped. "Ten... ten thousand?" he whispered to Rocky. "That''s enough spirit stones to feed you for a year!"


    I kept my expression neutral as I considered the offer.


    "Master," Azure''s voice echoed in my thoughts, "something feels off about him. He tracks qi movements like a cultivator, yet I detect no cultivation base."


    "Either he has some method of concealment," I replied mentally, "or he''s hiding something else entirely. Either way, I''m not signing myself over to someone I don''t trust."


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    The offer itself was incredibly generous on the surface - the kind of opportunity most outer disciples would kill for. Access to premium cultivation resources, techniques, and more spirit stones than I could earn in years at the sect.


    "The Wei family''s resources are impressive for the mortal realm, but they''re limited,¡± Azure noted. ¡°They have no cultivators above the Elemental Realm in their employment."


    "Because they can''t retain them," I replied mentally. "Or won¡¯t. Money can buy resources, but advancement beyond the Elemental Realm requires more than just material wealth."


    My thoughts drifted to Elder Molric and our experiences in the Two Suns world. The difference between having a true mentor and merely having access to resources was like the difference between reading about swimming and having someone teach you in the water.


    Some insights could only be passed down through direct guidance.


    "The contract would likely be bound by heavenly dao," Azure added. "Making promises that could limit your future choices would be unwise, especially to someone whose true nature we can''t verify."


    He was right. Wei Ye was offering substantial immediate benefits, but I could see the invisible chains attached. The Wei family would invest heavily in my development, but only along the path that benefited them. They needed a powerful guardian, not someone who might eventually outgrow their ability to contain.


    The Azure Peak Sect was different. Yes, being an outer disciple meant struggling for resources now, but the path upward existed. Inner disciples, core disciples, elders - each rank opened new doors, new knowledge, new possibilities.


    The sect had cultivators in the Stellar Realm and beyond, masters who could guide disciples toward true transcendence.


    Wei Ye was trying to tempt me with earthly riches, but I''d glimpsed something far greater - the path to creating a universe. What were spirit stones compared to that?


    "Thank you for the offer," I said politely, "but I must decline. My path lies with the Azure Peak Sect."


    Wei Ye''s eyebrows rose. "The sect? Boy, do you know how long it takes most disciples to earn even a hundred spirit stones through sect missions? We''re offering you¡ª"


    "Father, stop," Wei Lin interrupted firmly. "Ke Yin isn''t interested in leaving the sect."


    "But¡ª"


    "And if you keep pushing," Wei Lin continued, "you might damage our relationship with a future Azure Peak Elder."


    Wei Ye''s mouth snapped shut. He studied me with new eyes, clearly reassessing his assumptions. After a long moment, he sighed and reached into his robes.


    "Very well. A deal is a deal." He produced a small jade box, ornately carved with wind patterns that seemed to shift in the light. "Your wind essence, as promised."


    I accepted the box carefully, feeling the subtle vibrations of the elemental energy contained within.


    "An interesting choice of cultivation method," Wei Ye mused. "The World Tree Sutra... I don¡¯t think anyone has ever successfully cultivated it."


    "Brother Ke Yin is special!" Liu Chen declared loyally. "He can do anything!"


    "Anything except teach you to make explosions," Lin Mei added dryly.


    "Aw, but¡ª"


    "No explosions," Lin Mei, Wei Ting, and I said in unison.


    Rocky rumbled something that sounded suspiciously like agreement, causing Liu Chen to pout. "Even you, Rocky? Traitor."


    Wei Ye chuckled, then produced another pouch that clinked promisingly as he handed it to Wei Lin. "Your winnings, son.¡±


    Wei Lin turned and tossed the pouch to me. "Here - you earned it."


    "What?" I said as I caught it in my right hand.


    "I bet Father a thousand spirit stones that you''d win," Wei Lin explained. "Since you''re the one who actually did the work, the winnings should be yours."


    "I... thank you." I weighed the pouch thoughtfully. I''d never held this many spirit stones at once before.


    "Maybe now you can actually afford something when we go shopping," Wei Lin teased, earning himself a punch in the arm from Lin Mei.


    "Don''t be rude!" she scolded. "Some of us weren''t born into merchant families."


    "No, no, he has a point," I said with a slight smile. "Though I think I''ll save these for something important rather than blow them all on expensive tea."


    "That was one time!" Wei Lin protested. "And it was an investment! That tea merchant still gives me priority access to his best stock."


    "Only because you embarrassed yourself so thoroughly trying to haggle that he felt sorry for you," Wei Guang added helpfully.


    As the siblings began to bicker, I turned the jade box over in my hands. Inside was the key to the next stage of my cultivation - pure wind essence, the final element I needed.


    "Master," Azure''s voice echoed in my mind, "with this, we can finally begin creating the terrain in your inner world."


    I smiled slightly. Yes - this was just the beginning.


    Cultivation wasn''t just about gathering elements or increasing power. It was about creation itself, about building something entirely new.


    "First," I thought back, "we should probably let Wei Ting finish fussing over everyone. I have a feeling she won''t let any of us leave until she''s satisfied we''re not secretly injured."


    "A wise precaution," Azure agreed. "Though I noticed you''re being rather humble about how easily you handled Chen Wu."


    I glanced at the combat instructor, who was now enduring Wei Ting''s motherly attention with admirable stoicism. "Well, I did basically have a time dilation chamber to power up before the fight," I thought back. "A month in the Two Suns world and having an additional magic system gave me quite an advantage. Wouldn''t be fair to diminish his reputation when I had that kind of preparation."


    "True,¡± Azure then paused for a second. ¡°Master¡­there''s something else you should know. When you combined the two sun energies, Wei Ye seem to have recognised the aura. He mumbled something under his breath and his entire demeanor changed."


    That caught my attention. During the fight, I''d only registered that Wei Ye could somehow track my movements despite claiming to be a mortal. I''d been too focused on Chen Wu to notice anything else.


    "What exactly did he say?"


    "I couldn''t catch it clearly, but his reaction was... significant. He went from seeing you as a talented Qi Condensation disciple to viewing you as something else entirely."


    I watched Wei Ye from the corner of my eye, noting how he hadn''t stopped studying me since the fight ended.


    "Just what I needed - more mysteries about the Wei family patriarch,¡± I sighed. "I can''t wait to get out of here. Too many secrets in this household, and not the good kind."

 Chapter 78: Breakthrough

    Back in the guest quarters, I let out a heavy sigh as I thought about my recent conversation with Wei Lin.


    The original plan had been simple - get the wind essence and leave the next day. But Wei Lin wanted to stay longer, convinced his father was finally warming up to the idea of him and Lin Mei being together.


    If only he knew the truth - that Wei Ye seemed far more interested in me than in his son''s relationship.


    Not that I could tell Wei Lin that.


    How do you explain to your friend that his father, who supposedly has no cultivation base, can somehow track qi movements like an expert cultivator? That he seemed to recognize something about the combination of the two suns'' energy?


    No, better to keep those suspicions to myself for now.


    Besides, after everything Wei Lin had done to help me get the wind essence, the least I could do was support his desire to stay a few more days.


    "Are you going to attempt the breakthrough now?" Azure asked, pulling me from my thoughts.


    I glanced around the guest room, feeling uneasy. Wei Ye''s strange interest in me was concerning, and attempting a breakthrough in his compound might not be the wisest choice. But what were my alternatives? We couldn''t exactly leave now, not after agreeing to stay.


    "I''ve checked for surveillance formations," Azure assured me, sensing my hesitation. "I detect nothing unusual in either the room or the training ground."


    I nodded slowly. As much as I trusted Azure, I knew there were things even he couldn''t sense. Advanced formations could be incredibly subtle, and Wei Ye had already demonstrated capabilities beyond what his apparent status would suggest.


    Still, we''d already carved runes and had one breakthrough here. This wouldn''t reveal anything new - from the outside, it would just look like basic meditation.


    "No point in delaying it," I said finally, running my fingers over the jade box containing the wind essence. "Who knows what we might encounter on the way back to the sect? Walking around with a fifteen-foot stone guardian tends to make you a rather tempting target."


    "Won''t the others be suspicious of two breakthroughs in such a short time span?"


    "Wei Lin and Lin Mei will probably be concerned," I admitted. "They''ll worry I''m rushing things, that my cultivation base isn''t stable enough." I thought about the look in Wei Ye¡¯s eyes. "As for Wei Ye... I think he''s expecting a breakthrough. They all know I needed the wind essence for my cultivation method, so it shouldn''t seem too unrealistic."


    "Very well," Azure replied. "Shall we begin?"


    I made my way to the private training ground, settling into a corner where the surrounding plants immediately began to react to my presence. Vines curled protectively around me, leaves rustled without any wind, and flowers turned to face me like tiny suns tracking across the sky.


    I couldn''t help but smile, though it faltered as I thought of my vine friend from the Two Suns world.


    "You''ll see it again," Azure consoled me, his voice gentle.


    "Yeah, I know."


    I took a deep breath and opened the jade box.


    The wind essence within was barely visible - more like heat waves rippling through the air than anything substantial. Yet I could feel its power, wild and free, straining against the confines of its container.


    "Remember," Azure instructed, "wind essence is different from the others. It doesn''t want to be guided or controlled - it needs to be persuaded, coaxed into following your intent. Think of it like..." he paused, searching for the right analogy, "like trying to redirect a breeze without blocking it entirely."


    I nodded, reaching out with my qi to form the appropriate formation. Where water essence had required flowing curves and earth essence had needed solid angles, this one felt more like trying to sketch smoke - the lines kept wanting to drift and disperse.


    Finally, I managed to create something that felt right - a pattern that somehow captured the essence of wind while still allowing it freedom of movement.


    My awareness shifted to my inner world, where the Genesis Seed floated in the center of the 135 cubic meters of space. The red and blue suns occupied opposite corners, and I had to stifle a laugh at their behavior. Neither would look directly at the other, but they kept sneaking what they clearly thought were subtle glances.


    The red sun would pulse slightly brighter, as if showing off, only for the blue sun to release a wave of righteous energy that just happened to wash over its rival. Both would quickly look away whenever the Genesis Seed stirred, like children pretending they hadn''t been fighting whenever a parent walked in.


    As the wind essence entered through my formation, the Genesis Seed''s surface rippled with interest. Its previous experiences with the other elements had apparently taught it to be more discerning - instead of immediately absorbing the essence, it seemed to taste it first, testing its properties.


    The two suns watched with poorly concealed envy as the Genesis Seed began to absorb the wind essence. Their rivalry momentarily forgotten, they drifted slightly closer together, united in their jealousy of the attention being given to yet another energy source.


    My inner world began to expand rapidly, the space stretching and growing as the wind essence was integrated. But this was different from previous expansions - where water had created currents and earth had tried to form terrain, the wind essence seemed to want to be everywhere at once. It suffused the entire space, creating subtle currents and eddies that made the very void feel more alive.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    The Genesis Seed''s branches swayed in winds that shouldn''t exist in the vacuum of my inner world, and even the two suns were affected - their coronas stretching and streaming in the ethereal breeze. I could feel my cultivation base strengthening, my understanding of qi deepening as the wind essence settled into place.


    When I opened my eyes, my status immediately appeared:


    Cultivation: Qi Condensation Stage 5


    Inner World: radius of 220m


    Soul Essence: 950/950


    Spiritual Essence: 850/850


    Physical Essence: 900/900


    "With the rune enhancements," Azure commented, "your stats should let you compete with a 6th stage Qi Condensation cultivator."


    I smiled, but it was tinged with resignation. "Still not enough to deal with Wu Kangming."


    Pushing those thoughts aside, I focused on the next step. "Okay, all the elements have been gathered. So how do I create terrain?"


    "First," Azure replied, "you need to enter your inner world."


    I blinked in confusion. "I thought I was nowhere near the cultivation level needed to physically enter my inner world."


    "Not your physical body,¡± Azure¡¯s laugh echoed in my mind. ¡°Use your spiritual sense, but instead of just observing your inner world, use it to construct a body inside."


    "Why didn''t you tell me I could do this sooner?"


    "Because there was no need before now."


    I had to admit he had a point.


    "Fair enough."


    Closing my eyes, I focused on my inner world again, but this time instead of just observing, I tried to condense my spiritual sense into a form that resembled my body. It was harder than I expected - the energy kept wanting to dissipate back into formless awareness.


    "Think of it like wearing clothes," Azure suggested. "Your spiritual sense is the fabric, and you''re trying to shape it into something you can wear."


    "That... actually helps."


    I focused on the familiar sensation of putting on my outer disciple robes, imagining my spiritual sense wrapping around me in the same way. Slowly, painstakingly, I managed to create a stable form.


    The perspective was incredible. Floating in the vast space of my inner world, I felt tiny and enormous at the same time.


    The Genesis Seed towered over me like a mountain, yet I could sense every detail of its structure. The two suns, no longer looking quite so miniature, regarded my spiritual form with obvious curiosity. They seemed to want to drift closer, but the Genesis Seed''s presence kept them at a respectful distance.


    "What should we start with?" I asked Azure.


    "Let me explain how the elements interact in world creation," he replied. "Each one has a specific role, but without certain fundamental forces, they won''t behave quite like they do in the material world."


    He began breaking down the information into manageable chunks:


    "Earth provides the foundation - mountains, plains, and basic terrain. It''s the easiest to work with since it doesn''t rely much on other forces."


    "Water creates rivers, lakes, and oceans, but here''s where we hit our first major issue - without gravity, it won''t flow naturally. We''ll need to manually define its behavior."


    "Fire can serve as an energy source for volcanos and thermal systems, but again, without gravity and proper atmospheric pressure, it won''t behave like normal fire."


    "Air adds atmosphere, but it won''t form natural wind patterns or pressure systems without gravity. We''ll have to explicitly define air currents."


    "Finally, there''s Ether, which acts as a binding force. Think of it like spiritual glue - it helps hold everything together and prevents the elements from dispersing in the void."


    "Why don''t we just get the gravity and time elements first?" I asked, then answered my own question before Azure could respond. "Wait, let me guess - because it requires understanding gravity and time dao?"


    I thought about all the cultivation novels I''d read, where characters would spend thousands of years meditating on a single concept to form their understanding of a dao. The idea of trying to comprehend something as fundamental as gravity or time at my current level seemed... daunting.


    "Exactly," Azure agreed. "Trying to comprehend those concepts now would be a waste of time. It will be much easier once you reach higher realms of cultivation."


    I nodded, considering which terrain to start with. Mountains would be impressive, but they''d need proper foundations. A lake might be nice, but without gravity, it would just be a floating sphere of water. Volcanos would be interesting, but again, they needed other systems in place to function properly.


    No, better to start with the basics. Simple, flat ground would give me a foundation to build on. I could experiment with hills and valleys once I understood how to manipulate the earth essence properly. Besides, having actual ground beneath my feet would make this whole experience feel a bit more normal.


    Looking at the swirling elements in my inner world, I made my decision. Earth would come first - it was time to give this universe some solid ground to stand on.


    "Ready?" Azure asked.


    I smiled, feeling the earth essence responding to my intent.


    "Let''s build a world."

 Chapter 79: Building A World

    I stared at the swirling earth essence, trying to figure out how exactly one goes about creating solid ground in a void.


    In cultivation novels, it always seemed so simple - wave your hand and mountains rise from nothing. The protagonist just thinks about earth, and boom, instant continent.


    The reality was... significantly more complicated.


    My first attempt at creating soil resulted in what looked like brown smoke. The earth essence refused to coalesce, instead spreading out in wispy tendrils that dissipated into nothing. The second try wasn''t much better ¨C the essence clumped together in random chunks that looked more like floating asteroids than actual earth.


    "Perhaps try focusing on a single type of material first?" Azure suggested after my fifth failure produced something that looked suspiciously like mud soup.


    I dispersed the floating globs with a frustrated wave. "Right. Let''s start with basic dirt. That should be simple enough."


    It wasn''t.


    My next attempt created what could generously be called a dirt clod, if dirt clods were perfectly spherical and had the density of lead. The essence had condensed into a ball about the size of my fist that just hung there in the void, refusing to spread out or take any other shape.


    "At least it''s solid," I muttered. I reached out with my finger, and when I touched the floating sphere, ripples of essence spread from the contact point.


    "The essence seems to want to maintain cohesion," Azure observed. "Perhaps too much?"


    I tried again, this time attempting to create looser soil. The result was a cloud of fine dust that threatened to scatter throughout my entire inner world before I hastily gathered it back together.


    "This is ridiculous," I sighed, watching the dust reform into another useless ball. "How can making basic dirt be this difficult? It''s literally just... dirt! Why don''t you give it a try? You certainly understand the theory better than I do."


    "Inner world spirits are more like caretakers than creators," Azure smiled. "We can maintain what exists, offer guidance, but the actual shaping of the world must come from our masters."


    His smile turned sad then, an unusual expression for him. "Though... for higher level cultivators, when they perish, if their inner world is developed enough, their inner world spirit can remain behind, which is when they gain the ability to manipulate things to a greater degree."


    Something in his tone made me pause. The way he said it ¨C not with longing, but with a subtle heaviness ¨C told me more than his words did. This wasn''t a power inner world spirits looked forward to gaining. The price was too high.


    "Though," Azure continued, his expression brightening, "as your cultivation improves and this world grows more complex, I''ll naturally gain more ability to help maintain it. Nothing as dramatic as full creation, but enough to fulfill my role as caretaker properly."


    I nodded, I had wondered how I would maintain my Inner World when it grew to the size of a large city.


    Closing my eyes, I focused back on the immediate problem. and thought about how I worked with vines. They had their own way of moving, their own nature. You couldn''t force them ¨C you had to...


    My eyes snapped open. That was it. I''d been treating earth essence like a tool, trying to force it into shapes. But just like wood qi, it had its own nature. I''d been so focused on what I wanted it to be, I hadn''t stopped to understand what it was.


    I closed my eyes again, this time focusing on the feeling of the element. Where wood qi felt alive and growing, earth essence was... different. Patient. Ancient. It didn''t resist being shaped, but it wouldn''t be rushed either. Like the mountains themselves, it moved on its own timeline.


    My next attempt focused on stone rather than soil. If earth essence was about patience and permanence, maybe starting with something solid made more sense. I gathered the essence and tried to compress it into granite.


    The result looked more like a child''s clay project than actual rock. The surface was rough and uneven, with weird swirling patterns that definitely didn''t occur in nature. When I tried to adjust it, the whole thing crumbled into gravel.


    "Remember," Azure suggested, "real stone forms under specific conditions. Pressure, heat, time..."


    Right. I couldn''t just create stone ¨C I needed to replicate the processes that created it naturally. My next attempt went better. I layered the essence carefully, compressing it while maintaining the proper crystalline structure. Gradually, a small piece of genuine-looking granite formed.


    Building on that success, I gave another attempt at creating soil.


    "What if..." I focused on the wood essence I was more familiar with, creating the forms of simple plants ¨C grass, leaves, roots. Without life energy they were just shapes, hollow imitations of living things, but when I broke them down and mixed them with the mineral components...


    The result actually looked like proper soil. Rich, dark, and crumbly ¨C the kind of earth that would make Lin Mei envious if she could see it.


    "Now for the real challenge," I said, looking at my floating samples of stone and soil. "Creating actual ground."


    I started from a single point, focusing on building up layers just like real geological formations. Stone came first, providing a solid foundation. Then looser rock, gravel, and finally soil. Gradually, a flat disc of earth began to form, spreading outward as I carefully maintained the proper composition of each layer.


    "Good," Azure commented. "Though you might want to add some variety to the terrain. Perfectly flat ground rarely occurs in nature."If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    I nodded, experimenting with subtle variations in elevation. Small rises and dips appeared across the surface, giving it a more natural appearance. Nothing dramatic - just enough to break up the monotony.


    "Remember," Azure cautioned as I worked, "this control over earth essence only applies within your inner world. Don''t expect to start throwing rocks around in the real world just because you can shape terrain here."


    "I know," I replied, carefully smoothing out a particularly stubborn bump. "Different systems entirely. This is more like... programming the rules for how earth should behave in this universe. Actually manipulating earth qi would require completely different techniques."


    "Exactly. Though your understanding of how earth essence moves might give you some insight if you ever decide to learn earth-based cultivation arts."


    I continued expanding the ground until it filled roughly a quarter of my inner world''s volume. That seemed like a good starting point - enough space to work with while leaving room for other features.


    "Now," I said, looking at the expanse of earth I''d created, "let''s make this more organized. We should divide it into sections so it''s easier to keep track of everything."


    Using the Genesis Seed as the center point, I mentally divided the space into quadrants. The ground I''d created occupied most of the South-West section, though some of it spilled over into the South-East.


    "The Genesis Seed seems to approve," Azure noted.


    He was right. The massive tree-like structure had extended its roots down into the newly formed earth, anchoring itself firmly. The two suns had drifted closer as well, their earlier rivalry forgotten as they watched the world-building process with obvious fascination.


    "What would you like to have as the basic layout?" Azure asked.


    I considered the space carefully. "We need natural boundaries between the sections. Valleys or rivers would work, but without gravity..." I frowned, remembering Azure''s earlier explanation about how water would just form floating spheres without proper forces in place.


    "Perhaps depressions in the earth?" Azure suggested. "We can add water later once we''ve established proper physical laws, but for now, the terrain itself can mark the divisions."


    That made sense. Starting from the Genesis Seed''s position at the center, I began carving four great valleys that stretched outward like the spokes of a wheel. The earth essence responded more easily now that I understood its nature better, moving aside to create deep gorges that would eventually hold rivers.


    "For the quadrants themselves..." I gestured to the north-western section. "This area will be for mountains. Proper mountains, not just hills. If we''re building a world, let''s make it impressive."


    I turned my attention to creating the mountain range, confident after my success with the basic terrain. That confidence lasted approximately three seconds.


    My first attempt at a mountain looked like a child''s sand castle after a wave hit it ¨C a lumpy, misshapen mass that rose about ten meters before collapsing in on itself. The earth essence just refused to hold the shape I wanted, crumbling away instead of forming the majestic peak I''d envisioned.


    "Perhaps start smaller instead of trying to make it one attempt," Azure suggested. "Mountains need proper foundations."


    Right. Even real mountains had layers of rock beneath them. I dispersed the failed attempt and started again, this time focusing on the base first. Layer by layer, I compressed the earth essence into dense stone, building up a foundation that spread over several hundred meters.


    My second attempt at raising a peak went marginally better ¨C the mountain actually looked like a mountain, albeit one that appeared to have been carved by a drunk sculptor using a hammer as a chisel. The slopes were uneven, with random bulges and depressions that made no geological sense.


    "Why is this so hard?" I muttered, smoothing out a particularly offensive-looking bulge. "It''s just... pushing rock up, right?"


    "Real mountains are formed by incredible pressures over millions of years," Azure reminded me. "You''re trying to replicate that process in minutes. Consider how the forces would actually shape the stone."


    That made me pause. I''d been thinking about mountains as singular objects, but they were really the result of various forces working together ¨C pressure, erosion, volcanic activity. Even without gravity, I could still apply those principles.


    Starting fresh again, I began with tectonic movement. I visualized two great sheets of stone pressing against each other, forcing the earth upward in a more natural pattern. Where they met, the rock folded and compressed, creating more realistic ridges and valleys.


    "Better," Azure encouraged. "Now think about the types of stone. Different rocks weather differently."


    I adjusted the composition of the rising peak, making the core from harder stone while using softer materials for the outer layers. This time, when I shaped the mountain, it actually looked like it belonged in nature. The slopes had purpose to their angles, with clear signs of where water would eventually flow.


    Encouraged, I continued working, finding a rhythm in the process. Create the foundation, layer the stone types, apply pressure, shape the weathering patterns. Each mountain came easier than the last, though I still had plenty of failures ¨C one peak ended up looking like a giant mushroom, and another somehow developed what appeared to be stairs spiraling up its side.


    "That''s... interesting," Azure commented about the stairs.


    "I got distracted thinking about access paths," I admitted, quickly smoothing them away.


    Gradually, a proper mountain range took shape. The peaks rose naturally from their foundations, some sharp and jagged where I''d used harder stone, others more rounded and weathered where softer rock dominated. Deep valleys cut between them, their paths carved as if by ancient glaciers.


    I added complex cave systems, thinking of all the cultivation novel protagonists who always seemed to find mysterious treasures in mountain caves. These were empty for now, but their twisting passages and hidden chambers would make perfect storage spaces in the future.


    Maybe one day, when I could create true beings, some lucky creature would stumble upon these caves and find cultivation resources I''d hidden away. After all, what proper cultivation world didn''t have its share of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered?


    "Though hopefully, they''ll be smarter than the typical cultivation novel protagonist who walks into every suspicious cave they find."


    Once I was done with the north-western quadrant, I turned to its eastern companion.


    ¡°This section will be for gardens. Once we can actually grow things properly, we''ll need space to experiment with different plants."


    I thought of Lin Mei and her approach to the sect''s herb gardens. She always emphasized the importance of proper preparation ¨C everything from soil composition to drainage patterns had to be just right.


    Creating gentle slopes was easy now that I understood how earth essence wanted to move. I guided it with the patience it demanded, letting the terrain rise and fall in natural waves across the landscape. Each undulation flowed smoothly into the next, creating perfect drainage patterns for when we eventually added water.


    "Excellent work," Azure commented. "The natural flow of the land will serve well for different growing areas."


    The hills took shape exactly as I envisioned them, neither too steep nor too flat. Some areas rose higher to create sheltered spaces, while others dipped into shallow valleys perfect for moisture-loving plants. After my earlier struggles with basic earth manipulation, it felt good to see my growing skill with the essence.


    Next came the soil types, and I stared at the earth essence with growing apprehension. If creating basic dirt had been like trying to teach a stone to swim, this was going to be like teaching that same stone to dance. I''d need different textures, compositions, mineral contents...


    "Well," I muttered to myself, watching the essence twist and coil around me, "at least I''ve already hit rock bottom with the floating mud soup incident. It can''t possibly get worse than that."


    I reached out to begin the first transformation, and immediately realized just how wrong I was.

 Chapter 80: My Own World

    My first attempt at creating rich, black earth resulted in something that looked more like tar ¨C a sticky, dense mass that would have suffocated any plant unfortunate enough to try growing in it.


    "Perhaps analyze the components separately?" Azure suggested as I dispersed the failed attempt. "Soil isn''t just one material."


    Right. I remembered Senior Sister Chen explaining soil composition during one of her lectures. "Good soil needs organic matter, minerals, proper texture..." I muttered, trying to recall the details.


    I started again, this time focusing on creating the individual components first. The mineral base came easily enough ¨C fine particles of rock and clay that would form the soil''s foundation. But when I tried adding what I thought would be organic material, plants created by wood qi, it turned into a strange, crystalline substance that definitely wasn''t going to support any life.


    "That''s...unique.¡±


    "It''s awful," I corrected, dissolving the bizarre crystal-dirt hybrid. "I''m thinking about this wrong. Instead of trying to create organic matter directly, maybe I should focus on creating something that could eventually hold organic material?"


    The third attempt went better. I managed to create a dark, rich-looking soil by carefully balancing different mineral particles and leaving tiny spaces throughout the structure. It wasn''t perfect ¨C real topsoil would need actual organic matter ¨C but it would serve as a framework for future growth.


    Moving on to clay soil proved equally challenging. My first try produced something closer to ceramic ¨C hard, brittle chunks that would have been great for pottery but useless for growing plants. The second attempt went too far in the opposite direction, creating a slimy mud that refused to hold any shape.


    "Clay needs a specific balance of minerals," Azure reminded me. "And the particle size matters."


    I adjusted my approach, focusing on creating the microscopically thin plates that made up real clay. This time, the earth essence responded better, forming a properly structured soil that would retain water without becoming impermeable.


    The sandy soil was its own adventure. My first attempt literally created a beach ¨C pure white sand that would have been perfect for a vacation but completely useless for cultivation. The second try produced something closer to gravel, while the third somehow ended up as glass.


    "How did I even manage that?" I wondered, looking at the unexpected patch of transparent ground.


    "The principles of glass-making do involve sand," Azure pointed out. "Though perhaps not quite what we''re aiming for here."


    Finally, I managed to create a proper sandy loam ¨C coarse enough for good drainage but with enough fine particles to support growth. The real breakthrough came when I started thinking about how the different soil types would interact with each other.


    Instead of creating distinct regions of each type, I let them blend at the edges, creating natural transitions. Clay soil gradually shifted to loam, then to sandier soil, each change subtle enough to look natural. In places where water would eventually flow, I added extra drainage capacity. Areas that would receive more sun got deeper soil beds.


    Looking at the finished product, you''d never guess how many failed attempts it had taken. The various soil types transitioned smoothly across the garden quadrant, each area perfectly prepared for its future purpose.


    "Don''t forget about drainage layers," Azure reminded me.


    I added layers of coarser material beneath the topsoil, creating natural filtration systems. In some areas, I embedded chunks of stone that would help regulate spiritual energy once we got that far. Other sections received deeper soil beds for plants that would eventually need to root deeply.


    "What about the meditation areas?" I asked, remembering how the sect''s gardens always had quiet spots tucked away among the plants.


    Following that thought, I carved out small clearings throughout the garden space. Some were surrounded by raised areas that would eventually shield them from view, while others sat atop gentle rises with good sightlines across the quadrant.


    The end result looked deceptively simple ¨C rolling hills that flowed naturally into each other, various soil types blending at their edges, and hidden spots that seemed to have formed naturally rather than being deliberately crafted. It was the kind of landscape that looked effortless precisely because every detail had been carefully planned.


    "The south-eastern section should be for testing and experiments," I continued, leaving that area mostly empty except for a few scattered platforms and basic structures. "We''ll need somewhere to try out new techniques without risking damage to the rest of the terrain."


    "And the south-western quadrant?" Azure prompted. "The one you''ve already started?"


    I looked at the area I''d first created, with its subtle variations in elevation. "This can be our stable ground. A place for basic training and meditation." I added a few more features ¨C a small plateau that would make a perfect meditation spot, some open fields for practice areas.


    The Genesis Seed''s roots continued to spread through all four quadrants as I worked, creating a complex network beneath the surface. They seemed to be stabilizing the terrain somehow, making it feel more permanent, more real.


    "Now for the really interesting part," I said, looking up at the two suns. "We need to position them properly."


    The red and blue suns had been drifting aimlessly around the edges of my inner world, occasionally throwing what they probably thought were subtle glances at each other. Now they perked up, clearly interested in being given actual roles.


    "Without gravity, we''ll need to manually define their positions and movements," Azure explained. "Think of it like setting up track for them to follow."


    I nodded, considering the space. "They should be opposite each other, I think. Maximum coverage of the terrain."


    Reaching out with my qi, I guided the red sun toward the eastern edge of my inner world. It went willingly enough, though it seemed to preen a bit under the attention. The blue sun drifted to the western edge without needing to be prompted, apparently not wanting to be outdone.


    "Now for their orbit..." I concentrated, trying to visualize the path I wanted them to follow. Without time or gravity, I couldn''t just set them in motion and let physics handle the rest. Instead, I had to create what amounted to a predetermined track for them to follow.


    This took even more trial and error. Simply pushing them in circles didn''t work ¨C they''d either drift off course or overcompensate and spiral inward. Eventually, I discovered that by creating a sort of spiritual tether between each sun and the Genesis Seed, I could guide them along more stable paths.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    "Think of it like a spiritual dance," Azure suggested. "The suns aren''t just rotating, they''re performing a coordinated movement with the Genesis Seed as their partner."


    That helped. Instead of trying to force them into rigid orbits, I worked with their natural tendencies. The red sun preferred sweeping, dramatic arcs, while the blue sun moved in more measured, graceful curves. By letting them express those preferences while gently guiding their overall direction, I managed to establish a rhythm that felt... right.


    "Excellent," Azure approved. "Now we can see about adding some basic plant life. Remember, without being in the Life Realm, you can''t actually create living things. But you can set up the framework."


    I started with the garden quadrant, using wood qi to form the shapes of trees, bushes, and flowers. They were like detailed sculptures, perfect in form but completely lifeless. No leaves rustled, no branches swayed. They just... existed.


    Then something fascinating happened. As the blue sun passed overhead, its light seemed to infuse the plant forms with a semblance of life. Colors brightened, forms became more distinct, and there was an almost tangible sense of vitality.


    The red sun had its own effects. When its light touched the trees, their forms would slowly shift and change, branches reaching in new directions before freezing again. The transformation energy seemed to work even on these lifeless forms.


    "This is fascinating," I murmured, watching the interplay of energies. "The red sun transforms, the blue sun animates... together they create a kind of pseudo-life."


    "Yes," Azure agreed. "But without gravity or proper time flow, the effects are limited. Notice how nothing truly grows or develops - it just cycles through states we''ve defined."


    He was right. Without fundamental forces like gravity, and without proper time flow, everything in my inner world was essentially frozen in patterns I manually established. The suns moved because I told them to move. The trees appeared to live because of the suns'' energy.


    It was like a complex puppet show where I had to manage every string.


    Still, it was progress.


    ¡°So even though I can''t actually create life yet, the blue sun''s energy can simulate it to some degree?"


    "You''re essentially creating a framework that life can eventually inhabit. Think of it like building a house ¨C you''re not creating the family that will live there, but you''re making a space that can support life when the time comes."


    I spent the next few hours adding more details to each quadrant.


    In the mountain range, I carved out complex cave systems and created natural formations that looked like they''d taken millennia to form. The garden section received more varieties of plant forms ¨C trees of different sizes and shapes, areas that could become flower beds, even a section that looked like it could be an herb garden.


    The testing ground remained mostly empty, but I added some basic structures ¨C pillars for target practice, flat areas for sparring, and a few more specialized zones whose purposes I hadn''t quite decided yet.


    Finally, I returned to the base quadrant, refining the meditation plateau and adding a few more features that felt right ¨C a small grove of tree forms that would make a perfect quiet spot, some natural stone formations that could serve as seats or tables.


    Standing (or rather, floating) in the center near the Genesis Seed, I smiled as I took in what I had created.


    It was strange seeing it all together ¨C a world that followed none of the normal rules of reality. No gravity meant the waterfalls I''d planned would need special attention later. No time meant nothing would age or change unless I specifically made it do so. The suns'' orbit was completely artificial, their light affecting the world in ways that defied normal physics.


    For a Qi Condensation cultivator, it was... unusual, to say the least. Most inner worlds at this stage were just empty voids with maybe a few basic features. Having stellar bodies and even the framework for life was practically unheard of.


    "Master," Azure''s voice held a note of pride, "I believe we''ve created something quite unique."


    Looking around one last time, I had to agree.


    In the Northwest, there were mountain ranges, deep valleys, and cave systems. The mountains formed a natural semicircle, with the highest peaks to the north and gradually descending as they curve around.


    The Northeast was the garden quadrant. There were hills covered in tree sculptures, flat areas for future flower beds, and specially prepared soil zones for different types of plants. And when the blue sun passed overhead, everything took on an almost-living quality.


    As for the Southeast quadrant, it was mostly empty but with platforms and structures for future use. Plenty of open space for experiments and practice.


    In the Southwest, there were meditation plateaus and practice fields.


    At the center stood the Genesis Seed, its roots spreading throughout all four quadrants, anchoring and stabilizing everything. The deep valleys radiating outward from it would eventually hold rivers, dividing the quadrants naturally.


    And above it all, the red and blue suns followed their perfect orbit, opposite each other, their different energies creating an endless cycle of transformation and renewal.


    It wasn''t just a void with some dirt in it anymore. It was the beginning of a true world.


    "Not bad," I said softly, "for a few hours'' work."


    The Genesis Seed''s branches swayed, and I could have sworn it looked pleased.


    "Master, I believe someone is approaching your room,¡± Azure alerted me. ¡°Given the qi signature, it''s probably Wei Lin coming to check if you''ve managed to blow yourself up with all that meditation."


    As I opened my eyes, I noticed something wasn''t quite right.


    The garden''s vines were still curled protectively around my body as they had been during meditation, but the stone courtyard floor seemed... much farther away than it should be.


    It took me a moment to realize I was floating several feet in the air, with various flowering vines still wrapped around my arms and legs, hanging down toward the ground like green curtains.


    "Well," I muttered, trying to figure out how this had happened, "this is awkward."


    And of course, that''s when I heard Wei Lin''s knock at the door.

 Chapter 81: A Cornered Animal

    "Azure," I thought as I floated gently in the air, surrounded by curious vines, "why exactly am I flying right now?"


    "Fascinating," Azure murmured, and I could practically hear him taking mental notes. "This appears to be related to the celestial bodies now orbiting in your inner world. Typically, only cultivators in the Stellar Realm or above can achieve flight, likely due to their connection with heavenly bodies. You''ve essentially created your own version of that system."


    That made a strange sort of sense.


    I closed my eyes, remembering how it felt using the Skybound rune to fly in the Two Suns world. The sensation had been different then - more like pushing against the air itself. This felt more natural, as if gravity had simply decided to become optional.


    Taking a deep breath, I focused on that feeling. The vines slowly unwound from my limbs as I guided myself downward, landing softly on my feet. Well, that was one more ability I''d need to keep under wraps. Flying at the Qi Condensation stage would raise far too many questions.


    I could sense Wei Lin''s presence outside my door. He hadn''t knocked again, probably assuming I was deep in meditation. Knowing him, he was probably debating whether to wait or come back later.


    Better see what he wants.


    I made my way from the private training courtyard back through my room, straightening my robes before opening the door. Wei Lin stood there with his hand raised, apparently having finally decided to knock again.


    "Oh, you''re¡ª" Wei Lin started, then did a double-take. He pointed at me accusingly. "You broke through? Again?!"


    I shrugged, trying to look appropriately modest. "The wind essence was particularly pure. It seems like it was exactly what my cultivation needed."


    Wei Lin shook his head. "Breakthroughs so close together are dangerous," he whispered, glancing around as if speaking of some forbidden topic. "It can cause an unstable cultivation base. Qi deviation."


    Ah yes, qi deviation - the boogeyman of the cultivation world.


    When a cultivator''s qi turned against them, usually due to rushing their advancement or attempting techniques beyond their level. The results could range from temporary illness to permanent crippling or death. It was why most disciples were so careful about steady, measured progress.


    I smiled, channeling qi through my body. "See? No sign of instability."


    "Sometimes it''s hidden," Wei Lin frowned, clearly not entirely convinced. "Comes out when you least expect it."


    "I promise you, I''m fine." I tried to project confidence without seeming dismissive of his concerns. "What brings you here anyway?"


    Wei Lin''s expression brightened, though I could tell he was still a bit worried. "Mother heard about this thing called ''family game night'' from some merchants who traded with the western kingdoms. She''s insisting we try it."


    Oh no.


    "She sent me to invite everyone," he continued cheerfully, either missing or ignoring my expression. "Liu Chen''s already there with Rocky watching through the window, and Lin Mei said she''d join us after checking on some herbs."


    I tried to think of a polite way to decline, but Wei Lin''s hopeful expression made it impossible. Besides, after everything he''d done to help me get the wind essence, the least I could do was survive one evening of whatever "family game night" entailed.


    "Sure," I said, resigning myself to my fate. "Why not?"


    As we walked through the compound''s winding corridors, Wei Lin chatted excitedly about how his father seemed to be warming up to the idea of him and Lin Mei.


    "He actually asked about her herb knowledge yesterday," Wei Lin said. "Not in a business way, but like he was genuinely interested! And this morning, I overheard him telling Mother that having someone with professional herb-growing experience in the family could be ''advantageous.''"


    I nodded, hoping for Wei Lin''s sake that his father''s change of heart was genuine. Still, something about Wei Ye''s sudden interest made me uneasy. The man was too calculating to simply change his mind without reason.


    We found the others gathered in what Wei Lin called the "casual" reception room ¨C though it was still nicer than most homes I''d seen.


    Liu Chen sat cross-legged on a cushion near the window, occasionally tossing something out to Rocky, whose massive stone head took up most of the view. Wei Ting was arranging various boxes and tiles on a low table, while Wei Guang lounged nearby, looking amused.


    "Ah, you''re here!" Wei Ting beamed. "Come, sit! I found the most fascinating game set in one of our warehouses. The merchant said it''s called ''Mahjong.''"


    I took a seat as Lin Mei entered, looking slightly flushed from the garden. Wei Lin immediately scooted over to make room for her, earning an approving smile from his mother and a barely concealed eye-roll from Wei Guang.


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    "The rules are quite simple," Wei Ting began, but was interrupted by Wei Ye''s arrival.


    "Starting without me?" he asked, then noticed me. "Ah, another breakthrough so soon?"


    The room went quiet. Liu Chen''s jaw dropped, while Lin Mei shot me a worried look. Even Rocky stopped munching on whatever Liu Chen had been feeding him to peer more intently through the window.


    "Two breakthroughs so close together?" Wei Ting''s eyes widened. "Dear, are you sure that''s¡ª"


    "He¡¯s fine," Wei Ye cut in, studying me with that unnervingly intense gaze. "Quite remarkable, actually. Most cultivators would struggle to handle such rapid advancement, but young Ke Yin seems to have a particularly¡­stable foundation."


    "Thank you, sir," I replied politely. "The wind essence proved quite effective."


    Wei Ting launched into an explanation of tiles and sets that I only half followed, too aware of Wei Ye''s occasional glances in my direction.


    The game itself was actually quite engaging once we started playing, though Liu Chen''s running commentary to Rocky ("No, you can''t eat that tile ¨C and stop breathing on the window, you''re fogging it up!") provided most of the entertainment.


    Wei Ting turned out to be terrifyingly good at the game, winning several rounds while maintaining an innocent expression that fooled absolutely no one. Wei Guang played with casual skill that suggested he''d definitely seen this game before, despite his claims otherwise.


    We were halfway through another round when Wei Guang''s personal guard burst into the room, face pale. "Young Master, urgent news from the city!"


    The pleasant atmosphere evaporated instantly. Wei Ye set down his tiles. "Speak."


    "The Sun family," the guard reported, bowing quickly. "They''ve... they''ve taken control of the southern trade routes. All of them. The caravan masters have signed exclusive contracts."


    Wei Guang cursed softly. "That''s impossible. We''ve had agreements with those caravans for generations. They wouldn''t¡ª"


    "They would if they were threatened," Wei Ye interrupted, his voice deadly calm. "Continue."


    The guard swallowed. "Three of our representatives in the southern quarter were found dead this morning. Officially, it was a robbery gone wrong, but..." he hesitated. "There are rumors that the Sun family has hired a Stellar Realm cultivator. They''re not even trying to hide their intentions anymore ¨C there''s talk in the streets about how they plan to ''remove'' the Wei family''s influence entirely."


    The southern trade routes were the Wei family''s economic backbone, providing nearly half their annual income. Without them...


    "What about our own cultivators?" Wei Lin asked, but I could tell from his tone that he already knew the answer.


    "The highest we have under contract is Elder Ming in the late Elemental Realm," Wei Guang frowned. "Against a Stellar Realm cultivator..." he didn''t need to finish the sentence.


    I watched the three Wei men exchange looks, years of merchant training allowing them to have entire conversations without words. But for all their subtle communication and strategic thinking, one fact was brutally clear ¨C there was nothing they could do.


    The cultivation world operated on simple rules. Power was everything, and the gap between realms was nearly impossible to bridge. A single Stellar Realm cultivator could easily destroy everyone in this compound, and as long as the Sun family was careful to maintain plausible deniability, no one would intervene.


    Even if everyone knew who was responsible, the sudden tragic demise of the Wei family would be nothing more than gossip fodder for a few weeks. After all, merchant clans rose and fell all the time, especially ones without powerful cultivators in their bloodline.


    Wei Ye stood abruptly. "I have a meeting to attend." His voice was perfectly controlled, but I caught a flash of something cold and desperate in his eyes before he smoothed his expression. Without another word, he walked out of the room.


    The mahjong tiles sat abandoned on the table, their patterns now seeming like mocking symbols of how quickly fortunes could change. Through the window, even Rocky had gone still, his stone features somehow managing to convey concern as he watched Liu Chen''s frightened expression.


    I thought about what Azure had said about Wei Ye''s reaction to the two suns'' energy, about his ability to track qi movements despite claiming to be a mortal. Whatever secrets the Wei family patriarch was hiding, I had a feeling we were about to find out what he''d do when pushed into a corner.


    The question was, would his hidden cards be enough to save his family from what was coming?

 Chapter 82: The Righteous Facade

    Daoist Heiyu lounged on the silk cushions, popping another spirit fruit into his mouth as he watched the Sun family''s servants scurry about. The sweet juice trickled down his chin, and he made no move to wipe it away, letting it stain his pure white robes.


    Let them clean it up - that''s what servants were for, after all.


    "More wine, Venerable One?" A young servant girl approached with a jade pitcher.


    "Ah, yes, yes." He replied with his best wise-elder voice, the one that had fooled countless sects over the centuries. "But remember, young one - wine is like cultivation. One must savor each drop with mindfulness, lest the spirit become clouded."


    The girl''s eyes widened at his "wisdom," and he had to suppress a snicker. These mortals were all the same - so desperate for profound insights that they''d find deep meaning in absolute nonsense. He could probably tell them that picking their nose was a secret cultivation technique, and they''d do it religiously.


    As she poured the wine, he reflected on how absurdly easy this whole situation had been.


    A week ago, he''d been laying low in some backwater village, trying to avoid his old "associates" from the Blood Moon Sect. Then the Sun family''s representatives had shown up, practically begging for a powerful cultivator to help them deal with their Wei family problem.


    It had been almost insulting how simple the task was. Those Elemental Realm cultivators the Wei family had hired might as well have been mortals compared to him. One blast of Stellar Realm qi had been enough to turn them to ash. The "mysterious deaths" had sent exactly the message the Sun family wanted - cross us, and you''ll disappear.


    And now? Now he was being treated like an immortal descended from the heavens. The finest foods, the most expensive wines, servants attending to his every whim. All for killing a few insects that weren''t even worth the effort of drawing his sword.


    He reached for another spirit fruit, remembering the day he''d first discovered how profitable playing the "righteous elder" could be. He''d been running from the Blood Moon Sect after a particularly messy betrayal, desperate for somewhere to hide. The idea had struck him when he''d overheard some villagers talking about expecting a famous righteous cultivator to visit.


    A quick change of clothes, some rehearsed platitudes about karma and virtue, and suddenly he was being welcomed as an honored guest. It had worked so well that he''d made it his primary scheme. Why rob people directly when you could get them to give you everything willingly?


    "Venerable One?" A soft voice interrupted his musings. "Father asks if you would join us for the evening meal?"


    Daoist Heiyu turned to find Sun Meiyu, the eldest daughter of the Sun family patriarch, standing at a respectful distance.


    "Ah, young mistress!" He stood, adopting his kindly elder persona. "Indeed, indeed. As the ancient wisdom says: ''A meal shared is a blessing doubled.''"


    He''d just made that up on the spot, but he saw her eyes light up. These fools were so easy to manipulate.


    "Venerable One is truly wise," she bowed. "Would you share more of your insights during the meal? Your words about the relationship between the morning dew and cultivation enlightened us all yesterday."


    He chuckled inwardly, remembering the complete nonsense he''d spouted about dew drops containing the essence of heavenly wisdom. He''d been slightly drunk at the time and mostly talking about how wet grass was.


    "Of course, of course. Though remember - true wisdom is like a..." he paused, pretending to consider deeply while actually just buying time to think of something suitably cryptic, "...like a butterfly that lands only when we stop chasing it."


    Throughout the meal, he carefully played his part - stroking his long beard thoughtfully before speaking, nodding sagely at the simplest statements, and occasionally closing his eyes as if in deep meditation.


    The Sun family hung on his every word, even when he was literally just describing how to make soup but replacing normal words with cultivation terms.


    "You see," he gestured with his chopsticks, "when refining qi, one must treat their dantian like a simmering cauldron. First, gather the spiritual essence and let it bubble vigorously - just as you would bring a broth to a roiling boil. Then, when the qi begins to froth and surge, you must immediately reduce the spiritual pressure to its lowest point, letting the essence settle into a gentle simmer for precisely the time it takes an incense stick to burn."


    "Amazing!" Sun Meiyu''s younger brother exclaimed. "This might be what I needed to breakthrough!"


    "If he actually tries that, his qi channels will literally explode," Heiyu thought to himself, hiding his smirk behind his wine cup. "I''m literally just telling them how to make soup stock - bring to boil, then simmer. The sudden pressure change would shatter his meridians."


    He felt a familiar darkly pleasant sensation as he imagined the boy''s cultivation base slowly corrupting itself. This was his true path - the Dao of Corruption he''d stumbled upon centuries ago.


    Every cultivator he led astray, every foundation he poisoned, every dream of immortality he twisted into nightmare - they all fed his own power. His inner world literally expanded with each ruined cultivation base, growing stronger as he destroyed the spiritual futures of others.


    He remembered the day he''d discovered this path. He''d been teaching deliberately flawed techniques to a young sect member under the disguise of a righteous old man, obviously planning to rob them once their guard was down.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    But as their meridians began to twist and their qi turned volatile, he''d felt it - his own cultivation surging forward, his inner world expanding as it absorbed the remnants of their shattered spiritual essence. Their suffering hadn''t just pleased him - it had empowered him.


    Since then, he''d refined this approach into an art form. The look of betrayal in their eyes when they finally realized their "master" had led them down a path of destruction? That moment when hope turned to despair? Each one was like a feast for his cultivation, far more potent than any mere spirit herb or pill.


    But something about the Sun family nagged at his instincts. They claimed to be mere merchants who''d struck it rich in the Southern Provinces before moving to Myriad City five years ago. A common enough tale - the city attracted ambitious traders like honey drew flies. But Heiyu hadn''t survived centuries of cultivation politics by taking things at face value.


    Their movements were too practiced, their servants too well-trained. He''d noticed how the guards maintained perfect formations during their patrols, the kind that spoke of military - or perhaps martial sect - training. And then there were the warding formations he''d glimpsed around their compound. Subtle things, carefully hidden beneath more obvious merchant''s protection arrays, but unmistakable to someone of his experience.


    No, these weren''t simple merchants. The question was - what were they hiding? And more importantly, was there some ancient monster sleeping in their basement who might take offense to his planned activities?


    He''d seen it before - powerful cultivation families going "merchant" for a generation or two when politics got too hot, letting everyone forget their true nature before re-emerging. The last thing he needed was to start looting the place only to wake up some hibernating Life Realm grandfather who''d turn him into paste.


    So he watched and waited, teaching them harmful cultivation techniques not just out of spite, but to probe their reactions. A true cultivation family would spot the flaws in his teachings immediately. Their continued enthusiasm either meant they were genuine merchants playing at cultivation... or they were very, very good at maintaining their cover.


    He smiled benevolently as Sun Meiyu offered him another cup of wine. "Remember, young one, the path to immortality requires patience above all else."


    The irony of his words made him want to laugh. He would be patient indeed - patient enough to ensure he wasn''t walking into a trap. And if they really were just merchants who''d stumbled upon some cultivation resources? Well, then he would take great pleasure in stripping them of everything valuable before destroying their cultivation foundations entirely.


    "Venerable One," Lin Yue, one of the guests of the Sun Family, shyly approached him after the meal. "There''s a beautiful lake just beyond the compound. They say the moonlight there has special properties for cultivation. Would... would you consider viewing it? Perhaps you could explain its significance?"


    Heiyu stroked his beard thoughtfully, hiding his smirk. Another fool eager to destroy themselves with his teachings. It would be amusing to corrupt her cultivation along with the rest of the Sun family.


    "Ah, the moon''s wisdom does indeed shine brightest when properly appreciated," he said solemnly. "Your spiritual sensitivity in noticing this shows promise. Perhaps..." he paused for effect, watching her lean forward eagerly, "perhaps you are worthy of receiving some special instruction."


    Liu Yue''s face lit up with joy. "Truly? I... I would be honored to learn from Venerable One! I''ve studied all the basic arts, but I know I have so much more to learn."


    "Yes, yes," he nodded as they walked toward the lake. "I sense great potential in you. The kind that, if properly guided, could reach heights few dare dream of."


    All lies, of course. The techniques he planned to teach her would ensure she never advanced beyond the mortal realm.


    The lake came into view, its surface like black glass under the moonlight. Liu Yue walked slightly ahead, earnestly pointing out the spiritual formations she''d noticed in the area.


    "Do you see how the moonlight reflects?" she asked. "I''ve always felt there was something special about it, but I never knew how to properly understand it."


    But before Heiyu could reply, he noticed something odd. There was someone else there - a hooded figure standing at the lake''s edge, perfectly still, like a statue carved from shadow.


    Something about the figure set off warning bells in his mind. He couldn''t sense any qi at all from it - not even the basic life force all humans had. That wasn''t normal. That wasn''t possible. Every instinct honed over a millennia of cultivation screamed at him to retreat, to analyze the situation more carefully.


    But his greed and arrogance drowned out those warnings. What did it matter? He was a Stellar Realm cultivator. Nothing in this backwater city could possibly threaten him.


    "You there!" he called out, letting a trace of his Stellar Realm aura leak into his voice. "This area is reserved for private meditation. Leave now."


    The figure didn''t move. Didn''t even seem to acknowledge his presence. The lack of a response pricked at Heiyu''s ego.


    How dare this nobody ignore him?

 Chapter 83: The Demonic Dao

    Heiyu''s patience had run out.


    With a surge of anger, he released his Stellar Realm aura, letting its full force blanket the area.


    The effect was immediate and devastating.


    Liu Yue felt it first¡ªa crushing weight on her chest, as if an invisible stone pressed down on her. Her breathing became labored, each breath a desperate struggle. As the edges of her vision began to blur, she managed only a weak whisper: "V-ven..." before her legs gave out.


    The pressure of Heiyu''s Stellar Realm qi transformed the landscape. Grass bent low as if caught in a hurricane, trees creaked under the strain, and the lake''s surface churned violently.


    Liu Yue''s consciousness faded just as she saw something impossible - the hooded figure standing perfectly still, as though completely immune to pressure that would have killed any mortal instantly.


    "What-" Heiyu started to speak, but his words died in his throat as the figure slowly turned.


    Red eyes blazed in the darkness of the hood, illuminating a face that made Heiyu''s blood run cold. The skin was a mess of burns and scars, twisted into patterns that seemed to slither as though they were alive. But it wasn''t the disfigurement that made Heiyu''s knees go weak - it was the aura that suddenly rolled off the figure.


    It was like standing at the edge of an abyss that had somehow caught fire. Waves of pure malevolence washed over him, carrying echoes of screams that had never quite faded. This... this was the kind of power he''d felt from the highest elders of the Blood Moon Sect, the ones even other demonic cultivators feared.


    "No," Heiyu stumbled backward. "No, please, I left! I swore I''d never reveal the sect''s secrets!"


    The figure said nothing, but those burning eyes seemed to see right through him, peeling back every layer of deception until his true nature was laid bare.


    "I''ll do anything!" Heiyu dropped to his knees, pressing his forehead to the ground. "I''ll pay any price! Just please, don''t-"


    "You don''t know what it means to be a true demonic cultivator,¡± the figure whispered.


    Heiyu''s head snapped up at that, indignation momentarily overriding his terror. "I was an elder of the Blood Moon Sect! I''ve performed rituals that would make even other demonic cultivators¡ª"


    "Playing with darkness while pretending at light." The figure''s burning eyes flickered briefly to Liu Yue''s unconscious form.


    With a gesture that seemed jarringly gentle compared to its terrifying presence, it pulled out a small jade disk from within its robes. The disk floated through the air, coming to rest above the girl''s body before expanding into a translucent dome of protective energy.


    Bands of qi wrapped around the dome like ribbons of moonlight, carefully lifting it and carrying it back toward the Sun family compound. Only when the protective barrier was well out of range did those burning eyes turn back to Heiyu causing the fake Daoist to scramble backward.


    "You''re nothing but a common thief wearing stolen robes, too weak to even own your true nature."


    The words struck deeper than any blade. How many years had he spent carefully crafting his false persona? How many times had he switched between righteous elder and demonic cultivator, choosing whichever mask best served his interests?


    Realising that there was no way he would be able to escape, Heiyu reached for the string of talismans hung around his neck. They were his trump cards, artifacts he''d stolen from the Blood Moon Sect''s vaults before fleeing. Each one contained enough power to level a city.


    "Stay back!" He channeled his Stellar Realm qi into the first talisman, and crimson lightning exploded outward. The bolts weren''t just electricity - they were condensed destruction energy that could atomize anything they touched, filling the air with the scent of burning reality itself.


    The hooded figure''s hand swept up, trailing shadows like ink through water. Where the lightning struck the darkness, the two energies sparked and warred, sending shockwaves across the lake''s surface.


    Heiyu didn''t waste time.


    The second talisman activated, and a wall of black ice erupted from the ground. This wasn''t just frozen water - it was crystallized void energy that could freeze the very essence of things. The air around it crackled as moisture instantly crystallized, creating an expanding zone of absolute zero.


    The figure''s burning eyes flared. A wave of dark flame met the advancing ice, and for a moment the two forces seemed to be equally matched. Steam hissed where they met, but this steam glowed with unnatural colors and burned holes in the ground where it fell.


    "Third Gate: Endless Abyss!" Heiyu activated the third talisman.


    Reality tore open as dozens of writhing tentacles of pure darkness burst forth. Each one could drain the life force from anything they touched, they raced forward, trying to encircle the figure.


    The figure''s response was a display of masterful footwork. It danced between the tentacles. Where the shadows did manage to touch its cloak, they seemed to slide off like water from oil.


    But Heiyu noticed something - the figure''s movements weren''t quite as smooth as they should be. There was a slight tremor, a barely perceptible hesitation between steps.


    Hope bloomed in Heiyu''s chest. His opponent was powerful, yes, but not invincible. Maybe he could actually survive this.


    With this realization, he reached for his ultimate weapon - a small bell covered in bloody runes.


    "Soul Severance Chime!"


    The bell rang out with the voices of a thousand tortured spirits. Reality itself seemed to crack around the sound waves, the very fabric of space warping as the bell''s power reached for the figure''s soul.


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    For a moment, the figure faltered. Its outline blurred, as if its very essence was being pulled apart by the bell''s resonance. But then those burning eyes blazed brighter, and a black flame appeared in its raised hand.


    The flame was tiny at first, no larger than a candle''s flicker. But there was something fundamentally wrong about it - it seemed to bend light around itself, as if it was burning something more essential than mere matter.


    The figure flicked its wrist, and the flame expanded explosively. It moved with terrible purpose, not like normal fire at all, but like a living thing with a mind of its own. Where it touched the black ice, the frozen void energy hissed and evaporated. The tentacles tried to drain its power but withered instead, consumed by something even darker than themselves.


    Heiyu poured more power into the bell, making the soul-rending sound rise to a fever pitch. But the black flame simply ate the sound itself, leaving behind a silence deeper than the absence of noise.


    "No, no, no!" Heiyu tried to run, but his legs wouldn''t respond. The flame had wrapped around, but what it was burning wasn''t his flesh. He could feel it consuming his spiritual energy, his cultivation base, his inner world, everything he''d spent thousands of years building.


    "Please," he whispered one final time, but even those words were consumed by the hungry darkness. The last thing he ever saw was those burning eyes watching him with something almost like pity, or was it disgust?


    The black flame reached his core, and Daoist Heiyu - thief, murderer, and pretender - crumbled to ash on the night wind.


    The hooded figure stood motionless for a moment, then swayed dangerously to one side like a tree in a storm. One hand shot out to steady itself against empty air before slowly, painfully straightening back to its full height.


    When it rose into the air, its flight was anything but smooth. Like a wounded bird struggling to stay aloft, it flew through the sky.


    Not far from the Wei compound, the figure''s strength finally gave out. Instead of the graceful landing typical of cultivators, it plummeted into a small clearing, crashing hard and tumbling across the ground before coming to rest in a heap of tangled robes.


    For several long moments, it lay there, perfectly still except for the ragged rise and fall of its chest. When it finally tried to push itself up, its arms trembled violently, barely able to support its own weight.


    A wet, hacking cough shook its frame, and dark liquid splattered the ground beneath its hidden face.


    "My love..." A pained voice broke the silence of the clearing.


    Wei Ting stepped out from behind a nearby tree with tears in her eyes. She rushed forward, dropping to her knees beside the fallen figure. With gentle hands, she helped it into a sitting position, supporting most of its weight against her shoulder.


    "What happened?" she asked softly.


    "Took out¡­the trash," the figure rasped. Another cough wracked its frame, more blood staining the ground. "He didn''t understand... the true demonic dao isn''t about indulging base desires or wearing masks of righteousness. It''s about... accepting the fundamental darkness of existence... understanding that creation requires destruction... that true power comes from embracing the void itself..." A shuddering breath. "But he was just a thief... playing at being both light and dark... understanding neither..."


    "You''re not part of that world anymore," Wei Ting whispered.


    "No," the figure agreed, its burning red eyes dimming slightly. "I let go of that path... for you... for our family..." Another violent cough interrupted its words.


    Wei Ting''s hand trembled as she reached for the scarred face beneath the hood. The figure turned away sharply, but it couldn¡¯t hide its twisted flesh. "And now this power is killing you," she said, her voice breaking. "Your body can''t handle that kind of power anymore, why would you use it again?"


    "Better me than our family," the figure growled, though the effect was somewhat ruined by another violent cough. "The Sun family''s pet cultivator won''t be threatening anyone anymore."


    With trembling fingers that looked more like twisted claws, the figure reached beneath its robes and pulled out a white pendant. The chain seemed to be made of pure moonlight, giving off a silver glow that illuminated the clearing around them.


    The figure''s body went rigid as streams of dark energy were pulled from its flesh, flowing into the pendant like water down a drain. The transformation that followed was both beautiful and terrible to witness.


    The twisted scar tissue began to smooth and heal, features rearranging themselves like clay being reshaped by invisible hands. The burning red eyes dimmed and changed, color flowing back into them like ink spreading through water.


    Within moments, Wei Ye sat where the horror had been ¨C but this was not the composed patriarch who commanded respect with just his presence.


    No. This Wei Ye was pale faced with dark circles beneath his eyes as though he was on the brink of death.


    "The boy," he forced out through bloodless lips, "healing..." The words seemed to take the last of his strength. His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed forward, his weight suddenly too much for Wei Ting to support.


    She managed to break his fall somewhat, but he still hit the ground hard, the silver pendant falling from his limp fingers to land in the blood-spattered grass.

 Chapter 84: The Healer

    I woke to an urgent pounding on my door, the kind that suggested someone was using their entire fist rather than just knuckles.


    For a moment, I lay there blinking at the unfamiliar ceiling of the Wei family guest room, trying to orient myself. The events of yesterday flooded back ¨C the breakthrough, building the terrain in my inner world, the Sun Family financially crippling the Wei Family, Wei Ye''s strange expression as he left...


    More pounding. Right.


    "Master," Azure''s voice held a note of concern, "there''s no qi disturbance suggesting battle, but Wei Lin is quite determined to get your attention."


    I rolled out of bed, grabbed an outer robe to throw over my sleeping clothes, and made my way to the door. When I opened it, I found Wei Lin, but his usual composed demeanor was completely shattered. His hair was disheveled as if he''d been running his hands through it repeatedly, and his eyes held a wild, almost desperate look.


    "You have to come," he said, already grabbing my arm. "Now."


    "Wei Lin, what''s¡ª" I started to ask, but he was already dragging me down the hallway. I had to stumble-skip to avoid falling as he practically ran, still maintaining his death grip on my sleeve.


    "It''s Father," he finally explained, his voice cracking slightly. "He''s... he''s ill. Really ill."


    I frowned. Cultivators didn''t get ill ¨C our qi naturally fought off disease. And while Wei Ye claimed to be a mortal, I''d seen enough to doubt that. Even if he wasn''t actively cultivating, he had access to enough resources that common illnesses shouldn''t be an issue.


    "Has a physician seen him?" I asked, increasing my pace to match Wei Lin''s frantic stride.


    "Mother said not to tell anyone," he replied, his tone suggesting he didn''t understand it either. "She was very specific ¨C no physicians, no servants, just... you."


    "Me?" I stopped walking so abruptly that Wei Lin''s grip on my sleeve nearly tore the fabric.


    He nodded, looking as confused as I felt. "Mother seems certain that only you can help him."


    "But why would she think¡ª" I started to ask, but Wei Lin was already pulling me forward again.


    As we hurried through the compound''s winding corridors, my mind raced. I wasn''t any sort of healer. Sure, I had the Woodweave Seal, but that was for surface wounds, not illness. Was it because they''d seen me channel the blue sun''s energy? But how would they even know about its healing properties?


    "Master," Azure''s voice held a warning note, "remember how Wei Ye seemed to recognize something? Perhaps this isn''t as unexpected as it seems."


    Before I could pursue that thought, we arrived at Wei Ye''s private chambers. The scene inside made me stop dead in my tracks.


    Wei Ye lay motionless on an enormous bed, his skin so pale it was nearly translucent. Dark circles beneath his eyes made them look sunken, and his chest barely moved with shallow breaths. Wei Ting sat beside him, clutching one of his hands in both of hers. Her elegant robes were wrinkled as if she''d been there all night, and her eyes were red-rimmed from crying.


    Wei Guang stood by the window, his usual confident posture replaced by helpless tension. Through the glass behind him, I could see Rocky''s massive stone face peering in, his rough features somehow managing to convey concern. Even Liu Chen was there, standing quietly in a corner, looking very small and lost.


    "You came," Wei Ting''s voice was barely a whisper. She gestured for me to approach. "Please... you have to save him."


    I took a hesitant step forward. "I don''t understand. How could I possibly¡ª"


    "Before he lost consciousness," she interrupted, "he said you could heal him. That you were the only one who could."


    I studied Wei Ye''s face, then looked back at Wei Ting. "What happened to him? When did this start?"


    "I... I don''t know," she replied, but something in her expression made me doubt that. "After his meeting last night, he came home and just... collapsed."


    "Master," Azure''s voice was thoughtful, "she''s lying. Or at least, not telling the whole truth."


    I''d caught that too. Looking around the room, I saw nothing but desperate hope in the faces watching me. Wei Lin, who''d become a true friend. Wei Guang, trying to maintain his composure even as fear for his father showed in his eyes. Liu Chen, who probably saw Wei Ye as the closest thing to a father figure he''d had in a long time.


    "Azure," I thought back, "could this be some kind of ploy? Is Wei Ye after the blue sun''s energy?"


    "If it is a ploy, it''s an extremely committed one," Azure replied. "My analysis shows his vital signs are critically low. He''s genuinely dying."


    I weighed my options carefully. Using the blue sun''s energy on someone else was risky ¨C I''d seen firsthand how it could drive people mad with religious fervor. But was that better or worse than letting Wei Lin''s father die?Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Looking at Wei Lin''s desperate face made the decision easier. Whatever Wei Ye''s secrets or motives, he was still my friend''s father. I couldn''t stand by and do nothing.


    "I''ll try," I said, moving to Wei Ye''s bedside. "But I''ve never attempted anything like this before. I don''t know if it will work."


    Wei Ting moved aside, though she kept hold of her husband''s hand. I placed my palm on Wei Ye''s forehead and closed my eyes, reaching for the blue sun''s energy. The familiar righteous power flooded through me, making my eyes flash azure.


    As I prepared to channel it into Wei Ye''s body, I did something normally considered a severe breach of privacy ¨C I extended my spiritual sense into his body.


    In cultivation society, examining someone''s meridians without permission was taboo, akin to stripping them naked in public. Even medical cultivators sought explicit consent before such examinations. But in life-or-death situations like this, the taboo was waived out of necessity.


    What I found made me catch my breath.


    Wei Ye had no meridians. Not blocked ones, not damaged ones ¨C no meridians at all. Even mortals with zero cultivation talent had meridians, even if they were thin and unsuitable for qi circulation. Having no meridians wasn''t just rare, it was impossible. Every living being in this world has them ¨C they were as fundamental as having a heart or lungs.


    I almost pulled back in shock, but forced myself to maintain the connection. The blue sun''s energy poured into the impossible void where meridians should be, and something extraordinary happened. Like water filling invisible channels, the energy began tracing patterns through Wei Ye''s body. It was as if the memory of meridians remained, even though the structures themselves were gone.


    Color bloomed beneath Wei Ye''s skin, spreading outward from where my palm touched his forehead. The deathly pallor receded like frost melting in sunlight, replaced by healthier tones. The dark circles beneath his eyes faded, taking years off his appearance. His shallow, rattling breaths deepened and steadied.


    Most remarkably, where the blue sun''s energy flowed, I could see something like scar tissue dissolving ¨C not physical scars, but spiritual ones. It was as if Wei Ye''s entire energy system had been burned away and had roughly healed over. Now, under the influence of the blue sun''s energy, those spiritual scars were softening, allowing energy to flow once more.


    Before I could ask Azure about this impossible phenomenon, someone gasped ¨C probably Liu Chen ¨C as Wei Ye''s eyes snapped open. They glowed with the same azure light as mine, but then something else flickered in them ¨C that same maniacal righteous fervor I''d seen in the priests. For a terrifying moment, I thought I''d made a horrible mistake.


    But Wei Ye''s face contorted in what looked like intense concentration, and the madness receded. His eyes returned to their normal color, though they retained a slight azure tinge.


    "Father!" Wei Lin''s voice broke as he rushed forward.


    Wei Ye sat up slowly, looking at his hands as if seeing them for the first time. "I feel... restored," he said, his voice holding a note of wonder.


    The room erupted in emotion. Wei Ting threw her arms around her husband, sobbing in relief. Wei Guang''s carefully maintained composure cracked as he joined the family embrace. Liu Chen bounced on his toes, grinning widely, while Rocky''s stone face split in what might have been an attempt at a smile.


    I started to step back, feeling like an intruder on the family moment, but Wei Lin caught me in a fierce hug, nearly knocking the wind out of me. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.


    I stood there awkwardly for a moment, realizing with a start that this might be the first time anyone had hugged me in this world. It felt... nice.


    "When did you learn healing techniques?" Lin Mei asked, and I realized she must have arrived at some point during the commotion.


    Wei Lin released me and stepped back, wiping his eyes. "Yeah, why didn''t you tell us you could do this?"


    I shrugged, trying to look casual. "It''s just a technique from the World Tree Sutra. I honestly didn''t know if it would work."


    Wei Ye swung his legs over the side of the bed, waving off his wife''s concerned protests. "Young Ke Yin," he said, and for once his voice held no calculation ¨C just simple gratitude. "You have my deepest thanks."


    I shifted uncomfortably. "It was nothing¡ª"


    "Guang," Wei Ye interrupted, "go fetch the Earth essence."


    I looked at him in surprise. Earth essence? But I''d already¡ª


    Wei Ye laughed at my expression. "My boy mentioned you were searching for it. Consider it a token of my gratitude."


    "No, really, I didn''t do this for any reward¡ª"


    "Ridiculous," Wei Ye cut me off again. "You saved my life. This is the least I can do."


    Wei Guang returned with a jade box similar to the one that had held the wind essence. Despite my protests, he also handed me a ring ¨C a storage ring, I realized with excitement.


    Finally! Every xianxia protagonist seemed to get one of these early on, and I''d been wondering when my turn would come.


    "There''s ten thousand spirit stones inside," Wei Guang explained. "For saving our father."


    My eyes widened at the amount. Ten thousand spirit stones... I''d never held that much wealth in my hands before. That was more than what some of the outer disciples would see in their entire time at the sect. But I still accepted both gifts, knowing further protests would be pointless.


    Besides, the storage ring would be incredibly useful, and I could always find a use for the Earth essence even if I didn''t need it for breakthrough anymore.


    "Alright, everyone out," Wei Ting announced. "My husband needs rest."


    "But Mother¡ª" Wei Lin started to protest.


    "No buts," she cut him off, though she had a smile on her face. "Your father isn''t going anywhere."


    Liu Chen lingered by the window where Rocky''s massive stone face peered in. "Is Master Wei really okay now?"


    "I''m fine, young one," Wei Ye assured him. "Though I wouldn''t mind if you and Rocky kept watch outside. Just in case."


    Liu Chen''s face lit up at being given such an "important" task. "We won''t let anyone suspicious near!" He hurried out, and through the window I could see Rocky straightening to his full height, taking his new guard duty very seriously.


    "Brother, shouldn''t someone stay¡ª" Wei Guang began.


    "I''ll be with him," Wei Ting interrupted. "Now shoo, all of you."


    Lin Mei, who had been quietly observing everything, tugged on Wei Lin''s sleeve. "Come on, your father''s in good hands. Besides, didn¡¯t you volunteer to supervise morning training?"


    Wei Lin''s eyes widened. "The recruits! I completely forgot!" He rushed out, calling back, "Father, I''ll check on you later!"


    As the others filed out, I turned back to Wei Ye. "How did you know I could help?"


    A distant look entered his eyes. "In my younger days, I encountered someone with an aura very similar to yours," he said softly. "That young man could do... incredible things. Healing was just one of them."


    I opened my mouth to ask more questions, but Wei Ting was already herding me toward the door with surprising strength for a supposedly mortal woman.


    "Master," Azure''s voice was unusually serious as we walked back to our room. "Wei Ye isn''t a normal human."


    I almost laughed. "Yes, I think we established that already."


    "No," Azure said. "Based on my analysis of his body when you were healing him... Wei Ye isn''t human at all. He''s an artificial being, a construct of some kind. Those weren''t missing meridians we saw ¨C they were manufactured channels that had burned out.¡±


    I stopped walking.


    "What?"

 Chapter 85: Epilogue

    Back in my guest room, I sat cross-legged on the bed, still trying to process what Azure had just told me. The pale morning light filtering through the window did nothing to make the situation feel more real.


    "An artificial being," I repeated, running my fingers through my hair. "How is that even possible?"


    "Only a cultivator above the Life Realm could create something so complex," Azure explained. "Those weren''t just missing meridians we saw ¨C they were manufactured channels that had completely burned out. Like circuitry that had been overloaded."


    I thought about Wei Ye''s appearance when we''d found him this morning ¨C pale, lifeless, barely breathing. Then that moment when the blue sun''s energy had filled those invisible channels, bringing him back from the brink.


    "That''s why the blue sun''s energy worked," I mused. "It''s similar to Life Realm energy in some ways, isn''t it? Both are fundamentally about creation and restoration."


    "Yes," Azure agreed. "The blue sun''s energy is saturated with life force. For a construct like Wei Ye, it would be like... receiving a transfusion of something very close to his original power source."


    I flopped backward onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. "What does that make Wei Lin and Wei Guang then? Are they...?"


    "No," Azure replied quickly. "I''ve analyzed them both extensively. They''re completely human ¨C though that raises even more questions."


    "You''re telling me." I sat up again, unable to stay still. "How does an artificial being have human children? Is Wei Ting human? Did she know what he was when they married?" The questions tumbled out faster than I could process them.


    Azure was quiet for a moment. "Perhaps we''re thinking about this wrong," he finally said. "We''re assuming Wei Ye was always artificial. What if he was human once?"


    That stopped my spiral of questions. "You mean... someone transformed him? But why would¡ª"


    A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. "Young Master Ke Yin?" It was one of the servants. "Master Wei Guang requests your presence in the study."


    I exchanged a mental look with Azure before responding. "I''ll be right there."


    The walls of the Wei family''s study were lined with books and scrolls, a massive desk carved from rare thunderwood sat opposite the door, and there were windows that offered a perfect view of the compound''s main courtyard.


    Wei Guang stood by one of these windows, his usual composed demeanor slightly ruffled.


    "Ah, Ke Yin," he turned as I entered. "Thank you for coming so quickly. I thought you should know ¨C we just received some interesting news about the Sun family''s situation."


    I raised an eyebrow, trying to look merely curious rather than intensely interested. "Oh?"


    "It seems their Stellar Realm cultivator has... vanished." Wei Guang''s lips twitched in what might have been a smile. "Apparently, he took their initial payment and disappeared sometime last night. Their whole plan is in shambles."


    Last night. The same night Wei Ye had nearly died.


    "How... convenient," I said carefully.


    Wei Guang''s almost-smile widened slightly. "Isn''t it just? Father always said timing was everything in business." He paused, his expression growing more serious. "Though there''s something strange about the whole affair. Before he disappeared, this daoist gave some lectures at the Sun family compound. Several Qi Condensation cultivators who attended experienced qi deviation afterward. Even one of their Elemental Realm experts was affected."


    That caught my attention. Qi deviation in an Elemental Realm cultivator? That shouldn''t be possible from just listening to a lecture.


    "Were there any... casualties?"


    "Most recovered, though they''re severely weakened." He turned back to the window. "The Sun family paid him an enormous sum up front. For a Stellar Realm cultivator to abandon such a lucrative contract, especially after deliberately harming his employer''s forces..."


    "Maybe he found a better offer?" I suggested, watching Wei Guang''s reflection in the glass.


    "Maybe." His tone made it clear he didn''t believe that for a second. "Or maybe he encountered something that made him reconsider his career choices."


    I thought about Wei Ye''s condition this morning, about Azure''s discovery of his true nature. What kind of being could frighten a Stellar Realm cultivator into breaking a contract and fleeing?


    "Master," Azure''s voice held a warning note, "remember what we sensed when healing Wei Ye ¨C those weren''t just burned out channels. There were traces of... something else. Something dark."


    Before I could pursue that thought, there was a light knock on the study door. Lin Mei poked her head in, her usual cheerful expression slightly hesitant.


    "Sorry to interrupt," she said, "but we should start thinking about heading back to the sect soon. Senior Sister Liu will be expecting us."


    Wei Guang nodded. "Of course. We wouldn''t want to delay your return any longer than we already have." He turned to me with a warm smile. "The Wei family owes you a great debt, young master Ke Yin."


    I waved off his words, still uncomfortable with their gratitude. "Really, it was nothing¡ª"


    "You saved our father''s life," he interrupted firmly. "That is never ''nothing.''" His expression shifted then, something cold and calculating entering his eyes. "And as for the Sun family... well, they''re about to learn why you don''t try to destroy a tiger without making absolutely sure of the kill first."


    The way he said it - the tone, the slight curl of his lip, the dangerous glint in his eyes - it was so similar to Wei Ye that for a moment I could barely tell the difference between father and son.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Whatever the Wei family was planning, I was glad I wouldn''t be around to witness it.


    Lin Mei waited until we were in the hallway before speaking again. "Since we''re heading back anyway," she said casually, "I was thinking... your family''s village isn''t too far off our route, it¡¯ll only add a few more days to our journey. We could stop by if you''d like?"


    My heart skipped a beat. The original Ke Yin''s family... I hadn''t let myself think about them much, but Lin Mei''s suggestion brought all those complicated feelings rushing back.


    "I..." I swallowed hard. "I don''t think that''s a good idea."


    "Why not?" she asked, genuine confusion in her voice. "You''ve advanced so much in just a few months! Your parents would be so proud."


    And there was the problem. A few months. The original Ke Yin had only left home a few months ago. Not nearly enough time for the dramatic changes in personality and behavior to seem natural. In cultivation novels, protagonists who took over other people''s bodies always seemed to fool everyone so easily, but reality wasn''t so simple.


    How could I face two people who had raised their son from birth? Who knew every expression, every gesture, every little habit? Even if I could somehow explain away the personality changes as ''cultivation enlightenment'' or something similar, there would be countless tiny tells. The way I held chopsticks, the foods I instinctively reached for, how I laughed or frowned or scratched my nose ¨C a thousand little things that would feel wrong to parents who had watched their child grow up.


    "It was..." I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "It was hard enough saying goodbye the first time. I don''t want to put them through that again so soon. They need time to adjust to me being gone, and I need time to focus on my cultivation."


    Lin Mei''s expression softened. "That''s really thoughtful of you. It must be difficult, but you''re right ¨C sometimes being kind means staying away."


    I managed a weak smile, grateful she had accepted my excuse. The guilt of deceiving her ¨C of deceiving everyone ¨C sat heavy in my chest, but what choice did I have? ''Sorry, I''m not actually Ke Yin, I''m just borrowing his body'' wasn''t exactly a conversation I could ever have.


    ***


    The next few hours passed in a blur of preparations and goodbyes.


    "Mother, we can''t possibly carry all this," Wei Lin protested, watching servants bring out yet another basket of food. He touched the storage ring on his finger. "Even with my ring, there''s a limit."


    "Growing cultivators need proper nutrition," Wei Ting insisted, directing servants to stack supplies near Rocky. "And Rocky..."


    "Rocky eat lot!" Rocky rumbled proudly, making Liu Chen grin from his perch on the stone guardian''s shoulder.


    "Don''t worry, Auntie," Liu Chen called down, helping to secure baskets to Rocky''s broad shoulders. "Rocky''s really strong! He can carry tons!"


    "Now remember," Wei Ting fussed with Wei Lin''s robes, "I''ve packed healing talismans, emergency signals¡ª"


    "Mother!" Wei Lin protested, though he didn''t pull away. "We''re cultivators, not children going to the market."


    "You''ll always be my child," she replied, pulling him into a tight hug. Before he could escape, she had somehow grabbed Lin Mei as well, enveloping them both.


    "Lin Mei," Wei Ting''s voice grew thick with emotion, "please keep an eye on my foolish son."


    "Mother!" Wei Lin''s muffled protest came from somewhere in the group hug.


    Wei Guang, who was watching from the side, maintained his dignified stance right up until Wei Lin broke free and tackled him with a hug that nearly sent them both sprawling.


    "Stay safe," Wei Guang whispered, his composed facade cracking as he returned the embrace.


    "Always," Wei Lin promised.


    I stood back, watching the family moment, absently turning my new storage ring. The weight still felt foreign on my finger - a sudden jump from having nothing to managing a ring full of spirit stones and resources.


    Through the bustle, I noticed Wei Ye walk over. He looked completely recovered, though I noticed he wore a white pendant that seemed to glow faintly in the morning light.


    "Master," Azure''s voice held a note of unease, "that pendant... there''s something not right about it. The energy signature is unlike anything I''ve encountered. It''s almost as if it''s... consuming something."


    Before I could process that, Wei Ye approached. Up close, the pendant''s glow seemed to pulse ever so slightly, like a heartbeat.


    "That man you mentioned," I said quietly, trying not to stare at the artifact. "The one with similar energy to mine. Who was he?"


    Wei Ye''s expression darkened, one hand unconsciously moving to touch the pendant. "Pray you never meet him," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "Some paths, once walked, can never be fully abandoned."


    "The pendant''s reaction intensified when he touched it," Azure observed. "It''s definitely not a normal cultivation tool. The energy patterns... they''re almost like the channels we saw in his body, but inverted somehow."


    I wanted to ask more questions - about the man, about the pendant, about Wei Ye himself - but something in his eyes stopped me. Instead, I bowed. "Thank you for your hospitality."


    "I think I''m the one who should be thanking you." He reached out as if to pat my shoulder, then seemed to think better of it. "Safe travels, young Ke Yin. And... watch yourself at the sect. Power draws attention, and not all attention is welcome."


    Wei Lin called out that we should get moving if we wanted to make good time. I nodded to Wei Ye and turned to join my friends, leaving the mysteries of Wei Ye and his true nature behind. For now, at least.


    As our small group passed through Myriad Paths City''s gates, I couldn''t help but reflect on how much had changed in such a short time. I''d arrived at the Wei compound as a third-stage Qi Condensation cultivator, nervous about my first time leaving the sect. Now, around two weeks later, I was leaving as a fifth-stage cultivator with an inner world that defied convention.


    I glanced at my companions ¨C Wei Lin and Lin Mei chatting happily, still firmly in the third stage of Qi Condensation. Even Rocky, for all his impressive size and strength, was only at the fifth stage like me. It felt strange being the strongest in our little group, but also... nice. Not in an arrogant way, but in the sense that I could better protect my friends if needed.


    "Master," Azure''s voice echoed in my thoughts, "you''re smiling."


    I was, I realized. Despite all the complications and mysteries, despite the weight of secrets I carried, I felt... content. I had friends who saw me as me, not as the person whose body I inhabited. I had power growing at a rate that would make any xianxia protagonist proud. And most importantly, I had a path forward that was entirely my own.


    "Just thinking about how far we''ve come," I replied mentally as we walked down the road, leaving the city behind. "And wondering what''s next."


    "Your two suns are preening again. I think they like it when you acknowledge your progress."


    I had to stifle a laugh. Sure enough, both the red and blue suns were putting on quite a show in my inner world, their light display making the Genesis Seed''s branches cast ever-shifting shadows across the terrain.


    "Show-offs," I thought back. Then, more seriously, "Azure... what Wei Ye said about paths that can''t be abandoned ¨C do you think he was talking about the demonic dao?"


    "Perhaps," Azure replied thoughtfully. "Though I suspect there''s more to his story than simple cultivation gone wrong.¡±


    I nodded absently, watching Liu Chen demonstrate some kind of dramatic story to Rocky, complete with wild hand gestures that nearly sent him tumbling off the stone guardian''s shoulder.


    "One mystery at a time," I decided. "For now, let''s focus on getting everyone back to the sect safely. Then we can worry about artificial beings, mysterious cultivators, and whatever other surprises are waiting for us."


    "A wise choice," Azure agreed. "Though I do hope you realize that by saying that, you''ve practically guaranteed we''ll run into at least three life-or-death situations before reaching the sect."


    I groaned. "Don''t even joke about that. This isn''t some cultivation novel where the protagonist can''t travel ten miles without encountering ancient ruins or young masters looking to cause trouble."


    "Of course not," Azure''s voice was perfectly serious. "I''m sure our journey will be completely uneventful."


    "You''re mocking me, aren''t you?"


    "I would never, Master."


    A/N


    That concludes book 1!


    Thank you all for the support and I really hope you''ve enjoyed it


    If you haven''t already, I would love a review :)