《The Transmigrated SwordMaster - Book 2: Godslayer》 Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 1: Blood, Sweat, & Qi ¡°ALL DISCIPLES ARE TO HEAD TO THE CENTRAL COURTYARD IMMEDIATELY.¡± Alex was awoken far earlier than usual by a voice that rumbled through the sect, the sound waves travelling through a thick wave of Qi he calmly observed washing through the sect''s walls and floorboards. Alex got up and made his way. Upon arrival, he found himself facing a feast with all disciples present, ushered to head towards the section where the uninitiated disciples stood moving or sat feasting. The most central courtyard of the sect had been filled with colourful lanterns and the excited chatter of new inductees being formally welcomed to the sect. The banquet table was loaded with sumptuous dishes, while performers¡ª system users¡ª moved through the crowd and sect elders prepared to address the gathering. At the feast''s head, an empty chair commanded attention, surrounded by men and women whose Qi blazed like bonfires, their auras overshadowing all disciples present. Those must be the instructors and maybe some elders,Alex realised, noting Mistress Yan Hau among them, her flaming Qi more prominent than most. Toasts rang out, cultivation stories were exchanged, and gifts¡ªtokens of superficial goodwill¡ªwere presented to either recruit promising entrants or gain backing from powerful members. Seeing that roughly three hundred people were present, Alex instantly counted the number of disciples with visible traces of Qi much stronger than Jun Li¡¯s, noting that they all wore uniforms slightly different from the rest, with various insignias. There¡¯s about 100, maybe 150 of them wearing different uniforms to me, I¡¯m betting they¡¯re the stronger, or ¡®Real¡¯ disciples here, and about 30 of them seem to be somewhat weaker, presumably ¡®outer¡¯ disciples. That left the remaining 150 or so ¡®uninitiated¡¯ disciples who wore the same provisional uniforms as Alex and held Qi auras much weaker than Jun Li, the beginner he had bested. These numbers are not making sense, he thought as he eyed the varying strengths of those present. The only way there could be such a large number of new, provisional members for a sect with so few established members would be if the acceptance rate was unbelievably low. Judging by the numbers, most of the people surrounding Alex would likely not make it into the sect proper. But what would the consequences be for the failures? Probably death, knowing Imperials, Alex scoffed to himself, effortlessly moving through the crowd. The environment buzzed with ruthless competition, and Alex¡¯s keen senses could hardly miss the way all present eyed each other like hawks behind their smiles, as though each were searching for weaknesses in their peers. The real question is what they¡¯re all competing for, Alex wondered. Most likely treasures and better techniques. I suppose I¡¯ll have to put my best foot forward here. He was loath to attract too much attention, given that he planned to abandon the sect as soon as he had found what he wanted, but he also needed access to the sect''s innermost secrets. Or at least some knowledge of the building''s interior and security, he chuckled to himself with greed, calmly observing the ruthless nature in which the disciples regarded each other and the system-users serving them. ¡°Ah-lex!¡± Turning at the words, Alex spotted Jin sitting in the crowd and promptly headed for a seat beside the gesturing star-pupil, somewhat pleased at the sight of a familiar face within the den of wolves. Though nothing suggests that Jin¡¯s not a wolf, too, he thought with scepticism as Jin spoke, clasping his shoulder. ¡°You''re a little unlucky,¡± the prodigy said, ¡°the induction tests are held twice a year and have the biggest impact on rankings, much higher than any other tests¡­¡±, he met Alex¡¯s gaze appraisingly. ¡°And they say that this is a good batch¡­.Time is not on your side¡ª the others have had months to prepare.¡± ¡°Well isn¡¯t that just a better opportunity to succeed, then?¡± Alex smirked in response, turning to eye the head of the feast where the sect Elder, Zhen, had appeared prepared to speak. *** Elder Zhen stood before the gathered potential recruits, his presence imposing and his gaze cold, drawing all to silence. "Welcome to the Ben Nui sect," Elder Zhen began, his voice a low growl that commanded immediate attention, his demeanour far different from what Alex recalled on their first meeting. "You stand here today because you seek power. You seek strength. And most of all, you seek to join the ranks of the most feared sect in this corner of the empire." He paced slowly, his footsteps loud in the silence. "Our sect is not for the weak or weak-hearted. We are rooted in unyielding strength and the principle of the divine bovine. We crush and destroy all things in our path without care or retreat. This was the first of your many lessons." Elder Zhen''s eyes scanned the room, locking briefly with each recruit. The intensity of his gaze was enough to make many avert their eyes, their confidence wavering, though Alex met his eyes with cool disdain. "An impending war is at our doorstep. Only the true and tested among you will survive it.¡± The elder continued, ¡°Many of the provisional among you will fail to even pass today''s test, let alone be present for the war. And some among our number will soon fall, unable to withstand the onslaught.¡± ¡°And that is how it should be. The strong survive, and the weak are discarded." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over them. The recruits shifted uncomfortably, some swallowing hard, others raising their heads in determination. Elder Zhen then moved, walking to a dark stone obelisk Alex had previously assumed was just a monument of some kind among the many statues of the central courtyard. The elder gestured to the tall dark obelisk behind him. "This is the Spirit Stone, an artifact that will reveal your true potential. The first test of your worth will be Spiritual Energy Scoring. Step forward when called and place your hand upon the stone. The colour it emits will determine your spirit root''s purity and potential, hope for a colour more vibrant than your peers." He called out, pointing a finger, "Liu Xian, step forward." A young provisional sect member approached the Spirit Stone with measured steps, his expression a mixture of determination and trepidation. Placing his hand on the cold surface, he waited. The stone began to emit a light, starting dull but quickly shifting to a bright, vibrant gold. Gasps erupted from the crowd, and Elder Zhen''s murmur cut through the air. "Supreme potential." The surrounding elders and instructors exchanged excited looks and whispered among themselves as the many disciples gasped in wonder. Elder Zhen addressed Liu Xian directly. "You possess unparalleled talent, seen once in a generation. You are expected to achieve legendary status and become a pillar of our sect."Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Liu Xian stepped back, pride evident in his stance. Elder Zhen continued, "Now, demonstrate your mastery of our sect''s Qi technique on a reinforced golem." He gestured, and a metal cube flew from his palm, rapidly expanding to a lumbering titan of metal and Qi. The young inductee drew his wooden practice sword and faced the golem, concentrating his energy. With a swift, controlled movement, he shot forward in a blur, the after-image of his stabbing technique striking the golem with precision and power. A slim crack formed on the metal construct and the crowd gasped, surprised by the accuracy, efficiency, and strength of his wooden blade¡¯s attack on metal. Elder Zhen nodded approvingly. "You have proven some of your worth. Now, receive the symbol engraving of our sect." A sect elder approached Liu Xian and engraved the insignia of a moon crossed with a horned creature, the divine bull, onto his robe. The young inductee then paid respects to the sect''s ancestors, kowtowing before the ancestral statues that lined the courtyard. With the formalities complete, Liu Xian returned to his seat at the feast, his chest inflated, his place in the sect now partially secured. Elder Zhen turned his attention back to the remaining inductees, the challenge clear in his eyes. "Who will be next to prove their worth?" At his words all provisional inductees moved to line up for their turns, Alex included. The sect grounds quickly became filled with tension as one by one, the inductees took the tests. Some did well, catching the eyes of the inner disciples and instructors with their skill. Others faltered, failing to even mimic the execution of a technique and were told to leave and never return. Among the crowd, Jin stood out. His aura glowed gold before he approached the golem, and his wooden blade left a deep concave indent in the metal. The inner disciples watched him with intrigue as he casually returned. Finally, it was Alex¡¯s turn. He approached the stone curiously, his steps tentative. I¡¯ve read about this in the breathing technique manual, Alex recalled the manual''s introductory notes on spirit roots and their immense importance. A spiritual root determined how well he could absorb and use Qi¡ªimpacting the rate, strength, amount, and growth potential of its manipulation. And the colours represented the quality and potential¡­ What was it? Gold light means supreme and unparalleled talent, once in a generation like Jin & that kid, Lui Xian. Red is below that and signals a prodigy, but not as rare or as good as a golden root. Purple holds high potential, And Blue means you¡¯re above average, whilst anything besides green has led to expulsion. Let¡¯s hope mine¡¯s higher than green, he thought, splaying his fingers. He outstretched his hand, feeling the stone¡¯s cool, almost metallic surface. As he channelled his Qi to the edge of his fingertips, his senses keyed into the stone beneath his fingers and his eyes widened. He observed as the many energies he had stolen surged through him and into the stone, the point of contact beginning to burst into a rainbow display of energy. Shit. Alex¡¯s thoughts whirred in recollection. Rainbow Multicolored meant he possessed a Unique and extremely rare potential, even far beyond gold. It was something that allowed a person to excel in multiple areas of cultivation to master diverse and powerful techniques. In that moment, Alex realized that if any others saw the growing light buried beneath his finger, the sect would latch on to him and never let go. He focused intently, slowing his perception of time to a crawl through his latest passive skill, Monarch''s Temporal Drift. He further enhanced this by reaching for his Dao. Alex grasped a mere portion of the scale of the interconnectedness of life and death within the transformative process of existence. It bucked between his fingers, an uncontrollable stream. He grasped the truth and understood that immortality transcended temporal perception, allowing him to perceive the constant motion and flux of time, enabling him to navigate its ebbs and flows with heightened awareness and deliberate clarity. [Dao: ¡®True Immortality¡¯ - Progress 1 > 1.1%] His Dao allowed him to slow time further, his crawling perception of time making several hundredths of a second feel much longer than it ever should. Ok, think. His thoughts breezed through recollections of the attendees in slowly crawling time. Most of the people here are blue or green¡ª above average and average¡ª with about twenty high-potential purples, a few prodigy-reds and two golds. And the brighter the light, the more powerful the root. Anything higher than blue would be a problem and draw too much surveillance, and green is far too low to receive access to rewards without similar surveillance. Let¡¯s go for Blue. Concentrating deeply, he began to parse through and pull back the different energies one by one, observing the changes each withdrawal made to the obelisk''s dot of colour in near-frozen time. Eventually, once he had removed a majority, only bright blue energy remained. He released his grip on his temporal perception and Dao, letting time snap back into focus. The obelisk before him burst into bright blue light. The inner disciples exchanged approving looks at the intensity of his acceptable result. To them, it meant that he held good talent above the average-greens, and the intense brightness indicated that he held much higher potential than a majority of the other above-average blues, though still below the higher colours, Alex knew they would believe that he would still likely progress faster than most, achieving higher levels of cultivation with proper guidance. Rewards without surveillance, he thought as he drew a wooden blade from a nearby rack and headed towards the Golem, pleased with the outcome and still surprised by the initial burst of bright potential. He observed the strong patterns of Qi flowing through the strengthened metal construct, allowing it animation. My stats and passives won¡¯t be enough to harm this thing, at least not until I have at least ten thousand points in each, he recalled. As it stood, Alex still only had a fifth of the stats required to harm beings at the first stage of cultivation, and though on cooldown, using active skills before the sect members would simply be an act of self-destruction. I¡¯ll have to use the Dao instead, he decided. Alex approached the Golem, assumed a stance, breathed in, exhaled, and moved, a Bull Charging the Earth. His wooden practice blade carved a thin line through the Qi-reinforced metal as he reappeared with a slash, and it was only his action of retracting his swing and disconnecting from the Dao mid-swing that prevented a flow of impermanence from cleaving the metal construct to pieces. As Alex returned to his seat and watched the remaining disciples'' tests, once again, welcoming approval and acceptance at his performance washed over him from the eyes of all present, much to Alex¡¯s disdain. With the second test completed, Elder Zhen stepped forward, his gaze hard and unyielding. "Good. Today, we separate the wheat from the chaff. Your final test awaits." The Elder extended his hand, and a surge of Qi flowed from his fingers like liquid fire, forming a set of massive, ornate gates intricately carved with strange patterns that shone through the light, while a swirling misty portal emerged within, its depths holding both death and glory. He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "You will enter a secret training realm. This realm is teeming with high-level system beasts¡ª high enough in number to pose a threat to beginners such as yourselves¡ª and nine spiritual beasts at the seventh, eighth, and ninth stage of Qi Gathering. Each spiritual beast will be far stronger than all of you. Your task is simple: retrieve a piece of fur, feathers, flesh, or eggs from the spirit beasts within. The higher the beast, the higher your score. There are no rules or safeguards. Retreat is not an option. Return with your task completed, or become fodder." With a swift movement, Elder Zhen gestured for the new disciples to enter. "Enter and succeed." One by one, the new disciples stepped forward into the portal in intervals, its energy recharging for some time before another batch could enter, until it was Alex¡¯s turn. [2-hour mana cooldown ended. Skills now available for use] Alex headed into the unknown, the portal closing behind him with a finality that left no room for second thoughts. *** What awaited Alex on the other side of the portal was a bloodbath¡ª dead creatures and scores of would-be disciples lay strewn across a clearing, and a freakish beast of blood, flesh and twisted Qi that blazed as strong as Jin¡¯s that turned to regard his entrance sharply. Alex responded the only way he knew how; ¡°The little demon of winding¡­fuck. Mana Burn.¡± Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 2: Deadly Allocation
Monarch''s Temporal Drift.
Alex observed, noting that the creature had no skin, only a combination of sinew, bone, fluid, and hardened blood. A red monstrosity. He felt a sense of pity as he saw something resembling a transformed human head hidden behind glowing red eyes, a grotesque visage, and a set of jagged red teeth in its extended and warped maw. It possessed long sets of sharp claws at the end of each of its elongated arms. That thing used to be a person¡­ Whoever did this is sick. Alex suppressed a shiver of disgust. It stands to reason that the Little Demon of Winding blo¡ª god that names a mouthful¡ª the little demon is most likely at a higher stage of cultivation, and has physicality much higher than 10,000 stats in each category. If the demonic cultivator was close by, Alex¡¯s safest course of action would be to defeat the creature as quickly as possible, or if worst came to worst, sacrifice his life force to summon the souls of Phurafel and Kunluns Sects Divine Tiger. They would serve as good distractions to help him escape the creature, as losing years or perhaps decades of his life was far better than being dead. That¡¯s probably how the other disciples escaped, by sacrificing their peers, he sighed internally at the thought. But let¡¯s not rush to conclusions, there¡¯s no need to sacrifice so much so soon¡­ he thought, studying the slowly moving creature intently. Using Inner Focus and True Sight, he channeled a concentration of mana to his eyes to see and sense energy of all kinds within a short radius, about 20 feet, causing his eyes to shine a soft blue. His gaze pierced past its bloody flesh to see the energy beneath and the creature''s Qi was laid bare before him. About three times stronger than me, even with Mana Burn boosting my stats¡­ He could vividly feel and see the inner workings of the creature, and ¡®saw¡¯ that within the base of its neck lay a concentration of Qi that had condensed and hardened to the point it solidified, much like the mana core of a system beast. That¡¯s what I¡¯ll have to target, then. Its core. And judging by the size and intensity of its core when compared to dantians, it¡¯s still in the first few stages of Qi gathering, although it¡¯s hard to tell exactly which one¡­maybe the second or third¡­ he assessed he peered through layers of its flesh to scrutinize the energy that lay beneath the surface of the creature. Allocation, he thought. [Please select focus of Allocation] [Strength / Dexterity / Endurance / Intelligence Wisdom] My endurance is covered by the undead cultivator and Phurafel¡¯s soul fragments. They¡¯ll take damage in my place until they can¡¯t¡­ So I can probably take a few of this thing¡¯s blows. He eyed the monstrosity¡¯s sharp claws and the various unmoving bodies that surrounded the clearing. ¡­Maybe, he thought. And I can bolster my speed and reaction time with Sword sense, Boundless Dodge and Monarchs Temporal Drift, so dexterity¡¯s out too. Alex considered each encounter he¡¯d exprenced with the Imperials, and cultivation in in general. Every single time I¡¯ve hit one of them without the Dao, it hasn¡¯t harmed them. He recalled the sparks that flared each time he¡¯d struck the flesh of Jun Li and Jin. Let''s put everything into strength, then. Alex thought, reallocating a third of his total stats into one chosen stat slot. He attempted to clench his fists in exhilaration as his strength stat surged, but his muscles barely moved in his slowed perception of time. [Name: Alex Ironwood Level: 195 C???????ultivation: Qi Gathering- First stage Race: Human - Rank D Primary Class: ??????????????Sys???????te??????mic SwO??????rd So????????ve???????reign Sub-class: Locked Strength: 11,014 (5507) Dexterity: 4148 (2074) Endurance: 778 (390) Intelligence: 3667 (1184) Wisdom: 381 (191) Qi: 9 (6) Feats: First Encounter, Pioneer, Pinnacle IV, Survivor, Warrior, Champion, Dungeon Insurgent, Innovator, Reborn, Shard of the Endless, Techniques: Bovine Foundation Stance, Divine Bovine Vessel, Stampeding Footwork, Steel Horn Strikes, Active skills: Phoenix Leap, Mana Burn, Mana Blade, Boundless Dodge, Du???????l of C???????orruption, Sovereign Executioner, InfiniteBody, Sovereign Clone, Divine Fist, Pierce Reality, NetherForged, Eternal Infusion, Allo??????cation, Star of the Monarch, Passive skills: Inner Focus, Outer Focus, A???????l????????¨¤???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????¦¸??????? ??????????????? ???????????????????????g???????e??????e???????E??????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????M???????m????????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ???????????????????????O??????o??????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ??????????????? ??????? ???????????????????????, Inventory, Bestial Senses, BladeBody, True sight, Mana Vortex, Nascent Body (imperfect), Sword Soul, Abyssal Body (Imperfect), Eternal Disorder, Th¨¤????????????????????????????natos¡¯s Sovereign, Monarch''s Temporal Drift, Sword Sense,This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Dao: True Immortality - 1.1% Progress Unassigned stat points: 0] Woah. So the Allocation skill adds up all of my stats, splits it into three and dumps a third into one of my choosing? Alex quickly assessed the panel, noting the fact that although his strength had been boosted beyond the ten thousand threshold and edged closer to the creature¡¯s capabilities, each of his remaining stats had been reduced by around a thousand points. He held just under 20,000 stats in total, though his strength matched the beast somewhat. It was still far from the 50,000 he would have needed to match the creature perfectly in every field beyond strength. And without using any speed-boosting skills, he would still find himself roughly half as slow as the beast. But at least I can hurt it now, even without the Dao, that way I can focus on using the Dao to boost my reaction speed. Without it this thing would run circles around me, 30 seconds and the stat boosts will disappear¡­ he considered how best to end the creature and bisect its core within Mana Burn¡¯s time limit. Alex had spent a large portion of his first night in the sect experimenting with the changes to his system until sleep took hold of him. He had awoken having made some very surprising discoveries. The first was that the system had completely adapted to the martial techniques of the sect, and techniques operated very differently from skills. Where skills were free-form and constantly evolving, there was only one way for a technique to be performed; its intended method. To alter that intended method would be to either fail at the technique or create a different technique entirely. The second thing Alex had learned was that his system would not implant instincts or knowledge when granting him Qi techniques, but would instead take his understanding and efforts to enhance by a hundredfold, instantly guiding him to perfection. In fact, his system would not ¡®grant¡¯ him techniques at all, but rather rewarded his efforts and understanding. This meant that when Alex learned a martial Qi technique''s principles and attempted to perform them, his system would instantly register the technique in its final intended and perfected form on his very first attempt. Assuming he had the Qi necessary to perform them and sufficient understanding, Alex suspected he could master any martial Qi technique that others might struggle for decades to learn in just a single day. Maybe even minutes. The third he had discovered was that his system no longer considered Qi as something ¡°unquantifiable.¡± Though mana and Qi were said to be devastatingly incompatible, it seemed the system was capable of registering both. Mana and Qi were still incompatible for Alex, though. He had tested. He had channeled a sliver of Qi to the edge of his fingertip at the end of his mana cooldown, and when his mana returned and the sliver of Qi merged with his surging mana, the skin and tissue where the Qi had been had just¡­ vanished. It hadn¡¯t evaporated, or torn, or even exploded. A strip of skin and muscle had just simply ceased to exist. The Qi and mana clashed, an invisible force that left a cold, empty void on his fingertip. But mixing the two is not impossible, Alex thought with hope and avarice. If the system, the mistress¡¯s Jade, and the soon to be consumed World-Treasure nestled in his Inventory were all capable of utilising and convert Mana with Qi, then it was possible. Possibility was all Alex needed. Finally, the last thing he learned was that his skills were different now. Well, everything was different, but his skills even more so. There was no longer an unyielding wall of rigidness to his skills function and no rigidness to his mana¡¯s flow. He could freely manipulate and alter the mana of his skills as he wished without even a shred of resistance from the system. Where once manipulating his skills with Inner and Outer Focus had felt like swimming against raging rivers and rapids, it now felt like flying¡ªlike he was free to alter and test his skills however he pleased. And should he survive the encounter with the little demon¡¯s blood-beast, Alex couldn¡¯t wait to experiment. He released his grip on temporal perception and summoned Eclipse to rest between his palms, the cold touch of metal brushing his skin as time snapped back into focus. The creature pounced, shooting across the clearing in a blur of sinew and flesh, its massive limbs churning the blood-soaked ground. Its twisted form was a horrific amalgamation of raw muscle and dark, pulsing veins, the stench of decay and copper filling Alex''s nostrils. Each movement was accompanied by the sickening sound of wet flesh slapping against the ground, and the grotesque sight of its jagged, bone-like protrusions tearing through the remains of fallen beasts. As it instantly closed the distance, Alex could feel the oppressive heat radiating from its body, the sheer power of its Qi making his skin prickle. Boundless Dodge. Alex controlled the flow of mana to force his body to duck low beneath the creature''s first swing, his foot stretched forward beneath its lunging claw and his elbow tucked tight, the embodiment of Kendo. With his senses honed to the beast follow up swing, he performed a perfect execution of the ¡®Harai Waza¡¯, otherwise known as Kendo¡¯s Sweeping Technique. The sweeping technique was simple, the principle of deflecting an attack to create an opening for a decisive strike. All in one smooth sweeping movement. The technique required getting a feel for the timing and knowing exactly how to create that opening, as well as being able to utilize it not only for opening head, chest, or disarming strikes, but even killing blows if necessary. With his ability to sense even the most minute of shifts in his surroundings, he felt that for him, it had become one of Kendo¡¯s most fundamental yet perfect techniques. As the beast¡¯s gleaming red claw rocketed towards his face, Alex maintained composure and focused on the timing of its attack, seeing all. With his sword held at waist level and ready to respond, he swept his blade in a smooth arc to deflect the thick claw to the side, redirecting its momentum while grunting under the immense strain as the beast''s strength caused his legs to bend and his feet to sink into the earth. Its claw crashed into the bloody earth, causing a spray. After the deflection, he stepped forward with his right foot, and swung his blade with finality, his movements an act of bodily control and perfection and the strike executed in one smooth, continuous movement. He aimed to cut through its neck and bisect the creature''s red core. At the point of impact, the creature''s red skin rippled, bursting into a spray of red spears and tendrils that deflected the blow and impacted Alex¡¯s chest, he could feel the sharp points pierce his robes and hit his skin, before the penetrating force dissipated, the damage transferring to the Undead soul fragments stored by Thanatos''s Sovereign. Still, the force of the blow sent him skidding backwards. I can¡¯t let it hit me again¡­Two, maybe three more blows like that and I¡¯ll be defenseless. Alex touched at the point of impact, feeling smooth unharmed skin instead of fatal injury. One blow without protection is all it would take. The creature''s bloody sinew stretched over bone like ropes, and its claws increased in number sprouting along its limbs like daggers, ready to tear through flesh and bone. Thick muscles of hardened maroon blood pulsed rhythmically as it morphed, a grotesque heartbeat of power. Its monstrous form grew, and all hint of what was once human disappeared entirely. It now stood with an array of blood like appendages and bones, each more deadly than the last and tipped with razor sharp edges that hummed in the light with vibration. Alex felt the disturbances in the air and Alex finally understood how it had managed to defeat so many would-be disciples and creatures despite each holding at least ten thousand strength, dexterity, endurance, and equivalent intelligence. This creature was designed specifically to kill them. Still, without options, he charged head first to meet it. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 3: Blood and Bone
Chapter 3 - Blood and Bone
Alex charged at the creature with his dark sword held low and his world quickly became submerged in red blood and bone-white strikes. Blade-like appendages shot forth from the creature''s rippling body, each sharper than the last. The creature''s attacks were everywhere, coming from all angles, every single one of its blows carrying the full force of a cultivator just slightly beyond the Qi gathering stage. Any normal disciple at Alex¡¯s level or stage of cultivation would have died on the spot, finding themselves turned into a bloody pincushion, their nervous system unable to respond to its numerous and powerfully unpredictable attacks. But with his latest skill, Sword Sense, Alex no longer had a nervous system. His sensory receptors to detect internal and external changes in the environment¡ª such as light, sound, touch, temperature, energy, and chemical signals had been completely replaced by a construct of the system. His brain and spinal cord processes to interpret sensory information had similarly been replaced by the system, along with all the functions that entailed. A baseline human¡¯s nerve impulses travelling from the brain to muscles could take around 20-50 milliseconds, and the average human eye could capture 60 to 90 frames per second, maybe 120 for the truly exceptional. The system had taken Alex far beyond that. When Sword Sense coupled with Monarch¡¯s Temporal Drift, he experienced far more than just ¡®slightly¡¯ slower than his surroundings, as the skill''s initial description had suggested. Using just Sword Sense alone, Alex supposed he could probably completely see a hail of bullets moving with some effort, and that would require his eyes capturing the equivalent of somewhere between 40,000 to 200,000 frames per second, although he wouldn¡¯t be surprised if there were experts out there that could witness reality at far greater speeds beyond him. That is, if it weren¡¯t for his Dao. With his Dao''s prodigious influence on his experience of the flow of time, Alex had transcended each of his skill¡¯s initial functions. Both Inner Focus and Sword Sense enhanced his ability to utilize Monarch¡¯s Temporal Drift, Outer Focus enhanced his ability to use True Sight, and Bestial Senses empowered each one of his skills, and even his Dao. His combination of unique abilities, all stemming from his glitched arrival, had granted powers of perception only reserved for the highest levelled system users and experts of cultivation. Though his body was still limited to system users and first-stage cultivators at and below the 10,000 threshold, his perception had far exceeded those limits. Boundless Dodge. Boundless Dodge. Boundless Dod¡ª Constant applications of the skill became something close to his battle mantra, and it didn¡¯t stop there. With each time the skill was triggered, he rallied Inner Focus to guide each Boundless Dodge, seizing his entire body with the skill¡¯s mana and moving faster than he ever could with his own strength. He had gained near-instantaneous processing of visual and auditory information, reflexive, high-speed reactions to environmental changes, and a continuous preternatural readiness to dodge. With each limb infused and commandeered by Boundless Dodge, he manipulated his movements perfectly as a puppet master would manipulate a marionette. [Boundless Dodge: Mastery 5 > 26 %] Attacks far stronger than his Mana Burn and Allocation-boosted body could handle shot at him from every conceivable angle. He was an embodiment of chaos¡ªhis sword dance becoming a manic blend of the entirety of his expertise, flowing through the katas of kendo, instantly shifting to foundational kenjutsu, performing advanced sword techniques with his left hand and unarmed Koryu with his right. Off balance and blade extended, his knee rose to deflect a spike with the finesse of a seasoned pugilist. The chaos of his blade dance encompassed all. [Eternal Disorder - Blade Dance: Mastery 0 > 14%] An impact. Broke his momentum. A deadly strike from the creature landed, then another, causing his knees to buckle under the force as his soul defence depleted, the damage transferring to the undead two souls stored in Thanatos¡¯s Sovereign. He had seen the attacks coming and yet his body had been too slow to respond. More. I need to be better, he thought. He slowed his perception of time as endless spikes, bones, and weapons of blood rocketed toward him, each capable of devastating his form. Calming his mind, Alex sought the Mushin no Shin, Kendo¡¯s Mind of no Mind.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The ¡®mind of no mind¡¯ was a fundamental aspect of Kendo and Kenjutsu, focused on the idea of having a mind free of thoughts, emotions, and distractions. In this state, the mind would be clear, free from any interference, allowing for pure, instinctive action. It was a concept he had easily mastered back on Earth, but in the many worlds he had found himself in since his reincarnation, the madness of his second life combined with his empathetic nature had only caused him to seek it in the Dao and nowhere else. Now, with no one to protect and no objective to seek aside from winning the battle, he found himself returning to the fundamental concept without the need to channel his Dao offensively. Alex willed Inner Focus to channel mana to his eyes, and his pupils shone bright with energy as he rallied his focus to zero in on only himself and the creature, ignoring all else. Nothing else existed. Only the creature, his arm, and his blade. His Dao slowed his flow of time in bursts while merging with Monarch''s Temporal Drift, causing his control over his perception of time to grow steadily with each blow deflected, his mind settling with each step of ground gained. Through Sword Sense, his soul bypassed his brain''s connections and reaction time, moving beyond the bounds of his physical body. He processed and responded to all sensory cues almost instantaneously. Bestial Senses entwined with the use of the skill and took it further, his body becoming in tune with every sound wave, airwave, vibration, and chemical reaction flowing within the creature of blood. [System Message: Skill consolidation detected¡ª] Without distraction, Alex felt a shift within him, as if he was an ungraspable breeze the creature sought to capture. He felt as though he no longer existed within his body but that instead his consciousness was infused outside of it¡ªhis mind extended to his immediate range encompassing only the space between himself and the creature¡ªignoring all else. As his sensory skills merged, bleeding into each other to work as one, the world around him ceased to exist. Within just under three arm¡¯s paces¡ªthe length of his extended arm and blade¡ªAlex achieved the beginnings of something close to omniscience. He hacked off the creature''s spike. He sliced through a claw. He bisected a bone spear, targeting a section where the sinew was thinnest and only blood connected its appendage, and with an empty mind and a perfect execution of the sweeping technique, he sliced off many more. The creature fled. The creature paused, then turned, shooting across the clearing in a blur of sinew and flesh, away from Alex. Its massive limbs sent an explosion of blood-soaked earth as it moved with incredible speed. [2-hour mana cooldown in effect. Skill unavailable] Alex could hear the crunch of sinew and bone of the creature''s movements as he slowed to a stumble and crouched low. With his mana depleted, his mind devoid of thoughts, and his consciousness expanded beyond the range of his physical body through his skills, Alex¡¯s Qi swirled and flowed in the void left by his mana¡¯s departure. He breathed and moved, blurring past the bloody destruction of the clearing in the Qi-filled movements of the Charging technique as he chased the creature down. Impermanence circled his blade''s edge as his downward swing¡ª angled to utilise the fleeing monstrosity¡¯s momentum¡ª sliced through the its neck, then hardened blood, then bone, and then finally its core. [You have defeated¡­] The creature collapsed in a heap as his dark blade, Eclipse¡¯s surface rippled, absorbing its blood like a hungry fiend. And a slew of notifications Alex had previously considered mere distractions finally caught his attention. [System Message: Skill consolidation detected] [Initiating Skill consolidation protocol¡­] [Skill: Bestial Senses removed!] [Skill: Monarch''s Temporal Drift removed!] [Skill: Inner Focus removed!] [Skill: Outer Focus removed!] [System Alert: Skill consolidation has been influenced by your class] [Consolidating Skill Masteries¡­] [Completed] [A ranked Skill - SwordSaint¡¯s Domain (Passive) gained!] Alex sat down in a heap as his blade continued to absorb the creature''s blood. A sigh escaped his lips as he closed the notifications. I¡¯m far enough from the clearing. It¡¯s probably the perfect time to try to cultivate the ¡®Divine Bovine Vessel¡¯ and regain some strength before any more of those things arrive. The technique required the user to be near death in order to bolster their life. It should work, Alex thought. If that wasn¡¯t a near-death experience then I¡¯ll eat my sword. He eyed his dark demonic blade, its surface rippling as it became covered in blood and Qi. Well, maybe not Eclipse, but a different, less demonic sword. He closed his eyes to cultivate, before they immediately shot open in alarm. He felt someone enter within his range of detection, a person heading to his position at the edge of the clearing from the direction of the portal. There was a good chance whoever it had been had witnessed a portion of his fight, if not the entirety. Alex¡¯s head turned sharply, snapping his face to see¡­ Jin. The star disciple stood there, slack-jawed, his eyes drifting from the beast''s corpse, to the rippling sword absorbing its blood, then to Alex¡¯s seated and unharmed form, then back to the clearing filled with dead beasts and would-be disciples. Jin stood there for a moment, speechless, eyeing Alex with intense curiosity¡ª as though he had just seen the impossible. Or as though he had just witnessed a demon in human form. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 4: Wheat & Chaff
is he... why is he smiling? Are they all nuts? Alex keenly sensed the faintest upturn in the corners of Jin''s lips as the youth surveyed the blood-soaked destruction with relish. Alex turned to regard his visitor, as Jin finally broke the silence. "What happened here?" Jin¡¯s voice was cool, deeply contrasting the scene of chaos around them. Alex looked at Jin, taking in his immediate return to a composed demeanour. "I killed it," Alex said simply, his voice flat in an attempt to hide the turmoil within. Jin approached, his eyes scanning the bodies with clinical detachment. "You''re not hurt?" "No," Alex replied curtly, his fingers tightening warily around his sword''s hilt. Jin knelt by the creature''s remains, examining it closely. "Remarkable," he muttered, more to himself than to Alex. "You managed to defeat one of the Little Demon''s creations. How?" Alex shrugged, wiping the blade clean. "Luck, maybe. Or instinct." He watched Jin''s reaction, wary of revealing too much. He had made sure to avoid triggering his active skills due to the possibility of being seen, but the skill he had displayed would still prove difficult to explain. And I don''t have enough Qi reserves for another battle... he''s going to have to buy whatever I''m selling, Jin''s gaze shifted to Alex, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Just instinct, you say?... Sure." He stood, brushing dirt from his robes. "it''s not uncommon for people with enemies to hide their true capabilities, Ah-lex. if you have such enemies within the sect, then I''d suggest finding allies." Alex scoffed internally at the idea of trusting any of the uncompromisingly competitive disciples he had witnessed thus far, before deciding to change the subject. ¡°Either way, It¡¯s done. Whatever this thing was, it won¡¯t harm anyone else now.¡± Jin briefly schooled his expression to one of stoic observation, before his face brightened as he stepped closer to inspect the beast. ¡°Yes, you did quite the number on it. That was some fight.¡± So he did see the fight, Alex thought. It''s a good thing there was no active skill use, or we''d probably be fighting to the death now. Alex nodded, wiping his brow. ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy. This thing... it was fast, stronger than all of us.¡± "Is it a spirit beast?" Alex ventured, "I''ve rarely ever seen one up close, and this one looks... Strange." "it is and it isn''t." Jin began before hesitating, "It''s a cross between beast and man, most likely merged to greater strength through demonic rituals of some kind." Jin''s gaze was unyielding. "A spirit beast isn''t a mere animal, like the monsters our ''system'' creates through altered physiology with concentrations of mana, those are mindless and driven by the instinct to consume or absorb more of their ''mana''." Jin spoke the word ''mana'' with sheer disregard and a wave, as though it was beneath him to even mention the energy. "Spirit beasts cannot be compared. They are born from the spiritual qi of the world, possessing powers and intelligence that often surpass that of sentient beings. Their lineage usually endows them with unmatched potential, too. It can make them extremely powerful and dangerous, depending on the type." "You''ve heard of Elder Zhen''s spirit beasts, haven''t you?" Jin''s voice cut through the silence, a casual yet probing tone.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Alex, not wanting to appear ignorant, nodded slowly. "Yes, of course. They are said to be of legendary stock." He hoped his vagueness would mask his lack of knowledge. Jin glanced at Alex, a knowing look of excitement in his eyes. "Yes, they''re not just any spirit beasts. The beasts are young, but their lineage is unparalleled." "They are the two beasts we must locate. The Fire Tiger and the fledgling Blood Phoenix. As the Fire Tiger comes from volcanic mountains, we will have to be wary of its flames and molten lava. Its hide will be nearly impenetrable, and it regenerates by absorbing heat. I suggest we tackle the Phoenix." He paused, as though expecting resistance from Alex, then continued when he met none. "Yes, it is more powerful, yet it will be more open to negotiation. It is a creature of rebirth, fire, and blood, capable of defying the heavens and resurrecting from its ashes. It will not fear death nor see us as a threat." "Every spirit beast in this realm will likely be nurtured to the highest stages of cultivation and become our rewards. Fully developed, their cores and flesh can be the greatest of prizes." He leaned closer to meet Alex''s gaze. "you should pay attention to any that catches your eye. They can either become companions, alchemic ingredients or we can have their cores, bones and flesh removed to create equipment and weapons, or simply consume them to enhance our stages, though I''m sure some will have attempted to escape by then." "...I see," Alex responded, before pausing to look at Jin and pointing at the defeated blood creature. ¡°And I''m guessing you arrived just in time to see this creature fall?" Jin''s eyes glittered as he nodded and nudged the beast with his boot. ¡°Shame I missed the fun. It''s a relief that you survived, though I would have loved to have helped you defeat it." "You did what needed to be done. Efficiently, I might add. There¡¯s something almost... poetic about the destruction.¡± He crouched down, examining the beast''s claws. "And it''s quite the specimen. I wonder what made it tick." Alex frowned slightly but said nothing about Jin¡¯s comment. Instead, he sheathed his sword and started to look around at the remains. ¡°The others... they didn¡¯t stand a chance.¡± Jin shrugged, indifferent. ¡°Such is life. Or death, in this case.¡± He crouched down, touching the blood-soaked ground, then looking up at Alex. ¡°So, what¡¯s next? Do we leave them here for the vultures and head for the eight-stage spirit beast, or the ninth? You won''t be able to face either alone, you know. Even with your hidden genius." Alex¡¯s jaw tightened as he glanced around the carnage. ¡°We need to bury them. They deserve that much.¡± He began to gather the bodies, starting with the nearest one, a young woman. "You''re joking, surely." Jin watched him for a moment, then sighed dramatically. ¡°If you insist. Not like they¡¯ll care now, though.¡± He reluctantly started to help, albeit less reverently, As they worked in silence, Jin spoke again, his tone casual. ¡°So, Ah-lex, where did you learn to fight like that? That was not the proficiency you displayed in our duel." Alex glanced at him briefly. ¡°I''ve always been good at fighting and surviving. Perhaps I''m a genius, as you said." Jin nodded, seeming to agree with Alex''s words. Alex hesitated, then added, ¡°What about you? You don¡¯t seem too fazed by all this.¡± Jin looked up, meeting Alex''s gaze. "I''ve seen worse," he said simply. "People can be far more monstrous than any beast. You learn to get used to it." Jin continued digging a grave with a dark indifference in his voice. "This is normal. Perhaps not in other sects, but for the Ben-Nui, it is such." He waved his sword, causing a burst of Qi to flatten the earth and unceremoniously seal the dead. "The unprepared do not last long in this sect and the prepared receive much more than all others. That is why they are the best.¡± Alex didn¡¯t respond immediately, somewhat speechless. He had often found the notion of normalised societal evil quite unrealistic and had expected to meet at least one somewhat good or at least sympathetic cultivator. But it seemed the present sect was not the place to find such a person. He stood over the graves, whispering a silent prayer before departure, while Jin watched with him with a bemused expression. Finally, Jin broke the silence once more. ¡°You know, you¡¯re an interesting guy. I think we¡¯ll make a good team.¡± After a while, Alex simply said, ¡°We should get moving.¡± Jin nodded, surprisingly cooperative. ¡°let''s search and try to at least locate either spirit beast by nightfall? Alex looked at him, studying his face. ¡°Maybe. Sure. But for now, let¡¯s just focus on avoiding the source of the blood creatures.¡± Then a thought occurred to Alex. Before turning to leave, he stabbed his blade into the ground, surveying the gruesome scene one final time. Blood stained the earth, the scent of iron heavy amongst them. "We need to report this. Get some help out here. The others deserve that much." He started walking deeper into the realm, expecting Jin to follow. Jin didn''t move immediately. He stood there, watching Alex with a contemplative expression. "You don''t know, do you?" Alex turned, confusion crossing his face. "Know what?" Jin looked around, taking in the carnage with a detached gaze. "The Little Demon of Winding Bloods did not break in," Jin said, his tone calm. "He was captured and placed in the hidden realm by the sect. They want to separate the wheat from the chaff, and likely crippled him in some way to give the best of us a chance." Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 5: The Lake of Blood and Tears
"The Little Demon of Winding Bloods did not break in," Jin said, his tone calm. "He was captured and placed in the hidden realm by the sect. They wanted to separate the wheat from the chaff, and likely crippled him in some way to give the best of us a chance." "But even crippled, we are all unlikely to survive an encounter. After all, how can someone on the first step defeat a demonic cultivator on the path of the next stage- Foundation Establishment?" - Jin, Provisional Outer Disciple of the Ben Nui Sect
Chapter 5: The Lake of Blood and Tears Alex frowned, Jin''s words sinking in slowly. "The elder is probably hoping the demonic blood arts will empower his fledgling phoenix," Jin continued. Alex shook his head. "But that''s horrible. So many have died." Jin straightened up, brushing off his hands. "People die every day. This one''s just more... dramatic." He glanced at Alex appraisingly. "You handled the first encounter well, though. Most would have run." ¡Á¡Á¡Á Sometime later. Alex and Jin moved silently through the hidden realm, their eyes sharp and senses heightened as they both searched for any hint of the powerful spirit beasts they were tasked with retrieving evidence of. Alex followed closely, his senses heightened, detecting the faintest sounds and movements. his sharp gaze caught the glint of blood on a nearby rock, as well as distant shattered trees and deep sword slashes marking paths tread by surviving prospective disciples. His competition. So they''re not just fighting the beasts... Alex realised as he scanned the area within his range, noting every broken or chipped weapon and discarded piece of equipment, each telling a story of struggle and defeat. They''re fighting each other, too. They''re competing. He glanced ahead at Jin, who was excitedly muttering about something that sounded like ''spirit resonance''. Perhaps I should expect Jin to betray me, too. Although I can''t imagine what he''d gain from it, Alex thought. He pulled up the notifications his ''fellow disciple''s'' arrival had previously distracted him from viewing. [A ranked Skill - SwordSaint¡¯s Domain (Passive) gained!] You have defeated [Error - Non-System Entity - Quantifying¡­] [Quantification Accepted] [You have defeated level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Blood Familiar (Qi Gathering: Second stage) - additional experience points due to the level difference. Assimilating experience.] [Experience Assimilated.] [Qi 6 > 8] Huh. That''s interesting, Alex thought as he studied the increase in his internal Qi. He had learned that the ''Qi'' section of his status represented many things. Not only did it roughly translate to the amount of hours he had spent cultivating, it also dictated the amount of Qi he could utilise at any given time, and the amount of spiritual power stored within his dantian. It took me about 5 hours of cultivating to get that number to increase from 1 to 6, that''s probably why I felt so drained after killing the Blood Familiar... I don''t have enough Qi for extensive use... But then again, killing a single spirit beast at the lowest stage just gave me 2 extra points... So I''d have to beat about 4000 of them to gain a year''s worth of Qi, but... Two hours of cultivation gained just like that? As experience? Alex was keenly aware of his present advantages and disadvantages in the sect. All of the other disciples would likely possess years worth of experience and results from cultivating to bolster and strengthen their dantians, in comparison to his few hours. Back on earth, many martial groups often trained their disciples from childhood, and he would not expect much different from a society that seemingly valued martial prowess above all else. Whether it was archery, muay thai, or something more common like taekwondo, on Earth, although many joined at all stages of life, many others would start in their youth. If they''re anything like the Shaolin, or even football, even the worst of them will have loads of years worth of training, cultivating, and strengthening themselves, he thought, glancing at Jin in consideration. But none of the others possessed multicoloured spiritual roots or the system... that''s got to count for something. He thought. He would have to master his unrestricted system to gather as many techniques and as much Qi as possible, as without it, he would find himself deeply disadvantaged- not in skill, but in energy and physicality. With that thought, he found a question stirring within him. If my system assimilates Qi from any spirit beast I defeated, wouldn''t it grant me Qi as experience for defeating other cultivators? it made sense, that had to be the case. At this rate, finding and defeating spirit beasts or imperials would probably be the most efficient method of growing in strength... He considered the numbers. he would have to kill thousands of cultivators at the first or second level of Qi gathering to gain a single year''s worth of cultivated strength. So I have a ticket to power... As long as I go on an unchecked killing spree... and don''t face any powerhouses along the way... I could catch up to the others in no time, he sighed, moving on to the details of his latest skill, SwordSaint¡¯s Domain. [A ranked Skill - SwordSaint¡¯s Domain (Passive) gained!] [SwordSaint¡¯s Domain (Passive) - Within the Sword Saint''s Domain, every breath resonates with silent power, weaving destiny and fate into a song of unwavering precision, where blades sing of mastery and power. Within the Domain, the user''s consciousness is capable of extending beyond their physical body, gaining heightened sensory awareness. They can perceive every movement, sound, and subtle change in the environment whether from highly attuned sensitivity to vibrations transmitted through surfaces such as the ground, plants, or the walls. detect air currents, vibrations and sound waves, energy chemical signals within the domain, and gain a detailed, almost three-dimensional view of your surroundings that transcends several mundane materials and limitations. The user gains unparalleled control over their sensory perception within the domain, able to enhance any of their choosing, including their perception over the flow of time. The user can experience time slightly slower than their surroundings, granting them more reaction time and allowing them to perceive and plan movements with greater precision. allowing the user to exploit micro-moments of stillness to accelerate their actions. Increased perception and reaction time will allow for the exploitation of micro-moments for sudden bursts of speed and the execution of rapid movements with perfect bodily control. The user gains a clarity of vision to perceive most energies within their domain''s range, can freely manipulate any internal energy as they wish, and gains a very limited influence over any external energy they perceive within their domain.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. The range of the domain can be condensed from 20 feet to 1, with the shorter range resulting in vastly increased perceptual and martial capabilities in exchange for reduced awareness beyond the domain''s borders. Within this domain, all sword techniques are amplified, and a heightened awareness allows the user a clear view of all weapon trajectories. Higher levels of mastery will lead to better control over the domain''s benefits, range, and capabilities. Current range: 15 feet] So it consolidated Inner Focus, Outer Focus, Bestial Senses and Monarchs Temporal Drift while adding the ability to sense sword trajectories. And then it turned them all into a domain I can control? He slowed his stride, very briefly considering the skills possibilities. The skill pairs really well with Sword Sense''s enhanced reaction time and Pierce Reality''s spatial strikes... I wonder what influence it would have on Techniques? He suspected it would be significant. And it says I can become a little omniscient or omnipresent within it depending on how much I condense and concentrate its range? With each step, Alex could distinctly feel the edge of his domain. I can see past its borders just fine, but the world beyond 15 feet feels... fuzzy. Outside of his domain''s range, the world felt the same as it would to any baseline human with nothing but sights and sound to rely on. On a whim, Alex concentrated, focusing all of his attention on the space between himself and the prodigy, Jin. Within the seven feet between them, the world snapped into sharp, all-encompassing clarity. He felt infinitely attuned to vibrations through surfaces within the reach of his blade and the space between them, air currents shifted, alerting him to passing insects and notes of dust, sound waves brushed past not his ears, but his skin, and energy-infused chemical signals painted a picture much more vivid than any eye at his level or stage of cultivation was ever meant to see. He could see the surrounding Qi and mana clearly, as well as other energies he couldn''t quite recognise, gaining a clearer look than he''d ever thought possible. He could see Jin''s dantian as clearly as he could see the distant sky, and Alex felt that if he condensed his domain further, his sight would be enhanced to capture every facet and detail of his companion''s internal energy. Within just seven feet, he had gained a detailed, fourth-dimensional perception of his surroundings that transcended what should have been possible. Beyond the space between them and past his condensed domain''s borders, however, the world dimmed, as though fading from existence. So that''s the drawback, he realised. When I condense the domain, my skill improves but I can hardly even see the world beyond it. He squinted at the slightly dimmed and faded world, attempting to improve his senses beyond the condensed space. It said I could extend my consciousness outside of my body, too...let''s give it a try. He blinked, and found himself disjointed, staring at Jin and himself from the opposite side of their path. The sensation was somewhat nauseating and much more intense than any of his other experiences with skills. He felt as though he had possessed the senses of every blade of grass, insect, and molecule of air within the space, gaining thousands of eyes in an instant. Whoa. Omniscience is trippy, he thought, clutching and shaking his head to alleviate the nausea as he released his focus, his sensory domain expanding and returning to its natural state, allowing him to continue his journey unimpeded. As they advanced, they encountered various system monsters and lesser beasts, dispatching them swiftly and efficiently, leaving fresh trails of blood and new scars on the landscape. Each sign of previous conflict from other disciples, Qi-infused remnants of destruction, or evidence of blood creatures they encountered was meticulously noted, guiding their relentless pursuit of the two most powerful spirit beasts that lurked deeper within the realm. [You have defeated...] [You have defeated...] [You have defeated...] [You have defeated...] [2-hour mana cooldown ended. Skills now available fo-] Alex''s review of his notifications came grounding to a halt as a disturbing sight came into view. Both he and Jin stood at the edge of an unnatural space, crushed and hacked trees met flattened ground, and a small lake of blood inches deep that shone almost imperceptibly with Qi covered the floor of the collapsed space. in the centre of the lake lay the corpse of a blood creature similar to the one Alex had faced but smaller, and around it lay the bodies of those that had slain it. about 13 disciples lay at different intervals in the lake of blood. Each within Alex''s view bearing fatal injuries. Alex paused, surveying the gruesome scene with concern, curiosity, and paranoia in equal measure. Before he could voice his queries, Jin paused too, raising a hand and drawing in a deep breath. "You hear that?" Alex strained to listen, his eyes darting around the dense forest. "No birds... No creatures.... It''s too quiet." His senses tingled with an unusual void. "Something''s wrong." Jin nodded slowly, eyes scanning their surroundings. "Yeah, it should never be this way. Stay alert." They moved cautiously, their footsteps muffled by layers of fallen and displaced leaves as they approached the edge of the lake of blood, neither daring to set foot in it. Instead, they circled the edge of the lake, slowly, the stench of death hitting them before they could see the carnage in greater detail. The unnatural lake soon came into greater view, littered with the remains of a small herd of deer and greater creatures. The bodies were torn apart, blood still above the soil. The silence was almost oppressive. Suddenly, Alex stopped and pointed ahead. "Look, over there!" He whispered, spotting movement. "Something''s on the ground." in the centre, a sobbing girl sat beside the blood creature''s corpse amidst the bodies in grief, her blood covered hair covering her face, and her robes drenched in blood. Jin eyed her warily. Alex did too. She''s drenched in the stuff, did she fall? But if so, how is she uninjured?... Alex peered closer. Something''s not right... The sobbing girl was far out of the range of his SwordSaint''s Domain, and as such, he couldn''t glean any details other than what his eyes could see from where he stood. "Let''s wait and see what happens," Alex whispered. Jin nodded in agreement. "Someone... Anyone... Help!... They''re dying!" The blood-covered crying girl in the centre of the lake of blood and corpses, screamed the words to the sky. Her voice echoed strangely across the red body of liquid. ''They''re'' dying? Who? There''s nobody else here! Alex looked around and saw none living except for him, Jin, and the bloody girl. This is obviously a trap, and a poor one at that, he scoffed. Surely nobody would fall for thi- A crash sounded. Another group of 10 or so disciples burst through the trees and into the lake without hesitation. All of them rushing towards the blood-soaked girl. Alex recognised the boy leading them. Lui Xian, the only other prodigy to have a golden spirit root of supreme potential at the spirit stone test. Besides Jin, that boy was probably among the strongest of those who had entered the realm. "!" The boy screamed a name Alex couldn''t quite hear as he arrived at the centre of the lake. The name of the crying girl. Oh, so he knows her, they''re all shouting her name, Alex thought, relaxing his grip on his blade as he eyed the reunion. The 10 disciples surrounded the blood-soaked girl with relief, each seeking to comfort her through her unrelenting bloody tears. I guess it wasn''t a trap after al- The sobbing girl in the centre of the lake exploded, bursting into a wave of blood, As did the corpse of the blood beast beside her. And every unmoving body in the lake. A wave of red liquid rose high into the air. The wave engulfed her would-be saviours until nothing remained but a slightly deeper lake, which shone gold with Qi and quickly receded, transforming into the form of tens of blood creatures, Then a hundred, Then slightly more in number, each swivelling to face the two surviving observers. "Run!" Jin yelled, but Alex had already Leapt. The creatures charged at Alex and Jin''s retreating forms, each creature their equal in strength and cultivation, every single one exceeding them in speed, and each exploding into waves of red death that engulfed them both as it had engulfed Lui Xian and the others. As death closed in around Alex, he condensed his domain, slowing time as far as it would go, and did the only thing he could think of. Allocation, Sovereign Clone... Thousands Become One. Wait... Eclipse... Eclipse absorbs blood... it''s the only way out of this. As all swords within the region gathered beneath his will and the blood of the creatures engulfed him whole, He plunged his transfoming humanoid sword into his chest, merging it with his soul. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 6: Inner Demons - Part 1
But who was its master? It wondered. It was not alone; around it, other monsters of flesh and blood stirred, and soon the monster found its place within the pack. Each member of the pack raised their heads in alarm as they all heard a voice, overwhelmingly audible, that seemed to come from within and without, stemming from a speck of power forming within them. The voice connected them with a beacon of something powerful, a distant point of overwhelming energy that called to the pack, shining like a second sun in the distance and promising something more. The voice also told them to hunt and grow in number, injecting images in the pack heads of a peculiar prey that walked on two legs and carried metal claws called "swords". Each member instinctively sensed that consuming such prey would bring about an exceptional evolution. The monster''s thoughts were a chaotic swirl of instincts and sensations. It followed the pack, but its mind was divided, split by its growing desire to find and consume one of the bipedal, sword-carrying prey species. The pack moved as one and quickly became a seamless unit of death. Beasts fell beneath their claws, their blood adding to the thick mire that coated the monster''s skin. With each kill, it felt a spark of growth, as each beast it consumed added to the spirit beast core slowly forming within it. It was a sensation both intoxicating and bewildering, driving it to seek more, to consume more. Strange images and panels filled the monster''s vision with each kill, symbols it couldn''t understand. The monster sensed they carried words of power, and yet it was not capable of speech. It waved the panels and symbols away and continued to head for the beacon. The voice in its head grew louder, more persistent. "Hunt and return," it said, a command it could not ignore. The hunt continued, the pack''s relentless pursuit of beasts a backdrop to the monster''s inner turmoil. With each kill, it grew stronger, closer to uncovering the truth of its existence. The beacon called to it, a promise of destiny and purpose. It did not know what awaited it at the journey¡¯s end, but it felt a deep, unshakable conviction that it would find what it sought. And so, it hunted. The beacon the blood monster sensed became clearer and brighter. The voice in its head grew stronger, more insistent. Soon it was a guiding light in the darkness of its existence. It did not understand what the beacon was or why it felt compelled to follow it, but the need was undeniable. It was as if the beacon held the answers to the questions it did not yet know how to ask. Soon its pack encountered a beast unlike any other. This creature was massive, its hide thick and impenetrable, its eyes burning with a burning fire that reminded each member of the pack of the beacon, causing them to hesitate. A guttural growl rumbled from the beast beside it. Instinctively, the monster''s claws elongated, sharp and ready. The battle was fierce, the pack''s claws slicing through the air in a deadly display. As the monster fought, the fractured memories of the being it had usurped, ''Alex'', surged to the forefront of its mind, a life it could not fully understand but felt in every fibre of its being. A crack began to form in the outer growths of its beast core, and at the instant the crack formed, the distant beacon that guided the blood creatures flared. [System Message: Host designated ''Alex Ironwood'' resisting transformation. Host Ego designated ''Eclipse'' resisting familiar tether. Internal conflict immenent] "Impossible... A consumed consciousness appears to be fighting back, and two of them at that?" The words of the beacon rocked its very being. The monster felt the entire focus of the beacon bearing down on it and the pack that surrounded it. It shuddered under the attention of what it felt to be its creator. The voice of the beacon caused them to battle harder, and just a little deadlier, each member fighting with an almost religious fervour, each creature desperate to please the beacon that guided them. The final blow came with a bone-shaking roar, the large and powerful prey collapsing in a heap of blood and flesh. The monster stood over its prey, panting, its body thrumming with the energy of the kill. The pack moved on, but the monster lingered for a moment, staring at the fallen spirit beast. The memories of the prey it had been formed from- a being the stolen memories called ''Alex''- were clearer now, the shadowy figure more distinct. The blood creature did not know what an ''Imperial'' was, but it felt a deep, inexplicable hunger for the bipedal figure in its memories. Consuming such an exceptionally powerful prey would bring an equally exceptional evolution, it was certain of that now. More words came to it from Alex''s ''system'', but it did not care for the tools of prey and waved them away. It felt the spirit beast core within it pulse and grow, a surge of power that was almost overwhelming. But with the power came a moment of clarity¡ªa fleeting glimpse of understanding that vanished as quickly as it came. The outer layers of its core cracked further, a spiderweb of resistance that weakened its attunement to the beacon. "You. come to me. The rest of you, bring them to me and do not allow either of them to die." The voice of the beacon roared in each member of the pack''s spirit cores, and at its behest, the monster moved with purpose, driven by a being much greater than itself. Around it, others of its kind moved with a similar purpose, a pack of nightmares born of flesh and blood. They communicated through guttural sounds, gestures, and a combined understanding of the signal that bound them together as they constantly raced for their goal. Until abruptly, the monster and its pack found themselves at the edge of a vast chasm, the beacon pulsating from leagues within. The voice in the creature''s head was a roar now, filling the blood-monster-with-stolen-memories-of-Alex with both fear and anticipation. The bloody creature stood at the brink of the chasm, sensing the beacon of its master¡ªthe Little Demon of Winding Bloods¡ª deep within the chasm''s depths as its thought''s blazed in maelstrom of confusion and determination.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Without hesitation, it leapt into the abyss. *** ¡Á¡Á¡Á Alex [System Message: Warning - Host integrity compromised - Transformation detected, Familiar tether detected] [...] [Skill ¡®Soul Sword¡¯ has consumed enchanted weapon ''Eclipse'' - Error - Ego sword detected] [Creating Consciousness Subsumption Realm...] [Ego Assimilating...] [Dynamic Quest - ¡®Inner Ego¡¯: You have used the Mythic Rank class skill ''Sword Soul'' to consume an enchanted sword ego, ''Eclipse''. As the necessary skill mastery has not been met, the ego must be subjugated in order to achieve assimilation. An opportunity to increase the skill''s mastery presents itself to you - Subjugate the sword Ego ''Eclipse'', to increase the skill''s mastery and gain permanent access to the blade''s ego and related abilities. Failure to subjugate will result in permanent possession] [Enhanced Reward: Soulbound Weapon ''Eclipse'', Soulbound Sword Ego ''Eclipse'', D Ranked skill ''Absolution'', D Ranked skill ''Bloodforged'', enhanced resistance to familiar transformation, usurpation of familiar tether, repossession of host body Failure Penalty: Loss of sword ego ''Eclipse'', Permanent Loss of host body, Ego possession and transformation into a 1. Manifestation of Eclipse 2. Familiar of designation ''Unknown'', Loss of will.] The old man awoke to find himself standing in an endless void of blood and flesh, where the air held a metallic taste. He didn''t know how he got there. In fact, he couldn''t remember much of anything, not even his name. Though his muscles felt strong, his skin felt wrinkled and grey, hanging loosely over his bones. His body ached and his every step was an introduction to old injuries. Yet he had no memory of his past, his arrival, or even his birth, only the raw sensation of pain and confusion accompanied his thoughts. A shadow materialized before him, coalescing into a towering figure. As it solidified, a monstrous metallic horned being stood there. A being of black metal with a face he saw resembling the reflection of his own, only younger and infinitely more demonic. It bore a third eye atop its forehead that surveyed the surroundings as its lower eyes remained fixed on him. The demon''s form was jagged and metallic with two barbed horns that reached for the sky and skin a sleek black metal filled with patterns that shone yet reflecting nothing. Its eyes, three, were deep voids that burned crimson, and its mouth a line of serrated teeth. Its hands bore long claws, sharp and glinting, and a sword, obsidian in colour yet metallic in nature, was bound and fused with its flesh, jutting out from its right hand. The old man studied the demon''s tail, a long, thick, and bladed thing that dragged across the ground, leaving gouges in the earth beneath as it regarded him curiously. The man felt a tremor in his chest, an instinctive recognition of danger and the primal urge to act. His hands, both leathery and scarred, flexed instinctively and reached for something that wasn''t there. It''s not moving, it''s just standing there, watching me... maybe it wants something? Or maybe it''s waiting for something? He raised his fists and angled his feet, surprised by the familiarity of the defensive stance. He tried to speak with a voice that felt rough and cracked, "What do you want?" The demonic blade given form paused, its head tilting, a low grinding of metal emanating from its chest. Then it shifted ever so slightly and its tail sliced through the air with a metallic screech. The old man dodged, a movement born of reflex rather than thought. He rolled and once again found himself reaching for something. The lack of -whatever it was- left him with a feeling of absence and a small hollowness that gnawed at him, a void more grating than the darkness before him. He looked down at his hands, gnarled and weak, unfit for combat. Yet, something within him stirred, a sense of belonging. Why am I here? He wondered. Who am I? Why am I even doing this? Then, without warning, it lunged. The old man moved, fluidly dodging the swipe of claws, countering with a swift punch that connected with the creature''s jaw. The blow broke his wrist, the beast''s flesh beyond what a mere human could injure. But the man did not stop. After all, pain was just the body''s way of registering damage, "and pain is just information," the old man muttered, shocked at the first memory that came to him unbidden, a mantra of combat. Scars mapped across his skin suggested a history of violence, though without context, they bore no meaning. Who am I without my memories? Or a past to anchor me? Do I even exist without them? His thoughts drifted to the possibility that identity could be more than just a collection of memories. Perhaps it was the narrative one constructed from those experiences. Yet, without memories, what narrative could he know himself by? The old man realized that in the absence of a coherent narrative, he was left to define himself through his actions in the present. Each swing of his fist, each decision made in the heat of battle, became the building blocks of his current existence. The demon snarled, its bladed tail whipping around with deadly force. The old man ducked under the tail, his eyes locked onto the black sword at its end. It pulled at him, a magnetic force that felt like destiny. The demon''s welded sword arced down. The old man sidestepped, catching the demon''s wrist and elbow, using the creature''s momentum to sever the extended tail blade he had dodged earlier. The demon staggered back, crouching low, a guttural screeching roar escaping its maw as metal ground against metal within its chest and the metallic stump at the end of its tail began to regrow, absorbing the surrounding blood to fuel the process. The old man grasped the hilt of the severed tail-blade at his feet, the cold weight of the strangely familiar bladed weapon settling in his hand. For a moment, the void seemed less oppressive, and the surrounding blood and flesh less invasive. The two fought a strange waltz, both combatants moving with practised expertise and martial prowess, the old man¡¯s movements precise, the demon¡¯s savage and beastly. The two eviscerated the land in the process of their battle and soon the destruction they caused attracted a third entity, one that sprouted from the very land itself. [System Message: Warning - Host integrity compromised - A third foreign ego has been detected] [Skill ¡®Soul Sword¡¯ incapable of Assimilating third foreign ego. Cause: Non-Sword ego] [System Message: Warning - Third foreign ego designated ''level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Blood Familiar (Qi Gathering: First stage) is invading the Consciousness Subsumption realm. User caution is advised due to the risk of host ego/consciousness permanent consumption.] The blood-soaked earth trembled as the ground split open, revealing a widening chasm filled with flesh and bone. Emerging from the depths was a figure of sinew and muscle, glistening with a wet, crimson sheen. Hardened blood tipped with sharp bones jutted out to create the horrifying visage of an unnatural predator. One intent on consuming both man and Eclipse to complete its transformation. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 7: Inner Demons - Part 2
[System Message: Warning - Third foreign Non-Sword ego designated ''level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Blood Familiar (Qi Gathering: First stage) is invading the Consciousness Subsumation realm. User caution is advised due to the risk of ego/consciousness permanent consumption.]
The ground cracked open beneath the old man''s feet, revealing a chasm filled with blood and sinew. From this abyss, a creature emerged, its body a grotesque mass of exposed muscle and bone. The old man watched with his dark blade, stolen from the sword demon''s tail, held aloft. His gaze was steady, though his mind churned. The metallic dark demon, Eclipse, stood beside him with its third eye glaring and bladed tail swaying. Both combatants observed the twisting landscape in stunned silence, their battle paused by the new arrival. Their halted death match had left marks on both: the old man''s body bore bruises and cuts, whereas the demon''s metal skin was dented, cracked, and chipped, though the blood it constantly absorbed seemed to slowly heal it, giving it a second, third, and fourth life against him. It was also completely comprised of some dark metal, devoid of internal organs and almost impossible to kill. He had gotten the better of the demon several times, believing himself close to victory, but the metal demon was surprisingly resilient and mimicked his moves with uncanny savagery, constantly healing itself through the endless blood of the realm. Distracted, he felt the shifting weight of his weapon as it drank in the blood that flowed across the ground, growing in size and sharpness with each gallon, taking the shape of a sword better suited to his grip. Hmm... The demon''s appendage consumes blood even after it''s been separated, and its shape seems to depend on my will... that''s useful. He sensed through the weapon that he could alter its edge as he wished, but somehow the edge of a sword similar to what the metal demon carried just felt... Right. Perfect. Fragmented thoughts swirled in his mind as his eyes moved from the settling blade to his wrists, then his arms, and then his shoulders, viewing the endless marks and scars that covered him. The scars mapped across his skin suggested a history of violence, yet his mind was devoid of any connecting memories. This absence of recollection left him questioning the essence of his being. The towering blood beast fully emerged with its eyes blazing red. Its face was grotesque, predatory, and monstrous, yet bore a striking resemblance to his own. The old man hesitated with strange recognition. Both creatures bore faces both alien and unsettlingly familiar. "Do you see it too, sword-demon?" he muttered to his metal foe, not expecting an answer. "That twisted visage... So like ours, yet alien. It''s as if I''m staring into a corrupted reflection." He paused, the realization sinking in. "But which of us is the mirror?" As the blood beast emerged, the old man felt a pang of recognition and wondered whether the flesh beast was his true form, or the blade demon. "Perhaps it''s neither." He muttered, watching the grotesque amalgam of malleable flesh. It didn''t matter, not really. He would have to defeat them both either way, according to the strange ''System'' words he had glimpsed on the blood creature''s arrival. The blood creature advanced with claws that left red trails. The ground beneath him pulsed in reaction to the creature''s presence. Spikes of bone jutted upwards, forcing him to dodge and weave, every action a reflex born of experience he couldn''t recall. But each successful dodge brought him closer to who he truly was. So this new creature can freely control the blood and flesh in the land. Defeating it and the metal demon at the same time will be... difficult, he thought, observing how the landscape responded to the blood creature''s every whim. The demon, Eclipse, lunged at the bloodbeast, its movements wild yet purposeful. The old man followed, his dark blade slicing cleanly through the tendrils of flesh that rose to block his path. His blade, stolen from the sword demon''s tail, absorbed any blood it came into contact with, growing darker with each cut. As the demon moved, its tail whipped through the air to strike the old man, and its claws struck at him with calculated ferocity as the blood beast descended on them both. A three-pronged battle ensued. ¡Á¡Á¡Á The bloodbeast surged with primal joy, its massive form rippling with raw power. The sight of the bipedals before it, so small and fragile, filled it with ravenous ecstasy. It marvelled at the rarity of finding not one but two to devour. This was a feast it had long awaited. The sinewy muscles coiled beneath its exposed flesh as it lunged towards what its stolen memories called an ''old man'', the vision of his consumption a tantalizing prospect. Its claws, sharp as spears, slashed at the ground, ripping apart the landscape of flesh and bone, eager to trap the prey. The metallic taste of blood in the air was a symphony to its senses, heightening its frenzy. It felt so powerful! As it moved, the ground responded, tendrils of hardened blood reaching out to ensnare the adversaries. KILL! HUNT! GROW! EVOLVE! Its instincts surged as it lunged forward, aiming its massive claws at the closest figure, the metal demon. The demon sidestepped with a fluid motion and struck, causing the bloodbeast''s claws to rake through the fleshy ground instead as it twisted in pain. The sensation of tearing through the environment''s flesh was less satisfying than what it craved. No matter, the old man was bound to be weaker. It turned and went for him instead. ¡Á¡Á¡Á The Old Man How many of these creatures are there? The old man wondered, feeling the ground tremble as the blood beast lunged with claws that tore through the crimson landscape. A massive claw missed him by inches, the air crackling with the force of the strike. His grip tightened, and he swung, the blade cutting through the thick, sinewy arm of the beast, dark blood spraying across the red-soaked ground. The beast''s left side is wounded. If I can keep it focused on me, maybe the demon will take advantage of that. At the thought, the metal demon erupted from behind, claws flashing with metallic fury. The old man spun, deflecting a savage blow aimed at his neck, sparks flying as blade met claws. Or... it can just attack me, too, he thought, driving the demon back with a swipe aimed at its third eye. "You''re strong, demon. I''ll give you that," The old man muttered, almost to himself. "But strength alone isn''t what defines a being." The blood beast recovered with a roar that rippled through the receding landscape. It charged, the ground beneath its feet bubbling with flesh and bone, reaching out to ensnare the old man. He didn''t leap or retreat. Instead, he raced forward, escaping the grasping tendrils and closing the distance. The beast''s maw snapped shut, teeth the size of arms gnashing where the old man had stood. With a swift motion, he slashed at the tendrils, severing them, and landed in a crouch.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Why are they both targeting me, anyway? Isn''t this supposed to be a free-for-all? The blood beast fought back, its claws smashing into both demon and man to send them stumbling to a stop. I should''ve dodged that, he thought between gasps, before pondering the true nature of mastery, not just in skill but in understanding the very essence of his practice in combat. The blade in his hand did not distinguish between right and wrong, only cutting through whatever lay in its path. The demon moved, first on two feet before it raced on all four, driven by an insatiable hunger. It bit into the blood beast, tearing chunks of flesh and absorbing its essence. Finally, that''s more like it! The old man thought as he mirrored its motions, his blade slicing cleanly through the bloodbeast, tearing apart any its flesh or claws that rose to challenge him, his blade greedily absorbing the beast''s lifeblood. With each ounce of flesh and blood absorbed, he felt a growing change within him, flashes of a life both familiar and foreign. His actions felt like an exploration of his limits, pushing him toward a deeper understanding of his own transformative potential as he reached for something beyond. [Dao: True Immortality - Progress 1.1 > 1.2%] The old man''s blade continued to absorb the blood, weakening the creature whilst growing darker and heavier with each stroke. He felt deeply connected to the weapon, as if it were an extension of his own soul, each strike of the weapon not just regaining pieces of his self, but redefining it. He even remembered his name, now. He was Alex. And he was a sword. But more than that, he was a protector, too. As the memories came crashing back with each blade swing, like waves against sand, his motivations shifted. He was not just a blade, or a protector. He felt that he was a regular guy in a lot of ways, and many other things besides and then some more he had yet to discover. He missed his friends, his sister, and his grandfather, he even missed sweeping the dojo''s grounds. And he was tired of fighting. Even now, in the midst of battle, the pursuit of perfection in his martial form felt hollow without a greater purpose. It was then, with a deep stab, that the memories of his purpose came crashing into him. He remembered his purpose and the things that drove his martial obsession. He would save Earth... and Pyra... and all system worlds. He would reunite with his family, his friends, and Mei. He would master Mana and perfect his mastery of Qi. And he would destroy the imperials. He would travel to every world they held and destroy them, leaving nothing left. Or, He would just find Earth and leave it all behind, for a while, utilising his unrestricted system to evolve Earth''s system, bring all would-be enemies to thier knees, and create an army of overpowered Earthlings. He hadn''t decided yet. In the wake of new memories, Alex found himself reflecting on the true nature of his self, his goals, combat and the parts of himself that he feared to acknowledge. He recognized the art in his movements, the precision in his strikes. Yet, he also saw the darkness within himself, a side that revelled in the act of killing. Since his rebirth, he had killed hundreds. In some ways, he was a monster, too. Not much different from the demon or bloodbeast. It was time to embrace them both and end this. "So my skills don''t work here?" He muttered to himself, his memories almost wholly returned. But my stats feel inflated, like I''m only as strong as I think I am. Alex''s blade clashed against the demon''s claws, sending sparks flying. He twisted his wrist, deflecting the demon''s attack and driving the blade deep into its chest before flinging it into the massive beast, the two crashing into each other with an impact that shook the land. So I really am much stronger here. Mindscape shenanigans... gotta love ''em. The demon''s third eye blazed, its maw opening to emit a screeching roar. The Blood creature lunged beside it, its massive jaws snapping inches from his already moving face. He sidestepped, the dark blade arcing through the air and slicing clean through one of the beast''s massive legs. The bloodbeast roared in pain, its limb severed, falling heavily to the ground. As the beast struggled to rise, Alex moved in, his blade a blur. He severed another limb, then a third, before he brought the sword down with precision, cleaving through the creature''s neck. The bloodbeast''s grotesque head fell to the ground, and its body collapsed, struggling to regenerate. Alex moved with precision, his dark blade severing the bloodbeast''s tendrils, bones, blood, and flesh, spraying thick crimson fluid. He heard steps racing behind him. With swift, fluid movements, Alex spun and drove his blade into the demon''s midsection, where the blade pierced the metal exterior to near bisection. The demon staggered, its movements faltering. He then spun back to the regenerating bloodbeast, deftly dodging a wild swipe. His dark blade found its mark, slashing across the beast''s exposed core, severing it from muscle and sinew. Alex stood, blood orbiting his blade, the bodies of the blood beast and the demon at his feet. The landscape around him stilled, the chaotic energy dissipating, a vortex sucked into his blade until nothing was left. The landscape was nothing but a metal plane devoid of flesh, with a single glowing pebble lying amidst the quickly fading remains, and the monster''s spirit core. The demon slowly rose to stand opposite him, equally worn and wary but without hostility. It stood a head taller than him with a form lithe and strong. Its horns were long and shot skyward, like a bulls, the welded sword in its hand was striking, long and imposing, almost like a greatsword, and its sword-tail swayed dangerously as it eyed him with reluctant caution. [Quest ¡®Inner Demons¡¯ Completed - You have succeeded in Consciousness Subjugation] [Logging rewards...] [Skill ¡®Soul Sword¡¯ has consumed an ego weapon ''Eclipse¡¯¡­ SoulBound Weapon & Ego ¡®Eclipse¡¯ has been added to your Soul Armoury! Enchantments gained!] [D Ranked skill ''Absolution'' (Passive) gained!] [Absolution - Soulbound to a sword Ego ritualistically forged and doused in the blood of countless captured system beings, your insatiable hunger for unique and higher blood grants you enhanced potential for growth. You draw strength and power from any blood ''Eclipse'' spills and absorbs, both the weapon and wielder will grow in tandem. The more unique, compatible, or higher blood it absorbs, the stronger both it and you will become, granting increased durability and demonic enchantments to the weapon and wielder. Requires the summoning of ''Eclipse'' to activate.] [D Ranked skill ''Bloodforged'' (Passive) gained!] [Bloodforged - Soulbound to a sword Ego ritualistically forged and doused in the blood of countless captured system beings. With every enemy slain, both the wielder and the sword absorb a fragment of their essence (0.001%). As the wielder continues their conquest, the weapon will retain a faint infinitesimal imprint of the prowess displayed by the defeated enemies during combat. the summoning of ''Eclipse'' to activate.] [SwordSoul - Mastery 0 > 11%] [Error - Additional rewards detected... logged.] [Familiar transformation halted. Spirit Beast transformation halted. Familiar tether to ''Unknown'' removed. Current skill mastery is too low to incorporate non-sword ego. Host successfully eradicated foreign Non-Sword ego designated ''level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Blood Familiar (Qi Gathering: First stage)] [Reverting host to original form...] His mind snapped back to reality. [Error - Energy conflict - Unable to remove residual element ''Spirit beast core''. Removal will result in catastrophic energy convergence.] [...] [Energy source ''Spirit Beast Core'' (Type: Qi) gained!] Alex opened his eyes to review the final notification. "What!?" Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 8: Deadly Beasts
[Energy source ''Spirit Beast Core'' (Type: Qi) gained!]
[Ejecting host from Consciousness Subsumption realm] [Reverting host to original form...] Alex opened his eyes - his real eyes - and saw detached lumps of unfamiliar muscle and flesh sloughing off his form, falling away like dead leaves from a tree in autumn. Steam rose from his shoulders as he flicked off pieces of bloody flesh, evidence that he had been far into the process of transforming into a blood familiar of the little demon. [2-hour mana cooldown ended. Skills now available for use] Hmm, more than 2 hours passed? That took much longer than expected, I thought it would only take 5 minutes or so, like last time, he thought, pulling at a particularly persistent strip of foreign muscle as he assessed the notification. After his first encounter with a bloodbeast the entrance to the secret realm and its subsequent defeat, he had discovered a unique aspect of Eclipses blood absorption enchantment. As the blade drank the defeated creature''s blood, the beast¡¯s flesh had withered away, revealing the twisted body of a would-be disciple whose name he couldn''t remember. Eclipse hadn¡¯t reacted to the blood until the beast had lain dead. Perhaps it was because the blood was too rich in Qi? Or maybe the system siphoned the Qi, allowing the blade to absorb its essence? It could easily absorb Jun Li¡¯s blood due to him only being at the Qi gathering stage and thus hardly having any Qi that extended beyond his pathways and meridians. Alex found himself wondering at the number of growth-type weapons out there in the wider universe and the extent of their capabilities. The potential his blade Eclipse held was quite staggering. And now that he had absorbed the blade and bound it to his soul, Eclipse held the power to negate the terrifying transformation of these bloodbeasts. As the final mound of flesh slid from his form, Alex surveyed his surroundings. Looking around, he exhaled in surprise as he found himself in a deep cavern surrounded by what could only be described as a pack of blood familiars identical to the one he had battled in his mindscape. He counted at least fourteen living blood familiars, their towering forms of sanguine flesh flexing with raw strength as they appeared to be feasting on a large corpse of some unrecognisable beast. They had yet to notice him with their attention focused as it was on their feast. The environment was dimly lit by pools of molten lava scattered around the uneven ground. Jagged rock formations loomed, potential cover and obstacles should the creatures finally notice him. A strange sensation erupted from his chest as Alex saw thin almost imperceptible strings of mana extending directly from his heart, breaching his skin, and growing like tree branches until they reached high into the sky, far beyond the limits of his Swordsaint¡¯s Domain. Amidst the shadows of the deep cavern, a glint caught his eye as he followed the thin trails of his mana strings. Looking up, he saw many glints of blue and silver light hanging in the air high above, like glass or crystal stars suspended in the air and reflecting the fiery heat of his surroundings. A connection of mana blossomed from the countless strings extending from his heart, and Alex realised what the strange constructs high above were. They were swords. About a hundred of them, summoned by his skill, Thousands Become one. Alex counted around 20 real swords mixed in with the mana constructs, and among the twenty, about five that shone subtly with a light that could only have been Qi. The real blades must have been pulled from the lake of blood when I summoned the thousands become one skill, and the blades must have followed me the entire time I had turned into a blood beast. I thought they would have instantly crashed into the pack chasing us, but I guess they need my will to strike. And judging by the number, it¡¯ll be a rain of swords that fall like a cluster bomb. Neat. But will it be enough to kill them all? Alex doubted it. Maybe it would take out one or two, or five or more if the Qi-enchanted swords struck the creatures directly in their spirit beast cores, but that was a long shot and one that would be more likely to alert them to his presence than eradicate them. At his level, and with his stats, there was only so much destruction a long-ranged skill could do. But who said he only had to use one skill? He looked up at the swords, utilising his all-encompassing control over the mana within his Swordsaint¡¯s Domain to move the thin mana-strings to align the blades, as a puppeteer would move strings to control a marionette. The strings shifted and the blades above twinkled with reflective light as they moved, until each of the imperial cultivator weapons that possessed Qi were spread evenly above the pack, in a way that would allow his next action to deal the most damage possible. Judging by the strength of the spirit beast cores of the creatures closest to him, they each seemed to be at the peak of the first level of Qi gathering or in some cases at the beginning of the second level. There are nine levels to Qi gathering, and the first and second levels have physicality matching someone with ten to fifteen thousand stats points in each category. Each creature here has somewhere from fifty to seventy-five thousand total stats each, don''t they? He let out a sigh, thinking the words to activate his skills and resolving himself to commit to a dangerous contingency. Thousands Become One. Phoenix Leap, Boundless Dodge, Phoenix Leap. A tsunami of swords came rocketing towards not just the pack of creatures, but towards Alex¡¯s location, too, as he rapidly retreated from the midst of the pack. As a portion of his skill¡¯s summoned blades entered the limits of his domain, he saw them clearly¡ª several of the enchanted blades under his skill¡¯s control were filled with unreadable patterns of Qi, and all of them rocketing towards the pack while blazing subtly with Qi. Out of the frying pan, into the fire, he thought. Mana Blade. Utilising the absolute control of internal mana given to him by Swordsaint¡¯s Domain, Alex held the flow of his skill¡¯s mana with meticulous precision and began to guide it in a direction of his choosing. It was an idea he had gained through learning to cultivate through the Charging Bull Breathing Technique. When he usually activated Mana Blade, the skill¡¯s mana would shoot from his heart to the arm holding a blade and erupt into the blade to drastically enhance its cutting power while infusing it with mana. But with the total control of internal mana given to him by his domain, he commanded the flow of Mana Blade, threading it through his pathways like a needle through fabric, the energy surging within him in a controlled storm as he redirected it back toward the core of power concentrated in his chest. His breaths matched the rhythm of this internal current, sharp and deliberate. He pushed the mana back toward his chest and into his heart, feeling the intense concentration of power that accumulated there, a pulsating engine of constantly generated energy within him.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Then whilst the energy lay within his chest, he pushed his Mana Blade through the thin mana-strings leading from his heart to the countless shooting blades summoned Thousands Become One. Thin lines of visible blue light shot out from his chest, like the delicate strands of a spider¡¯s web. They connected with the countless blades suspended in the air around him. The cave lit up, transformed into a constellation of blue suns, and the beasts froze, caught in the light and distracted from their feast by the sudden change. Mana drained from him, a floodgate opened too wide, slipping through his control like sand through fingers as his skill, Mana Blade, infused the countless blades he had summoned, far more than the single blade it had originally been utilised for. The powerful force of mana filled all summoned constructs and real blades to deal heavy damage, but it was the five enchanted weapons that carried Qi that caused true havoc. His skill, Mana Blade, infused the enchanted blades, merging energies that were never meant to coexist. The five blades that carried Qi erupted into a violent clash of forces, a collision of two storms in the same sky. The dangerous clash of energies erupted, a wave crashing against a brittle shore as the entire sea of blades and chaotic energies crashed into the pack. The world exploded into white, erasing all other colours. Alex shut his eyes as his perception of time sharpened, but the afterimage burned and his domain flared, searing his vision and capturing every detail of the chaos he had unleashed. The chaotic merging of mana and Qi spread from the five blades to the pathways of mana that connected them in an instant, the destructive force splaying outwards, flowing into the mana pathways like poison in a bloodstream and erasing anything they touched from existence in a spray of destruction. It was as if he had created a spiderweb that turned anything it touched into a void of nothingness, completely erasing it from existence. The spiderweb of connected blades quickly became a network of void capable of severing all that crossed its path with absolute finality. The energy sliced through the pack, bisecting creatures at sharp angles, leaving no trace of those directly struck by the five blades. The void surged along the threads, speeding towards Alex like bullets fired from a gun. With no time to waste, Alex deactivated his skill in a rush of panic, disconnecting himself from the deadly force of impending death just before it could consume him. He pulled back, retreating from the brink, his breath quick. The merging of mana and Qi created a hungry absence that erased everything in its path. A thread of voids. Or an abyss. ¡°Holy shit, I almost died.¡± He landed some distance away and surveyed the result of his first intentional attempt at merging not just two skills, but mana and Qi offensively. All of the creatures were down, some lay sliced in two or in multiple pieces by the chaotic threads of the obliterating void, while others lay still, knocked unconscious by the impact of hundreds of blades and clashes of fundamentally opposing energies. A chaotic fractal pattern of destruction lay in the stone and magma floor where his attack had simply erased stone from existence, and five circular craters filled it in parts where the blades of Qi had simply erased the creatures they had struck and anything that surrounded them. It had been something of an experiment, but there had been nothing to suggest it wouldn¡¯t work, after all, wasn¡¯t mana blade meant to work with any blade in his grasp, whether it was a mundane blade or a blade already filled with Qi? Alex found himself wondering how someone like Mistress Yan Hua would deal with an attack like that. She¡¯s probably fast enough to dodge all of the blades and threads of void, unless I caught her by surprise or had a skill fast enough to match her. Anything at the Qi gathering stage would be toast, though, but I¡¯d be in the range of fire too. The attack held striking implications for his future use of the Mana Blade skill, or any skill that infused his weapons or items with mana of any kind. If he were to use such a skill while holding a blade enchanted with Qi, it could very easily lead to his dismemberment and perhaps even death. With a twitch of his fingers, Eclipse appeared nestled in his palm, summoned from its place within his soul as his thoughts remained focused on the destruction he had just unleashed. It felt like more of a technique than a skill¡­ but without the Qi blades it would have just been a simple mana attack, devastating, yes, but not enough to destroy a pack of Qi-gathering spirit beasts¡­ I think I¡¯ll call it the void web? Alex thought as he moved towards the remaining bodies of felled creatures, stabbing each with eclipse and draining them of blood and flesh. Some of them were still moving. ¡°Nah that¡¯s too wordy and kinda cheesy. How about Eraser Web? Or maybe just the Eraser, nice and simple.¡± Mana Burn. Sovereign Clone. Eclipse appeared before him in its demonic form, lithe and towering, its swaying tail, sharp and bladed, cutting swathes into stone floor and its horns curling above its head like a beast ready to charge. The air thickened with the scent of Iron and sulfur. Alex spoke, his voice firm, ¡°Hey, you have an ego right? Can you talk?¡± No response. The creature¡¯s eyes, dark and deep as an abyss, remained fixed on him, betraying no sign of understanding ¡°Do you understand me?¡± Alex¡¯s words cut through the stagnant air. Still no response, the demonic blade¡¯s form remained unmoving, its eyes boring into him, expectant but unmoved, like a statue in a forgotten shrine, or as though it was waiting for orders. Resigned but still curious, Alex obliged, ¡°Consume the bloodbeasts, leave any human forms you find inside the bodies untouched.¡± ¡°Oh, and give me your tail blade, that way we can clear these things out faster and stop any from regenerating.¡± The demonic blade continued to observe him as though inert. But Alex wasn¡¯t fooled, the system had confirmed to him that it held an ego, and given the sword''s enchantments and capabilities, it made perfect sense. Alex reached out a hand towards Eclipse expectantly, projecting mental images of him using its detached tail blade in their three-way battle back in his mindscape. Hopefully it gets the message and gives me the tail blade. Eclipse tilted its demonic head. Then, without a word, Eclipse gripped the blade welded to its hand, wrenching it free with a shriek of metal claw against welded metal palm. Shards fell, clattering onto the blood-soaked rocky ground. It placed the sharp and jagged handle into Alex¡¯s waiting hand, the metal biting into his flesh, drawing thin lines of crimson. Then it turned and made its way towards the bodies, consuming them with voracious fervour and leaving nothing but the somewhat disfigured visages of disciples behind. ¡°Heh. I knew you could think for yourself,¡± Alex muttered, a wry smile pulling at his lips. ¡°But we¡¯ll have to work on that attitude.¡± He followed, stabbing his blade into the surrounding bodies and flesh to reveal the forms of disciples beneath. *** As Alex raised his blade in preparation to absorb the final and largest blood beast, one that had somehow been the least harmed by his ¡®Eraser¡¯ technique, he paused observing the creature curiously. The subtle shifts of the air shifting from its form, its currents, ebbs and flows pushed by the mouth, pores, and internal shifts of the creature, brushed against its skin. This creature was still conscious. The beating of its many hearts caused rings of sound waves to spread, turning soft lines clear and hard as each wave of subtle sound washed over him, adding small details within the creature that painted a picture of the disciple that lay buried within its twisted flesh. Alex began to see the disciples form as the creature stirred, as well as the spirit beast core embedded firmly within them. Alex moved swiftly to cut its core in two and end it for good. Just as his strike was about to land, a hand burst forth from the beast¡¯s chest, small and eerily familiar, wrapping tightly around his wrist, stopping the blow mid-air. Another hand followed, then a head, and a torso, emerging as if peeling away from the beast¡¯s own flesh. Steam rose from the creature''s form, mingling with the blood and flesh that sloughed off its form just as it had Alex mere moments before. A grotesque birth. Within seconds, Jin stood before him, having torn free from the creature¡¯s innards, his grin wide as a Cheshire Cat. He still held Alex¡¯s blade, not releasing his grip. ¡°I see you escaped the transformation too. That¡¯s good. But destroying our new spirit beast cores will kill us, you know?¡± Alex heard groans, and turned to see a very small number of previously unmoving bodies of disciples stirring, stumbling as they rose to their feet, apparently having survived the transformation into and destruction of their blood-beast forms. Jin, still holding Alex¡¯s wrist, tilted his head quizzically toward Eclipse, the demonic blade, which held the last of the bloodbeast corpses high above its head. Its jaws, jagged and unnaturally wide, devoured the flesh with an unnerving hunger, more metal beast than weapon. ¡°What in the Emperor¡¯s names is that?¡± Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 9: Heat under the earth ¡°Alex," Jin''s voice cut through the heavy silence, "what is that metal thing you have there?" What to say? he thought, knowing full well that even a hint of the blade''s true nature could bring about his end. There¡¯s no room for mistakes here. One wrong word and they¡¯ll turn on me. ¡°Alex.¡± Jin''s gaze intensified as the metal demon in their midst, Eclipse, stood still. His question hung between them, unspoken. The air in the deep cavern was thick with sulfur and iron, the intense heat rippling through the air, tinged with the scent of blood and distorting the sight of the disciples. The molten river beside them churned lazily, its dull roar bubbling against the rocky walls. "It''s nothing more than a sword, Jin," Alex replied evenly, his voice devoid of the emotions that churned within him. He mentally commanded Eclipse to transform back into a single blade, the thought alone enough to make the demonic weapons manifestation respond. It resisted, for a moment, still hungry. Then the being of living metal twisted, its demonic features¡ªghastly eyes and jagged teeth¡ªmelting away and drew closer, merging into the sleek, obsidian-coloured blade in Alex¡¯s grasp. In seconds, the towering demon was no longer present, and all that remained was something that looked no different from any other well-crafted weapon, albeit one that held a faint, unnatural gleam. Jin stared at Alex with a look of sheer disbelief. "It''s... complicated," Alex finally replied, his voice intentionally reluctant and appearing almost covetous. He avoided Jin''s piercing gaze, instead focusing on the shape of the blade in his grasp, his eyes tracing its fractal designs almost subconsciously. "Complicated?" Jin''s brows rose incredulously. "We are in the depths of a hidden training realm, facing dangers that could kill us with a single misstep, and you think ''complicated'' is enough of an explanation? That thing reeks of demonic and mental energy.¡± Jin studied Alex carefully, the conflict within him evident. ¡°Transforming swords are incredibly rare, some would even regard them as divine or sacred artifacts.¡± Jin queried, his expression turning thoughtful. ¡°How did you get it? And why do you have it?" Demonic energy? What the hell is he talking about? It¡¯s just a magic blade, Alex thought with confusion and curiosity. Instead of responding directly, Alex offered a nonchalant shrug, his voice calm. "It¡¯s just something I picked up during the start of the trial, at the entrance where all of the disciples had died. My blade was damaged, and this was... available." He chose his words carefully, keeping his tone neutral, as if it were nothing special. ¡°I would have died too without it.¡± The words felt hollow, but he hoped they would be enough to satisfy Jin¡¯s curiosity without raising suspicion. The story he had constructed would paint the weapon as either the claimed belonging of a dead disciple or a treasure of the realm, left to be claimed by any who found it. ¡°Besides, this entire place is filled with strange and powerful artifacts.¡± He hoped. He wasn¡¯t sure, but he knew that saying such a thing with unwavering confidence would lead others to believe it to be likely. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I take advantage of the first one I find.¡± Jin smirked. ¡°I see. You¡¯re lucky I have a better weapon or I¡¯d want to take yours,¡± his eyes held genuine warmth and his tone felt pleasant, but Alex didn¡¯t doubt any part of what he had said. ¡°So what does it do? The blade, I mean.¡± Jin continued, leaning forward to study the patterns etched into the weapon. ¡°Does it enhance your speed or strength? Or is it perhaps the type to bolster your spirit & mental energy?¡± Alex withdrew his arm, causing Jin to finally release his wrist and straighten his posture to face him, eager for an answer. ¡°Uh¡­ I¡¯m not sure, actually. I¡¯m still trying to find out.¡± ¡°Well whatever it is,¡± Jin spoke with relish, stepping closer while eyeing the bloodless corpses that surrounded them, before finally settling his gaze on Alex. ¡°It seems to suit our new constitutions perfectly.¡± Jin¡¯s finger pressed against Alex¡¯s navel, the sensation almost foreign as Alex¡¯s muscles tightened reflexively. The cave''s heat bore down on them, the sounds of shifting lava echoing softly from the pools nearby. Jin¡¯s eyes gleamed with dark satisfaction, though he kept his expression measured, his voice smooth as oil, a smirk curving his lips. ¡°You feel that, don¡¯t you?¡± Alex swallowed, keeping his expression neutral. He felt the pulsing energy, the foreign power coiled within him like a dormant beast ready to spring. His face remained calm, but his mind was a storm. How does he know? His fingers instinctively twitched, tightening on the hilt of the weapon in his grasp, but he stopped himself short. It wasn¡¯t like him to be so quick to violence, and Jin had done nothing to warrant hostility. But Alex still felt a strong urge to strike down the youth that had held his wrist, a bloodlust that stirred from deep within. ¡°A spirit beast core.¡± Jin continued with a tone laced with sinister amusement, his gaze distant, as if already imagining the havoc he could wreak with his newfound strength. ¡°I can feel mine too. It¡¯s like a beast waiting to be unleashed, its strength coiled tight, ready to spring.¡± Alex didn¡¯t respond immediately, he didn¡¯t need to, sensing the rhetorical nature of Jin¡¯s statement. Jin¡¯s words hung in the heated air between them as Alex found himself savouring the sensation of his new core, the essence of a spirit beast now residing within him, although he wasn¡¯t quite sure of the implications or ramifications of such an acquisition. He could feel the unfamiliar energy pulsing just beneath his skin, a raw and wild thrum of Qi that almost felt untameable. Its every pulse urged him to sprout blades from his palms and cleave his compatriot in two, to destroy anything that crossed his path and spill its blood. It was both exhilarating and a factor that required research, being a power that was now his and yet one he barely understood. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t it be impossible for us to have the cores of beasts? We already have dantians.¡± Jin¡¯s lips curled into the barest hint of a smile as he stepped back, his gaze still fixed on Alex¡¯s midsection as if he could see through the layers of flesh and bone to the core within. "Not impossible. Just rare¡ªextremely rare. Few ever have the opportunity to possess one, less than one percent of the empire, let alone survive the process of merging with it successfully.¡± Jin¡¯s attention drifted again, this time to his own core, within his condensed domain, Alex could see the energy within him thrumming in sync with his beating heart. ¡°Most fail. Their bodies reject the core, or they¡¯re consumed by it. But not us.¡± Jin¡¯s voice was low, almost a murmur, the kind of tone one might use when speaking to oneself rather than another. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to get one so soon.¡± Alex quirked an eyebrow at the statement, ¡°Hey, dude, how about you stop being weirdly cryptic and tell me what it doe¡ª¡° He caught himself mid-sentence, removing the abrasive impatience that had briefly risen to the surface. ¡°What I meant to say is,¡± he sighed, ¡°you seem to know a lot about the cores.¡± ¡°I know a little.¡± Jin continued, his tone shifting slightly, not even registering Alex¡¯s brief outburst, but instead becoming more introspective, almost as if he was speaking to himself rather than Alex. ¡°A spirit beast core contains the concentrated essence and power of the beast, which can be overwhelming for almost any cultivator. The process often requires immense skill, unparalleled cultivation, and an extremely resilient body and mind to avoid being consumed or destabilized by the core¡¯s energy.¡± He rubbed at his chin with his free hand as if in deep thought. ¡°But you somehow bypassed all of the requirements for yourself and them,¡± Jin gestured with a nod towards the three disciples stumbling in a daze some distance from the two of them. ¡°With nothing but your new sword.¡± He paused, a small, satisfied smile crossing his lips as he looked away from Alex, his gaze seemingly focused on something far beyond the molten landscape around them. ¡°Yes, maybe. And you managed to acquire your core alone, without any help from any tools or treasures¡± Alex shot back with an accusatory glare.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡°Yes, of course, that¡¯s just because I am capable.¡± Alex scoffed, his curiosity at the truth of Jin¡¯s statement growing. How did he survive the transformation, anyway? And exactly how ¡®capable¡¯ is he? He wondered. Alex shifted his gaze, viewing and studying Jin¡¯s dantian until he noticed something strange¡ªJin¡¯s dantian was only slightly larger than Alex¡¯s, though somewhat similar in size, appearing normal and within the expected range Alex had grown to associate with the first stage of Qi gathering, though the Qi it held appeared purer than others. With curiosity, Alex condensed his domain to centre on the two of them, pulling it as far as he could without the aid of mana or the system, barred as he was from it by Mana Burn¡¯s two-hour cooldown. He focused all of his attention and intensity on Jin¡¯s navel to peer beneath the surface of the boy''s skin and see what lay beneath. On a hunch, he channelled Qi through the pathways of his breathing technique, sending a surge to his eyes¡ªand Jin¡¯s energy burst into sharp, unfiltered clarity, a combination of Alex¡¯s unique capabilities laying his companion¡¯s secrets bare. To call Jin¡¯s dantian unusual was an understatement, like calling a wall of waves a droplet, or a skyscraper an anthill. Jin¡¯s dantian appeared normal in size and scale, yes. But its energy was condensed, insanely so, to the point that it hummed and shivered to Alex¡¯s senses, sending the barest waves of vibration and sound that would have been impossible to detect without focus and the specialized system skills and organs to do so. Jin stood there, silent, ordinary. But Alex could feel the weight under the mask. Power, tucked away, as if the universe wasn¡¯t meant to notice. Like holding a boulder in a glass jar. Alex couldn¡¯t tell exactly how much Qi and cultivation had been condensed into that little flame that appeared to mimic his own in size, but whatever it was, it far surpassed the stage of a mere provisional disciple. Jin was hiding his power. A twitch almost flashed at the corner of Alex¡¯s mouth, gone before it had even begun to appear. Seems like I¡¯m not the only one hiding what I¡¯m capable of, Alex thought with amusement, the feeling creeping up on him as if looking into a mirror reflecting only shadows of truth. "Secrets have a way of exposing themselves when pressed. When you dig too deep, sometimes your own rise up in the process,¡± he said quietly, voice steady. ¡°Pull at one, and the rest follow, like a loose thread.¡± ¡°Your threads seem pretty big, Jin.¡± Like roots growing in all directions, until they tear apart the ground, Alex mused, thoughts of what he had seen in his companion still running through his mind. He let his words settle, waiting for Jin to catch the meaning hidden just beneath the surface. It¡¯s not a warning, Alex thought. No, not a warning at all¡ªjust a fact stated between two¡­ Friends. Like the heat under the earth that waited to crack the ground. What was hidden within Jin was vast, and deep. Not sure exactly how much of his strength is being hidden, Alex thought, but keeping him around could actually reduce the need for me to expose my access to the system. The Qi compression and concealment he had gleaned within Jin had been impressive. So much so that Alex had decided that rather than attempting to eliminate Jin, it would be better to utilise the young prodigy in facing the demonic cultivator, The Little Demon of Winding Bloods, and any spirit beasts of stages too high for them to feasibly face without revealing his access to mana. Jin paused, his eyes revealing genuine shock for the second time since their first meeting before his attention swiftly shifted to the other disciples slowly approaching their position. ¡°We¡¯ll have to continue this conversation another time. Those three will know our survival, awakening, and acquisition of cores are unnatural,¡± he continued, eyeing Alex¡¯s dark blade. ¡°and they will have questions.¡± ¡°You¡¯d best be prepared.¡± *** Before Jin could press further, a groan from beside them drew both their attentions. Lui Xian, his golden eyes dimmed with confusion, approached slowly, one hand pressed to his forehead. His normally proud posture was slumped, and there was a trace of disorientation in his movements. Jin disengaged with Alex to turn and approach Lui Xan, engaging him in conversation as Alex stabbed his demonic blade into the ground, allowing notifications he had previously ignored to engulf his vision, rising to the forefront of his thoughts. For a brief moment, the action caught Lui Xian¡¯s eye. There was something that resembled curiosity in the way Lui Xian looked at the blade, but it passed quickly, masked by an arrogant demeanour as he swiftly turned from Alex, who stood still, leaning on his blade as though resting as he read through panels only he could see. [You have defeated [Error - Non-System Entities detected - Quantifying¡­] [Quantification Accepted.] [You have defeated level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Blood Familiar (Qi Gathering: First stage) x 13.] [You have defeated level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Blood Familiar (Qi Gathering: Second stage) - additional experience points due to the cultivation difference.] [Experience Assimilated.] [Qi 48 > 53] Wow, that¡¯s¡­ actually not a lot of Qi at all, considering I just killed 13 of them, Alex thought with mild confusion. I had 8 Qi before, and it looks like the spirit beast core gave me an increase of 40, Alex¡¯s brow twitched with realisation. That means that acquiring a spirit beast core increased my cultivation by about 5 times. That was an increase that Alex found deeply concerning. It was safe to assume that all present disciples¡ª those who had reverted from their blood beast transformations¡ª would have also acquired spirit beast cores for themselves, after having survived a similar ordeal and been saved thanks to the absorption abilities of Alex¡¯s soul-bound blade. Jin and the others still stumbling in the background all seemed alive and well, and all slightly more powerful than they had appeared during the spirit root test, though Alex sensed that the other three were somewhat disfigured and not as completely unscathed as himself and Jin appeared to be. Defeating the second stage bloodbeast should have given me 2 Qi¡ª like the one I faced at the entrance. If that¡¯s the case I¡¯ll have to assume the other 13 first-stage blood beasts gave less than 2 each¡­ what¡¯s 3 divided by 13? Around 0.2? That¡¯s roughly ten times less Qi than a first-stage cultivator¡­ But wouldn¡¯t that mean a second-stage bloodbeast should have ten times more Qi than something at the first stage? Then why the hell didn¡¯t the first blood beast at the entrance use any of its Qi, or techniques? It was stronger than me, sure, faster too. But it was pretty dumb, and kinda simple in its attacks and methods¡­ Maybe it had just evolved into the second stage after consuming a few disciples? That would explain why it had barely even used its vast Qi reserves outside of its blood and body manipulation. Besides, the creatures were simply low-level familiars without true knowledge, experience, or even any real intelligence outside of their instincts, only gaining status and intelligence as spirit beasts due to using disciples as fertiliser and consuming other beasts within the realm, judging by the memories Alex retained from his brief time spent traversing the testing realm, whilst in his mindscape conquering his blood beast¡¯s psyche. Alex''s grip tightened around the welded sword given to him by Eclipse, the demonic blade¡¯s detached counterpart pulsing faintly with a strange energy Alex couldn¡¯t quite recognise¡ª one he had never seen before. It felt as though the blade was resonating with something deep within him, its unreadable energy surging through him to impact with something deep inside before bouncing back even stronger, amplifying in power to grow in intensity with each pulse of energy. [Skill ¡®Bloodforged¡¯ has utilised soulbound weapon ¡®Eclipse¡¯ to ritualistically absorb a fragment of their essence (0.001%). A faint infinitesimal imprint of the prowess displayed by the defeated enemies during combat has been imprinted.] Alex felt a rush of bloodlust and desire flow through him. [Skill ¡®Absolution¡¯ has utilised soulbound weapon ¡®Eclipse¡¯ to absorb unique and higher blood types: Spirit beast - ¡°level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Blood Familiars (Qi Gathering: First/Second stage) x14] Strength +64, Endurance +64, intelligence+20, Wisdom +20, Dexterity +10 He could feel the blade¡¯s hunger, its desire to cut, to drink deep of Qi and blood. It was a need he was becoming too familiar with. His heart pounded, but he forced his face to remain neutral and calm. Perhaps he had fed the weapon too much blood. Alex dismissed the notifications, sensing through his domain the attention settling on him, all eyes within the cave focused, led by Lui Xan. He recognized him immediately. Lui Xan¡ªthe only other person besides Jin to possess a golden spirit root of supreme potential during the spirit root test earlier that day. The sect held him in high regard, coveted by factions, groups, instructors, and elders alike. Standing this close, Alex could see why. The youth¡¯s Qi was pure¡ªalmost as pure as Jin¡¯s and almost as pure as his own. Almost. But there was something off. Alex noticed that Lui Xan¡¯s transformation and reversion hadn¡¯t been smooth, unlike his own. The youth and two other survivors, besides Jin, bore the marks of the process, their bodies twisted. Behind Lui Xan, a girl had claws sprouting from her body, identical to the bloodbeasts they had encountered. Another survivor had a twisted limb, grotesque and unnatural, appearing as if it belonged to one of the creatures. Lui Xan himself was worse. His face, arms, and legs were covered in sharp bone spurs and warped muscle, bloody and distorted. But the most disturbing part was his Qi. It flared gold and red within his dantian under Alex¡¯s gaze, larger than it should have been, a cauldron of chaos, mixing purity with corruption. Just above it, a dark, solid core of deep maroon red blazed with Qi identical to the bloodbeasts. Lui Xan¡¯s cold eyes locked onto Alex before drifting to the dark blade stabbed into the ground beside him. ¡°You¡¯re a fool if you think you¡¯re keeping that weapon,¡± Lui Xan¡¯s voice came, devoid of any emotion. ¡°Hand it over, or I¡¯ll take it from your corpse.¡± Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 10: Self-Actualisation
Lui Xan
Lui Xan''s eyes snapped open to the heat against flesh. And power. The power within him was overwhelming, his senses heightened to a degree that made the unfamiliar terrain even more disorienting. And the heat was suffocating, the stench of burned flesh and molten stone heavy in Lui Xan¡¯s nostrils. His senses screamed with urgency, instincts sharpened to a razor¡¯s edge as he bolted upright, his final memories returning, wary of walls of rising blood and the creatures that had attacked him. He rose to meet nothing. Nothing but the sight of a deep chasm, the walls rising high, lined with glowing magma, and the bodies of other disciples strewn about like discarded dolls. Some were barely recognizable, twisted apart by some unseen element. The smell of iron lingered. Lui Xan¡¯s hand flew to his face, feeling the jagged bone spurs that jutted from his skin. His arms and legs were similarly deformed, raw, and without skin, the bone protrusions sharp enough to slice through steel. The power thrummed within him, violent and wild, like a beast barely restrained. He had been transformed¡ªbone spurs ripping through flesh, claws sprouting from limbs¡ªonly to rise and stand still, waiting for the fight that never came. Lui Xan barely flinched as he stepped over the mutilated corpses, his mind working through the haze of power that now surged through him. Being the nephew of Elder Zhen, one of the most powerful figures in the Ben Nui Sect, had its advantages. But none of that meant anything here. He was still Lui Xan¡ªthe one with the Golden Spirit Root, the one destined for greatness, even before the transformation. His uncle¡¯s influence had given him a path, but within his short stay, Lui Xan had carved the rest himself, through ruthless cultivation and strength. His mind was hazy, but the power surging through his body was clear. First, the twisted limbs. Then, the claws. Finally, the blood-red concentration of voracious energy pulsing in his chest, above his Dantian. Separate. He flexed his fingers, feeling the sharp bone spurs that jutted from his raw, skinless arms. There was something new there, something unfamiliar¡ªand it was hungry. Beside him, the slender youth groaned, struggling to her feet with a gasp while staring at the bodies that surrounded them. She rose slowly, sharp bone scraping against the stone as she stood. Her back, once as smooth as a lakes surface, was now a pattern of twisted, raw flesh. Her movements were more fluid than Lui Xan ever remembered her being, almost predatory, each action brimming with coiled power. She did not speak, her eyes still scanning the surroundings with the same bewilderment that Lui Xan felt. The girl shifted again, her gaze drifting upward to the distant strip of sky before returning to Lui Xan. Her name was Zheng Yi, though most simply called her ¡®Yi¡¯ and though she appeared young and fragile, her past was steeped in violence. She had been raised by wandering cultivators who specialized in assassination, and her quick rise within the sect had caught the attention of more than a few higher-ranking disciples. Her affinity for all things martial was almost unnatural, and her transformation only enhanced her lethal abilities. The bone claws that now protruded from her legs were not the only weapons at her disposal; her true weapon was her speed¡ªsharp, always a blur during combat, always one step ahead. Her background, however, remained shrouded in mystery¡ªwhispers circulated that she had been involved in the slaughter of an entire rival sect before she had even reached her tenth year, but nothing had ever been proven. Zhen Yi''s feet scraped the stone lightly, the sound barely audible, yet sharp. She moved like a predator, all fluidity and silent intent. Her gaze never strayed from the bodies, and the initial coldness in her eyes betrayed nothing. But Lui Xan knew her well enough by now to sense the passion beneath her every move. At times she was quick to kill, at others she was even quicker to lament¡ª a contradiction. A remnant of whatever circumstances that had forced her to participate in the slaughter of hundreds in her childhood, perhaps. Lui Xan couldn¡¯t understand how such an impressive act had made her so¡­ Sentimental. Finally, Yi¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts. "They''re dead. All of them." Her gaze shifted to her legs and a second gasp escaped her lips. Once slender legs were now bloodied, sprouting claws of bone that gleamed like vicious blades¡ª identical to those they had witnessed on the lakes beast of blood. Her bone claws scraped against the stone as she moved, her changed legs making soft clicks with every step, the plates of hardened blood on her soles impacting against molten stone. She stood over a corpse Lui Xan didn¡¯t recognise, her gaze distant, as though she were only half here. "You think it was an accident? Our surviving the lake of blood?" Lui Xan¡¯s voice sounded distant to his own ears. He couldn¡¯t place the last memory clearly. Blood... a lake of blood. The girl covered in blood.. his sister¡­ now dead. No- she had been dead long before he¡¯d arrived, that had not been his sister weeping in the centre of the lake. His eyes drifted to the still body near the far wall. "We¡¯re alive. They¡¯re not. Why?" "Who knows," Zheng Yi answered from behind, her voice drowsy and her muscular legs twitching. "We may have just been lucky. Perhaps it was the little demons will, to kill them all.¡± Lui Xan didn¡¯t respond. His head was pounding, but the power was undeniable. "And now we have their strength." Yi¡¯s lips twitched in distaste, forming a mockery of a smile. "Strength? You call this strength?" She flexed her legs, the bone claws glinting in the glow of the magma. "I feel like a beast." She didn¡¯t need to explain further. They all felt it¡ªthe raw, unbridled animalistic energy pulsing through their pathways, increasing their cultivation, but changing them. The beast cores they felt deep within were part of them now, embedded into their very flesh. She was unhappy because before their awakening she had been beautiful. She still was¡ªthe changes hadn¡¯t affected her face. Her beauty had been a weapon, but now that weapon was bolstered by something far more lethal: bone claws that could tear through flesh as easily as silk. Lui Xan believed that the twisted skin along her back was a small price to pay for the raw untamed power that surged through all of them. He spoke first, breaking the heavy silence that hung over the chasm like a shroud. "We¡¯re stronger.¡± His voice was calm, steady, yet there was an edge to it, a sharpness that hinted at the violence barely held back, struggling to break free from the restraints of his civility. He didn¡¯t look at anyone in particular as he spoke, his eyes half-closed as if savoring the sensation coursing through his veins, pathways, and meridians. The bone spurs on his arms flexed, and his lips curled into a small, almost contented smile. The girl shifted beside him, her bone claws clicking softly on the stone as she moved. Her eyes were cold, calculating, a predator¡¯s gaze. ¡°It burns, like fire.¡± But it¡¯s a good pain, Lui Xan nodded in thought. It reminds us of what we¡¯ve gained. Another groan sounded beside Lui Xan, he looked down to see another survivor, Cheng Rou the ¡®Test Breaker¡¯ rising. Cheng Rou raised his grotesque arm, flexing the massive muscles beneath the gnarled skin, claws scraping against the stone as he curled his fingers into a fist. The other provisional disciples had called him the "Test Breaker," not for any graceful technique but for his sheer brute force, the way he could pulverize anything in his path with raw, overwhelming might. Cheng Rou¡¯s family had a history of serving powerful sects, but none had ever risen beyond the level of foot soldiers. His admittance into the sect had been a rarity, and he had spent every waking moment since proving he was worthy of more than just being a tool for others. He had clawed his way into the sect through sheer will and savage determination. His presence had initially been overlooked by those with more noble origins and backing, but his potential had quickly become undeniable. He had always been pragmatic, someone who saw things in black and white: kill or be killed, dominate or be dominated. Now, with the spirit beast core fused into his flesh, Cheng Rou was more than just brute strength. Among the new entrants, he was power incarnate, and his thirst and ambition ran deeper than most. Now, with the grotesque mutation of his arm, his power had taken on a new, terrifying dimension. The stocky youth remained silent, but his monstrous arm twitched, the muscles bunching and flexing as if testing their newfound power. There was a look in his eyes, something feral, something that hadn¡¯t been there before. He glanced at Lui Xan, then at the girl, but said nothing. Lui Xan thanked the heavens for his good fortune. Of all the people he could have awoken to find beside him, he could not think of a better pair he would have with him than Zheng Yi and Cheng Rou. Both had come under his wing early on, not just because of their undeniable strength and martial prowess, but because they knew the value of his connections. His uncle, Elder Zhen, had ensured his path within the sect was paved with opportunities. Access to rare cultivation resources, spirit stones, even forbidden techniques¡ªall had been within his reach, and he''d used them without hesitation. Very few disciples had held similar advantages. Zheng Yi and Cheng Rou would never betray him, at least, not here. The three of them had somehow survived being consumed by creations of one of the most infamous criminals of the land and gained insurmountable booms from the experience. An undeniable impossibility. "Where the hell are we?" the stocky youth, Cheng Rou growled, his voice tinged with panic. He held up his grotesque arm¡ªthrice its original size, the muscles tight and raw, ending in clawed digits. "What happened to us?" "Spirit beast cores," Lui Xan muttered, glancing at the others. "We''ve integrated them. From the little demons experiments, most likely." The girl shuddered, feeling the twisted skin along her back. "But why us? Why not them?" She gestured towards the only two disciples who appeared unchanged¡ªJin, the other golden root besides Lui Xan, and another disciple clutching the black blade. The disciple with the black blade was someone Lui Xan had only ever seen once, earlier in the day during the spirit root and practical tests. The disciple stood beside Jin had been revealed to be a blue spirit root disciple, far lesser in potential than himself or his two transformed companions, and Lui Xan only remembered his appearance due to him somehow managing to scratch the reinforced dummy with nothing but a wooden blade. It indicated some degree of prowess, but Lui Xan wasn¡¯t worried in the slightest. If the above average blue-root had been truly talented he would have possessed a better constitution, like himself, Jin, or Yi, and if someone of notable background had entered the sect his uncle would have given him forewarning. Lui Xan immediately dismissed the blue-root as nothing negligible element. Something to be used and discarded. "We have power now," Cheng Rou said slowly, as if realizing it for the first time. His eyes glinted with something dark, something primal. "More than we ever had before, and much more than them." He gestured to the mutilated bodies around them, the other disciples who hadn¡¯t survived whatever nightmare had brought them to this chasm. Blood and viscera soaked the stone floor beneath their broken forms, the heat from the magma barely masking the stench of death. "Maybe they just weren''t strong enough to survive whatever the lake did to us," Lui Xan muttered, the bone spurs on his arms flexing as he clenched his fists. "We are, though." His gaze lingered on the bodies for a moment before he turned away. It was sad, a little. But what happened to them didn¡¯t matter. It never did. Jin stood in the distance with the blue spirit root possessing disciple, watching them. He hadn¡¯t changed¡ªno visible mutations, no evidence of spirit beast integration¡ªbut he didn¡¯t speak. He was just watching, waiting, always calculating. Lui Xan knew him well enough¡ªJin didn¡¯t speak unless it was necessary, or unless he had found something entertaining in a way that piqued his sick curiosity. And right now, their apparent rare and strange transformations seemed less interesting to Jin than whatever discussion he was engrossed in. Lui Xan met his gaze briefly before turning away. Jin had always been the strongest, but now... now Lui Xan was strong, too. They were equals among fodder. Zheng Yi¡¯s eyes flicked down to the corpses again, a small, almost imperceptible frown tugging at the corners of her lips. "How many do you think there were? Ten? Twenty?" "Doesn¡¯t matter," Lui Xan replied. "They¡¯re all dead now." "True." Zheng Yi nodded, her gaze lingering on the bodies for a moment longer before returning to Lui Xan. Yan Mi then crouched beside one of the corpses, her bone claws gently tracing the mangled flesh of a fallen disciple. "Maybe they were better off," she said softly, more to herself than to anyone else. "Dying before they had to live like this." "Better off?" Cheng Rou scoffed, his monstrous arm twitching as he took a step forward. "Power is all that matters. Who cares if we''re different now? We can crush anyone who stands in our way." Lui Xan watched the exchange, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. Cheng Rou¡¯s hunger for violence was potent, but it was Zheng Yi¡¯s quiet malice that intrigued him. She might¡¯ve seemed distant, and lost in thought, but she had a predator¡¯s edge, just like him. "You''re still thinking like a weakling," Lui Xan said, his voice cold. "Power isn¡¯t something you reject just because it changes you. Power is everything. And now we have more of it than we ever dreamed of." He turned to Jin, who hadn¡¯t spoken a word. "And you, Jin? What do you think?" Jin¡¯s eyes remained steady, but there was something unreadable in his expression, a calmness that didn¡¯t fit the situation. "It doesn¡¯t matter what I think," Jin finally said, his voice measured. "What matters is what happens next." "That¡¯s rich," Zheng Yi snapped, rising to her feet. "Still playing your little mind games? We¡¯ve all changed, Jin. You haven¡¯t. Do you think you¡¯re still stronger than us?" Jin''s gaze flickered toward her but remained neutral. "I¡¯m just waiting."This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. It was then that Lui Xan¡¯s eyes locked on the third figure¡ªthe older boy standing beside Jin, the black blade of sharp metal in his hand. A unfamiliar face¡ª someone new to the sect before today, ultimately unimportant until now. But now, he had something that changed everything: The blade. Given the circumstances, the weapon he held was the most important item in their immediate vicinity. They had somehow awakened in an unexpected part of the realm, with no memory of how they got there or the transformations that had altered their bodies and constitutions. Worse, an element his uncle had warned him of was now at play: the sect had captured the infamous criminal known as the little demon of winding bloods, feared for his horrific experiments and forbidden Dao. Crippled and placed within the realm to nourish his fledgling blood phoenix, the demon had been left as a trial for students with the most potential. Lui Xan cursed his sentimentality for falling into such an obvious trap, distracted by the sight of his wounded sister, a weakness he thought he''d eradicated. Now, he suspected the fiery cavern they stood in was the territory of one of his uncle¡¯s most dangerous spirit beasts, The Fire Tiger. Only the disciple with the sword stood a chance of surviving and escaping the chasm, and Lui Xan intended to make sure it was him. Lui Xan¡¯s cold eyes locked onto the before drifting to the dark blade stabbed into the ground beside him. ¡°You¡¯re a fool if you think you¡¯re keeping that weapon,¡± Lui Xan¡¯s voice came, devoid of any emotion. ¡°Hand it over, or I¡¯ll take it from your corpse.¡± The girl¡¯s claws clicked against the stone as she moved closer to Lui Xan, her eyes on the black blade. The stocky youth shifted, his grotesque arm flexing. They were all assessing, calculating, but the conclusion was foregone. The blade wouldn¡¯t stay in weak hands for long. The blue-root disciple raised a brow and plucked his sword from its position in the ground. Lui Xan straightened, the power thrumming through him like a living thing. He flexed his fingers, feeling the sharp bone spurs that had erupted from his raw, skinless arms and legs. The sensation was both alien and exhilarating, his entire body thrumming with the raw power of the spirit beast core now embedded within him. A low growl emanated from the stocky youth, Bao who had grown impatient. "Enough talk," he spat, his monstrous arm flexing. "We don¡¯t have time to waste." Lui Xan didn¡¯t respond. Words were unnecessary. He lunged, his bone spurs slashing through the air, aimed directly at the disciple¡¯s throat. *** Alex Alex watched Lui Xan¡¯s lunge with detached curiosity. He could feel the eyes on him¡ªJin¡¯s eyes, Lui Xan¡¯s eyes, the eyes of the other survivors¡ªeveryone''s eyes. He had condensed his domain the moment he had noticed the ¡®unparalleled¡¯ prodigy greedily eyeing his blade. Reduced as his control over his domain was in its cool-down state, he could only condense it to the point where it covered just himself, Jin, Lui Xan, and the girl and stocky boule that accompanied him¡ª about 6 feet in all directions. But within that space, nothing could escape his purview. The flow of time slowed subtly within his gaze, and a light application of his Dao slowed it further, his insight into the cyclical and interconnected nature of existence allowing his mind to focus fully on the present moment, without being bound by the illusions of past or future. It allowed him to perceive each moment with greater depth, as an artist would study a painting. The Dao surged, until Lui Xan''s blinding speed had slowed to nothing but that of a feather, drifting through the air with deadly intent. Wow, the beast core transformation really did a number on those three, didn¡¯t it? Alex¡¯s thoughts were a perfect blend of curiosity and wariness as he eyed the sharp protrusions along his attackers arms. It¡¯s possible that each of them have experienced a similarly drastic increase in their Qi reserves as a result of any changes the transformations brought, which could be a problem, Alex thought, assessing the closest of the three surviving disciples besides himself and Jin¡¯s physical forms through the myriad senses granted to him by his domain. It¡¯s also possible that my increase only feels drastic because I only started with 8 hours worth of cultivation. He found himself wondering how his cultivation would compare to the other disciples. If their strength of their Sabrina¡¯s were to be quantified, would they have 53 Qi like him? Or 200? 300? Or years worth of stored power? Status, he thought. [Name: Alex Ironwood Level: 195 C???????ultivation: Qi Gathering- First stage Race: Human - Rank D Primary Class: ??????????????Sys???????te??????mic SwO??????rd So????????ve???????reign Sub-class: Locked Strength: 2274 (1467) Dexterity: 2923 (1886) Endurance: 1322 (853) Intelligence: 2699 (1741) Wisdom: 1056 (681) Qi: 82 (53) Feats: First Encounter, Pioneer, Pinnacle IV, Survivor, Warrior, Champion, Dungeon Insurgent, Innovator, Reborn, Shard of the Endless, Techniques: Bovine Foundation Stance, Divine Bovine Vessel, Stampeding Footwork, Steel Horn Strikes, Active skills: Phoenix Leap, Mana Burn, Mana Blade, Boundless Dodge, Du???????l of C???????orruption, Sovereign Executioner, InfiniteBody, Sovereign Clone, Divine Fist, Pierce Reality, NetherForged, Eternal Infusion, Allo??????cation, Star of the Monarch, Passive skills: Inner Focus, Outer Focus, A???????l????????¨¤???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????¦¸??????? ??????????????? ???????????????????????g???????e??????e???????E??????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????M???????m????????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ???????????????????????O??????o??????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ??????????????? ??????? ???????????????????????, Inventory, Bestial Senses, BladeBody, True sight, Mana Vortex, Nascent Body (imperfect), Abyssal Body (Imperfect), Sword Soul, Eternal Disorder, Th¨¤????????????????????????????natos¡¯s Sovereign, Sword Sense, Absolution, Bloodforged, Dao: True Immortality - 1.2% Progress Unassigned stat points: 0] Alex glanced at his stat screen, noting the 55% boost instead of the usual 60% he faced when outnumbered by those stronger than him. So it¡¯s just Lui Xan I¡¯ll have to fight then, he mused internally, I guess the others are staying out of it for now. His gaze shifted toward the other two, focusing on the size and quality of their dantians. He calculated the difference quickly¡ªstill not enough. His stats were far lower than what he''d need to handle someone like Lui Xan. A cultivator. Not good. But not impossible. He mentally reviewed his skills, one by one. All on cooldown and over an hour from being ready. Mana burn is out, so no doubling stats. Can¡¯t even use allocation to stack them where I need. Guess I¡¯ll have to rely on my passives, Qi techniques, and the Dao. He felt the weight of his limitations but wasn¡¯t rattled. This was life or death, sure. But it was a puzzle, too. And puzzles had solutions. ¡°Alright, I can work with this.¡± He would have to make it work. Lui Xan surged forward, his eyes locked onto Alex''s head, his arm outstretched, claws extended. The speed at which he moved made him appear as nothing more than a blur, his fingers resembling sharpened blades ready to tear flesh from bone. Alex knew he couldn¡¯t completely avoid the attack. His body responded in kind. His feet grounded themselves against the stone beneath him, digging in as he shifted into the Bull¡¯s Foundation Stance. The familiar feeling of his Qi flowing through his body as he exhaled was immediate and centering. His chest expanded as he inhaled, pulling in more Qi and circulating it with the precision of the Charging Bull Breathing Technique. The energy spread through his meridians, purifying as it moved, grounding him further while rooted to the earth, syncing his body with the realms magnetic fields. He imagined the strength of the divine bull, immovable and steady, using its mass to anchor itself into the earth further. His legs bent slightly at the knees, his feet shoulder-width apart, allowing the energy to stabilize within his dantian. He wasn¡¯t shaken or unbalanced, despite Lui Xan¡¯s sheer speed closing the distance. The claws neared, aimed directly at his skull. Alex shifted his weight slightly, the Qi in his body guiding his movements as he angled his blade to the side, preparing for to counter through Kendo¡¯s Kaeshi-d¨­. The Kaeshi-d¨­ was about fluidity and flow, about transitioning from defense to offense without hesitation- a counter-attack technique in where one would block an incoming strike, usually aimed at the head, and immediately counter by striking the opponent''s torso. It was neither a defensive or offensive movement¡ª it was both, combined into one fluid action. His blade moved upward as Alex attempted to the first stage of the technique, deflecting the attack, not by blocking it directly, but by redirecting it away from him. His arms moved fluidly, not rigid, but the claws were too strong, thousands of stats beyond what he would need to affect them in any meaningful way; Lui Xan¡¯s bone claws brushed past his blade without resistance. I should¡¯ve expected that, Alex thought as he rotated his wrists smoothly, his feet pivoting to the side, utilising the force of the blow to position his body for a counterstrike. He didn¡¯t pause. His blade swung upward, slicing through the air toward Lui Xan¡¯s face. The force of the movement was backed by the energy flowing through him, his entire body twisting into the strike. The sword aimed at Lui Xan¡¯s eyes, a spin and flick of his elbows and wrist leading the strike. The blow connected with Lui Xan¡¯s cheek, cutting a thin line across his face, stopping just at the bridge of his nose. Alex felt the impact as the sword met something far harder than it should have. The skin of a cultivator, hardened like metal, stopped the blade from doing any significant damage. His dexterity stat wasn¡¯t enough. Without the skills needed to boost them, his current strength was not great enough. It drew blood that would hardly even matter. The line of cut skin on Lui Xan¡¯s face was nothing more than a scratch. A single red line of futility. The claws struck. Pain exploded in his chest. Negated. Alex¡¯s feet left the ground. Before Alex could register the result of his own attack, the claws of Lui Xan¡¯s attack impacted his chest, the force behind it far greater than his own. The impact sent Alex flying backward, the energy surging through him unable to cushion the force. The souls stored in Th¨¤????????????????????????????natos¡¯ Sovereign absorbing the brunt of the damage, enough to prevent him from being torn apart by the strike. Still, the force threw him backward. His body was weightless in the air. The rocky ground rushed up to meet him. He twisted, knees bracing for impact. Alex¡¯s feet hit the ground, cracking the stone beneath him as he landed, the tremor vibrating through his legs as he came to a stop. The ground beneath him wasn¡¯t stable¡ªit was basalt, cooling from the magma that had flowed beneath the surface moments ago. The heat from the magma below still pulsed through the earth, but Alex ignored it, focusing on the task at hand. Alex rose and assumed a stance, unharmed. ¡°What was that move?¡± Lui Xan¡¯s fingers lightly traced the shallow cut. The edge of his lip twitched upward, the tension in his expression easing into something unreadable. He turned his head slightly, just enough to let the sunlight catch the thin line of blood. His breath, steady and measured, filled the space between them. He tilted his head, the faintest hint of surprise reflected in the way he held the side of his face, as though testing if what had just happened was real. After a brief pause, he pressed his fingers against the cut again, this time harder, almost as if searching for the pain that should have accompanied it. "There¡¯s no pain. Interesting." His voice was soft, his eyes fixed on Alex with a kind of restrained curiosity. ¡°That was unexpected,¡± He ran his thumb over the faint mark once again, pressing lightly as if testing how deep it had gone. The look in his eyes reflected more curiosity than pain. Lui Xan¡¯s lips curled slightly¡ªnot in mockery, but in disbelief. His fingers left the scratch, and he glanced at Alex. ¡°You¡¯re much weaker than should be reasonable for any of us, but skilled and apparently durable¡­ But is that it? That¡¯s all you can do?¡± he muttered, his tone softer now, his assessment of Alex¡¯s threat to his life reduced to zero. ¡°You should have given up the sword the moment I asked, now you¡¯ll die before your first test is even over. How pitiful.¡± He turned to Jin, wary that his only true rival would step in to save Alex. Jin watched the two of them, unmoving, his gaze cold. Lui Xan smirked. He inhaled deep, his knees bending forward and bone spurs digging into the ground like a sprinter, all present raised their brows and widened their eyes as the unfamiliarity of the technique struck them. Red Qi mixed with gold¡ª Alex saw a concentration of red and gold Qi erupt from Lui Xan, engulfing his legs and forming horns atop his head, like a demon. Or a bull. His Qi was corrupted. Corrupted Qi that flowed through his veins like poison. Empowering him beyond what was possible. The ground trembled and cracked, the air vibrating with energy, dust rising. Then, Lui Xan disappeared. Shi¡ª Alex hurriedly condensed his domain and allowed the Dao to engulf him, welcoming its maddening embrace as he sought to detach himself from the flow of time, slowing his own march through the stream of change by letting go of attachment and abandoning his natural pace. A dull pounding pulsed behind his eyes, something he hadn¡¯t felt since his system had removed his ¡®Dao safety procedures¡¯, whatever they were. As the world slowed to a crawl, Lui Xan reappeared to his countless senses. Behind him. Horns of red Qi, tinged with gold, almost solid were inches from piercing Alex, the horns seemed to not just part the air, but any energy they encountered, slicing it in two before Alex¡¯s senses, and judging by the distance and speed exhibited by Lui Xan, it was another attack he had no way to avoid. The air felt heavier, thicker, with time slowed as it was, and the sense of the imminent strike sharpened in his mind, but it wasn¡¯t panic that overtook him¡ªit was instinct, primal and unrelenting. From deep within, a voice whispered, its presence had been constant since Alex¡¯s awakening, but now, its desire was overpowering. Hunt. Kill, it said. There was no rationality to it, no strategic calculation. Just the overwhelming, raw need for destruction. His spirit beast core roared with the force of the monster residing within him, driving every thought from his mind except one: blood. For the first time, Alex didn¡¯t resist. He gave in to it. There was a truth he had been avoiding for as long as he could remember. He had always clung to his moral compass, rationalizing his choices, burying deeper instincts far beneath the surface. His spirit beast core hummed within him, its energy fierce and untamed, bolstering his innermost desires and Revealing all. It resonating with the bloodlust that had been growing inside his blade, Eclipse. The blade had absorbed the essence of so many demonic spirit beasts, it reflected the cores mental energy, dark and violent, each pulse amplifying the urges he had long suppressed. For years, Alex held fast to his morals, convinced they were what made him better. But now, standing at the brink of a moment he could no longer deny, the core inside him twisted, unlocking a part of his mind he had sealed off¡ªunveiling a desire that shocked him to his core. A truth he could no longer deny. The most fundamental purpose of a sword, is to kill efficiently. Not to slay the innocent, he thought. His path was to defeat others who wielded deadly weapons with finality. But killing was the fundamental truth of the sword. And all martial sword arts centered on this truth: to wield a weapon efficiently meant embracing its ultimate purpose. The sword was designed not to defend, but to end. To sever life, swiftly and cleanly. To truly master any blade, Alex knew he would have to participate in the act for which the sword was created. To engage in death matches¡ªto revel in them. It would allow him to discover the true nature of his sword. He had always turned away from this reality, justifying his reluctance with notions of right and wrong. But now, under the sway of his spirit beast core and the demonic energy within Eclipse, the truth became undeniable. There was no art to the sword without death. Alex¡¯s sense of morality had always been strong. It wasn¡¯t a fragile shell, but an intrinsic part of who he was. Yet, with the influence of his core and blade pressing on his mind to reveal his true desires, he strayed from that path, just a step. For a moment, Alex allowed himself to wonder: What could he achieve if he abandoned the morals that had restrained him? If he unleashed the full potential of the path he had chosen? Even if only for an instant, he longed to find out. To let go of his hesitation, to experience the purity of combat without restraint. To kill or be killed by his equals. This was the truth his spirit beast core had been urging him toward. A truth his blade, Eclipse, whispered to him now. The question he had buried deep inside himself¡ªwhat would happen if he let go¡ªbegan to surface. As Lui Xan¡¯s final strike struck, parting Qi like the wind through leaves, for the first time in his life, Alex embraced the truth of his path¡ªhe let go of everything but the brutal truth of his blade¡¯s purpose. To kill. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 11: Blood Arts
It had never been just about winning¡ª no battle ever was; it was about proving that his path was more true, that his training, his efforts, and his will were stronger. And the same held true for his opponent. The weight of risking one¡¯s life in battle was what gave depth and meaning to every minute movement, making each swing an ode to the mastery they had achieved. This, Alex believed¡ª had always felt deep within¡ª, was the essence of his combat and the purpose of swordsmanship. A battle where a misplaced finger, a single misstep, could bring death. It was this ever-present danger that made the need for mastery all the more essential, and the meaning behind every strike all the more significant, it allowed life and death to intertwine in the rhythm of the battle from start to end. There was a purity to it, a stripping away of all excess. Overcoming the absurdity of existence itself by forging meaning in the clash of their blades. His energy felt animalistic, untamed, and one with the ruthless will within Eclipse. The blade had merely been a weapon in his hand, but now felt like a living thing. It trembled with hunger, vibrating as though it demanded blood, but he wouldn¡¯t allow it to control him. He felt the core thrum within him, too, its power humming as it synchronized with his body. Unlike the violent surge of raw bloodlust he¡¯d anticipated, the energy that flowed from the Spirit Beast Core was far more nuanced¡ªsharp, like a blade unsheathed. It spoke of dominance, not just over his own will, but over the blood itself. As the core''s energy settled, Eclipse began to respond, vibrating in his hand as if eager to feed. His grip tightened on the hilt as a new sense of control washed over him¡ªsomething far more dangerous than simple rage. The blood was not merely a tool for destruction, it was a resource he could wield, through his beast core, it could become an extension of his very will. Experimentally, Alex focused on the thrumming he sensed buried deep within the blade. It felt like a faint breeze, newly detectable under his command, waiting. It¡¯s blood, he realised with muted shock. The blood of thousands lingered within the blade, faint and distant, like the thinnest mist clinging to the edge of dawn, barely detectable. The blood rested deep, its dormant force buried under layers of metal, detectable only when sought by those who could sense it. The blood moved faintly, like a swarm, unified and restless beneath the metal, waiting to be directed. With a thought, he drew a thread of it to the surface, sharpening Eclipse''s edge and extending its surface by a mere inch, enough to sense its power. The weapon grew colder, more lethal as he realized he could manipulate the blood itself¡ªdirect it, maybe even form it into tiny projectiles, lethal and precise. For the first time, he understood the true potential of the core. [Technique: Blood Arts (Beast Core) gained!] Blood manipulation surged and sanguine drops rose from Eclipse¡¯s metal, granting the blade new properties: extending its edge into a razor-sharp arc of red and forming a thin film that would exacerbate wounds with its next cut. Lui Xan stood in Alex¡¯s perception, with time slowed to a crawl, engulfed in a deadly aura of red and gold Qi. The Qi horns that formed above his head slowly hummed with lethality, waves rippling in frozen time. Its energy was monstrous, piercing through all elements it came into contact with. Alex knew, in that moment, there was no way to avoid Lui¡¯s next strike. His body was too slow and his stats were too low. It would land. He was unsure of how effective his next strike would be once empowered with his Qi and the Dao. But it had worked once before, hadn¡¯t it? Back when he had encountered a cultivator for the very first time and discovered true the nature of his glitched skill. The Dao could alter the very fabric of reality in a way he had yet to see mana or qi achieve, and although the first cultivator he had faced, Jun li, had displayed some resistance towards his Dao-infused attacks, Alex suspected that amongst the weapons within his arsenal, the Dao was currently the most powerful. His first strike against Lui Xan¡¯s cheek had revealed that his current strength and stats could at best only inflict minor damage on the youth¡ªjust a scratch. His comparative strength would not allow any attack he made to be substantial, the best he could do would be to target a single major artery close to the skin and hope it would be enough to fell a cultivator. But maybe my Dao could do more? Make the cut deeper, or more deadly? It has to, he thought with grim conviction. If his attack failed, Lui Xan''s guard would be heightened and the soul defence offered by Thanatos¡¯ Sovereign would likely be shattered. Alex''s hands gripped Eclipse tighter. It was all or nothing. Do or die. There would be no second chances. As his perception of time increased, he activated every Qi technique he had learned at once; the Charging Bull Breathing Technique, the Bull¡¯s Foundation Stance, The Stampeding Footwork Primer, and the Steel Horn Strike, one immediately after the other. Qi surged into his chest with a sharp breath, the breathing technique filling his lungs and circulating through his meridians with the single rhythmic breath. His legs pushed off the ground with explosive force, the Qi in his limbs propelling him forward at an incredible speed. In one seamless motion, Alex became pure movement. His focus narrowed on Lui Xan¡¯s form, and through the haze of battle, Alex could feel the rhythm of his opponent¡¯s blood with every movement, as if drawn to it. He felt a pull deep within, almost instinctual, urging him to draw more from it, to manipulate the flow, to tear it wider. His thoughts honed in on the sensation, Eclipse guiding his movements as if they shared a single will. With another flick, he focused on the blood that dripped from Lui Xan¡¯s wound, not letting it fall uselessly to the ground. Instead, he felt it coalesce, gathering into tight, dense spheres at his command. Each shot forward, sharp as needles, and aimed true¡ªstraight for the eyes. The impact was undeniable. Lui Xans eyes closed defensively, and his movements halted as Alex siezed his blood within his grip for a fraction of a second. Alex swung, then, intent on capitalising on the opening his core had created for him. His body moved beyond the limits of each technique, his blade cutting through the air faster than his eye could follow as he channelled the Dao into the tip of the weapon, condensing it to a point, much like he had learned to condense his domain. The strike would be powerful, precise, and entirely different from anything the sect¡¯s manuals had ever taught him. Instead of striking with his fist, or with a stab and slash of his sword, Alex channelled his Qi through pathways the technique required and took all of the techniques to a place its creators never envisioned. He performed an entirely different move than all present had anticipated or could even recognise. It was a move he had never used outside the dojo. One taken from Earth. From Koryu. Koryu-Kenjutsu specialised in war techniques, designed solely for life-and-death situations. And among their many techniques, sacrifice techniques were among the most prominent. They were moves where a practitioner would deliberately receive a blow, usually in a non-lethal area, in order to deliver a killing strike. Alex sought to employ a sacrifice technique, one simply called; The dropping cut. The dropping cut was the defining technique of the Itt¨­-ry¨± school, a style born from battlefields. The practitioner¡¯s sword would meet the opponent''s attack from above, like a hawk diving through the air, focused, and unstoppable. It would not just block or evade¡ªit would cut straight through, finding a gap, and breaking through the opponent¡¯s strike with precision and timing from above. The practitioner had to be prepared to accept a glancing blow to a non-vital area, like the arm or shoulder, knowing that this sacrifice would allow them to land a fatal cut to a critical point like the opponent''s head or neck. The willingness to take such risks, to expose oneself momentarily, was what gave the technique its edge, as it mirrored the calculated chaos of nature, where survival and defeat coexisted like opposites, inseparable. The principle was one of perfect timing¡ªto strike in the moment when the opening was created and the opponent''s defences faltered, much like the crack in a dam that allowed the flood to rush through. As the opponent¡¯s sword would draw near, the practitioner would step into the attack, using the power of both of their swords to redirect the opponent¡¯s blade while following through with a powerful, cutting strike. The key would be in the commitment and positioning of the body, ensuring that even though the opponent may land a blow, only the practitioner''s strike will be fatal. Alex twisted to make it so. He shot forward with his blade held high, not to dodge or parry, but to meet the attack head-on. His Qi flowed seamlessly through his body, synchronized perfectly with the motion. He allowed Lui Xan¡¯s attack to break past his guard and draw near to his vitals, but in return, Alex¡¯s blade came down in a single, uninterrupted arc, aimed directly at Lui Xan¡¯s exposed neck. As Alex had swung, his Qi concentrated into the edge of the sword, then the very tip, amplifying the strike. His Dao soon followed and took it further. Through the Dao, something immensely profound reached out to him, its claws reaching for his soul¡ª An acceptance of both life and death. The two forces were not at odds, but part of the same flow, two sides of the same coin. In the midst of battle, he saw that conflict and harmony coexisted, that survival and death were intertwined. He could sense the endless striving that filled the universe, the relentless drive for evolution that shaped every action, every decision. His movements flowed naturally, in sync with the universe, as if every action was part of larger, cosmic wills. He embraced both life and death as necessary parts of the same struggle, without attachment to either outcome. If he died here in this battle, it would simply mean that his training, his path, and his very will had been incorrect. That was all. The thought didn¡¯t fill him with fear¡ªit gave even more weight to his actions. Every decision was now imbued with purpose, as if the entirety of his life had been building to this moment.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The bite of blade against skin snapped him back to the present as his sword bit through Lui Xan¡¯s defences¡ª a shallow cut, drawing blood as it passed through hardened skin, muscle and blood cells. Then Lui Xan¡¯s strike reached Alex. The blow hit. Hard. Alex¡¯s body absorbed the impact. The damage transferred, and he felt the resistance of both souls stored in Thanatos¡¯ Sovereign crumble to nothing. Then the weight behind the impact sent him rocketing across the cavern. Tumbling until he impacted a far wall. He felt the pain radiating through his chest, a sharp burst that resonated from his chest to his limbs. But he didn¡¯t fight it. He welcomed it. Blood pooled beneath the skin, pressure building at the point of contact, but Alex¡¯s mind remained clear. This was the price of mastery. In that suspended moment, he felt free. *** Lui Xan rose slowly, a smug smirk curling on his lips, victory radiating from his stance like a predator standing over its fallen prey. "Weak," he muttered, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "Not even a scratch this time. I¡¯m surprised someone as fragile as you even dared to come this far." The words lingered in the stillness around him, carrying the weight of his perceived dominance. The bestial red-and-gold Qi that had encircled him moments ago began to fade, leaving the air still and heavy. He turned his back on Alex without a second thought, his focus shifting toward Jin. "Has he even received a world treasure yet?" he sneered. "To be this weak?" Jin¡¯s cold eyes followed Lui Xan¡¯s movements, unreadable, yet the faintest curl of amusement tugged at one corner of his lips, too small to be anything but intentional. Behind him, Lui Xan¡¯s two companions shrank back, their faces frozen in expressions of sudden horror. Lui Xan paused, frowning in confusion. His speech slurred as his hand curiously brushed against his neck, fingers grazing a wetness that hadn¡¯t been there before. The sensation brought a new awareness, and he raised his hand to examine the thin line that now ran across his throat. His eyes widened. The realisation hit him with all the force of inevitability¡ªhe had been cut, silently, perfectly. His knees buckled, and without a word, he collapsed, lifeless. In the distance, the rubble shifted. Alex rose slowly from the cracked basalt and stone, standing amidst the broken remains of their battleground. There there was no need to consider survival or purpose any longer. What remained was his will, etched into the battlefield, asserted through the death of his opponent. *** ¡°You know¡­ I actually did forget to give you a world treasure yesterday.¡± Jin spoke somewhat sheepishly as he approached Alex. Damn right you forgot, Alex thought, rubbing at a phantom pain his back. His spine had fractured when he¡¯d crashed into the wall and he¡¯d been forced to strain his Dao to heal it. Without healing potions, or his Dao¡¯s healing application, it could very nearly have been the end of his journey. Jin reached Alex, rubbing the back of his head. ¡°That makes your victory all the more impressive. You¡¯re not even empowered.¡± At his words, the girl and stocky youth who had followed Lui Xan halted mid-step. Their mouths hung slightly open, disbelief clear in the widening of their eyes. They shared a brief glance, wide-eyed as if silently communicating a realisation that struck them both. Alex watched them closely, their wariness becoming more evident with each second that passed. He could feel their tension, like a pair of hunters that had stumbled upon a juvenile dragon before it had grown its wings. They regarded him warily, as one would regard a land mine. They shared another glance between themselves, and Alex could practically see the gears churning in their minds, wondering if he was still capable of battle. So they¡¯re both considering eliminating me before I get my world treasure and become empowered¡ªwhatever that means¡­ It probably means the world treasures boost cultivator''s strength, somehow, he reasoned, it might explain why they¡¯re so much stronger than everyone else, he concluded while eyeing the pair in return. It looks like they still can¡¯t decide if killing me is worth the risk. Let¡¯s make the choice for them, then, he decided, placing his free hand on the hilt of his blade. Alex exhaled slowly, his hand slipping into the folds of his robe. The movement was subtle, almost casual, yet deliberate. Hidden beneath the fabric, his fingers summoned a small golden globe from his Inventory, feeling its cool surface press into his palm. His passive domain had given him near omniscience, and although he couldn¡¯t completely visualise the items within his domain in its dormant state, he could vaguely feel their shapes, as though he was searching with a limb in the dark, using nothing but touch. He drew out the globe with an air of ease, the motion smooth as though he had retrieved it from a hidden pocket. A faint reflection caught the soft light of the cavern, but Alex kept the globe''s patterns mostly concealed. ¡°I¡¯ve got a world treasure too,¡± he said, his voice steady and casual, as if the object meant nothing. His eyes met theirs, unwavering. ¡°But I haven¡¯t used it. Fighting without it sharpens my skills.¡± He stepped forward, unsheathing his bloodless blade. The cold steel reflected the cavern¡¯s shifting lights, but it seemed weightier than before. "You can die now, if you¡¯d like. Or you can follow. It makes no difference to me.¡± His voice cut through the air, clear and unwavering. Willing to face any outcome. "Will you stand against me, or will you follow? The silence between them stretched for a moment, filled with unspoken thoughts. They both hesitated, the decision swirling in their minds as they measured the risks. Then, slowly, they stepped back. The girl shifted her stance first, signalling her acceptance. The stocky youth followed, eyes still wary but his decision clear. Jin¡¯s laughter cut through the tension, loud and unapologetic. ¡°Good. If you¡¯re going to take action, you have to see it through to the end. Thoroughly.¡± He smiled at Alex approvingly, though Alex wasn¡¯t sure it was the type of approval he agreed with. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Jin said. The four of them moved forward together. Alex¡¯s steps were steady as the uneven ground crunched beneath his feet. He turned, his gaze lingering briefly on Lui Xan¡¯s body, lifeless and still. The reality of what he had done washed over him, but strangely what he felt wasn¡¯t regret. Just caution. The influence of his spirit beast core had been strong. Too strong. But it had faded the instant he¡¯d crashed into the wall, and he could think clearly now, no longer moved by its sway. At the time, he had felt like he was under the influence of some drug, his emotions heightening beyond anything he¡¯d ever felt, boosting his aggression and desires. It felt like super steroids, except in the moment it wanted nothing but blood and battle¡­ he recalled a brief state of pure bloodlust that had filled him. Though he believed that not every warrior he faced would be deserving of death¡ª To Alex, such a blanket rule was immature and devoid of humanity. Still, he didn¡¯t entirely disagree with some of the thoughts he had held while in that heightened state of influence. It had still touched upon things that had long since bubbled beneath his surface, buried. It had even influenced his connection to the Dao. The beast core¡®s pretty dangerous, isn¡¯t it? Alex realised. He had slain many, but this time it was different. Aside from his first encounter with a cultivator, Lui Xan was the closest thing to a human he had ever taken down. Lui Xan had been young, far younger than Jun Li. And he sensed something deep and dark within the blood buried in eclipse. The experience had changed him, slightly. He had been prepared to die, and perhaps Lui Xan had been too. But he hadn¡¯t anticipated how it would feel. He felt terrible, worse than he¡¯d ever felt. But he also felt amazing¡ª and alive, knowing that his path, will and efforts had overcome an opponent he was never supposed to beat. He understood now that war wasn¡¯t a curse. It was the creator of all things and gave birth to change. Conflict wasn¡¯t something to be feared¡ªit was the crucible in which true mastery was forged. In a fight to the death, it became the means of transformation, where every clash of swords gave birth to change and meaning. Life and death weren¡¯t separate forces; they were intertwined, inseparable in the flow of the fight. His actions were part of something larger, part of the eternal struggle that had defined existence since the beginning of time. [Dao: ¡®True Immortality¡¯ - Progress 1.2 > 1.3%] Blood Arts? Alex thought, still reading the words. What the hell is that? It looks it came from the spirit beast core and merged all of the Qi techniques I learned with kenjutsu¡¯s dropping cut, the sacrifice technique. He had no idea such a thing was possible, but it stood to reason. If Changing a technique altered its very nature and function, then the process of creating new techniques was fairly simple. Normal cultivators would not dare, as utilising them one wrong move or wrong pathway was almost guaranteed to cause Qi deviation, madness, or death. But Alex didn¡¯t have that problem, as once he learned a technique the system would store its functions. As long as he followed each individual technique¡¯s Qi pathways in the way they were originally intended, he could merge compatible techniques in any way he saw fit. If he manipulated the Qi pathways however, his life would be in jeopardy. His domain and spirit beast core taken from the blood beast, had allowed him to sense Lui Xans biology in great detail while manipulating the surrounding blood and targeting a weak point, but without the Dao or his system, he strongly doubted his ability to win. There was no question Lui Xan¡¯s beast core would allow him access to some form of blood techniques, but without a system to streamline the process, the others would have to stumble in the dark, slowly and carefully discovering what they were truly capable of. I can still improve the merged techniques and even the beast core¡ª there¡¯s so much more to learn. It¡¯s too early, and that had been way too close, if I¡¯d missed or if I¡¯d have miss-timed seizing his blood, I wouldn¡¯t have stood a chance. I need to improve so much more, he decided. ¡°Where should we go?¡± Zheng Yi asked, her voice steady yet carrying a hint of uncertainty. Her shoulders shifted, preparing to move but hesitant as her eyes searched each corner of the long and distant depths of the cavern, before finally gazing up to stare at the distant slit high above them, higher than any tower. Jin turned and lifted his hand, his movement precise. Alex witnessed the action draw a thin layer of Qi, a small wave that erupted from his palm to wash over them in a soft and subtle spray. Contrary to what his eyes told him, with the omniscience granted to him by his domain, he felt something much stronger. The Qi that poured from Jim¡¯s palm was not a mere spray¡ª it filled his domain, pressing against it like a flood seeking to burst through, erupting from his palm like a tsunami. Though Alex couldn¡¯t see its entirety, he sensed the energy filling every corner of his domain like a lake from a waterfall, reaching far beyond his line of sight. Alex felt its pressure settle over them, expanding across the place like a slow, spreading wave. He suspected that it stretched to reach through the entire lower portion of the cavern they found themselves in. Alex sensed that the energy didn¡¯t stop at the edges of the rocks it encountered. It poured into the sediment, seeping into every crack in the stone, as if the very ground beneath them drank it in. ¡°There.¡± Jin pointed toward the distance, where the jagged rock formations and magma swirled together in glowing rivers. ¡°There¡¯s a spirit beasts nest that way.¡± Alex followed the line of Jin¡¯s finger, his gaze tracing the rocks, their molten cores glowing like veins under the surface of heated skin. That tracking technique he just pulled shouldn¡¯t be possible¡ªnot for the size of his dantian, Alex thought with concern. Jin might be more trouble than he¡¯s worth¡­ What¡¯s his secret? The small size of his dantian didn¡¯t match the weight it carried. Like a mountain under a thin layer of earth. The energy pressed in on itself, tight like a spring, compact, far beyond what it should be. Power hiding in plain sight, like a blade concealed within silk. It was almost familiar. Secrets sitting just out of view. Alex felt it now, clearer than before, the tension, the restraint. The energy under his skin compressed and trembling. Zheng Yi nodded slowly, her twisted back cracking as she straightened herself fully. "And when that¡¯s done?" she asked, a faint smile tugging at her lips with thoughts of clearing the test. The stocky youth, who had been quiet up until now, finally spoke, responding before Jin could, his eyes shined with warm calculation and cold rage. "We find out who did this to us. And then we take everything they have." All present seemed to agree. At his words, the four headed deeper into the cavern. And some time later, in the distance far behind them, the cavern rang with the sound of soft steps that followed carefully and cautiously, observing the youths in its den. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 12: Favourites
As they moved, Alex¡¯s thoughts turned inward to the beast core pulsing within him, its presence a disruption within his body that he hadn¡¯t yet fully explored. Beast Core Blood Arts¡­ He thought, considering the technique¡¯s name and possibilities. Its name implied that the technique was a direct result of his acquisition of the core taken through his encounter with the powerful landscape controlling blood-creature within his mindscape. The battle with that creature came back to him in sharp flashes. It had commanded blood and the flesh that blood inhabited with a mastery that felt nearly divine. Now, with the beast core within him, Alex wondered if he could somehow do the same. He closed his eyes as he walked. His feet moved effortlessly over the rugged terrain, as though they already knew the way. Jagged rocks jutted up from the ground, and patches of molten lava lay scattered around them, but Alex navigated it all without seeing. The Sword Saint''s Domain was active within him, granting him a clarity of perception that no eyes could match. The vibrations from distant swirling lava travelled through the ground, up his legs, and into his core. He could feel the layout of the land beneath his feet, almost as if it had become a part of him. He focused on the vibrant red beast core within him. He began to circulate his Qi using his breathing technique, but he didn¡¯t use his Dantian. Instead, he drew only from the core, allowing its raw Qi to fill his being. Immediately, a new sensation opened to him. He felt the blood within his body, within his blade to a lesser extent, and within his allies. It called to him, distantly, like a person at the bottom of a mountain, too far away to make out the words. But he knew it was there. It¡¯s blood, he thought, his mind honing in on the sensation. He could feel the blood in his own body, flowing through his veins, but there was more. The sensation extended beyond him, touching the blade at his side. It held a faint trace of life¡ªno, lives. Remnants of the countless number it had consumed. He couldn''t make out the details, but the connection was undeniable. Ahead of him, the sound of Zheng Yi¡¯s footsteps grew lighter as she slowed, her bone spurs cutting divots in the stone as she eased her gait. Yet strangely, the action made no sound. She turned to regard him curiously, her expression filled with incredulity at his act of closing his eyes in such a dangerous environment. There¡¯s barely even any sound waves coming from her, just vibrations and displaced air from her movements, Alex noted curiously. He knew she was watching him, silently questioning his decision to render himself vulnerable. He could feel her eyes boring into his chest, focused on his heart. Turning from Alex, Zheng Yi locked eyes with her stocky ally, Cheng Rou, as though silently asking him a question. Should we kill him? She jerked her head at the presumably vulnerable and unaware Alex. ¡°Look at him,¡± Zheng Yi muttered, the bone spurs on her legs cutting into the basalt as her gait slowed. She jerked her head toward Alex. ¡°Eyes closed. I wonder¡ª¡± Cheng Rou turned without slowing, observing Alex. There was no malice in his gaze, just observation¡ªcalculation, and judgement. He noted how Alex navigated the terrain effortlessly, even avoiding flying fire insects and jagged basalt rocks¡ª some shaped like sharp spikes¡ªall without opening his eyes. Cheng Rou shook his head. ¡°Unwise,¡± Cheng Rou whispered, shaking his head. His gaze remained fixed on the blue-spirit root-possessing disciple who moved as though he could see without eyes. ¡°Control your emotions. Leave it.¡± Zheng Yi frowned but complied, picking up her pace again as they followed Jin¡¯s lead. She watched Alex, lips pursed with confusion. He had not long ago been considered the weakest among them, but now even ¡®Test Breaker¡¯ Cheng Rou hesitated at the prospect of an ambush. With Lui Xan dead, Jin was now clearly the strongest among them. The hierarchy was obvious. Alex should have been the weakest. That was, until he defeated one who rivalled Jin in potential. Now, with their ticket to free resources, advanced techniques, and backing defeated by one who hadn¡¯t even used a world treasure to siphon and empower his body, Zheng Yi and Cheng Rou observed this ¡®Alex¡¯ with new eyes. Jin, however, remained unperturbed, as though he had expected Alex to win all along. Zheng Yi clicked her tongue as both she and Chong Rou turned to follow Jin, all thoughts of ambushing Alex forgotten, for now. Alex saw it all. His eyes remained closed, his feet continuing to move effortlessly across the rugged ground. There was no need to open them; the world around him was more vivid this way. Zheng Yi and Cheng Rou, occasionally glanced back to watch him with new eyes, unsure how to approach this new version of him. They''re not sure what to make of me anymore. He could almost hear their thoughts, though they said nothing. Alex found it hard to care. Let them wonder, he thought, feet moving steadily over the uneven terrain. It¡¯s not like they¡¯ll be able to stop me from passing the test. If they held any real importance it would reveal itself, as import always did. And as far as any threat against him was concerned, they would either behave, or he would find a way to make them behave. After all, he still had his Dao, his passives, and his Blood Arts. His focus shifted back to the blood within his body and the power of his core, wondering just how far he would be able to push this new ability. Damn, the protection I get from Thanatos¡¯ sovereign still needs a few hours to regenerate, he thought as he reached for the passive, feeling only remnants of a dragon''s soul slowly reforming. His protective lifeline had already been shattered by Lui Xan¡¯s final attack. What was that technique, anyway? It didn¡¯t look like something a beginner should know. He then focused on the pair ahead, Zheng Yi and Cheng Rou. Zheng Yi moved like a predator, every movement seeping with stealth and grace, her legs bent inward like a leopard, covered in sharp spurs of hardened blood and blade-like bone. Chen¡¯s Rou was similarly distorted, though his mutation seemed to lean solely on the power of his strengthened arm. Alex sensed further changes to Cheng Rou¡¯s bone structure and internal structure that suggested the youth had experienced many more mutations that ran deep beneath his surface, likely enhancing his strength deceptively. What if they¡¯re both as strong as Lui Xan now, with those mutations? He wondered, placing a finger on his chin in consideration of the prospect. Hmm¡­ on second thought, it¡¯s probably best to let them be bait for the 8th stage spirit beast instead, I¡¯ll need my strength for whatever comes next¡­ and I guess I¡¯ll try to help them if I can, he thought, reconsidering his options. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll survive, probably.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. [You have defeated [Error - Non-System Entities detected - Quantifying¡­] [Quantification Accepted.] [You have defeated level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? (Qi Gathering: First stage) L????????u??????i??? ???????X?????????a???????n???? (D)] [Experience Assimilated.] [Qi: 53] The system round up Qi and I only gain 0.2 for beating something in this stage¡­ that means I won¡¯t gain any Qi unless I beat at least 3 beings in the first stage of Qi gathering. That¡¯s annoying. Alex considered the notifications details. If defeating first stage Qi gathering cultivators and spirit beasts only gave such small amounts of Qi, he would quickly need to find ways to encounter beasts of higher yet manageable stages. Nothing too crazy, the second stage beasts have been manageable so far, he thought, recalling the first battle he had experienced with what he now understood to be a freshly born blood beast, one devoid of experience or technique and purely running on instincts. He considered the fact that natural spirit beast not formed by demonic rituals might hold a much more drastic threat. Alex felt the vibrations of a mass swirling lava somewhere in the distance travelling up his feet. A change in the terrain was ahead¡ªdrastic enough to reach him from a distance and spread through his bones like the deep rumble of an approaching storm. The vibrations were subtle but constant, as if the earth itself was shifting under the pressure of the magma far below. We''re close, he thought. The terrain''s changing... "We¡¯ll be at the nest soon," he spoke the words, more to himself at first, but his voice carried to the others. The heat radiating through the path confirmed it. "It has to be the Fire Tiger¡¯s den." He paused. A thought nagged at him. Wait¡ªFire Tiger, right? Isn''t it at the eighth stage of Qi Gathering¡ªmaybe the ninth? His brow furrowed, concern rising. His sect manuals had stated that the difference between cultivation stages was exponentially vast, like the difference between a hill and mountains, or the sea and lands¡ª far from the marginal differences gained between two levels. Rushing in there without a plan would be incredibly stupid, no matter how many tricks we have between us. He finally voiced it aloud. "Someone will need to scout ahead." Zheng Yi stopped, her expression hard as she looked at him. ¡°Scout?" she muttered. "What for? You¡¯ll be dead soon, anyway.¡± Her tone was biting, her eyes judgmental as she stared at him, her gaze sharp like the edge of a blade.¡°You shouldn¡¯t have killed Lui Xan.¡± Cheng Rou¡¯s mouth twitched as he stepped in beside her, his voice low and cold. ¡°She¡¯s right. You shouldn¡¯t have killed him. Lui Xan was Elder Zheng¡¯s favorite nephew¡° he rumbled. ¡°You¡¯ve sealed your fate by doing so. The elder will see to it. He will cause misfortune.¡± His tone wasn¡¯t mocking¡ªmore like a statement of fact. ¡°You may as well have signed your death sentence the moment you struck him down." "Elder Zheng¡¯s influence goes beyond even the sect leader." Zheng Yi¡¯s bone spurs dragged faintly against the ground as her steps grew slower, her deference to Cheng Rou''s judgement clear. He exchanged a look with her, a shared understanding passing between them. ¡°He won¡¯t make it a month,¡± she said. Alex¡¯s jaw clenched slightly at the mention of Lui Xan. The name still held weight, the battle still fresh in his mind. But he kept his pace steady. They think I¡¯m already dead, he thought, watching them without turning his head. Well, to hell with that. "Let him come," Alex shot back, his voice hardening, fists clenching by his sides. He could feel the weight of their stares, the growing pressure. "I don¡¯t fear him." Zheng Yi snorted, crossing her arms. "You should." Jin had been silent up to this point, suddenly scoffed. He didn¡¯t look back as he spoke, voice calm, confident, almost dismissive of the whole situation. "Misfortune? Death?" His voice was cold, dismissive. He looked over at Alex, his eyes sharp but calm. "If we fear every shadow in the sect, you¡¯ll never move forward." Alex agreed with the sentiment. If he wanted to rise within the sect, he couldn¡¯t allow anything to stop him. But he wasn¡¯t an imperial. He wasn¡¯t even a cultivator, not really. There was the option of escaping the sect to join another, or finding another system world¡ª of which there were countless to choose from. But neither option felt right to him. He still hadn¡¯t gained all the power there was to gain from the sect, and neither had he found Earth. Flight just wasn¡¯t an option. There¡¯s always a way, he thought. I¡¯ll just have to find it when I get out of here. He quickly brushed those thoughts aside. For now, his mind was locked on the Fire Tiger, the only thing that truly posed a danger in the next few moments, at least. He wasn¡¯t about to waste time on some distant political fallout. ¡°Focus,¡± he said coldly. ¡°If we don¡¯t deal with the Fire Tiger, none of us will live long enough for any of that to matter.¡± "I don¡¯t care about Elder Zheng right now," Alex said, his voice flat, cutting through the tension like a knife. "We¡¯re walking into a Fire Tiger¡¯s den. You think the elder¡¯s influence matters if we¡¯re dead in the next few minutes?" Influence?, he thought, what good is influence when we''re about to steal from something that could kill us in seconds? His gaze shifted toward the distant path, feeling the heat rising more intensely through the stone beneath him. ¡°We need a scout" Alex suggested again, his voice quieter this time, more direct. "We don¡¯t need all of us walking into a trap." Jin¡¯s eyes scanned the distant strip of sky, sensing the change in the air just as Alex did before he nodded. "Zheng Yi, you go ahead." His voice was calm but firm, and cold. Zheng Yi bristled but said nothing. She knew that there was no point in arguing when Jin spoke like that. She understood the severity of their situation just as well as he did. Her lithe form disappeared quickly into the shadows with a huff, her confidence in her abilities evident in every micro movement. They moved on, the atmosphere thick with the tension left behind from the exchange. Alex¡¯s senses stretched outward, every subtle shift in the ground, in the temperature, alerting him to their surroundings. The sound waves of the lava, sloshing gently, reached him. A chemical tinge in the air told him that something was different here. His domain shifted at the edges, constantly suffusing the area within a fifteen-foot radius. Zheng Yi returned, looking pleased. She stopped abruptly, her gaze shifting. ¡°Look.¡± Alex followed her gaze and saw them¡ªsix cubs, sprawled out in a shallow pool of lava, their breaths deep and slow, sending ripples through the molten liquid. The cubs¡¯ sleek forms radiated heat, their small bodies glowing faintly from the embers beneath their skin. The shallow lava beneath them swirled lazily, gently lapping against the edges of the stone around it, causing the edges of the rock to redden. The cubs¡¯ fur was thick and burning orange with the faintest flicker of Qi. It¡¯s time to pass this test, Alex thought with both determination and grit. All he needed was a claw or some fur, and it would all be over. Then he would have to face whatever awaited him on the outside. Soul of Blades - Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 13: Recklessness & Restraint
Six feline creatures lay in the shallow lava. To call them ¡®cubs¡¯ or even ¡®tigers¡¯ felt like a disservice, so different were they from any creature Alex had ever seen. Each cub was the size of a grown man, their fur burning with a glow of deep reds and oranges. Their massive forms lay unbothered by the molten rock beneath them, their bodies nestled into the lava as though it were nothing more than a warm bed of water. The fur wasn¡¯t just fire; it was like molten metal, shifting with every breath they took, rolling waves of heat along their bodies. Their claws rested, floating above the lava, long and curved, sharp enough to carve through the hardest stone. The lava lapped gently against their forms, and the cub''s massive paws twitched occasionally, sending ripples through the surface of the lava¡ªlike waves on a fiery ocean. Zheng Yi¡¯s eyes were alight with excitement, her voice cutting through the stifling heat. ¡°There¡¯s six of them,¡± she said, her eyes never leaving the cubs. ¡°Enough for all of us. We could each claim one.¡± Her voice was hushed and almost reverent as she watched the cubs. Cheng Rou stood at her side, arms folded across his chest, his gaze fixed on the sleeping cubs. ¡°Or we could kill them,¡± he said, his voice rough, as though the heat itself was scraping at his throat. ¡°The fur, the claws, the bones... we¡¯d get more than enough resources. Think of the equipment¡ªthe pills. We¡¯d get far more from that than just a hair.¡± Alex''s brows furrowed as he watched the cubs, each breath feeling heavier as inhaled hot air. ¡°No. We¡¯re only taking hair or a claw. Nothing else. Anything more is just¡­ Stupid.¡± His voice was calm, but beneath it, there was a hard edge. Jin stood at the edge, watching the sleeping cubs, each the size of a grown man, their fiery fur rippling with the soft rhythm of their breath. He glanced at Zheng Yi and Cheng Rou" he began, his tone neutral, but there was curiosity behind it. "Those transformations earlier, and the spirit beast cores¡ªwhat did they feel like?" Zheng Yi shot Jin a glance, her expression guarded, lips tightening. Cheng Rou remained silent for a moment, his face unreadable. Alex stood still, observing them without a word. Zheng Yi¡¯s eyes flicked to Cheng Rou for a second, almost as if asking for backup. Cheng Rou shrugged, finally meeting Jin¡¯s gaze. ¡°We feel much stronger than should be possible.¡± ¡°And?¡± Jin asked, his brow lifting. ¡°There¡¯s... pain,¡± Cheng Rou admitted, his hand flexing as if it were still aching. ¡°It¡¯s constant. But it¡¯s more than just physical. There¡¯s something else. A hunger. A need for... violence.¡± Jin¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°Violence?¡± Zheng Yi took a step forward, her posture aggressive. ¡°What does it matter? We can handle it.¡± Cheng Rou nodded, his tone laced with a strange blend of satisfaction and hunger, "It¡¯s the mark of our new power¡ª something that sets us apart from the rest of the fools, not something to cower away from." Jin didn¡¯t blink. ¡°I just thought you should consider the fact that your motivations may be skewed.¡± Alex agreed. He could sense the gravity of Jin¡¯s words, though Jin himself seemed more excited than concerned. Alex focused on his breathing, trying to maintain a calm exterior. The urge to spill blood was steadily growing increasing with every pulse of Qi from his new core. His attention drifted to the core within him, the latent power that had surged through his body the moment he absorbed it and now he sought to quell it, to reduce it to a state of dormancy. Its connection felt raw and potent, something he hadn¡¯t fully understood but still felt deeply. He wasn¡¯t about to let Jin know that, though. Alex¡¯s attention shifted to his own chest, where he could feel the core pulsating with raw and wild energy. It feels strange. The way it still wants to consume me, to take over. ¡°Jin¡¯s right, there¡¯s no need to kill the cubs, the test doesn¡¯t require it,¡± Alex spoke the words while resisting the voice deep within that called for violence. He wasn¡¯t an animal. Zheng Yi turned to him, a sharp laugh escaping her lips. ¡°You¡¯re afraid of the mother, aren¡¯t you? You think she¡¯s the problem here?¡± Alex didn¡¯t flinch, his gaze steady. ¡°Look at the size of them. Look at that one there, the closest one¡± He pointed at the cubs, their massive bodies rising and falling with slow, deep breaths. ¡°How do you think the mother would compare?¡± He sighed, letting his words sink on deaf ears. ¡°And plus, they¡¯re newborns. Babies. You can¡¯t harm them just for pills and weapons.¡± Jin stood at the edge of the pool, his arms crossed, watching the molten rock swirl beneath the cubs. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter to me if they live or die,¡± he said, his tone flat, indifferent. ¡°But the mother isn¡¯t far. We don¡¯t have time for this debate. Make a choice.¡± Cheng Rou¡¯s eyes shone greedily as he stared at the cubs. ¡°If we kill one, we¡¯ll be stronger for it. The resources¡ª¡± ¡°No,¡± Alex said, his voice harder now. ¡°We¡¯re not doing that. A hair or a claw is enough to pass the test. Zheng Yi¡¯s lips twisted into a mocking smile. ¡°There are six of them, Alex. Plenty to go around. You can leave with a hair if you want, but I¡¯m not walking away from this empty-handed.¡± Alex¡¯s blood ran cold at her words, is she stupid? he wondered. ¡°That¡¯s not an option. We take what we need and leave.¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°Time is running out,¡± Jin sighed, his gaze drifting over the molten pool. He shrugged and moved toward the edge, clearly unbothered by the tension between them. ¡°A compromise then,¡± Cheng Rou nodded, his eyes still on the cubs. ¡°Then Zheng Yi will keep one as a pet, you two can do what you want with two and we¡¯ll kill the rest. Take what we can, and be done with it.¡± Zheng Yi didn¡¯t wait. She moved first, leaping lightly onto a stone jutting out over the lava. Her movements were swift and fluid, her Qi flowing effortlessly through her body, propelling her closer to the cubs, her body lithe and precise as she approached the centre, her eyes locked on their glowing forms. Cheng Rou followed close behind, his movements slower but just as deliberate. Jin let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair as he stepped forward to follow them, his expression indifferent. Alex stayed back, his knuckles whitening as he squeezed his blade''s hilt as he watched them go with his gut twisting with frustration. Why can¡¯t they just listen? He would have to stop them from killing the cubs¡­ the creatures had done nothing wrong, and according to Jin, true spirit beasts were said to hold intelligence, like that of a person, or a child. Perhaps he could even save one. His decision solidified, and Alex took a step forward. And then... he felt it. The vibrations in the rock told him everything¡ªevery subtle shift in the air, every tremor beneath the surface. A presence. Massive. Overwhelming. His domain rippled as the weight of it crashed into his senses like a tidal wave. Heat surged around him, suffocating, pressing in from all sides. The Qi was dense, thick with power, like standing at the heart of a volcano, or the edge of a burning forest. Alex¡¯s breath caught in his throat as two giant eyes appeared in the distance, burning like the molten core of suns, glowing brighter than the lava that surrounded them. They stared down at him, filled with a fury that sent waves of heat rippling through the air. The mother stood at the very edge of his domain, her form massive, towering over him. Her fur was like a living flame, every movement sending bursts of hot air rushing past him. Her claws dug into the stone, cutting through it as though it were nothing more than soft clay. She was too close. Too powerful. The tiger mother took another step forward, her massive form now fully within Alex¡¯s domain. Her breath was hot, burning, as though the very air was on fire. ¡°You¡­ would¡­ save them?¡± Alex didn¡¯t move, his blood freezing in his veins as he realized what had entered his domain. The Fire Tiger mother was here, and she was only fifteen feet behind him. No¡ª thirteen feet, and none of the others had noticed. He swallowed. ¡°I was going to try.¡± ¡°¡­Good¡± her Qi spread in the air, stifling as it filled the space around them like smoke, breaching the edge of his awareness like a predator stalking through the shadows. It wasn¡¯t anywhere near as oppressive as Mistress Yan Hua¡¯s Qi, but Alex felt it nonetheless. ¡°I won''t¡­ kill you¡­ yet.¡± Alex finally turned to face the mother, both hands firm on the hilt of his sword. His breath caught in his chest as the beast¡¯s immense body exploded past him like a fiery comet tearing through the air, all heat fire and rumbling fur. The force of her passing stirred the air violently and heat rolled off her large form, hitting Alex like a furnace door being thrown open. Her body was too large and too fast for what should have been possible. In a single bound, she landed in front of Zheng Yi and Cheng Rou with a bone-shaking crash, her paws hitting the lava and stone like boulders, shaking the earth beneath her weight. The impact sent waves of molten rock splashing upward, sizzling against the stone as it hit the cooler surfaces around them. Cracks spread outward from where her claws dug into the stone, jagged and sharp, like a shattered mirror on the ground. Where¡¯s?¡ª Jin was nowhere to be seen. He¡¯s gone, Alex realised. The mother¡¯s massive jaws opened wide and without hesitation, she spewed a wave of flame and molten spit at them. The inferno roared forward, obliterating the space around the pair. Zheng Yi and Cheng Rou had no time to react. Their bodies disappeared in the blink of an eye, consumed by the flame and molten spittle before they could even scream. Through the Qi circulated from his beast core, Alex sensed Cheng Rou¡¯s form vanishing in an instant, his flesh and blood reduced to ash and nothingness. The fire swirled through the air in a sustained blast, with molten spittle spraying across the ground, burning everything it touched and leaving the stone blackened and cracked. Zheng Yi erupted from the flames. Her body was covered in a cracking, flaking layer of blood, hardened by the extreme heat. Alex could feel the pressure of her blood manipulation technique as it shielded her from the worst of the heat, but he knew it wouldn¡¯t last. Its brittle layers cracked as she flew with purpose, peeling away like old paint. Her body crashed against the far wall with a heavy thud, the bone spikes in her legs anchoring her into the stone. More spikes erupted from her arms and legs as they dug deeper into the stone. Then she ran. She raced along the wall, her body blurring as her speed increased. The wall cracked under each impact, her inverted legs gripping into the surface as talons would hold onto prey. The fire clinging to her clothes faded as her speed increased, some strange Qi technique causing her form to almost warp from one place to the next. The mother''s first strike missed, claws scraping the stone, sending sparks flying in all directions. The second strike came just as fast, tearing into the stone wall where Zheng Yi had been only moments before. Zheng Yi dodged twice more, her movements precise and controlled, using whatever secret techniques she held to stay just ahead of the tiger¡¯s attacks. The mother paused, claws extended after missing her by inches as the cultivator leapt to another part of the wall, bone sinking into basalt, anchoring her. The missed attack sent pieces of stone flying in all directions, some hitting the molten pool with a loud plops. Zheng Yi¡¯s body flickered as she leapt once more, her speed allowing her to evade the worst of the tiger¡¯s fury. The mother stood still, then, watching the disciple race through her den. Then she rested, laying on the lava as her cubs did¡ª as though she had grown tired of the intruder in her nest. Alex felt the sudden surge of Qi rip through the air, a force radiating from the large beast. In the next instant, heat warped the air as the molten claws struck Zheng Yi, sending her crashing to the ground with a heavy thud. The force of the impact was muted, the liquid rock twisting unnaturally into the shape of claws to leave glowing trails across the stone. The mother rose and approached Zheng Yi¡¯s downed form. Her jaws opened wide, and with a sickening crunch, she snapped them shut around Zheng Yi¡¯s motionless form. The sound of bone being crushed bounced off the walls and rang through the den, filling Alex¡¯s ears with the finality of the moment. The tiger mother turned slowly, her gaze locking onto Alex. Her presence was suffocating, the increased heat from her body warping the air around her as she stepped forward. She closed the distance in a single, powerful leap, the ground shaking beneath her as she landed in front of Alex, towering over him like a living mountain of heat and rage. Her voice rumbled through the den, deep and inhuman, the words dripping with malice. ¡°Tell¡­ me why¡­ I¡­ shouldn¡¯t¡­ kill you?¡± Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 14: The Edge of Violence The fire tiger mother¡¯s breath washed over Alex, heavy and burning, much like the heat from a furnace just as it consumed everything in its grasp. She could kill him. She should kill him. The only reason he had survived this long was her fleeting favour. A favour that had already been repaid in full, as granting him even a few more seconds of life while she hunted his companions was more than any prey could ever hope for. She owed him nothing, now. Her tail flicked, lava rippling where it touched. The muscles beneath her fur tightened like coiled springs. She could tear him apart in seconds, and they both knew it. But she waited, her head tilting ever so slightly, listening. Predators always listened, even if they didn¡¯t care. *** To Alex, her eyes felt like molten suns of hatred as they drilled into him. How can eyeballs generate heat? He wondered as he stared back, meeting her gaze. He should have been worried. Hell, he should even have felt resignation or maybe even a little bit of dread¡ªbut all he felt was the heat subtly pressing against his skin. His mind stayed cold, however. Why shouldn¡¯t she kill him? The answer was simple, and it was an answer he¡¯d known ever since Jin had informed him of the three strongest creatures in the realm. "I have information about a hidden force that even you might find... worth your time," he said, his voice steady, eyes meeting hers with a hint of challenge. The tiger mother¡¯s growl rumbled through the den, but she didn¡¯t strike. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, considering his words. ¡°You... offer... more prey?¡± Alex nodded steadily, an action that caused her molten coloured pupils to dilate. "The most prey¡ªmore than could ever fill you or your cubs'' bellies." The tiger paused, her tail flicking, slitted eyes burning with heat. Her head lowered slightly, her breath hot against his skin. ¡°Explain¡­ Quickly.¡± All tiger species are primarily Hunters, right? Alex paused in a second of thought, his fingers tracing along the patterns of his blade''s hilt as he considered the beast before him. He viewed the way the mother crouched low before him, her muscles primed and ready to pounce if he showed even a hint of prey behaviour like agitation, fear or retreat. For a moment, Alex felt grateful for the fact that he had followed his instincts and stood his ground rather than attempt to fight or flee. Any other behaviour would have triggered her predatory instincts and caused a much more unfortunate outcome. And hunters love vulnerable prey¡ª the injured ones, or those isolated from a group. So what she wants are easy targets. He would have to present the proposed ¡®prey¡¯ not as a challenge, but as an abundance of easy meals. ¡°Like I said, a hidden force is here and it¡¯s imperative that you¡ªthat we hunt them all. Although the force is filled with nothing but weak and vulnerable prey, to allow them to live even a day longer would be far more dangerous than you could imagine.¡± He watched her closely, studying the flicker of curiosity in her gaze. She stepped closer, her breath hot enough to scorch his skin. ¡°Dangerous... to me?¡± Her lips curled slightly, not in amusement, but in that unsettling feline way¡ªa predator on the edge of a decision. ¡°Nothing... is... more dangerous... than I.¡± ¡°If that¡¯s true then why is the blood phoenix still alive?¡± That got her attention. A growl reverberated through her, low and rumbling. The ground trembled as the stone trembled with her irritation. ¡°That... bird... has escaped me before. But it cannot... die. It does not¡­ fight. It tricks..¡± It tricks? I¡¯m assuming she means it¡¯s cunning, after all¡ª Jin did say it was the more intelligent of the pair, Alex thought in consideration of her words. ¡°Yes and now it has bloodbea¡ª creatures of blood. An army of them.¡± He continued under her watchful gaze. ¡°I have killed¡­many,¡± the mother tigress said, her tone dismissive. ¡°They are nothing.. but weak cubs.¡± She paused, her eyes widened, filled with dawning calculation. ¡°An army¡­ of prey cubs?¡± Good. She¡¯s listening. ¡°Yes, but the Phoenix is feeding on them,¡± Alex pressed, feeling the weight of her gaze. ¡°Every blood creature killed only empowers the phoenix. You may think you¡¯re the apex, but it grows stronger with every wave of blood creatures that invade this realm.¡± He allowed his words to hang, knowing he was walking a fine line. ¡°They¡¯re weak now,¡± he acknowledged. ¡°But there are endless numbers of them. When they overwhelm this realm, the phoenix will absorb all of their strength. It will quickly become something you cannot handle.¡± He leaned in slightly, testing the boundaries. ¡°Unless I lead you to their maker. Then you can take that power for yourself.¡± The mother was silent for a long moment. Then, with slow, deliberate movement, she lowered her head, her eyes burning into his. ¡°You live¡­ for now. A few hours¡­ maybe days. We will¡­ find this¡­ maker.¡± The Mother didn¡¯t blink, but her muscles relaxed just slightly. The small being before her had offered something valuable¡ªinformation, access to more prey, survival¡ª and growth. The Tigress could kill it later. She had time. She stood tall again, disinterested, her attention already shifting. ¡°I will¡­ kill you. But first¡­ we will hunt.¡± *** Alex sat in a meditative pose among the stones in the centre of the lake of lava, cultivating. Some distance away within the lava lay the giant fire tigress and her cubs, and if they were to interrupt his attempt to cultivate the mana of her lair, it could and would lead to serious consequences. But he found himself somewhat unconcerned; If any of them entered within his domain¡¯s range he would simply stop cultivating. Even if the fire tigress could move much faster than his body could keep up with, with his intelligence stat as high as it was he could at least react to any unforeseen actions mentally. There would be no risk of Qi deviation, death, stunted progress, or crippling of his cultivation and future advancement. It¡¯s a pretty dangerous thing to do, all things considered, Alex thought while sitting still, but the Qi here is just too unique.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. And plus, he trusted his domain. It had allowed him to realise the strangeness of the Qi within the Fire Tiger¡¯s lair. It felt far different from any other Qi he had encountered so far. The Fire Qi around him carried an intensity that set it apart from any other energy¡ªan element of heat, but with the chaotic surge of raw entropic power. The Fire Qi was wild and restless, swirling in unpredictable currents that seemed to mirror the nature of flames themselves¡ªconstantly shifting, never still. It surged through the cracks in the molten rock, its intensity unmistakable. Unlike other types of Qi, this one carried a raw aggression, a chaotic pulse that seemed ready to lash out and consume. Alex then considered his multicoloured spirit root and its effect on his cultivation. According to the sect¡¯s manuals, as a possessor of a multicoloured spirit root, he not only held unparalleled potential for mastering techniques but also a heightened affinity for multiple types of elemental Qi which would in theory allow him to absorb and utilize various elemental energies far more effectively than all others with mere single-element spirit roots. The broad affinity of his spirit root should make him extremely versatile and allow for a much faster rate of cultivation. In theory. But according to the texts, the boost to his cultivation would come with significant caveats. The increased cultivation speed would be primarily due to his enhanced affinity for multiple types of Qi, allowing them to absorb and utilize a broader spectrum of elemental energies. This versatility can result in quicker breakthroughs in certain cultivation stages and the ability to learn and master a wider range of techniques that draw on different elements. He took a deep breath, utilising the breathing technique to send it surging through his pathways. The moment the energy surged within him, the air tightened with the dry scorch of a desert wind, heat rolling through his veins with the fury of molten earth. Each breath he took filled his lungs with a searing intensity, his skin tingling as if the air itself held an invisible flame. It was more than warmth; it was a ravenous blaze, waiting to be unleashed, a force that seethed beneath his skin, heavy with power. The world around him blurred, and all he knew was the burn within, a living ember now ignited deep inside. He guided the fiery force to his dantian, where it collided with his Qi in a brilliant blaze. The two forces swirled together and the fire expanded to meld with his being, growing hotter and denser. His dantian drank it in, shaping it into something familiar yet more powerful, an inferno now rooted within him, a living force he could summon at will. Though he wasn¡¯t quite sure how to utilise it, or the effect it would have on his techniques. He would have to ask Jin¡ª once I find the sneaky bastard, he reminded himself, [Qi: 53 > 55] [New energies have assimilated with your body] [Nascent Body: 0 > 17%] Huh. I wonder what happens when it reaches 100%? Alex mused. Perhaps he would become some kind of energy demigod, able to summon and manipulate all things at will. [2-hour mana cooldown ended. Skills now available for use] ¡°What¡­ are you doing¡­ prey?¡± The Tigress the size of a bus eyed Alex curiously as he cultivated. There was a sense of amusement in the way she asked, but within her amusement lay hints of lethality and dangerous whimsy. A cat¡¯s curiosity. Alex paused his cultivation to answer her question. ¡°I¡¯m finding the maker of the blood creatures.¡± He breathed, opening his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s this way,¡± he lied, pointing towards a pathway past her lair that led deeper into the caverns. Well, it¡¯s not exactly a lie, Alex thought while rising to his feet. I¡¯m pretty sure the beacon I''m remembering from the spirit beast core¡¯s memories was in that direction too. "And you... know their source?" Her gaze hardened, pupils narrowing to slits. ¡°Truly?¡± In her alien and inhuman logic she believes that my immediate death is inevitable, and allowing me to live hours or perhaps days more is some kind of freakin¡¯ boon, he noted, bemused by her foreign and predatory thought process. To her, the act of extending his ¡®short¡¯ life was probably the height of mercy. Alex scoffed at the idiocy. "I do," he affirmed while trying to ignore the scent of sulfur and ash. "A demonic cultivator is the maker of these creatures. I¡¯ll lead you to him, and you¡¯ll take his power. Then we¡¯ll destroy¡ªno, then we¡¯ll hunt the blood Phoenix together.¡± He could see her mind working, slow, deliberate, like a predator circling its prey. The mother tigress was not used to being challenged¡ªlet alone by something she considered lesser¡ªbut the thought of the blood phoenix gaining power clearly unsettled her. For a long moment, the fire tiger mother watched him, her gaze burning into his. Then she stepped closer, her breath hot against his skin. ¡°You¡­ would do this?¡± Alex stood his ground. ¡°Yes.¡± Her eyes glowed brighter, but the edges of her mouth curled upward, not in kindness, but in something colder. Her massive form loomed over him as she came to a stop, the heat rolling off her body like waves from a furnace ¡°You would betray your own?¡± Alex almost cackled but reduced the urge to a mere smile ¡°Trust me. None of them are my own.¡± The Tigress paused, blinking slowly, a predator''s blink, but didn¡¯t answer. She watched him while waiting, amused maybe. Or bored. The line was so fine with creatures like her. Then she moved before Alex could even blink. Her massive paw came down on him, claws extended, not to kill, but to play. Boundless Dodg¡ª Alex had no time to think¡ªonly react. His arms shot up in defence, his mind summoning the blades stored in Sword Soul¡¯s soul-armoury in an instant. They erupted from his skin, sharp steel and foreign metal blossoming outward, each one shaped and sharpened to a deadly point through his dao. A wave of blades and reality rippling flux bit into the air. The moment her paw connected, the force rattled through his bones, the impact reverberating as though it had struck the earth itself. The stone beneath his feet grated under the force, his body sliding back against the rough ground, arms braced to absorb the blow as his feet scraped across the stone to send shards flying as he slid, the grinding sound filling his ears. His body jolted with the impact and his arms shook under the weight of the strike, and his breath hitched as his defences held. Sparks flew from the jagged edges of his blades, steel meeting flesh. He dug his feet into the ground, finally coming to a halt, the pressure in his arms releasing as the tigress withdrew. Thanatos¡¯ Sovereign, had deflected the worst of the blow, but pain still shot up through his arms, a dull throb in his bones. His limbs were now a mass of serrated edges, unnaturally sharp and primed through his dao. The jagged edges of the Dao-infused blades cut deep into her fur as she struck him, leaving thin red lines in their wake and blood trickling down her paw. The tigress paused, pulling back her paw. A thin trail of crimson dripped from the edges of her claws, and she tilted her head slightly, regarding her wound with detached curiosity. The faintest hint of amusement seemed to flicker in her eyes as she flexed her claws, her head tilting ever so slightly as she observed the sizzling blood fall¡ªjust drops¡ª staining the lava below. For the first time, her gaze returned to Alex with something new¡ªreevaluation, perhaps¡ªand a thin smile of predatory intent curled in the corners of her snarl. Alex''s chest relaxed, his breathing returning to its usual pace as the tension between them dissipated, the moment punctuated by the quiet drip of her blood into lava, the smallest sign that he''d gained her curiosity. ¡°You are... bold... for one so weak,¡± she rumbled, her voice carrying the weight of every threat still hovering between them. ¡°And you¡¯re slow for one in so much danger. Let¡¯s go.¡± They headed deeper into the caverns, searching for a single demonic blood cultivator, the Little Demon. A man pretending to be a cultivator walked beside the giant lioness he¡¯d vowed to kill. Ever deeper. The air tasted of ash, burning his throat. Beside him, the mother tigress moved with graceful menace, her fur blazing like a living fire. Her cubs padded behind, eyes glowing like hot coals. Alex¡¯s body still ached from the hit and his bones felt sore, but the pain didn¡¯t matter. It only sharpened his focus. She had toyed with him, that much was clear. A cat¡¯s whim. She planned to kill him, but she hadn¡¯t yet¡ªat least not until they had found their prize. I¡¯ll kill you first, he thought. Kill her¡ªor the blood phoenix, or the Little Demon. Whoever survived the chaos that was coming would fall to his blade. Glancing at the tigress, he steeled himself and ventured deeper into the chasm. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 15: The Phoenixs Shadow
The Mother tigress¡¯s voice rumbled deep and resonant, vibrating through the chasm like the distant growl of thunder. She slowed, her bright and glowing gaze burning into his back as if questioning his every move. Alex had been walking with the tigress and her cubs for less than an hour, and the uneasy tension between them had risen slowly with each passing second. Every step taken was with suspicion, and each glance betrayed a rising lack of trust as though they each waited for the moment when they would strike against one another. The words ¡®Allocation¡¯ and ¡®Mana Burn¡¯ were on the tip of his tongue and the edge of his mind as he walked several paces ahead, determined to keep her out of his domain so he would have extra time and space to react to any potential attack that would occur if she finally realised he had no idea where the Little Demon of Winding Bloods was hiding. And although she remained just outside his domain''s range, every movement she made sent sound, ripples through the air, heat through his awareness, and tremors in the ground beneath his feet¡ªenough to give him a clear warning of her actions. Alex didn¡¯t bother turning to face her, his senses already on edge from the weight of her presence. He replied calmly with his eyes still fixed on the path ahead. ¡°I am certain.¡± He absolutely wasn¡¯t. What¡¯ll I do when she finds out I¡¯m making it all up? Alex halted mid-stride, the question lingering in his mind. He dismissed Eclipse with a thought, summoning another blade; but this one was different¡ªstolen from one of Phurafel¡¯s stronger imperial undead revenants, it pulsed with life and power.¡ªa guardless cultivator¡¯s weapon, brimming to the edge with Qi. The blade glowed faintly in his grip, its energy patterns shifting and fluctuating across the unknown metal. It reminded him of the ancient Chinese swords he¡¯d once seen in Earth¡¯s museums and ceremonial displays, relics from a distant past. Alex''s thoughts focused on the weight of the sword. Every step he took sent out ripples of energy, the blade responding in kind, its glow brighter, sharper. Within the domain, he could sense the smallest changes, down to the air currents shifting around him, the ground¡¯s quiet vibrations, and even the chemical signatures left behind by the undead that had once held the blade. It vibrated with unstable lightning Qi. Good. This should work, he thought, raising the sword. ¡°Thousands become One.¡± He muttered to no one. Alex closed his eyes and shifted his focus entirely inward as he drew half his mana pool from within, pulling the energy from deep within his heart with the precision of a sword stroke, dumping it all into the activation of his skill. His senses sharpened through the near-omniscient reach of his Sword Saint''s Domain, where every internal breath and vibration came alive in exquisite clarity. [Thousands Become One - Mastery: 0 > 12%] From his heart, hundreds of thin strings of mana erupted, much more than had sprouted from the skill¡¯s first activation. They rose skyward, countless threads that shaped into countless swords, some glowing faint blue, others brighter, some large, and some smaller, and a final tether that caused the cultivator¡¯s Qi-filled sword to rise and join them. The Eraser. The Void Web. He wasn¡¯t even sure what to call it yet, but he knew it was dangerous. The strings of mana that formed from his heart had already stretched far beyond the domain¡¯s limit, reaching for a sky littered with hundreds of swords. The sheer scale of it unnerved him, its potential to annihilate not just the tigress, but himself. He remembered the destructive power it held when it collided with Qi¡ªthe void it left in its wake, erasing anything it touched. It had been raw, unruly, and impossible to control. I definitely put too much mana into the activation this time, Alex thought as he eyed the thin, near-invisible strings expanding into branches of destruction. Once multiple skills merged and the true technique activated, a single misstep could erase him from existence. The tigress''s molten eyes fixed on the constellation of swords hanging above them, her body remaining still as she regarded the display with an air of detached interest. A low, rumbling growl escaped her throat, not of fear but of mild amusement and sheer curiosity at the spectacle. ¡°What are¡­ you doing?¡± ¡°Preparing,¡± he responded calmly, without breaking stride or looking back. To him, her question had no real bearing on the outcome. Instead, Alex mulled over the risk of using the Void Web to attack and possibly kill the Fire Tiger, as her large form followed some distance behind, either unaware or unthreatened by the trap forming around her. Her massive form radiated power. But that doesn''t matter, Alex thought. The moment she¡¯s distracted¡ªthat¡¯s when I¡¯ll move. His mind flowed with focus, expanded to the edges of his domain like a cloud as his attention concentrated to a sword''s edge. My perception of time will slow when I condense the domain, I¡¯ll have to do that to manage this. If she moves too fast, I¡¯ll need the smallest of windows¡ªjust enough to catch her in the web. He turned the possibilities over in his mind, piece by piece. The prospect of condensing his domain as far as it would go¡­. But if I do that, it limits everything else. If I shrink it too much, I lose sight of everything beyond it. A mistake that small could cost him. But slowing time was his only way of making this work. He would gain one foot of sheer omniscience... But he would be practically blind beyond that, unable to sense energies or fluctuations of the world. Unable to sense even the smallest of tremors in the air or ground. That was the trade-off, the crux of his plan. I¡¯ll have to rely on my human eyes alone, he realised. That would mean that when he attacked, he would have to ensure that he was facing the mother and that his eyes could track her movements, somewhat. With time slowed that shouldn¡¯t be a problem, as long as I¡¯m facing her. But what if she¡¯s faster than that? Than the attack? The thought sparked a new path of consideration. What if she dodged the initial strike? What if her reflexes were too honed to fall into this trap? The possibility nagged at him, but he found his answer. He couldn¡¯t rely on raw power to take her down¡ªhe needed to wait for her to be injured, preoccupied, anything to make her slower. The Sovereign Clone, perhaps? The idea surfaced, but he immediately dismissed it. Too risky. Jin was still alive and likely watching, and his ability to create clones from any blade he touched was not an asset he could afford to reveal¡ªnot now, not ever. Each clone carried his presence, his essence, and any cultivator would have questions as to how he could seemingly create priceless treasures at will, especially someone like Jin. The clones would become a liability, not an advantage. No, the only real path is to wait until she¡¯s too preoccupied to react. Alex paused, allowing the mother and her cubs to enter the range of his domain, before he began to walk once more, his awareness drifted through his domain to search her form, past muscle, skin, blood vessels and Qi pathways, searching for the location of her spirit beast core. I¡¯ll have to target that to end this quickly. His senses sharpened, Sword Saint¡¯s Domain fluctuating, every vibration in the ground feeding him real-time information about her stance, her slight movements, the raw Qi radiating off her like heat from a bonfire. He could feel the vast gap in their strengths¡ªthe nine levels of Qi gathering between them seemed as wide as an abyss, with each level beyond the second stretching the distance like the space between sky and earth. Her Qi vibrated through the air in a storm of energy brewing under her skin. At the ninth level, she was an immovable boulder, unstoppable. He found the core, a bright star of fiery mana burning in the centre of her chest, between her forelegs, sending waves of invigorating heat through her form and causing the air above her fur to ripple. Precision, control, timing. Everything will depend on these three. The second she makes a move¡ªthat¡¯s when I¡¯ll strike. His plan solidified and the blades hovered above him connected to his mana threads, waiting for his command. A cub''s hot fur brushed against his skin, hair, and shoulder as it bounded ahead, each of its steps impacting the ground as horses would. The cubs¡ªthey couldn¡¯t survive an attack like this. His gaze shifted in a brief moment of hesitation and conflict before his thoughts turned cold. It¡¯s either them or me. If they die in the blast then¡­ He sighed. So be it. I won¡¯t be held back by sympathy now. Sentiment had no place in this situation, if the tigress saw him hesitate, it¡¯d be the end of him. As much as he didn¡¯t want to involve innocents, he steeled himself, solidifying his resolve with a thought. The cubs are collateral, nothing more. If they survive, so be it. There was no certainty that any surviving cubs would pursue vengeance or even possess the awareness to understand the need for it. If they sought him out in the future, he would face them, and if required, send them to meet their mother in the afterlife. Or perhaps he would spare them. Whatever would happen was a matter for tomorrow. For now, his focus remained on one goal: to be the last left standing.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Before either could break the silence of their trek, the ground shifted. A low rumble vibrated beneath their feet. Alex strained to listen, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. "We''re not alone," he murmured. From the distant darkness behind them, red eyes began to appear, one pair after another, until dozens glared back at them. The creatures emerged slowly, their bodies formed of congealed blood and sinew, grotesque parodies of living beings. They moved with slow predatory motions, limbs twisting unnaturally as they advanced. Then came the larger blood creatures, the cracks of their bone spurs on stone causing both man and mother to pause and look¡ªtwenty, thirty, no, more¡ªbursting from the place they had left behind, their snarls filling the space around them. Their forms were grotesque and unnatural, bristling with muscle and blood¡ªsome towering, others crawling, all moving in unison as though pulled by an unseen force. The mother tigress bared her teeth, a snarl ripping from her throat. "You lead me¡­ into a trap?" she roared, turning her fiery gaze upon Alex. He shook his head urgently. "They must have followed us," he insisted. "We just need to fight them." The tigress hissed, claws sliding out, her massive body lowering into a crouch, her cubs huddling behind her. Alex shifted his stance. He summoned his blades, the steel sprouting from his arms, ready as the blood creatures charged. The creatures would be at either his stage of cultivation or slightly higher, but all of them held higher physicality than he did, if they were to have stats, each of them would be five times stronger than him in each category save intelligence, endurance and perhaps dexterity. He could boost his senses, reaction time and perception through passives like his domain and its affect on how he perceived the flow of time, and Sword Sense¡¯s system-constructed nervous system and internal structures boosted his dexterity, enabling instant reactions, reflexes, and rapid processing of stimuli which allowed him to respond to stimuli and threats beyond his level. But it still wouldn¡¯t be enough, not even if he used the Dao or Allocation. And the reallocation of his stats was something he planned to save for taking out the Mother Tigress. Instead, his eyes locked on the cubs, and he moved first, intent on encompassing them within his domain and utilising their cultivation levels to monopolise the tide of overpowered blood creatures. With each cub being at the first stage of Qi gathering, they were strong enough to survive an exchange and would serve as distractions for the beasts, allowing him to weave between them to strike at their cores. Hopefully I can kill the creatures in one strike that way, he thought, allowing his consciousness to seep into his domain to become a god of the battlefield. Still, the clash came hard, the weight of the horde crashing against his defences. Blade and claw clanged against bone and Mana surged through his veins, fuelling his strikes as he carved through the onslaught. As mana surged to fuel his every move, his chaotic sword dance struck from unseen angles¡ª always a blind spot, always from a place where his dark weapon surged unseen, blended in the shadows and hidden by the cubs horse-like forms. [Eternal Disorder - Blade Dance - Mastery: 0 > 12%] [Eternal Disorder - Blade Dance: Skill 1/3 gained!] [Skill ¡®Eternal Shroud of Disarray¡¯ gained!] Each creature fell, torn apart, but more took their place. Alex dodged a swipe from a skeletal claw, his Dao-infused blade slicing through its neck in one fluid motion, cleaving through its spirit beast core. His body moving before his mind had caught up he battled among the tiger and its cubs. Blood splattered across the stone, thick and heavy, but his focus remained sharp. The cubs were behind him, untouched and unharmed, as the last of the creatures crumbled. [E-Grade Skill: Eternal Shroud of Disarray - (Eternal Disorder- Blade Dance 1/3, Active): Shroud of Disarray grants the user near-invisibility, blending them and their blade into shadows, appearing as barely perceptible light. As long as their blade remains unseen and ungraspable by opponents, the user becomes equally elusive and uncomprehended. Mana surges through the user, reinforcing their body and boosting speed, agility, and power. The longer they remain untouched, their unpredictable attacks from blind spots grow more devastating, amplifying the chaotic nature of the Eternal Disorder sword dance. Full mastery leads to further skill development, with consolidation at 100%.] [You have defeated [Error - Non-System Entities detected - Quantifying¡­] [Quantification Accepted.] [You have defeated level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Blood Familiar (Qi Gathering: First stage) x 10.] [You have defeated level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Blood Familiar (Qi Gathering: Second stage) x 4- additional experience points due to the cultivation difference.] [Experience Assimilated.] [Qi: 53 > 63] Breathing heavily, Alex took a step back, his senses still heightened, dismissing the notifications to search for further threats. Then he saw it. The air shifted subtly. The Qi from the slain creatures didn¡¯t settle or even completely disperse into the environment as it usually would¡ª instead, it remained and drifted, pulled by some force deeper within the chasm. Not just there, but above, too, he realised, observing the large mass. Two directions. It moved in two directions, pulled by two forces. Siphoned. One drew the blood Qi ahead into the dark depth of the cavern, and another drew the blood Qi to a source that seemed to lead high into the sky directly above them. Alex paused. Two forces are siphoning the blood Qi of the dead creatures, one¡¯s some distance ahead, and the other¡¯s¡­ directly above us. He looked up, then back down to the dead blood creatures, studying their drifting Qi that refused to follow the natural order and disperse into the environment. It was clearly being siphoned. As far as he was aware there were only two beings in the realm besides himself capable of siphoning the Qi of blood creatures. The little Demon¡­ and the Phoenix. They¡¯re close. His pulse quickened. Then two sounds rocked the cavern. Crack. Boom. The crack of stone thundered above, so loud Alex felt it in his bones. His feet reacted before thought, leaping to the side as a boulder, massive enough to crush a house, shattered where he had stood in a deep and rumbling boom. His Sword Saint''s Domain thrummed in sync with the world, each shift in the rock vibrating through him like the war drums of the earth. It told him that whatever had caused the boulder to fall had the power to cause many more, and the basalt trembled because of it. Alex shielded his eyes as the space lit up¡ªcaused by the rivers of fire that licked the walls high above, threatening to send the cavern rumbling toward further collapse. A shadow covered them, bathing the entire space in a deep and dark maroon red. All present looked up to see the blood phoenix swooping above them with its wings spread wide, a sea of its blood-red feathers blotting out the sky. Burning blood covered the sky, its wings igniting the air with every beat as Its screech pierced the air like a blade, though Alex could have sworn it sounded almost like a cackle. With a swift motion of its wings, the phoenix unleashed a barrage scything molten blood and fire that scattered in all directions, molten flames scorching the stone, and feathers like molten spears sending cracks spidering across the cavern walls. Its intent was clear: to kill everything below. The tigress only glared back, unphased by his words. ¡°Keep up¡­ if you can, human,¡± she snarled, her eyes fixed on the phoenix as it circled overhead. The tigress hissed and her cubs scattered as the cavern began to tremble with intensity. Alex instinctively shifted his stance, dodging a cascade of stones that crashed down from above. The ground quaked violently beneath his feet, and he could feel the low rumble of collapse as the very air trembled with displacement. Then all hell broke loose. A mountain of stone gave way, cracking as slabs the size of palaces began to plummet from above. He sensed the change in pressure a split second before impact, twisting his body unnaturally mid-air as Boundless Dodge yanked him from death''s edge. The heat of the phoenix¡¯s flame bit at his skin, forcing him to leap once more with Phoenix Leap, the ground becoming a blur beneath his feet. The tigress snarled, bounding past him, her cubs scattering under her commands as the cavern groaned under the weight of their collapsing tomb. Alex¡¯s senses stretched outward, filling the environment, reading the blood and fire Qi that filled the space. Every pulse and every tremor fed into his mind, charting a clear path through the debris. His domain sharpened, contracting from 15 feet to 10, amplifying his perception to pinpoint precision. Without pausing, Alex thrust his sword into a falling stone, the reality withering flux of his Dao cutting a section of debris, storing it into his Inventory in a desperate attempt to clear a path forward. The sheer size of the collapse would crush him, but the edge he¡¯d gained with his domain might be enough to outpace it. He condensed his domain by half. 5 feet. He could feel every crack, every shift in the rock above, every tremor in the air around him, every sound and every falling insect. He felt unthreatened by the chaos as the stones fell much slower than before. A Phoenix Leap and Boundless Dodge sent him rocketing through the gap and closer to the Tigress. He stared at the giant Tigress ahead and contracted his domain further. 1 Foot. All senses faded, he could no longer see the energies of the world as one would see leaves on an autumn tree. He no longer felt the world¡¯s pulse as the air shifted, earth trembled, heat moved, and chemicals flared from the displaced and falling cavern outside of his perception. Beyond the limit of his domain he felt disconnected, blind almost. Except within it, he felt like a god, his senses amplified beyond measure. Time stood still, moving at a snail''s pace, and his eyes were trained on the Mother, drinking in her situation. He witnessed the Tigress distracted, spewing gouts of flame and lava constructs to shield herself from harm as she navigated the collapse, her eyes in the midst of darting to and fro, her senses far more limited than his despite the disparity in strength. It¡¯s now or never, Alex thought, mentally preparing the hundreds of remaining blades to rocket towards her like homing beacons shot from a missile. If this were Mistress Yan Hua... His thoughts momentarily shifted. She¡¯d dodge everything. She¡¯s faster, sharper, more powerful¡ªunless I caught her by complete surprise, but I doubt it would work even then... But he wasn¡¯t dealing with Yan Hua now. He was dealing with a creature driven by instinct, not strategy. One he could outthink, find the moment when her nature betrayed her. When she¡¯s too distracted by something else. Like a collapsing cavern the size of a mountain. The real blade of among his summoned weapons pulsed faintly with condensed and enchanted Qi, almost unnoticed among the countless mana constructs. It would be her end. Hopefully. But no matter the outcome, hesitation wasn¡¯t an option. Phoenix Leap, Boundless Dodge, Phoenix Leap, Mana Burn, Allocation, he whispered in his mind, layering the movements that would save him should the web recoil too quickly. His focus narrowed on the tigress, every fibre of him ready. If this worked, it wouldn¡¯t just kill her¡ªit would break the very fabric of the space around them. Mana Blade. He commanded the strings to move, the delicate strands pulling taut, glinting with raw energy as swords rained down like shooting stars. They would either snare the tigress, or they would tear everything apart. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 16: Cascading Death
"Why delay¡­ the inevitable?" Sharp claws of hardened magma formed, glowing like red-hot steel. Flames erupted from her maw, blazing torrents scorching the falling debris. The heat intensified, searing Alex''s skin even from a distance. She summoned molten hands from the ground, immense and grasping. Sharp claws of Qi-infused lava extended from her paws and magma hardened to resemble red-hot steel. A colossal tiger¡¯s jaw the size of a house rose from the molten ground, aiming to crush the web of nothingness she perceived as a mere hindrance. Her flames vanished upon contact. The molten hands disintegrated, leaving nothing behind. The magma claws evaporated into nothingness, and Qi infused jaw of red-hot steel-like metal was simply erased, split into pieces by the unstoppable web. Her molten eyes widened and her pupils constricted like fading stars as she witnessed the web cut through her defences like a knife through silk. It was then that she began to flee. ¡°Prey!¡± The mother turned, desperation in her gaze. She leapt toward an opening, attempting to flee the unstoppable force to reach Alex¡¯s location. Her muscles coiled and released like springs under tension, traversing the debris in a zig-zagging pattern. Alex had no intention of allowing her to reach him. [Please select focus of Allocation] [Strength / Dexterity / Endurance / Intelligence Wisdom] Mana Burn¡¯s doubling my stats, but strength won¡¯t help. Neither will endurance or wisdom. I¡¯ll need speed and perception to get me through this, he thought, his eyes trained on the sky above him. He had made a mistake in pouring so much mana into his skill, Thousands Become One. There were just too many swords in the web, hundreds of them, causing the deadly technique¡¯s range to span the entire width and part of the breadth of the collapsing cavern. Surviving this seemed increasingly unlikely. Dexterity would help, sure, but there were too many variables to leave it to chance. He would have to avoid the debris, the Phoenix fire, the web of Mana & Qi that dotted the sky, and any attacks from the doomed Mother Tigress. The distance to safety was too far to navigate in anything other than a near-straight line. What he needed was a way to tip the scales exponentially, he thought grimly. He needed to utilise his core strengths to escape. His perception and intelligence. I have to go all in, he thought. [Intelligence Allocated.] [Intelligence: 1741 > 3949] His decision was made with a mind filled with conviction. [Name: Alex Ironwood Level: 195 C???????ultivation: Qi Gathering- First stage Race: Human - Rank D Primary Class: ??????????????Sys???????te??????mic SwO??????rd So????????ve???????reign Sub-class: Locked Strength: 2928 (915) Dexterity: 4269 (1334) Endurance: 963 (301) Intelligence: 12637 (3949) Wisdom: 413 (129) Qi: 202 (63) Feats: First Encounter, Pioneer, Pinnacle IV, Survivor, Warrior, Champion, Dungeon Insurgent, Innovator, Reborn, Shard of the Endless, Techniques: Bovine Foundation Stance, Divine Bovine Vessel, Stampeding Footwork, Steel Horn Strikes, Blood Arts (Beast Core) Active skills: Phoenix Leap, Mana Burn, Mana Blade, Boundless Dodge, Du???????l of C???????orruption, Sovereign Executioner, InfiniteBody, Sovereign Clone, Divine Fist, Pierce Reality, NetherForged, Eternal Infusion, Allo??????cation, Star of the Monarch, Dukes Gambit, Passive skills: Inner Focus, Outer Focus, A???????l????????¨¤???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????¦¸??????? ??????????????? ???????????????????????g???????e??????e???????E??????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????M???????m????????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ???????????????????????O??????o??????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ??????????????? ??????? ???????????????????????, Inventory, Bestial Senses, BladeBody, True sight, Mana Vortex, Nascent Body (imperfect), Abyssal Body (Imperfect), Sword Soul, Eternal Disorder, Th¨¤????????????????????????????natos¡¯s Sovereign, Sword Sense, Absolution, Bloodforged, Dao: True Immortality - 1.3% Progress Unassigned stat points: 0] Time slowed to a crawl within his domain. Alex felt a single heartbeat rattle like a church bell, ringing in the vast stillness. Boulders the size of palaces littered the sky. And swords, too. Hundreds of swords. Some had been destroyed in the chaos, but most remained. All of them targeted the Tigress. A net of many threads connected to blades of all sizes and sped toward his quarry, covering a wide range-spaning almost half of the chasm. He would not be safe from the impact and would have to move quickly to escape annihilation. He extended his senses within the one-foot radius of his condensed domain, perceiving each thread of mana as if they were extensions of his own enhanced nerves and pulled them to target only the mother, trying to shorten the range of the net of blades and mana threads. [Thousands Become One - Mastery: 12 > 19%] But it was futile, he was still within its range. So instead he concentrated on the activation of Mana Blade as the skill emerged from within his heart. The Mana Blade skill would coat and infuse any blade within his grip with destructive mana, enhancing its cutting power, regardless of the blade''s nature. It was key to what came next. His attention turned to the deluge of the skill¡¯s powerful constructed mana erupting from his chest, he channelled the mana from his Mana Blade skill, directing it through the hundreds of threads stemming from his heart. Each thread pulsed with destructive energy, a network of power connecting to the swords surrounding both him and the Mother. As the mana infused each blade, a single cultivator''s sword among them resonated differently, with the powerful Qi it carried, tainted by chaos from another world, a force fundamentally opposed to mana''s essence. The moment the destructive mana entered the Qi-infused blade, reality itself seemed to ripple like a disturbed pond. A void erupted¡ªshooting from thread to thread and summoned blade to summoned blade, visible to all present yet difficult to completely grasp, a gaping maw consuming everything in its reach, erasing matter as if it had never existed. The void spread along the threads at speed, even with time slowed as it was. They shout dirty like an electric current, twisting all things connected to them into something unfathomable. In a panic, Alex hastily disconnected from the threads as they shot towards his chest, less than 100 microseconds away from complete oblivion. He had been prepared for it, but that had still been way too close. And yet I¡¯m still not safe, he thought, as above, the cavern ceiling fractured to a lattice, colossal slabs of stone blotted the sky¡ªeach the size of a small fortress. The swords surged forward, hurtling toward both himself and the tigress''s distracted form like a swarm of metallic wasps converging on their target. Phoenix Leap. He propelled himself off a falling boulder in a bid to escape the impact, shooting in any direction that would lead to safety. The heat from the nearby lava flows and Phoenix fire scorched his boots, searing the soles. Mid-air, he sensed the void web expanding rapidly like a hunter''s thrown net, its bladed edges erasing the cavern walls. The void''s advance was insatiable, consuming all in its path. Boundless Dodge. Mana seized his body, jerking him aside like a puppet on strings, moving him faster than he could on his own. He landed on a crumbling ledge, only for it to give way beneath him. Above the falling net of reality erasing destruction, rocks the size of carriages tumbled around him, each one a potential deathblow. Even if he managed to escape the fallout of his attack, there was no guarantee he¡¯d survive. Through the technique he had created, Void Web, that merged the two skills Mana Blade and Thousands Become One, he had learned that it was possible to use the complete energy sensing and control afforded to him by his sensory domain to control and manipulate his internal mana as he wished. If he knew how, he could manipulate the mana of his skills to merge their functions. If he were to survive this, he would have to do it again and create something new. I need to be quicker, he thought, his mind searching his skills for a combination that would be a solution. I have to move faster, he repeated, focusing every facet of his consciousness and focus into his Sword Saint¡¯s Domain.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The more condensed the domain, the more powerful his sensory skills and manipulation became. Alex stood at the epicentre of his Sword Saint''s Domain, reduced from fifteen feet to a mere one-foot radius, in which the world bent to his will. The cavern stretched around his sight, time crawling, vast and crumbling under his web of destruction, but inside this tightly condensed space, Alex was a god of control. Every ripple of energy, every subtle shift in the density of the mana within 1 foot of the cavern and his body was now perceptible, tangible even, as though the air itself had thickened into a fluid medium that he could reach into and manipulate at will. He could acutely feel the mana engine nestled deep within his heart, constantly generating and filling his body with endless mana. His Mana Burn skill had forced the engine into overdrive, causing it to produce much more mana than it was capable of until there was nothing left, no spark to initiate its functions. It would soon enter a dormant state to self-repair and reignite. Fifteen seconds. That¡¯s how long I have before it runs dry, shutting down entirely to undergo that self-repair function, he realised. He could feel it with the same clarity that he felt the rhythm of his own blood flowing. In that brief window of slowed time, using the exponentially enhanced mana control within his amplified domain, Alex concentrated on the sensation of his passive skill, Sword Sense. It had replaced his nervous system and internal structure with one fused with his soul to provide him with reflexes, comprehension, and dexterity far beyond what his current stats and level should allow. Every inch of his body became a cascade of sensations. Every nerve firing lit up his awareness like sparks travelling through taut wire. His muscles, ligaments, and tendons responded to every shift in movement, each fibre alive and primed, attuned to every external change. The world came into vivid and crisp focus. His body became a perfectly honed instrument, ready to react without thought, every twitch and tremor sharpened into precise action by the overwhelming clarity of Sword Sense. And then he activated Phoenix Leap. The skill''s mana spread through him, completely under his control as he deftly guided it away from his legs to suffuse and spread through his nervous system. [Phoenix leap - Mastery 11 > 21%] The mana of Phoenix Leap surged through his body like a burst of energy coursing down a train track. It spread throughout his limbs, filling his nervous system with explosive kinetic power. That power, too, was under his control, flowing like a snake racing through the tree of his nervous system. [Phoenix leap - Mastery 28 > 49%] He held it there for a microsecond, still and unmoving, before releasing it in a burst of pure energy. It created a powerful effect. It¡¯s not a consolidation or even a merging of skills, Alex realised. It¡¯s using my passives¡ª no, my body, to enhance ''Phoenix Leap'' much further than should be possible. [Phoenix leap - Mastery 49 > 72%] These changes did not alter the core mechanics of Phoenix Leap¡ªmana platform propulsion¡ªbut combined them with his refined skills to increase his movement options, efficiency, and control by leaps and bounds. The burst of mana hit his senses all at once¡ªsharp, intense. Invisible panels of mana materialized in the one-foot radius around Alex, arranged like a web of paths only he could see, waiting to be used. Not one, but multiple, about fifty in total, transparent yet thrumming with latent power like panes of glass suspended in the air, waiting for him to trigger them. He could feel them all¡ªthin, ethereal, yet capable of propelling him at speeds he couldn¡¯t otherwise reach, each one able to send him rocketing toward a direction. The more he could simultaneously trigger, the faster they would urge him forward, a force of raw acceleration at his disposal. But the cost was staggering. His Mana plummeted. The mana engine in his heart sputtered and a deep tremor ran through him as the overworked core dimmed, nearly shutting down under the strain of his prodigious mana use. Five seconds remained. He had five seconds before he would be completely drained. He could feel it¡ªthe sputtering pulse of energy struggling to keep up, like a dying flame about to snuff out. [Phoenix leap - Mastery 72 > 100%] [System Message: Skill Mastery Achieved!] [E-Grade Skill: Phoenix Leap removed!] [Assessing Skill Evolution¡­] [Completed.] [D-Grade Skill - Phoenix Cascade (Active) gained!] [D-grade Skill 1: Phoenix Cascade (Active): Like a phoenix in perpetual motion, you cascade through the battlefield with unmatched speed and precision. By manipulating internal and external mana, generate multiple platforms simultaneously to propel yourself in any direction. Each platform Enables the user to perform a powerful leap, evading or engaging enemies with the agility of a Phoenix, easily overcoming obstacles. Rapidly shift between platforms to adjust course mid-leap, and maintain momentum or instantly redirect with quick, precise steps or fast bursting leaps. Platforms form and dissipate at will, allowing instant directional changes. Each platform holds a 1 second cool-down period. The number of generated platforms is dependent on factors that enhance the user''s spatial awareness and bodily control, such as the dexterity or intelligence stat. Higher levels of mastery grant an increase in the number of generated platforms and the amount of acceleration each platform provides. At peak mastery, the user becomes able to perform complex ground and aerial manoeuvres while continuously adjusting direction on any surface until their mana is depleted, able to freely control the battlefield as a Phoenix would. Current Leaping platforms: 50] Alex dismissed the notification, distracted by the destruction that surrounded him. The web-like void of destruction lay suspended above, approaching through slowed time. The network of threads and blades fused with a chaotic merging of mana and Qi created a wave of nothingness that consumed all in its path. Whatever it touched ceased to exist; rocks, boulders, basalt, flames, blood and even phoenix fire¡ª all of it vanished at a single touch of the void web. At the same time, a cascade of boulders, palace-sized and laden with fire and molten stone, thundered toward him. The walls of the cavern collapsed like a dying beast under its own mass. Once he returned his perception of time to its normal pace, both the web and the avalanche would engulf them all. Perhaps it would take even less than five seconds. The first three panels triggered beneath his foot, invisible, but he felt the sudden jolt of propulsion. Four more panels triggered as he moved, his body already hurtling faster than his natural capabilities could manage. It was like stepping on lightning¡ªeach cascading section of panels sending him rocketing forward. Alex triggered another panel, then several more, feeling the sudden burst of speed as cascading Mana propulsion launched him away from the ground and his world turned into a series of blurring lines. He landed on another platform instantly, his body caught in the fluidity of the motion, switching between triggered platforms as quickly as he could form them. With each triggered panel, his speed multiplied. He could feel the tension pulling at his limbs, the sheer force of acceleration threatening to tear him apart. But there was no stopping now, only the need to move forward and faster. His feet barely touched one surface before he was pushed to the next, each platform dissipating the moment it did its job. But the void¡¯s advance was relentless. It crept closer, devouring everything in its path. Boulders fell all around him, filling the cavern with a deafening roar, crashing down like mountains toppling in an earthquake. The ground shook violently, and for a split second, Alex lost his balance. He righted himself by triggering 10 panels, rocketing off another platform before the stone behind him was erased from existence. (Sensory Detail) His mana was draining faster than he could process. The engine in his chest dimmed to nothing, the once-powerful roar now reduced to a sputtering murmur of energy. Three seconds left. The world grew darker as the sky became obscured. He saw the void-web descending, felt it, expanding outward in all directions, a black wave of destruction that erased everything in its path. Alex heard a tiger''s deep roar behind him, though it felt much closer to a frustrated scream, rattling the air and sediment. He had long since lost track of the Mother, his only thought of escape. He was sure she was somewhere close behind, attempting to do the same. The panels flared under his feet, invisible steps through the collapsing world. The final platform shot him forward again, faster this time, but it was too late. The void web expanded, reaching out like tendrils of death shearing through his senses, and the boulders crashed down around him with the force of a world ending. *** [2-hour mana cooldown in effect. Skills unavailable.] Alex opened his eyes to a world of dust and debris. ¡°¡­I made it.¡± He murmured, more in surprise than relief. Those last moments had been too close; he had sensed the void before the cavern had gone dark¡ªspreading like a black tide, erasing everything it touched and leaving a vacuum in its wake. not even oxygen, mana, Qi, or even sound remaining. It had completely sheared off parts of his domain. He rose from lying flat on his back on the ground and surveyed the surroundings. He emerged to open air with the sudden change in pressure making his ears ring. The night sky stretched above, the vast expanse made visible by the devastation beneath with its cavernous edges widened by the Blood Phoenix¡¯s attack. The ground behind him had imploded to become a massive sinkhole filed with debris that rose high, all of it from the cavern collapsing. Dust hung in the air, suspended in a cloud that rose into the sky. Alex stood at the edge, staring at the obstacle before him. A gaping wound and a wall of cooling segmented rock and magma that reached high into the sky now stood where there had once been an open cavern. The magnitude of destruction was immense, the void erasing all in its path. The edges of the cavern were covered in deep lines, patterns of indents and curves where the basalt and rock had simply been erased by the web, the landscape forever altered by his technique. It was strange to witness such destruction let alone be part of its cause. Even the wall of collapsed rock before him and rubble before him was fragmented into small sections and long cubes, his void web splitting all and anything it had touched. The Mother spirit beast at the 9th stage of Qi gathering and her cubs were buried somewhere within, likely skewered to pieces. There¡¯s no way the cubs survived, he thought with melancholy rising. Sweat dripped down his brow. He felt a mix of relief and dread. The power he had harnessed was beyond control and had been a double-edged sword that spared no one, not even its wielder. The ground was littered with pieces of fractured stone, some as small as grains of sand, others large enough to sit upon. He turned away from the chasm, the weight of his actions heavy upon him. But there was no time for regret. Survival demanded his full attention. How the hell do I get to the other side? He wondered, eyeing the jagged, segmented wall of rock that reached to the sky, the split earth yawning like the maw of some ancient, slumbering beast. The scene before him was not what he had hoped for. Climbing over the wall would take an impossibly long time, maybe hours or days, even using Phoenix Cascade. Maybe I could cut through it? If he extended his domain as far as it would go, he would gain insight into the structural integrity of his surroundings. Tunnelling through to the other side would be dangerous but impossible, he realised, rubbing his chin in consideration. [You have defeated [Error - Non-System Entities detected - Quantifying¡­] [Quantification Accepted.] [You have defeated level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Fire Tiger Cub (Qi Gathering: First stage) - (D) x 5.] [Experience Assimilated.] [Qi 63 > 64] So one cub managed to survive after all, Alex thought before his eyes widened as he read and re-read the notification, doing the math. The number nagged at him. There had been six at the first stage, just like him. And the Mother tigress who had been at the ninth stage. Seven beasts in total. But only five kills. That meant that somewhere within the rock, the mother had survived. But how? His thoughts moved through the possibilities. Perhaps she was slowly dying and he would get another notification. Any minute now... he thought. He summoned Eclipse in preparation. Just in case. The rock face quivered. A faint light seeped through the cracks, barely noticeable at first. The ground beneath him trembled, also faint. But it grew stronger with every moment that passed. Ahead, the cracks in the rock glowed faintly with light, a red-orange hue increasing in brightness as though a firestorm brewed within the mountainous wall. The rumble of the ground grew steadily into a roar. The rock exploded outward, broken segments spraying in all directions, and within the dust, two burning eyes glowing with heat and rage fixed on Alex. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 17: A storm of Ash & Ember Hunter and hunted. In life, there are rare and raw moments where the delicate line between hunter and hunted blurred. These encounters hold existential weight, greater than the bodies involved. What marks a predator, and what marks prey? Each sees themselves as the survivor, as the one who would outlast all others. Yet who is right? Which one''s belief is true? The answer lies in the nature of roles. Roles are always cast, yet constantly subject to changes that both parties cannot expect, drawing all involved toward something larger¡ªa rule etched deeper than instinct, as old as the first chase beneath a darkened sky. Predator and prey. The roles give each other meaning, with one breathing definition into the other. Neither can exist without its counterpart. Ecosystems would collapse, nature would fail, and the world would draw nearer to its end should one role simply¡­ stop. Rarely do the roles of hunter and hunted shift like seasons. Yet when they did, it was often sparked by a catalyst. Hatred. Love. Fear. Grief. Pride. Desire. Ambition. Empathy. Any number of reasons can lead to disruption. When the hunter becomes the hunted and the prey finds strength untapped, abandoning its role. Alex stood on the cusp of such a moment, before the dust-filled, jagged, fractured wall of rock filled with segmented earth and magma rising like a dead titan¡¯s spine, forever still. And the giant flaming tiger he had failed to kill, standing at its base in a cloud of dust and exploded rock. The ground trembled as her paws pressed into the basalt, the dust swirled around her like a veil peeled back to reveal judgment. Parts of her flesh were gone, large chunks and small divots with wounds seared shut, organs pulsing beneath thin sheets of broken muscle. Her front paw was missing, her bones broken, and her flesh removed in places. Yet her gait never wavered. Flames curled from her fur, but it was her gaze that held the true heat, fierce and unwavering, embodying an ancient rule that no predator or prey could defy. His choices, his boldness, they mocked what she was born to enforce. Alex watched her approach, unblinking. How is she still standing? He felt as though she looked more like a corpse than a living beast, with her form so eviscerated by his marriage of skill and technique. But still she moved as though uninjured, vast quantities of Qi infusing her every step as she moved with a single purpose. To kill him. Alex didn¡¯t want to die, neither was he resigned; he hadn¡¯t embraced any kind of end. He simply saw what it meant to face something powerful and unchangeable¡ªbeyond his will or intentions. He remained stood before her not seeking danger, but submerged in knowing there was simply no way out. No way except through her. A truth beyond words passed between them, and he knew that in her eyes, he was still just one thing. ¡°You still breathe¡­ Human.¡± Or perhaps not. *** Hers was a fury not born of betrayal of trust, for none had existed between them. It was of betrayal of purpose, a wound dealt to the order that shaped all wild things. She was both the storm and the calm within, a force unyielding in its path. Predatory. As relentless as the sun¡¯s rising. For Alex, the sight brought more than trepidation; it was the recognition of the role she attempted to force upon him. It triggered instinctive defiance against the mortal law of predation she upheld. For the Mother, It was knowing the human had, in his actions, twisted the natural lines¡ªdaring to step where even gods would have tread carefully. The twisting of heavenly laws. The human was unaware of the larger eternal forces at play that guided both of their steps within the cavern. If he had been aware, perhaps he would have stepped in the direction of the great Dao. But he was ignorant, simply laying a wound to the order that shaped all wild things. "It is recognised¡­ that the Hunter fulfils a necessary¡­ function," As the voice rumbled within the swirling maelstrom of dust and embers, her colossal form emerged and the ground shook as she stepped forward, glowing embers swirling around her like fireflies witnessing Alex¡¯s judgement. Flames curled from her fur as she took another deliberate step forward, the ground beneath her feet blackened and cracked, tendrils of smoke rising from the scorched earth and her voice carrying the weight of the wild as she spoke further. "I have¡­ no illusions about my role. I was born to hunt¡­ to protect. To embody the purpose of my¡­ existence¡­ in a way that extends¡­ beyond mortal contemplation," she declared, her voice reverberating through the air like the tolling of a distant bell. Flames coiled around her fur like serpents of fire, snapping at Alex as she took a single step to her right, intent on prowling around his still form As she moved forward, the temperature escalated and the ground cracked beneath her paws, molten veins of lava seeping up in her wake. Stone debris in the periphery ignited spontaneously, their broken parts clawing at the sky in fiery agony. A predator''s ritual. "I bear no personal spite¡­ only the resentment¡­ of every law you tried to twist," she continued, each word dripping with the weight of an ancient decree. It was evident that even after the death of her cubs, to her, this wasn¡¯t a clash of pride or vendetta; but the fulfilment of order. "What you''ve done is¡­ far more personal. Far more¡­primal. You have disregarded what it means¡­ to be prey¡­ Resisted the inevitability of it¡­ As if your path could bend¡­ The arc¡­ of what it is to be hunted.¡± She drew nearer, and with her single step, the environment recoiled. Rocks melted into pools of magma and basalt curled into ash that drifted away on unseen currents. ¡°And in that¡­ resistance, I find offence¡ª a truth¡­ that needs correction.¡± As she drew even closer, her eyes conveyed more than any words could. Each measured step she took was both a sentence and a question, testing him, assessing if he understood what awaited. He had treaded on purpose, she felt, by standing before her as though fate had no claim over him. The silence was profound, broken only by the crackling of distant fires.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. But Alex still watched her approach, unblinking. "Every false move¡­ you''ve made¡­ has brought you here. And you see now.. how little room¡­ you have left to escape," She crouched as she circled him, flames surged along her spine, casting her in a halo of searing light before she resumed her prowl. Her voice then came low and rumbling, breaking the silence between them while carrying the weight of a force that knew only one way forward. ¡°So you would stand¡­ here¡­ still¡­ as if your fate¡­ is yours to decide?¡± She paused, watching him closely, waiting for some signal, some final confirmation of the role he had chosen to embody. Alex took in the depth of her form, the exactness of each of her wounded steps as a strange acceptance settled over him. Even as sweat evaporated the instant it formed on his skin. He had tried everything in his power to battle the futility of her existence. He had pushed against the boundaries of possibility, merging skills, increasing their grade, manipulating mana and Qi, and inventing techniques and skills to forge new paths where none existed. He had stretched his knowledge of the system. All for nothing. Every strategy had led him back to this immutable point. Their confrontation had been inevitable, a law of nature. A heavenly decree. Prey must face predator. Predator must face prey. His mind quieted, the storm of thoughts giving way to a serene clarity. The futility of his struggles unfurled before him, and a wry smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He chuckled softly, the sound incongruous amidst the devastation. "It''s so stupid," he whispered, the words carried away by a scorching gust. The answer had been simple all along. If the only way forward and past the inevitability of their roles was through her, then rather than using convoluted methods, he simply had to move through her. He laughed, loud and long, and the Mother pounced, assuming the madness of his role to have finally taken him. She leapt, a magnificent and terrifying sight, fire and Qi propelling her with unimaginable speed. The force of her launch shattered the earth, sending shards of rock and bursts of flame in all directions. But Alex ran too¡ª right at her. He sprinted forward to meet her, fully aware that this could be his end. Qi circulating with a breath, and his Qi-filled feet struck the ground with such force that shockwaves rippled outward as he Charged the Earth as a bull would, every muscle coiled like a tightened spring through the technique. She reached him in an instant, closing the distance with terrifying speed and her jaws opened wide, aiming to sever and gulp his torso. But Alex wasn¡¯t worried, he was prepared to face oblivion¡ªthis wouldn¡¯t be their first meeting. He dove forward into her open maw. The jaws clamped down, impaling him in many places. Alex twisted, avoiding the most fatal parts of the blow, but his left arm still went flying, spiralling away in a trail of blood that sizzled upon hitting the burning rock. Clenching his teeth against the searing pain, he drove his sword, Eclipse, upward into the roof of her mouth with his right. The dark blade hungrily absorbed her fiery blood, pulsating with an ominous energy as it drank in her essence. Heat surged through the hilt, scorching his palm, but he held firm, leaving it there to let his blade drink as much of her fiery blood as possible. But the mother hardly seemed to care. "It matters not¡­ your reasons, your desires," she said, her tone as indifferent as stone. "These¡­ things¡­ are irrelevant. There is only one truth. I¡­ am the predator. You¡­ are prey. These roles are written. They do not change." Her gaze never wavered, fixed as though seeing not him, but an idea, a concept; something beyond individuality. Each word rumbled through his bones and brought intense pain, and Alex found himself tempted to use the Dao to try to cleave through her. Instead he held firm, applying the Dao¡¯s healing to his body, reverting the damage in order to remain conscious. He would need her talking for what came next. And plus, Eclipse¡¯ll get much more of her blood this way, he thought through the pain. "Resistance¡­ it disrupts. It is a¡­ a noise¡­ where there should be silence," she murmured, as if the concept itself were faintly distasteful. "Your struggle¡­ it lacks purpose. It defies the design. It¡­ interferes." With a resolute breath, Alex released his grip and unsummoned Eclipse, allowing the dark weapon to dissolve into shadows. Ignoring the agony that racked his body, he thrust his remaining hand deeper into her scorching maw. The heat was intense, searing his skin, but he pushed past the pain. He summoned a new blade from his soul armoury¡ªa sword of pure, unadorned metal that materialised in his grasp with an instantly cool weight. Then he triggered his final skill. [Skill A???????l????????¨¤???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????¦¸??????? ??????????????? ???????????????????????g???????e??????e???????E??????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????M???????m????????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ???????????????????????O??????o??????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????? ??????????????? ??????? ???????????????????????Activated] The energy surged from his dantian in a guided wellspring of raw power that erupted from his navel. It coursed through his body like liquid fire, each pathway straining under the torrential flow as its journey damaged mana channels it was never meant to traverse. His vision blurred as pain threatened to overwhelm him; veins bulged and muscles quivered under the immense pressure. He funnelled every last fragment of his Qi into the blade and the sword responded immediately, beginning to vibrate at an unknowable frequency that caused his eyes to strain and tear with damage. The air around it distorted, waves of distortion rippling outward. A singular point of darkness formed at the tip of the blade, instantly consuming his blade, then his arm and the roof of the mother¡¯s flesh and flame-filled mouth. It was small at first, then it rapidly expanded into a swirling vortex. The vortex devoured everything it touched. The Mother recoiled. Alex felt her form violently jerk before an eruption of searing heat and blinding light engulfed him, flooding the world in pure white. *** He awoke in a crater. Perfectly circular. The ground had been carved smooth as though shaped by some advanced machinery. A string of notifications greeted his rising but he waved them away, intent on moving to a safer location. Judging by the mother¡¯s words at the end, it was safe to assume spirit beasts generally followed the laws of animals and nature, at least at this level of cultivation. With the territory¡¯s Apex predator dead, others would quickly seek to take its place and seek its carcass. And the likelihood of more blood creatures appearing also held true. After all, this path was one that led not only to the blood phoenix but to their creator too. That took far too long, he thought, reviewing the events that had led to his victory. He had been triggering each dormant skill during the end of her speech, receiving system cool-down messages each time. Having gathered so many skills both active and passive added another barrier to triggering his glitched skill, Omega. He had even resorted to slowing time to run through them all, dismissing the system messages of cool-downs each time they appeared. All for this moment. Victory. It tasted sweet, yet it presented challenges of its own. One day he would have to grow strong enough to face beings such as the Mistress Yan Hua and perhaps even Elder Zhen. Against them, his current skills couldn¡¯t achieve what he had today. In the grand scheme of the cosmos, he was still on the earliest steps. "The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." He muttered, rising to his feet. He couldn¡¯t quite remember where he¡¯d heard that, but it rang true. He would just have to seek to plough through them as he did with the mother tigress. Learning as many techniques and skills as he could. The void-web would not be his only tool against those who wanted him dead. And if his skills didn''t work against them, Then he would use Skill, or Technique instead. He focused on reaching the tunnel the Tigress had blasted out of the wall with her escape and separated pieces of the now-dead cub she had laid at the tunnel entrance before storing its corpse in his inventory. With this, the exam had been passed. But he had no desire to turn back towards the test¡¯s entrance. Death lay further ahead, but turning back now wouldn¡¯t prepare him for the greater death that awaited him on the outside. His bones ached with phantom pains and mental exhaustion finally set in. But he reached the tunnel entrance anyway, entering and walking some distance, intent on reaching the other side. It was large but soon became narrow, though navigable. He squeezed through, the rough rock scraping against his summoned blade. The sounds of destruction faded slightly as he moved deeper and the temperature dropped marginally, offering a brief respite. He glanced back once more. The cavern behind was unrecognisable¡ªa void-ridden, collapsed nightmare. He pushed forward. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 18: The Aftermath
He glanced down at the messages that hovered in his peripheral vision. Their transparent borders responded to his subconscious, beginning to enter the corners of his vision as he walked through the cavern, stepping over rocks blackened by flame. Alex swiped his hand, bringing the panels into clearer view. [Rare materials have assimilated with your body] [Nascent Body: 17 > 18%] [You have defeated [Error - Non-System Entity detected - Quantifying¡­] [Quantification Accepted.] [You have defeated level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Fire Tiger - N??????u?????a?????????n?l?????i?¨¦ (Qi Gathering: Ninth stage) - (D) - Experience penalty due to level difference.] [Experience Assimilated.] [Qi: 63 > 598] The leap made him pause. He¡¯d pushed himself to his limit and beyond, and now he saw the experience as proof of how vast the gap had been. Five hundred thirty-five points were gained in a single fight. Typically, gains like this would take weeks, even months of steady training. He imagined the time saved. His mind calculated what this meant. Under normal circumstances, twenty-two days and seven hours of focused cultivation would be required to reach this amount. And given that within the sect it was impossible to cultivate nonstop for days on end, it was likely that it would have taken double or triple the time, or perhaps even more to achieve such quantities of Qi. The traditional approach would demand endless patience and routine, spending every waking moment between his responsibilities on nothing but cultivation. But the battle had provided it instantly. I would have had to defeat 2990 beasts at the first level of Qi gathering 299 second-level beasts to get the same amount, he realised. This growth, condensed and intense, shifted everything. Something that could only be achieved through encounters with the most powerful of beings and beasts. But there¡¯s limitations. Of course there are, he thought, looking at the numbers. He had read that spirit beasts of the first level required one or two years'' worth of Qi to Tigress¡¯s level, ninth-stage Qi Gathering, cultivated for decades. At least two, to reach that stage of power. The tigress, Nu¨¡nli¨¦, must have held two decades of cultivation also. Twenty years. That would lead to a reservoir of at least 175,000 hours of Qi. And yet Alex had only gained just over 500. His system had allowed him only a fraction of her energy, and judging by the much lower gains from defeating lower cultivation spirit beasts at lower levels, the fraction of power he¡¯d gain from weaker creatures was even less. Barely a fragment. This limitation puzzled him. Why did his system cap the amount he could absorb from opponents? Why did the cap increase the higher the opponent''s cultivation? This new system incentivises hunting the strong, he realised with eyes widening in the darkness of the tunnel. The answer seemed clear¡ªpower this immense wasn¡¯t easily claimed. He needed to hunt more creatures of her calibre, creatures that could force the system to release more of their energy, a way to reach deeper into his enemies¡¯ reserves. Kinda wish it would¡¯ve absorbed more of her power, he found himself grumbling internally. Even ten years of Qi would¡¯ve been welcomed, the equivalent of the effects of a sect''s precious pills. He shook his head. His reserves and the power he could bring to bear through techniques had just increased by roughly eight times. He was already defying the rules of cultivation. There was no way he could complain. His eyes drifted, moving on to the next panel. [Skill ¡®Bloodforged¡¯ has utilised soulbound weapon ¡®Eclipse¡¯ to ritualistically absorb a fragment of their essence (0.001%). A faint infinitesimal imprint of the prowess displayed by the defeated enemies during combat has been imprinted.] Alex recalled feeling a rush of not bloodlust or rage, but control, mastery, and poise. It had flowed through him in a brief and fleeting wave. He¡¯d felt it in his stance as he walked, a slight shift in balance, a steadiness he hadn¡¯t had before, causing his movements to become slightly more measured and his steps to carry a firmness that applied something close to constant balance, or perhaps preparedness before it settled, fading into the background to operate on a subconscious level. Bloodforged. The skill only worked for the duration of Eclipse¡¯s summoning, but so long as the blade existed outside of his soul, the skill¡¯s benefits were his to claim. It let the soulbound weapon absorb something beyond raw Qi¡ª a trace of the Tigress herself, but not one without value. Her expertise, her poise, her mastery in combat¡ªthey lingered within him now, a part of him. Though faint, for a moment he had felt its impact. It left him wondering what might be possible if the Bloodforged skill grew stronger. What if it could absorb more than mere fragments? What if the percentage it absorbed increased beyond 0.001%? How far could Bloodforged evolve? That question surfaced in his mind. Could he develop it to draw out even more of the spirit beasts¡¯ essences, beyond mere fragments? He imagined what his path might look like if he could capture entire skill sets, entire levels of mastery. Each enemy would become a mentor of sorts, offering up their expertise to be moulded into his own. Each opponent would bring a new layer to his technique, a new set of instincts to master. But would I even be me after all that? He wondered, imagining what it would be like to integrate with 30, or even 50% of another being. It doesn¡¯t take just skills or reserves¡ª it consumes and integrates a part of their being. How long would it take until his psyche became overshadowed by an amalgam of those he absorbed? Perhaps he would even become absorbed himself, a drop of water in a lake of psyches. It would turn Eclipse into a cursed sword that possessed its owner with another being entirely when grasped. And then what would stop him from never unsummoning the blade? Alex shuddered at the thought. Suddenly he found himself grateful that the skill only absorbed the tiniest fraction. That way he would always be himself, just improved. I guess the skill¡¯s not so bad as it is, no wonder its description didn''t mention mastery, he concluded.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. [Skill ¡®Absolution¡¯ has utilised soulbound weapon ¡®Eclipse¡¯ to absorb unique and higher blood types: Spirit beast - ¡°level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Fire Tiger - N??????u?????a?????????n?l?????i?¨¦ (Qi Gathering: Ninth stage) - (D)] Strength +130, Endurance +70, intelligence+50, Wisdom +130, Dexterity +220] He let out a low exhale, marvelling at the numbers displayed. Wow. His steps slowed, shock at the stat growth from just a few seconds of blood absorption gripping him. Strength, endurance, wisdom¡ªeach increased. But dexterity stood out the most. Two hundred twenty points. From mere moments before her death. That¡¯s 33 levels worth of stats, he calculated with interest. If the gains from even a few litres were so drastic; how much more could I gain with gallons more? ¡°Or what if I¡¯d taken it all?¡± He spoke the words to the empty cavern, the sound fading into the cracks between the stones. Eclipse¡¯s bipedal form could consume barrels more of her flesh and lifefluid. If he¡¯d absorbed all of it, the entire corpse¡ªthe increase would be monumental. The idea settled into something tangible. An objective. To seek spirit beasts of even higher cultivation levels, to claim their essence, to grow with each victory. He could feel the ambition take root, his path forming more clearly than ever before. Victory over Nu¨¡nli¨¦ had been a beginning, a glimpse of what he could become. ¡°Eclipse,¡± he muttered, glancing down at the weapon in his hand. It was a conduit, a link between him and his opponents, and a bridge that allowed him to draw power from them. The blade itself was changing, adapting with each life it absorbed. He wondered how much it could handle, how many essences it could contain, and if there were limits to how many powers it could wield without breaking. Purposefully, he shifted his grip on Eclipse, and another thought bubbled up. There was a feeling, almost instinctual, that told him his weapon had more to give, secrets still hidden within its cold, gleaming metal. ¡°Is there more?¡± he asked quietly, though he knew the answer wouldn¡¯t come from words. He felt the answer would come only through continued use, through pushing the limits of what Eclipse could do, and of what he could do. [Phoenix leap - Mastery 72 > 100%] [System Message: Skill Mastery Achieved!] [E-Grade Skill: Phoenix Leap removed!] [Assessing Skill Evolution¡­] [Completed.] [D-Grade Skill - Phoenix Cascade (Active) gained!] [D-grade Skill 1: Phoenix Cascade (Active): Like a phoenix in perpetual motion, you cascade through the battlefield with unmatched speed and precision. By manipulating internal and external mana, generate multiple platforms simultaneously to propel yourself in any direction. Each platform Enables the user to perform a powerful leap, evading or engaging enemies with the agility of a Phoenix, easily overcoming obstacles. Rapidly shift between platforms to adjust course mid-leap, and maintain momentum or instantly redirect with quick, precise steps or fast bursting leaps. Platforms form and dissipate at will, allowing instant directional changes. Each platform holds a 1 second cool-down period. The number of generated platforms is dependent on factors that enhance the user''s spatial awareness and bodily control, such as the dexterity or intelligence stat. Higher levels of mastery grant an increase in the number of generated platforms and the amount of acceleration each platform provides. At peak mastery, the user becomes able to perform complex ground and aerial manoeuvres while continuously adjusting direction on any surface until their mana is depleted, able to freely control the battlefield as a Phoenix would. Current Leaping platforms: 50] He finally discovered what happened when a skill reached 100% mastery. It evolved to open up endless possibilities. Astonishment crossed his face as he stared at the screen, voice low. ¡°So, that¡¯s what happens at full mastery,¡± he muttered. He wasn¡¯t sure whether the evolution was fixed or dependent on him and how he used it. He wasn¡¯t even sure if the increase in grade was guaranteed, as where some skills mentioned grade increase at higher mastery, others didn¡¯t. Phoenix Leap¡¯s original description had not mentioned such a possibility. His mind combed over the possibilities, how it could be deployed with the precision he required. He allowed himself a moment, standing still, gaze fixed on the display. Phoenix Cascade. Even the name held weight, and he felt it resonate with a power he hadn¡¯t fully grasped. He¡¯d activated it once¡ªinstinctively, before the cooldown had snapped into place, letting him feel the transformation. The memory burned vividly in his mind, the cascade of motion fresh as though he were still in its thrall. It had been nothing like Phoenix Leap. There was no need to ground himself, to search for solid footing with each movement. Instead, platforms had erupted at his command, each one aligning precisely as he¡¯d shifted his weight, like pieces of a puzzle snapping into place around him. His body had responded to every thought, every desire to change direction, each platform emerging to catch his step just as he¡¯d imagined it. He¡¯d felt¡­ free. It felt as if a door had been thrust open, one he hadn''t known existed. Phoenix Leap had always been a straightforward skill¡ªhigh jumps, powerful movement, but it was ultimately just a single limited burst. But now...now it was something else entirely. An assault. A continuous, relentless movement. If Phoenix Leap had been a strike; Cascade was a storm. He exhaled in excitement, and his fingers fidgeted with anticipation, but the cooldown kept him still. Two hours. Trying to test the skill with his mana dormant was futile, but his body itched with the anticipation to experience it again. Not to repeat what he¡¯d done before¡ªno, he could feel the difference even now, in the way his body seemed primed, attuned to the memory of that last leap before the cooldown. His movements during cascade¡¯s use had been precise and mechanical, the platforms responding to not just his will, but his soul¡ªeach activation perfectly timed and aligned with the next. Fifty platforms, but that was at 1 foot of my domain, wasn¡¯t it? He thought as he paced the stony ground. There may be fewer platforms the further my domains expands. I¡¯ll have to test it once the cooldown ends, he decided. He glanced back at the system screen, rereading the details of the skill. [¡­At peak mastery, the user becomes able to perform complex ground and aerial manoeuvres while continuously adjusting direction on any surface until their mana is depleted¡­] ¡°Until my mana is depleted¡­¡± he murmured, and a thrill ran down his spine. This skill would drain him, he realized. Not just in stamina but in every drop of mana he had. Phoenix Leap had used barely any mana, but this? Phoenix Cascade was an extensive drain. I¡¯ll have to increase my wisdom and intelligence to handle it, he concluded. In the darkness of the tunnel, he met a dead end. He held Eclipse tightly, the truth of the universe connecting with the blade as he allowed his mind to drift beyond reality to focus on his understanding of change and impermanence. He studied the rock in front of him, seeing it as nothing and everything, a formation created by time, constantly reshaped by the forces around it. He held that thought and swung his blade. He focused his intent and struck with his Dao¡¯s enlightenment, watching as the weapon glided through all as if carving through soft tofu, widening his path forward. The rock parted under his blade, becoming something it had once been in some places while transforming into what it would be in others; nothing. He stepped forward, the path deepening with each movement. A soft and low thrum of pain in his skull brought a slight wince. It was the beginnings of a Dao-induced headache, something he hadn¡¯t felt since his system had upgraded. If he continued, it would grow into something completely debilitating. But it didn¡¯t matter, because he sensed that he had finally reached the tunnel''s end. The final strike sent a spray of rock flying and clattering in all directions, dust particles glinting like scattered gems in the sudden burst of light. He blinked against the brightness streaming through the exit, eyes adjusting to the pale wash that spilled from the opening. There, a figure stood. A familiar face, loose-limbed and casual, as if he''d simply strolled out of a sunlit meadow. It was a face Alex had expected to encounter again at some point along his journey through the test. Jin. Jin leaned back, head facing the sky and elbows jutting out as he laced his fingers behind his head. His grin was slanted wide beneath bright eyes that glinted with something unreadable as they stared up at the wall of debris that blocked the cavern and reached the sky. He took an easy step forward. Alex¡¯s feet shifted subconsciously as his eyes landed on his missing companion. Clap. Clap. Clap. Alex took in Jin¡¯s form. Unscathed. Relaxed. Without a speck of dust or blood on him after everything they¡¯d been through. ¡°You actually made it,¡± Jin called, his voice slipping through the air like silk snagging on a branch as he approached. ¡°What¡¯d you use, that golden world treasure of yours?¡± His fingers returned to nestle behind his head, and a slow whistle cut through his lips as he approached. ¡°Very impressive.¡± Alex punched him with everything he had. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 19: The Cost of Honour Alex¡¯s fist collided with Jin¡¯s jaw, a solid, satisfying impact that shot a dull ache up through his knuckles and a vibration up his arm as though he¡¯d hit a brick wall, the sting burning beneath his skin. He didn¡¯t pull back immediately, letting the pressure linger, feeling the resistance beneath his skin. Jin¡¯s head tilted just slightly, a look of puzzlement settling in his eyes as he studied Alex¡¯s fist still pressed against him. Jin lifted a hand, running his fingers along his jaw where the strike had landed. His brows drew together, not in pain but in curiosity, as he glanced down at Alex¡¯s hand still curled tightly in a fist. [2-hour mana cooldown ended. Skills now available for use] Damn, a few more seconds and I could¡¯ve allocated some strength to that punch, Alex thought, though a small feeling of satisfaction still radiated from his bruised hand. Alex immediately dismissed the notification. ¡°Ow,¡± Jin murmured, sounding more intrigued than hurt. He poked his jaw once, twice, then looked back at Alex, his expression caught somewhere between amusement and bewilderment. ¡°Wait, that doesn¡¯t hurt. Why doesn¡¯t it hurt?¡± Alex said nothing, his gaze locked onto Jin, his eyes unblinking. He dropped his hand back to his side, fingers flexing, and took a half step back, reclaiming the distance between them. His stance stayed solid, shoulders squared as if bracing for whatever Jin would say next. Jin¡¯s eyes widened to saucers and his brows rose, his mouth slightly ajar. ¡°You didn¡¯t use your world treasure?¡± Then eyes flicked over Alex¡¯s form, his gaze lingering for a moment. ¡°You didn¡¯t use your world treasure, did you?¡± He repeated the question slowly, carefully, each word dropping with deliberate weight. His eyes pursed with thought, studying Alex with a trace of interest as if searching for a clue, or some hint of power. ¡°You didn¡¯t use it¡­¡± Jin said once more, the words now more to himself than to Alex. A brief silence settled between them, punctuated only by the faint crackling of lingering embers along the higher sections of the cavern''s debris-wall. Jin¡¯s gaze trailed from Alex''s face to the scorched stone around them, and he raised a hand, brushing his fingers across the blackened marks etched into the wall. ¡°Impossible,¡± he whispered. He glanced around the cavern, then at the width and scale of the remnant of the spirit beasts'' battle, a wall of debris as tall as any mountain, before turning back to Alex. Jin¡¯s brow creased, his gaze dropping to Alex¡¯s fists and drifting over his stance. He took a step forward, his chin lifting slightly as though he were looking for something beneath the surface. ¡°Then¡­ how did you survive?¡± He looked around, taking in the blackened walls and scorched ground before turning back to Alex. His hands rested casually by his sides, yet his eyes were sharp, probing, and a smirk began to form, as if he already had an inkling of an answer. Alex¡¯s eyes darkened. He didn¡¯t move, his posture rigid as stone, his hands hanging loose but controlled at his sides. He watched Jin, unblinking, his gaze steady and devoid of any sign of weakness or admission. He kept his eyes fixed on Jin, his jaw clenched tightly. ¡°You¡¯re right. I didn¡¯t,¡± he said, his voice low and steady. His stance remained rigid, every muscle in his body tense with restrained anger. Jin¡¯s fingers grazed his jawline again as though in thought, then drifted back to his side. He paused, looking at Alex with an unreadable expression. ¡°Did you make some kind of advancement with the spirit beast¡¯s core? Is that how you survived?¡± Jin paused as though another impossible thought had struck him. He looked back at Alex, his head tilting slightly with growing disbelief, his scrunched-up brow suggesting to Alex that he couldn¡¯t even believe he was asking the question. ¡°Is the mother tigress alive?¡± Alex¡¯s mouth flattened. ¡°She¡¯s dead.¡± His answer was curt. He didn¡¯t look away, his gaze firm as he watched Jim¡¯s form. ¡°Where¡¯s her corpse?¡± Alex shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Jin¡¯s eyes. He couldn¡¯t answer that question because there was no corpse. But why should I answer him, anyway? He thought. The youth had betrayed him. Left him for dead. The only thing Alex owed him was nothing. ¡°Ah. I see.¡± Jin, having misinterpreted Alex¡¯s reluctance and apprehension, watched him. A faint, unreadable expression crossed his face before a mix of something between pity and understanding swept over his features, though he didn¡¯t immediately speak. ¡°I understand the core brings certain¡­ urges.¡± His words came finally, slowly, as though he weighed each one carefully. ¡°But the others outside, they wouldn¡¯t understand what it¡¯s like to hold that power, to feel it coursing through every part of you.¡± His hand rested on the cavern wall, fingers brushing over the rough, scorched surface. Jin¡¯s hand fell from the wall, his gaze shifting to meet Alex¡¯s. He looked around the cavern, taking a deep breath as though absorbing the remnants of the battle. ¡°That power¡­ it can be dangerous.¡± His words were steady, his face unreadable. ¡°If you¡¯re not careful, it¡¯ll consume you. Or worse, turn against you.¡± Alex¡¯s eyes stayed locked on Jin¡¯s, searching for any indicator of remorse, any sign that he regretted or even simply felt bad for the act of leaving them for all dead. He saw none. Alex¡¯s expression hardened, his lips pressed into a thin line. ¡°Save the lecture. I just didn¡¯t run.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Jin regarded him, his expression calm. ¡°We had no pact, Alex,¡± he said. ¡°If you wanted my help, you should have said so.¡± Alex¡¯s fists clenched tighter. ¡°We were companions.¡± His voice shook slightly. ¡°Some things don¡¯t need to be spoken.¡± Jin raised an eyebrow, his head tilting slightly. ¡°Why hold me responsible for something I never promised?¡± His shoulders lifted in a faint shrug, his face blank, as if dismissing the accusation as misplaced. ¡°Because you were there. And you left us to die¡± Alex¡¯s voice was rough, his fists trembling slightly. ¡°I would never have done that.¡± Jin stood still, his gaze steady, his expression unchanging. He glanced around at the remnants of the cavern walls, where faint scorch marks traced the outline of their battle. ¡°You judge me by your standards. And your standards are strange, Alex¡ªAlien, even. Unfit for a cultivator.¡± ¡°My intention wasn¡¯t to abandon you,¡± he said after a pause. His voice was calm. ¡°I planned to circle back, but the cavern collapsed.¡± Alex¡¯s jaw clenched, his shoulders stiff. ¡°If you¡¯d stayed, we could have defeated her together. The others wouldn¡¯t have died.¡± Jin didn¡¯t move. ¡°The objective was to retrieve evidence,¡± he stated flatly. ¡°Not to engage in unnecessary fights with a fire-wielding spirit beast in a fire Qi-infused den.¡± His gaze didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Unnecessary?¡± Alex¡¯s voice held a bitter edge. ¡°There was no choice. If you¡¯d stayed, they might still be with us.¡± His words cut through the silence, the accusation clear. Jin shrugged. ¡°Each person must keep themselves among the living,¡± he replied, his gaze steady, without apology. ¡°We made no pact. If we had I would have assisted. I¡¯m sure the other two had pacts of their own.¡± Alex¡¯s mouth tightened, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief. ¡°A pact? Is that how you live with yourself?¡± His voice was thick, each word forced through clenched teeth. ¡°If I can¡¯t rely on you in matters of life and death then what use are you to me? To any of us?" ¡°The answer is none. You hold no value, Jin. You hold no worth, to me or to anyone this way. Not because you¡¯re powerless, but because you refuse to have anything resembling honour. You cannot be trusted. You bring nothing.¡± Alex¡¯s fists unclenched slowly, his shoulders lowering with a deep exhale. ¡°They¡¯re dead because of you.¡± Jin¡¯s head tilted, his eyes lingering on Alex¡¯s turned profile, his mouth pulling into a small, unreadable line. ¡°His presence was like that of a fallen god, corrupted by his own ambition,¡± he murmured, his words barely audible. ¡°In taking power, he lost his humanity; in losing humanity, he found power.¡± Alex¡¯s gaze snapped back to Jin, his hands clenching again. ¡°What the hell is that supposed to mean?¡± His voice had an edge to it, the irritation visible in the tense line of his shoulders and the slight furrow of his brow. Jin shrugged, his face blank as he met Alex¡¯s gaze. ¡°Just a saying,¡± he replied, his voice smooth, almost dismissive. His shoulders relaxed as he looked back at Alex, waiting, watching. Alex scoffed, a bitter sound escaping his lips. ¡°A saying? Don¡¯t give me that.¡± He took a step closer, fists clenched tight. ¡°I survived without you and your sayings, Jin. Save them.¡± A heavy silence settled between them. Alex¡¯s shoulders lifted with each slow breath, his gaze never leaving Jin. Without a word, he turned, his footsteps crunching over the rubble as he walked toward the cavern exit. Jin stayed where he was, watching Alex¡¯s retreating figure. He didn¡¯t call after him, didn¡¯t offer any parting words. The distance between them grew, silent and final. Neither man looked back, each step separating their paths further. *** Alex¡¯s boots struck the cavern floor with steps heavy with anger as he moved through the widening cavern. His mind replayed Jin¡¯s betrayal, his disgust with the cultivators who valued their lives above loyalty, and his disdain for the entire martial empire they served. They were unworthy, Alex thought, every one of them. Dependence on pacts and oaths to stand with their allies¡ªa strangeness he couldn¡¯t understand, nor forgive. A warrior¡¯s honour shouldn¡¯t need words; it should flow through his blood. He swore to wipe them all out¡ªJun Li and Lui Xan were the first and second, and if he crossed him more directly, Perhaps Jin would be the third. The cavern was filled with signs of recent battles¡ªclaw marks, cracked stones, impacts and debris. But strangely, Alex encountered not much more. No signs of life. No creatures. No corpses. Only blood. The cavern split into sections, but he followed the constant trail of blood Qi he sensed and saw drifting through the atmosphere. At first, the trails of blood Qi curled through the air, winding like threads of dark silk. Soon, it grew concentrated, a thick torrent that made it hard to breathe. Alex inhaled deeply, the metallic scent sharp in his nostrils, each breath filling his lungs with the taste of iron. Summoning blades along his arms, Alex climbed the cavern walls stealthily, intent on avoiding discovery by whatever lay at the centre of the flow. Most likely the Phoenix, pulling in vast amounts of torrential Qi, Enough to make even the defeated fire tigress baulk. The cavern opened suddenly, revealing a massive crater below. Its jagged edges twisted outward, rocks splintered and splayed as though shattered by an impact beyond measure. The ground¡¯s fractured and scarred inward toward the centre, he observed, kneeling to touch the scarred rock. Almost as if a meteorite the size of a small district had crashed into it, he thought with curiosity. Spikes of hardened blood jutted from the ground, glowing with intense Qi, almost too bright to look at. Some resembled stakes, while others took the form of jagged obelisks, arrayed around the altered landscape in a pattern that reminded Alex of an imperial formation. The formations twisted upward and inward, sharp and angular, like skeletal trees clawing at the empty air above. He saw shapes and shadows among the red light cast by the spikes. A congregation of blood creatures. ¡°Damnit¡¯¡± he whispered. There were too many to face alone, far too many. Each one was far too strong to tackle in even small groups. But he couldn¡¯t turn back, not with an Elder apparently wanting him dead on the outside. Reconnaissance it is, then, he decided. Moving carefully along the edge, Alex took in the creatures pacing below. They prowled the crater¡¯s depths, their bodies shifting in the intense red. Some moved on four legs, large and hunched with bulky forms, their movements heavy and deliberate. Others moved like men, still animalistic, yet, their bodies carried an intensity that gave Alex pause. In the heart of it all stood a towering phoenix of blood and fire, majestic, its wings held in a display of fierce beauty. It stood bright even from a distance, ablaze with dripping fire¡ªor was that blood? From so far away, Alex couldn¡¯t tell. Across from the phoenix, a figure stood gesticulating in anger. Alex¡¯s gaze focused, noting the man¡¯s solid build, broad shoulders, and the strange limbs he bore. Where human arms should have been, the man had crystalline limbs of hardened blood, each edge sharp and beastly. , The man stood firm with his stance unyielding as he engaged in a heated argument with the majestic beast. Judging by the misty aura of blood that surrounded him and reacting to his every move, the man was clearly a cultivator. The Little Demon of Winding Bloods, a name that carried weight and fear across the entire region. He doesn¡¯t look so ¡®crippled¡¯ to me, Alex thought, summoning his soulbound blade not just for the skills and stats it granted, but for the feeling of wholeness that carrying a weapon brought him. Foundation Establishment. Alex¡¯s breath tightened. He was looking at a cultivator an entire stage above him, a power that could destroy without question. Alex inched closer. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 20: The Phoenix & The Demon The cavern pulsed with red light as the blood creatures twisted and reformed, melding into monstrous shapes that prowled the depths of the ritual formation. Alex kept low, his fingers curling around his blade, watching as the Phoenix flared its wings, flames licking across its crimson feathers, and faced the Little Demon. ¡°So, we¡¯re doing all this,¡± the Blood Phoenix said, its wing sweeping lazily through the air, scattering a nearby blood creature into a crimson mist that it inhaled with disinterest, ¡°to repair that broken dantian of yours?¡± The Little Demon grinned, watching the blood mist sink into his skin. His crystalized arm cracked as it absorbed the energy, a thin smile tracing his lips. ¡°Don¡¯t pretend you¡¯re not impressed.¡± The Blood Phoenix tilted its head, sparks of flame curling at the tips of its beak as it examined him with a detached curiosity. The light from the ritual surged briefly, casting a red wash across the ritual formation. It leaned closer, talons tapping against the blood-soaked ground. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m amused, maybe even a little intrigued,¡± it replied, voice smooth. "But let¡¯s not pretend that fixing you is worth all this.¡± It clicked its beak, flames fluttering along the tips of its feathers, and looked around the crater, eyes landing on the shifting creatures. ¡°Wasting all this energy to glue your dantian back together feels¡­ trivial.¡± "The ritual is ready, after all. Let''s go" The blood phoenix flexed its wings, flames licking through its feathers as it watched the Little Demon drag his crystalline fingers across the center of the ritual formation. Blood Qi pulsed in waves from the gathered creatures, bathing them both in power. ¡°Oh, come on, don¡¯t be like that.¡± The Little Demon chuckled, kicking at a creeping blood creature, sending it scrambling, while keeping his eyes on the formation, ¡°You¡¯re too eager, you know that? Trying to break out of here without a proper plan is asking for death, even for you. You''re still young, after all. Even for a Phoenix.¡± He shook his head, "practically a baby." "I''m still older than you will ever be." The phoenix tilted its head, observing the blood creatures with a detached curiosity as they prowled and consumed each other. ¡°So what do you propose, then? To grow roots in this place?¡± It tore a smaller blood creature apart with its talons, absorbing the Qi in a quick, fluid motion and flash of red light. ¡°Wait until you¡¯ve fixed your broken dantian? How long do you expect that to take?¡± ¡°Nah, just until I¡¯m strong enough to tear those sect bastards apart,¡± he replied, his face twisting into a grin. He pressed his crystalline hand into the formation, and a wave of light spread across the ground, connecting with the red spikes across the crater. ¡°Imagine it, a storm of blood creatures, all ours, ready to devour anything in their path.¡± He nodded at the ritual circle, watching as the Qi collected into faint wisps of red light. ¡°We don¡¯t just break out; we walk out, armed to the teeth.¡± The phoenix¡¯s feathers bristled, glistening with the light of liquid fire, though it gave him a dubious glance. "If what you say of the outside is true, even if we get out, your little blood pets won¡¯t get us far." ¡°Not if we drain every last being in this realm to make them¡± he countered, his eyes glinting as he reached out, a thin tendril of Blood Qi snaking from his fingertip and wrapping around the neck of a nearby beast. It buckled, dropping to the ground in submission. ¡°Then summon something¡­ stronger. A true demon of blood, a creature who could shatter the boundaries for us. You¡¯d get your freedom, and I¡¯d get my revenge.¡± He loosened his grip, and the creature sprang back, snarling but retreating under his gaze. Silence drifted between the two as they continued to absorb creatures from the horde, empowering themselves in one moment, and their formation in the other. ¡°Let me get this straight,¡± the Little Demon said, swiping a crystallized limb at one of the creatures, his voice carrying a faint edge of mockery. ¡°You¡¯re telling me that for your entire life, you thought this ¡®realm¡¯ was the whole universe?¡± He paused, letting out a short, amused huff. The blood phoenix dipped its head to incinerate one of the advancing beasts with a precise flare of blood-colored flames, the horde parting momentarily in response to the blaze. ¡°Had I known,¡± it replied, ¡°I would have shattered this realm myself ages ago.¡± The Little Demon laughed, a dry, raspy sound as he tore a chunk of meat from a fallen creature, Blood Qi crackling and absorbing into his arm. "Well now you know." He pointed at the center of the formation, situated perfectly between them. ¡°Think of this as a¡­ rebirth,¡± the Little Demon said, the smile on his face widening as he leaned into the word. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you phoenixes live for? Rising from the ashes, or in this case, a sea of blood. You¡¯d be stronger and more complete. Even I¡¯d get a little boost in the bargain.¡± The Blood Phoenix considered him, letting the silence stretch. At last, it spoke, almost a whisper. ¡°If we do this¡­ you know I won¡¯t be bound to you. I¡¯m not a creature to be leashed.¡± He laughed, lowering his hand. ¡°Leash a phoenix? Perish the thought. I¡¯d just hate to leave good company behind.¡± ¡°Perhaps,¡± it replied with a flick of its wing, a ripple of flame spreading over its feathers. ¡°But remember this, Little Demon¡ªif you fail, I will burn what¡¯s left of you. Call it my promise.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t have it any other way.¡± He turned back to the ritual, his crystalline limbs gleaming with an eerie light as he began to pull more creatures into the formation, their bodies disintegrating with a sickening hiss as they fed the ever-growing pool of Blood Qi. ¡°Interesting,¡± the phoenix replied, preening its feathers with a flick of its beak. ¡°But you¡¯re still chained to that body of yours. Wouldn¡¯t it be simpler to let me open a gateway and walk out now?¡± The Little Demon¡¯s mouth curled into a grin. ¡°Oh, you¡¯d like that, wouldn¡¯t you? Slip through the door and leave me here with half a dantian and no more Blood Qi than a weakling?¡± He laughed, the sound hollow. ¡°No, no. If we go, we go fully prepared. If you¡¯re so keen to rush out, help me heal my dantian. We restore me first, and then we break out together¡ªstronger than either of us alone.¡± The Little Demon crossed his arms, shaking his head in mock dismay. ¡°Fine. I get it. The bird¡¯s got ambition,¡± he muttered, a sly grin spreading across his face. ¡°You¡¯re aiming for transformation, aren¡¯t you? Something grand, fiery, maybe a humanoid form?¡± ¡°And if I am?¡± the phoenix asked, a sharp gleam of interest flashing in its eyes. ¡°Well,¡± he replied, letting his blood-crystal claws scratch against the earth, ¡°imagine a phoenix strong enough to hold its power across rebirths. You¡¯ve never experienced the outside world, not really. You have no idea what waits out there. But if you advance within the safety of this ritual¡ªgather enough Blood Qi and spirit cores here¡ªit¡¯s guaranteed.¡± The phoenix tilted its head, a curious but dubious expression crossing its features. ¡°A safer option, I suppose,¡± it murmured, glancing toward the consuming blood creatures, which dissolved into pools of energy under the ritual¡¯s pull. The blood phoenix flared its wings, releasing a wave of Blood Qi that washed over the horde, making them stagger as it absorbed their energy. The Little Demon grinned, tapping his crystallized fingers together as he watched the display. ¡°Not bad,¡± he said, his voice tinged with a dry chuckle. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re finally starting to look like a proper phoenix.¡± The phoenix tilted its head, its feathers shifting, each plume a hue of blood and ember. ¡°Was that supposed to be a compliment? Or do you just enjoy hearing yourself talk?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t it be both?¡± The Little Demon grinned wider, extending a hand toward the ritual formation. His fingertips twitched as the blood creatures convulsed and burst, releasing clouds of dark, roiling Qi that spiraled toward him and the phoenix. Watching from the shadows, Alex felt a chill settle over him. This exchange felt...lighthearted, almost playful. It was nothing more than a veneer over the raw hunger and violence brewing between the two. Each blood creature in the crater had once been a living creature with its own life and goals, some of them may even have once been disciples. There were scores of them, shifting through the blood-pillars. It was sickening. Their ritual hummed and pulsed around the crater, flashing with streaks of raw Blood Qi that sent prickles over Alex¡¯s skin. The two allies spoke, their voices clear and strangely calm despite the chaos. Jovial, even. To Alex they felt... Psychopathic. He crouched low, tucked behind the blood-crusted pillar, as the blood phoenix and the Little Demon tore into the monstrous horde below. The trembled beneath his feet, signaling a large group approaching. Alex repositioned himself and sunk into the shadows, searching for opportunity. The trembling ground and rumbling noises grew louder. Alex pressed himself further against the cold, pulsing rock of his hiding spot, holding his breath as he watched the blood creatures lumber into view. Each beast dragged a struggling disciple, the young cultivators bound head to toe in jagged crystallized blood, their faces pale and mouths gagged, eyes wide with horror as they took in the strange ritual formation stretching out before them. Alex counted thirty of them. The disciples¡¯ faces, pale and wide-eyed, scanned the dark expanse, some writhing, others too stricken with fear to move. The Little Demon watched them with amusement as he lounged against the side of the ritual formation, arms folded, one crystalline finger tapping idly. The blood creatures moved¡ªslow, slowly, pulling slowly¡ªdragging their prey toward the ritual. The phoenix also watched the procession, flicking its feathers with an almost casual air, though its gaze held a dark spark of distaste. The Little Demon stepped forward, his crystalline blood limbs crackling as he inspected the bound disciples, a grin spreading across his face.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. The blood phoenix extended its wings, each feather a plume of deep red fire, as it surveyed the horde below. ¡°They really did hand-deliver these poor souls,¡± it remarked, a dark expression in its gaze as it took in the thirty terrified disciples bound to the neck in crystallized blood. Each of them, wide-eyed, struggled in their bindings, silent but shaking, the dread clear on their faces. The Little Demon glanced over them, his crystalline limbs glinting, and grinned. ¡°They came willingly, and they¡¯ll be leaving a little lighter.¡± He laughed, his voice a smooth mixture of mockery and delight as he sauntered closer to the captives. ¡°Half of them for our ritual, then. The other half for... posterity.¡± He tilted its head, considering the trembling disciples with an unsettling calm. ¡°Sending them back to their sect will ensure they think the test was a ¡®success,¡¯ as you said.¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± the Blood Phoenix replied. With a flick of the Little Demon''s fingers, the crystal blood binding the disciples pulsed, drawing the first half of them forward with an unnatural pull. They whimpered, feet scraping against the rocky ground as they were dragged closer to the glowing ritual formation, which hummed with a strange and sinister energy. ¡°Alright,¡± he said, his voice a dark hum, ¡°let¡¯s begin with a little... offering.¡± He gestured at the phoenix, a grin tugging at his mouth. ¡°After all, no point wasting time, right?¡± A disciple whimpered, his eyes darting frantically between his captors. Alex could see the terror etched into every face, some eyes welling with tears as the weight of their fate dawned upon them. Alex gripped his weapon, his mind ablaze with strategies, but as he was he was far too outmatched. The phoenix observed the bound disciples with a detached look, its feathers pulsing as it stepped forward. ¡°Fine¡± it murmured, tilting its head as it watched the terrified captives. ¡°Time isn''t our friend. Let them die for a greater purpose.¡± The Little Demon snapped his fingers, and a surge of Blood Qi rippled from his hand, ensnaring the first fifteen disciples. They screamed as they were yanked to the center, crystal blood tendrils wrapping tighter around them. The ritual formation reacted to the presence of fresh energy, pulsing with a vibrant, dark crimson glow. The phoenix unfurled its wings fully, stepping toward the sacrificial formation with a regal slowness, its gaze lingering on each terrified face. ¡°Better to make them... useful.¡± Without another word, it released a deep wave of Blood Qi from its body, engulfing the disciples in its wake. The crimson energy wrapped around them, twisting and pulling, merging their very essence into the ritual. Each disciple writhed as the Blood Qi drew out their life force, their eyes hollowing as their bodies withered. The phoenix¡¯s feathers shone brighter with each breath it took, and the Little Demon appeared more... whole, both siphoning life force and energy from the blood ritual, the horde beneath swaying as if in a trance. One disciple trembled. One disciple cried. One disciple fell silent as the ritual consumed them. The silence that followed was a deafening quiet. The Little Demon let out a satisfied sigh, leaning against one of the blood pillars with a relaxed smirk. ¡°Beautiful work, Phoenix. You¡¯re a natural at this.¡± The phoenix cast him a sidelong glance, its voice measured. ¡°This ritual isn¡¯t for your amusement. It¡¯s to break us free from this prison.¡± The Little Demon shrugged, pushing away from the pillar, his gaze sliding to the remaining disciples, still bound and watching with horror. He gestured toward them, a mischievous glint in his eye. ¡°Oh, but we wouldn¡¯t want to forget our little guests here.¡± He moved toward them, placing a finger under the chin of one disciple, who recoiled, trembling. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, little lambs,¡± he murmured, his tone mockingly gentle. ¡°You get to go home with a gift.¡± Reaching into his robe, he pulled out small fragments of beasts, each shifting with a strange, dark energy. He placed a piece in each of their hands, forcing their fingers to close over it. ¡°Hold tight to this. It¡¯s something to remember us by.¡± "That one dropped its sword... and that one. That one too," the phoenix observed, its gaze sharpening as it watched the Little Demon work. ¡°You¡¯re corrupting them. You know they¡¯ll return with pieces of your essence. It¡¯s risky.¡± "So? Bad news for them," The Little Demon grinned, wiping his hands on his robe. ¡°They¡¯ll have no memory of us or this place. I¡¯ll make sure of that.¡± He raised a hand, dark mist swirling from his fingers, creeping into the disciples¡¯ eyes and mouths. "Nothing personal,¡± the Little Demon whispered, as he tore another disciple¡¯s mind apart. Piecing it back together with all instances of meeting him missing. One by one, their expressions shifted, going blank, eyes glazing over as the fog seeped into their minds, erasing their memories. The phoenix gave a curt nod, its gaze lingering on the portal as the first of the altered disciples was guided forward, his movements stiff and puppet-like as he approached the vortex. The disciple took one final step before disappearing into the blood-red light, his figure swallowed whole by the portal¡¯s depths. One by one, the others followed, each of them clutching their dark shard, their faces blank and unseeing. The portal pulsed, sending waves of dark energy through the cavern as the ritual absorbed their altered essence, binding them to their unseen fate. Alex remained in place, his eyes widening as he took in the cold efficiency with which the phoenix and the Little Demon conducted the sacrifice. "We''re almost ready." He heard the little demon speak softly yet loud, his tone firm whilst he drifted a strange palm over the ritual''s glowing symbols. Alex saw the little demon rise to stand tall, his eyes sweeping over the horde like a commander of demons. ¡°MORE!" The demonic cultivator yelled. "We need more!, More disciples¡ªmore creatures of Qi, not useless mana and flesh! Go find ''em!¡± With a flick of his crystalline blood limb, he sent the horde out to hunt. The horde of creatures surged out in all directions, a stampede moving with a single-minded fury that caused Alex to sink further into stealth, pressing into the ground as if it, too, had secrets to keep. The rumbling died down, leaving an unsettling quiet that lingered. Alex sensed more blood creatures approaching from the far distance through the low tremors in the ground, each vibration heavy and foreboding, much heavier than those from the initial horde. From the faint image painted by the distant tremors, a single assumption sprang to mind; They must be carrying more disciples. If they arrived, the aspect of the ritual that would heal the demon''s dantian would be completed. He had to put a stop to this, now. How, though? Alex considered his options, a dozen strategies churned through his mind. The Phoenix was at the ninth level of the Qi Gathering stage and according to Jin, stronger than the fire tiger. Its strength was incomparable to his first-level cultivation. Like a boulder compared to a stone. The very fact that it collaborated with the Little Demon suggested that the demonic cultivator¡¯s shattered dantian had reduced him to a level of strength either subservient to or equal to the Phoenix. And then there was another factor to consider; how much had the Phoenix grown since the Demonic cultivator had been placed in the realm? Alex had been told the immortal bird possessed high intelligence, and he now witnessed how it continually absorbed Blood Qi from the creatures, its strength growing like a smoldering flame. How long had it been doing this? For hours, or perhaps days? It appeared far more powerful than the Little Demon, though there was no way to be completely sure. He considered using the Void Web again, the most lethal tool in his arsenal. It was a dangerous reality-altering marriage of Mana and Qi that eradicated anything that it touched. The technique was powerful, but it held many drawbacks. So many it bordered on unreliability. But its sole benefit outweighed its risks; So long as it hit its mark, it could kill anything. The problem was that beyond a certain level of cultivation, the mere first stage, the technique became too slow to be of any worth- easily avoidable. Useless. He needed a way to increase its attack speed; otherwise it would simply fail and he would be promptly eradicated by two beings far beyond him. Or worse, he would be sacrificed. Of the two, the phoenix was the biggest problem. It was functionally immortal, but it was young, fledgling, and had not learned how to maintain its cultivation across rebirths. Jin had informed him it would lose a portion of its strength each time it died. That was some good news, at least. There was also the chance that its rebirth would require considerable time, like the fledgling Phoenix he had encountered back when he had awoken within the very incursion dungeon. That one had taken hours to be reborn, its flames weak and newly kindled. If he targeted the phoenix first, he would be guaranteed some time, at least an hour before its rebirth. He would have to face the Little Demon and escape before then. But that posed another impossible reality entirely. How strong was the Little Demon, broken as he was? Alex could not know unless he got closer, Within 15 feet, he would know exactly where he stood. I''ll use the void web to take out the Phoenix, and then use the Dao to fight the Little Demon, he decided. If he''s too strong I''ll head for the portal... assuming I''m not dead, he concluded with grim resolve. Alex circled back, far back. Past the ritual, past the crater, and far past the arrays of large spikes of hardened blood that stood in arrangement like the bones of a sleeping giant. Ensuring the two in the center didn¡¯t catch his shadow as it slipped past the edges of the crater, he retraced his steps and moved until he faced a cavern wall that stretched high, as high as the tallest of buildings. He found a foothold, muscles flexing as he ascended with precise and stealth-filled movements. His fingers gripped the rough stone, its texture biting into his palms. And blades sprouting from his form aided his ascent. A muffled cackle sounded below, but Alex kept climbing, eyes focused, attuned to the vibrations that rippled up the stone and into his bones. The procession of blood creatures was still far away. He had time. So he climbed. As high as he could and as far as his movements would take him. When he reached the midpoint, he didn¡¯t pause. The platforms of Phoenix Cascade sprouted around him in a deadly bloom, hovering around his form as moons would a celestial body. He exhaled, feeling the sudden surge of power beneath him as the final platform materialized. Only ten this time, he counted. With his domain stretched to fifteen feet, its diluted effects would only allow for ten platforms. Anything beyond that stretched his focus and hindered his thoughts. But he saw that each platform was much larger than it should be, and he could sense that they were each packed full of mana, a powerful hum beneath the surface of the ten thin planes. A platform shot him to the sky. The force propelled him faster than anticipated, upwards, the wind cutting sharp against his skin. Another platform flared to life, then another, each one bursting beneath him, sending him rocketing higher, a streak of motion against the sky. A tiny dot, unseen. The world below blurred, the cavern shrinking to a line and the landscape soon appearing as a chaotic mosaic of colours. At the apex of his ascent, the sky swallowed him, cool and vast, clouds weaving like pale threads against the dark. He hovered, suspended by the final platform, his breath steady as he condensed his SwordSaint¡¯s Domain. The boundary tightened from fifteen to one, the hum of its power resonating through him, sharpening his senses. The battle below became a vivid map¡ªthe snarls, the crackle of Blood Qi, and the rhythmic pulsing of the ritual¡¯s light all clearer than before. His heart beat slowed, the space around him bending to his perception. Phoenix Cascade. The wind roared in his ears, his body a spear piercing the sky. Fifty platforms flared, one after the other, each burst increasing his speed at a rate that would cause lesser men to lose consciousness. Alex tore through the sky like a bolt of lightning, splitting the clouds with a speed that defied belief. He felt the reverberations through his very bones. The world below stretched wide, the ritual center now a seething heart of blood and Qi, a rapidly growing crimson. Alex¡¯s eyes focused on the two figures at the center. The Little Demon, with his easy grin and eyes glinting with dark humor, his crystalline arm catching the ritual''s light to refract it into shards of blood-red. The phoenix, its feathers blazing with light and heat, a beacon of dripping flame. Around them, the fallen swords of sacrifices lay, forgotten. Alex condensed his SwordSaint¡¯s Domain, feeling the surge of perceptual clarity tighten to an intense, pinpoint focus. The world was a blur of stretched colours. The Little Demon was knelt low, pulling power from the ritual. The Phoenix stood over him, watching, a dying bloodbeast held beneath its claws. Both were frozen in time. The moment crystallized, Alex¡¯s form a blur streaking toward them, beyond the speed of sound. The two frozen, oblivious. The blood phoenix¡¯s gaze snapped upward, realization spreading in its eyes just before impact. But it was too late. Thousands become One. Mana Blade. Alex shot down like a missile, faster than thought. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 21: Dao vs Dao Alex pierced the air, the friction crackling around him like invisible flames. He remembered the first encounter with a phoenix¡ªMiles of death, rebirth, and wrath. He wasn¡¯t entirely unafraid of what lay ahead. A hopeful dread smoldered beneath the surface, deep within him. If he missed, he¡¯d die. If he hesitated, he¡¯d die. If he struck too slowly, he¡¯d die. The Blood Phoenix noticed his descent first, but it was far too late. He had summoned hundreds of blades to spring into existence between him and them, connected by threads of mana, moving at speeds that defied reason. The fallen blades of dead sacrifices trembled and rose, no longer forgotten, joining the web of death that covered the sky above. Some of them held Qi. The phoenix opened its mouth and covered the web in flames. The web cleaved through the Phoenix''s flame and shredded the rapidly evading phoenix to pieces in an instant, a spattering of bright flesh, feathers, flame, blood, and burning liquid. Even in slowed time, Alex found himself shocked at the creatures majestic speed, reaction, and decision making. The instant it had seen its flames fail, it had moved to escape the wide net he had set. But it had been far too late, his web appearing as an unavoidable vista. The Little Demon¡¯s laughter was abruptly cut off as the rain of blades fell. ¡°What¡ª¡± he gasped, eyes barely catching the sharp steel whirling down. The demonic cultivator lunged, desperately aiming for a gap in the web, the concentration of blades and threads of void inches from eviscerating him. It diced through him without resistance, his body sliced into three pieces by the web: a torso, an arm, and legs. The void web carved deep into the ground, severing its vast pattern into rock and earth and shattering blood pillars, destroying the ritual entirely. Alex crashed into the ground a second later. *** The weight and speed of his impact collided with the ground like thunder. The ground cracked in sharp, spreading lines beneath his form. Dust lifted into the air, the remnants of shattered stone, earth, and blood pillars falling into the abyss of broken earth. The scent of scorched blood and iron filled his lungs, sharp and acrid. Alex crashed into the debris, muscles screaming. He pushed himself upright, gaze fixing on disarray. The Phoenix''s remains lay smoldering¡ªtorn fragments radiating a dull glow. Alex had felt the defence offered to him by Thanatos''s sovereign strain but hold firm, though weakened. He found himself grateful that both the undead revenant and the fragment of the dragon stored within him could withstand a fall from that height and speed. It still hurt, though. He rose to his feet with a groan and viewed the surrounding devastation. The ground around him in a large space had been sliced to pieces, a network of lines and large circles cutting deep into the ground in places where there should have been rock. The rest of the environment remained static, it''s like a crop circle, he thought idly as he turned to regard the remains of the blood phoenix. Fire flesh and blood, that was all he saw, a small mound of perfectly diced flesh, steaming. He supposed it would rise in temperature until it burst into flames and unbearable heat, birthing the phoenix anew. But for now, it smouldered, harmless. A guttural, rasping sound sliced through the destruction. Alex heard a tumble of rock and listened to a noise behind him. From the ruin, blood pulled inward, limbs piecing themselves back together. He spun and summoned his blade into his outstretched palm. ¡°You,¡± the demon hissed, a grin splitting his blood-streaked face. ¡°You brought down the Phoenix?¡± He glanced at the steaming mound of remains and chuckled, a sound that grated like splintering bone. ¡°And here I thought today would be boring.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t look like much from down here,¡± he said, his voice low, cutting through the silence. ¡°I expected more from someone who could bring down that thing.¡± His gaze flicked to the Phoenix¡¯s remains, a smirk playing on his lips. The demon''s eyes pursed as he took another step forward, studying Alex. ¡°I should thank you,¡± he continued, voice filled with a mocking edge. ¡°I was getting tired of that beast''s screeching.¡± He flexed his fingers, crimson shards knitting into sharp, claw-like extensions. ¡°But I wonder, kid,¡± he took a half-step back, eyes scanning Alex warily, ¡°do you have another one of those tricks up your sleeve, or was that your one and only miracle?¡± Alex held his ground, blade steady, eyes cold. ¡°Not the talkative type, I see,¡± the demon continued, taking a step forward. The ground shivered beneath his feet. ¡°Fine by me. I¡¯ve heard enough bravado for one lifetime. Phoenix Cascade. Eternal Shroud of Disarray. Alex lunged forward and swung, his blade vanishing from sight and his world a blur of stretching colors. The demon paused, observing his approach, then effortlessly dodged in a way that resembled an adult evading an unruly child. ¡°Too slow,¡± the demon said, moving forward. Blood dripped, curving into hardened, lethal edges. Mana Burn. Allocation. [Please select focus of Allocation] [Strength / Dexterity / Endurance / Intelligence Wisdom] [Dexterity Allocated.] [Dexterity: 1886 > 2535] He viewed his Status in an instant, his eyes flashing to the affected stat, [...Dexterity: 13,564 (2535)... ] A combination of feats, Mana Burn, and the reallocation of his stats had increased his speed by over four hundred and fifty percent. Twenty panels of densely packed mana ignited in response to his will, a cascade of momentum that exploded the air around Alex. The world stretched into a series of lines as he became engulfed in pure movement. He swung again, faster this time, intent clear in every twitch of muscle. The Little Demon sidestepped, his eyes cautious yet filled with incredulity. His brow quirked as he stepped back, arms folded. ¡°Slow. Weak. How did you do it?¡± The Little Demon took another step back, observing Alex with a mixture of frustration and calculation. Alex shifted forward, fingers wrapped around the hilt, the blade unwavering. Steel met crystal with a shriek. Sparks leapt and scattered, flaring against the uneven ground, a sharp note erupting as it met the demon¡¯s defense. The fading sparks splayed across the ground, bright and fleeting.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. His sword had completely failed to pierce the Little Demon''s shoulder, but Alex suspected as much. The Demonic cultivator of winding bloods had risen, his clawed red fingers holding Eclipse in its crystal grip. The demon laughed, a harsh, ragged sound. ¡°You tried that already.¡± He pushed back, twisting his body to knock Alex¡¯s attack aside. The blow was absorbed by Thanatos'' Sovereign, yet the force still nearly sent Alex skidding back, only the sheer force of his will allowing him to hold on, his palms bleeding from his refusal to release Eclipse. ¡°You¡¯re not going to win like that, you know?¡± ¡°The bird lies in pieces, my ritual broken¡ªall by you. A weak Scion.¡± The demon¡¯s voice, low and serrated, lingered as Alex''s blood dripped, the droplets hardened into sharp points that angled to face him, ready to strike. "That net... Who taught you that technique? Which family do you belong to?" The demon¡¯s smirk faltered for a split second as the blade embedded in his palm began to hum, dark energy pulsing outward in erratic waves.¡°What¡¯s this?¡± the demon said, tapping the blade again. The vibration increased, small cracks appearing on the surface of his blood-crystal skin. ¡°Oh, you clever¡ª¡± The words cut off as the blade erupted with power. The blade twisted, the metal erupting into the demonic form of the Sovereign Clone, Eclipses horns, blade, and tail lashing out against the demonic cultivator in a whirl of feral fury. The demon¡¯s eyes went wide, surprise flaring before being swallowed by a grin. Eclipses form was still stuck within his iron grasp. The Little demon studied the humanoid blades wrist in his grip, tapping the dark material of its hard flesh lightly. The metallic hum resonated, deep and rhythmic as Eclipse violently struggled against his grasp. ¡°Cute trick,¡± he said. ¡°But what now, hero? Your toy¡¯s stuck, and I¡¯m still standing.¡± His voice softened to a dark murmur as he brushed off the many attacks from the still-struggling demonic blade. Alex gripped his blade, eyeing the little demon with a faint but rising frustration. The demon had strength, sure, but there wasn¡¯t much else to admire in his technique. He felt quite clearly that if their power was on equal footing, he¡¯d have the upper hand, and likely without much effort. He¡¯d seen it time and time again with almost everyone he encountered in these new worlds, save for one person. The only thing giving this demon an edge was the sheer gap in their power levels. The demon¡¯s movements were flashy, marked by traditional martial arts techniques that Alex found unnecessarily elaborate. All that effort spent on broad, exaggerated forms to showcase raw strength, endurance, or flexibility, yet lacking real impact in a fight. To Alex, these methods looked impressive but left their users exposed, openings wide enough to exploit. The focus on grand displays ignored fundamentals¡ªeffective spacing, positioning, strategem and efficiency of movement, to confuse and keep the enemy out of reach while staying close enough to strike. To have no weaknesses. Instead of layering defenses or setting up clear paths for counters and follow-up attacks, these styles seemed to care more about aesthetics than function. Their complex forms sacrificed adaptability for showmanship, creating a look of strength without real substance. These cultivators¡­ they''re incredibly inneficient, relying on brute strength and their powers to bridge and fill gaps that should not even exist in the first place, he observed. Their supernatural strength alone didn¡¯t impress him, he could see that it had formed in them a kind of weakness. Alex didn¡¯t respond, his focus unwavering. He pivoted, striking low, aiming for the gaps between the demon¡¯s armor-like limbs. ¡°Persistent bastard,¡± the little demon muttered, voice laced with annoyance. His foot connected with the ground, the force sending a shockwave through the fractured earth as he struck out, knocking Eclipse into the distance. Alex staggered but kept his balance, eyes never leaving his opponent. "You''re lucky i need you alive," The Demon said. "You''ll have to teach me the secrets of your Web technique. After the experiments, that is." Alex''s blood turned to ice at the words. "You''re much weaker than the tigress, i''ll kill you like i killed her. I''ll shatter your spirit beast core before that will ever happen- finish the job the sect started." He spoke words as cold as the blood that ran through his veins, his stance rigid as stone and as flowing as the wind. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t bring up the dantian. Sensitive subject.¡± The Little Demon¡¯s smirk only widened as he met the Alex''s cool, probing gaze. Alex was out of options. His stats wouldn''t work- he was too slow. His skills wouldn''t work either- the gaps in their strength was too wide. The only thing he had left was the Dao. The Dao existed for all, everywhere at once. It was an arbiter, altering reality. It didn''t belong to Alex or the demon- there was no hierarchy with the Dao, only progress. It existed in many pieces, for many things, a resource for anyone brave enough to face the endless madness of its depths and tap into its truths. It was the universal equaliser, but one that could destroy those who wielded it without care. Alex¡¯s breath slowed, a single heartbeat vibrating in the marrow of his bones like a drum as he channeled the Dao of true immortality into every cell of his being. A pulse of understanding washed over him, sharp and cold, as if light split into a thousand shards within his mind. The ideal was a single, invisible thread- only centimetres long- taut and humming, he could not see where the thread lead to. He could only see that it was connected to him. A single thread that led to a place that existed beyond mere vision. He studied the tiny thread. It spoke of time and space. The interconnectedness of all things, how all things and all possibilities existed in the present. It was beyond mere flux, it was a glimpse of reality itself. The weight of existence coalesced into the moment, pressing into his skin, a million voices whispering in the pulse of his blood. A million possibilities of what he could do next. He felt the current of being stretched beyond the present, where the truth wove through the fabric of all he perceived. The sense of movement without motion pulled at him. An epiphany unfurling before the tips of his fingers. His step, deliberate, traced not a path across stone, but a shift across possibility. That''s what the thread connects to, he realised. It''s flux. Possibility. Whatever lay at the end of the thread was something immutable, something beyond reality. The illusion of time¡¯s rigid flow weakened and split apart. He saw that time was fluid, and not fixed. For a heartbeat, Alex became both the warrior who had travelled worlds to stand on the broken ritual, and the old man walking into a dark alley on earth, unaware of the wider universe. Alex felt that same universe flow through him, the interconnectedness of all things, the present nature of all moments, all paths made clear. If all possibilities existed in the present moment, all at once, He simply needed to step into a possibility that favoured him. Though he could only see one outcome and not much more beyond that, to attempt to look at more than one strained his Dao dangerously. Still, Alex moved, satisfied with his next action. His single step moved him, not through space, but through possibility, transitioning from one state of being to the other. A metaphysical transition that rewrote reality itself. [Dao: ¡®True Immortality¡¯ - Progress 1.2 > 1.99%] To all present, it appeared as though Alex had simply ceased to exist in one place, and now existed in another. His blade appeared within the little Demon''s eye. But to the left, a little. The demon had dodged the instant he appeared, causing the blow to shear off a part of his face, sparks flying from the impact. The little demon''s body went limp, before a smile appeared on his rapidly regenerating face and he held Eclipse in a vice grip, a mountain of strength holding a blade. "Like i said, cute trick. It should be impossible. You''ll have to teach me that, too." "But regeneration is one of the first things I learned from the Dao. Your net technique won''t work against me." The Demonic cultivator uttered with utter confidence. "Your Dao''s pretty good, though. I''ll give you that." Alex knew that was a lie. He simply needed to target the cultivators Dantian-or in this case his beast core, his lifeforce, or even just his heart or brain in order to kill him. But that didn''t matter, because without a blade enchanted with Qi, utilising the Void Web technique would be impossible. "But it''s Dao vs Dao, and only the one with the most understanding wins, kid." The little Demon smiled with a grin that suggested he believed his progress far exceeded Alex''s gains. "My Dao is blood, by the way, and blood is eternal." He pulled Alex closer with crystalline fingers, a wave of blood rising to engulf them both. "What''s yours?" Alex braced, rechannelling his Dao with everything he had, a low hum of pain rising in the back of his skull. He would have to target the mans spirit beast core with an explosive strike, end this in one blow. He prepared himself to move. Then an impact sent him airborne. A form crashed into them both, sending them skidding in separate directions. The Little Demon stumbled back in surprise, both eyeing the one who had interrupted them. Alex spun in the air to land firmly on his feet, his eyes never leaving the new arrival. Before Alex stood a fellow disciple wielding an enchanted Axe of Qi, a crimson weapon filled with so much energy it was nearly blinding. "You''re right, Alex. I guess I didn''t need a pact after all." The disciple said, turning slightly. Alex rose to stand beside the youth, a metal sword manifesting in his palm as Eclipse''s metal form raced to join the battle from a distance. He turned to regard the youth as the little demon rose, recovering from the impact. It was Jin. I guess Jin isn''t so bad after all, he thought. Book 2: Godslayer - Interlude: The New BloodSeer - Part 1
Jin
Jin remained still, his gaze unwavering as he watched Alex leave, his slightly older form disappearing further into the darkness. ¡°Everyone faces the consequences of their choices,¡± Jin murmured softly, his voice steady. ¡°We¡¯ve both been chosen to wield power that will make us targets.¡± Jin breathed deep and considered the sheer difference of his new life. It had not been long since his rebirth ritual had succeeded. Sixteen years of age¡ªBarely a blink in the vast span of time that stretched across his two lifetimes. It felt as though only a short period had passed since the entire empires had fallen under his foot and his enemies had crumbled under his hand. But in reality hundreds of years existed between his death and rebirth-a fault within the ritual, perhaps. Jin recalled the thrill of his past life, how he had toyed with entire worlds and watched them crumble at his command, obliterated on a whim like sandcastles before the tide. In that life his Dao of the heavens had turned legions into ashes and challenged the empire itself. They had called him a demon, and the title still pleased him¡ªhadn¡¯t he proven his mastery over the heavens themselves by tearing an emperor from his throne? "How futile," he muttered to himself. How futile was it that they believed themselves indomitable despite him having proven otherwise. Now, those same worlds and cities, once united, lay divided among four rulers who had barely equalled a portion of his former strength. He could still picture his past glories with startling clarity. After all, from his perspective it had only been less than a few decades ago¡ª practically yesterday. Back then he had carried a name that was feared by all, a name that carried terror across the realms; The Blood Seer Marshall. Now reborn as a child. A teen with the wisdom of a destroyer. Jin''s thoughts turned to the latest subject to have caught his full attention. The new disciple, Alex. Alex had once been a passing curiosity to him, little more than a solitary blade of grass pointing in a direction that was slightly different from the rest. A fleeting distraction, one of many and ba rely worth his attention. But the strange man joining the 1% of the Empire to gain a spirit beast core without suffering the usual adverse effects had captured Jin¡¯s interest¡ª slightly. But defeating a creature of a much higher level of cultivation? Considering he only held a few basic manuals, his latest feat had altered Jin¡¯s opinion of him altogether. A first-level Qi gathering disciple defeating a ninth-level spirit beast was the kind of thing only heard of in stories and legends. And without a world treasure at that. To do so without a world treasure was simply unfathomable. He still remembered the awe that surged through him the first time his dantian absorbed the energy of a World-Treasure, the way his very cells had sung with power. Those treasures¡ªcapable of harnessing the mana of an entire world and converting it into physical reinforcement Qi¡ªhad made even the weak among them into juggernauts of physical might.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Sensing the spirit beast¡¯s death, he had thrown out the possibility of the mother tigress¡¯s defeat by his hands as something of a joke, but Jin¡¯s breath had nearly hitched when Alex had confirmed it. Jin sighed a breath filled with excitement. He had intended on a brief period of relaxation to grow his power, for the next few decades, or less. But encountering someone so promising so early in their journey had sparked his ambition. Perhaps he would take over the empire much sooner than he anticipated. Jin¡¯s gaze lingered on the spot where Alex had vanished, and he found himself recalling his younger self¡ªa boy of humble origins, stumbling upon the power and talent that would alter the course of his life. Alex was beginning to remind him of that path, a spark ignited by circumstances beyond his control, now drawn toward the potential of something far greater. He wondered how far Alex could go. Reaching for his Dao, Jin let his senses extend outward, feeling the pulse of his blood and the whisper of time that lingered there like an echo. Blood had always been his path. It was primal, the essence of all life, the thread that linked all existence. Through blood, he could understand a being, wield their vitality like a weapon, twist it into creations of his own making. And time¡ªtime was his forbidden lover, a mystery he had touched but not yet fully mastered. He had glimpsed its vast tapestry in moments of heightened clarity, felt the weight of potential and inevitability interwoven, but he had only been able to peer, never grasp. Now, as he meditated, he reached for that tapestry again, his consciousness brushing against the delicate fabric of futures and pasts, each thread a fragile possibility. In his previous life, his control over time had been limited to visions, foreseeing the most likely outcomes. Yet he had sensed there was more, far beyond his reach, a path where one could do more than merely observe¡ªperhaps even shape, bend, rewrite. But the deeper he had plunged, the more he¡¯d sensed the universe¡¯s resistance, as if existence itself recoiled from his ambition. Even his death, he suspected, had been a final act of resistance by that omnipresent force, preventing him from fully manifesting his vision. He peered into Alex''s future and saw glimpses of what could happen next. But he didn''t care for the immediate future. Jin wanted to see the possibilities of Alex''s full potential. He glimpsed as far as his vision would go and saw... Nothing. Not even emptiness, or the absolute end. He had seen those things already, many times, in fact. This was different, new. The absence of information. Something within the realm of forms¡ª the realm of the Dao, was blocking his vision. He could sense the future still running behind the block, like a clock unhindered. Jin''s blood ran cold. But he soon calmed down, realising that the interference stemmed from within the Dao, not without. This was different from the Jade Emperor he had killed so long ago. There was nothing to worry about. But still, if Alex''s influence on the Dao could cause such a reaction, Jin would benefit from keeping him on his side. The benefits of keeping Alex alive were beyond counting. It could speed up his plans. It could even help him regain full access to his Dao and recover the parts of himself he had forgotten; Like the secret of rebirth. Perhaps a gesture would be in order¡ªa symbol of goodwill, an acknowledgment of Alex¡¯s potential. And if Alex were to resist? Well, Jin had more than a few methods to ensure loyalty. His stores held treasures, techniques, artifacts of such potency that even the most hardened sect elders would kneel in awe, their resolve tempered by the sheer allure of what he could offer. Book 2: Godslayer - Interlude: The New BloodSeer - Part 2 Jin sat cross-legged in the depths of the tunnel beneath the wall of debris, his gaze unfocused as he reached deep within himself, seeking that once boundless well of power, now hidden beneath layers of flesh and bone too fragile to hold his former might. His fingers brushed his abdomen, over the dantian he had painstakingly nurtured since reincarnating, its flow of energy a faint trace of the tempest he¡¯d once commanded. Even the memory stirred something primal, a longing to wield again that dominance, to feel the blood of worlds answer his call. He tightened his fist, savoring the brief rush of energy that to his young body felt overwhelming. Yet he knew the truth: it was but a ripple against the ocean of power he had once possessed. Jin¡¯s fingers traced an unblemished, youthful palm. There should have been scars there. Lining his palms like threads woven into old fabric. Remnants of that final battle, when his enemies had swarmed like wolves on wounded prey. The new emperors ruled atop the empire¡¯s carcass, four of them. It twisted his lips into a slight smirk, bitter and unyielding as iron. How swiftly they had taken his throne, like vultures pecking at the spoils left in his absence. Remnants of the Emperor. The Jade ruler had been strong¡ªtoo strong to be considered prey, but still still just an obstacle surrounded by fools brave enough to defend an empire whose corpse he had already begun to carve. ¡°You remember, don¡¯t you?¡± Jin spoke aloud, his voice as low as the faint hiss of smoke curling up from dying embers, as though his old foes could still hear him. ¡°The way your cities fell, one by one, until you were left clinging to your emperor¡¯s shadow.¡± He smiled at the memory, the lingering satisfaction that came with such complete, calculated devastation. Jin drifted back in the depths of his thoughts and felt the memories draw him in as if by chains, pulling him to the moment when he stood before the Martial Empire''s connection to divinity. In his mind¡¯s eye, he could still see the Jade Emperor¡¯s last breaths¡ªthe moment the empire had been torn apart. *** Atop the shattered steps of the imperial palace he had stood, blood pooling around his boots, the metallic scent filling him with invigoration. His eyes glowed white with a heavenly Dao that infused his every cell, and his bloodbound constructs flanked him, their forms unyielding and their eyes sharp with the full breadth of reason. He gazed upon the grand doors and pushed them open without ceremony. The Jade Emperor had sat upon his throne, confident and relaxed. Lazy, almost, as though the intrusion was not worth the effort of action. He wasn''t even looking at him. The emperors eyes pursed, finally turning to acknowledge Jin''s existence. "What do you see when you look upon my empire, Bloodseer?¡± The Emperor¡¯s voice, hard as iron, drifted across the room. He spoke slowly, as if the words themselves held weight that could crush lesser men. ¡°You think yourself above it, but empires, Gods¡ªthese things endure while men like you burn out in a burst of fury and fall to dust.¡± Jin¡¯s lips tightened, one hand drawing a blood whip up from his side, wrapping it around his arm, each thornlike barb glinting under the bright flames of the palace. He shifted his weight, his foot grinding against the marble beneath, leaving a smear of blood-red that floated to circle him like celestial bodies. ¡°I see a cage,¡± Jin answered, each word as metal forged in a furnace. His gaze moved to the towering walls, the banners that hung, each marked with the Emperor¡¯s sigil, a roaring dragon caught mid-flight. ¡°A flimsy fa?ade for the ones too weak to see beyond it.¡± Jin opened his mouth to speak further but paused as his eyes flashed white. He saw it then, a path: a blade raised, the Emperor¡¯s head tilted slightly forward, the faintest arc of blood, signalling his end. He could see it clearly¡ªone strike, a blow that would kill him. A blood construct blocked the blow, its form imploding from the sheer weight it. How did he¡ª? Jin whirled to respond but the emperor remained seated, not a hair out of place. The Qi in the air had hardly drifted, and no other heartbeats rang in the vicinity. ¡°You would tear down everything we have built because you fear a life lived with purpose?¡± His voice fell, dark as shadow cast by flame, ¡°Tell me, Bloodseer, what would you even create? Or do you think a god bleeds because you say so?¡± Jin¡¯s blood armor surged, shifting, hardening over his torso as he stepped forward, the thud of his boots resounding in the silence. ¡°Your purpose,¡± he intoned, as if tasting the bitter words, ¡°is hollow¡ªa lie to make others worship the chains you¡¯ve hung upon their necks.¡± He let his arm drop, the whip sliding to the floor, forming a pool of thick, red liquid at his feet, only to rise again, taking shape into a spear as his will commanded it. ¡°What I would create is freedom. Not for the empire, but from you.¡± He stepped forward, his blood-forged spear gleaming with endless Qi and lifeforce, pointed at the Emperor. A ripple crossed the Emperor¡¯s face, and he moved, shifting forward, his hand rising in a single, languid motion. ¡°You destroy because you¡¯re empty. You are a wound upon the world, a void that swallows everything,¡± he hissed, his hand falling back to his side as if brushing Jin away. ¡°Yet you think you¡¯re saving them?¡± Jin could feel the heat of the room rise as if a furnace had opened, stoked by his own fury. ¡°I am not here to save anyone,¡± he growled, as he thrust the spear forward. The weapon sliced through the air in an arc of red, becoming a crimson comet aimed at the Emperor¡¯s chest. The Emperor¡¯s hand rose, catching it, divine blood spilling between his fingers. Then they fought. Jin drove his spear forward, the crystalline blade slicing through the space between them in a single decisive thrust aimed at the Emperor¡¯s soul. He could see it clearly, the way it connected with all things, even himself. To sever it would end not only the empire, but the fate itself. It would free them all. A blinding flash of jade light split the air as the Emperor countered, his form shifting faster than sight. The spear struck empty space, a decoy dissipating like smoke. Jin¡¯s eyes glowed white, his future sight catching a flash of jade energy lancing toward his side. Instantly, he stepped back, evading as the Emperor¡¯s energy carved a trench through the ground where he¡¯d stood. "Such a strong connection to divinity." The Jade Monarch scoffed with authority, rising. "So that''s how you made it this far." Jin struck in response, a myriad of summoned blood spears mimicking his strike, forcing the Emperor to step back. "You''re close to the truth, but so far from it." The Emperor¡¯s hands moved as he spoke, conjuring a blade of divine energy that shone menacingly with altered reality. His robes flowed like liquid gold as he struck, the clash of their weapons rumbling the very foundations of the structure they stood within. Jin parried effortlessly, his blood armor adapting to the impact to absorb and redistribute the force. "You think your Dao makes you special, Bloodseer." The Emperor''s eyes flashed with a golden light. For a brief moment, Jin''s vision blurred; his connection to the future severed. The Will of Heaven had blocked his sight. A sharp pain erupted in his side as an invisible force struck him, sending him skidding across the marble floor as the Emperor spoke again. "But its simply a fraction of one greater whole. A Piecemeal."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Jin rose clutching his bleeding side, undying green fires clawing at his wound. "It''s more than enough," he said. Constructs of blood materialized around him as he spoke, each emerging with eyes glowing white in synchronization with Jin¡¯s own, reacting to the realm of forms. Some held spears of blood, some bloodwhips, others swords, and one stood taller than the rest, armoured in red, wielding great axes in each hand as though they were knives. The Dual-Wielder snarled in excitement. ¡°Even gods can fall to mortals!¡± it taunted with glee, darting forward with ferocity, its long axes snapping and twisting outward. But the Emperor moved without sound or warning, his jade strike materializing behind the construct, bypassing its awareness to land a blow that shattered its weapons. ¡°Keep going!¡± a Spear-wielding blood construct called, lunging at the Emperor¡¯s form, its spear driving deep enough to chip jade from its opponent''s divine armour before the Emperor swept it aside. The Dual-Wielding construct moved beside him, now with whips trailing crimson arcs, weaving an intricate pattern of blurs as it struck at the Emperor¡¯s reflections, splintering jade fragments with every lash. ¡°Come now, is this all?¡± the Dual-Wielder taunted, its eyes bright with fervor as it continued to drive the Emperor back with relentless strikes. From within the tempest of battle, Jin¡¯s vision slipped fractions ahead, catching sight of the Emperor¡¯s forthcoming strikes¡ªa distortion in the air just inches from his shoulder, then his neck, then his heart and spine simultaneously. Jin dodged them all. He willed himself sideways, feeling the hum of that lethal space pass by, and struck out in retaliation, causing the emperors blade to go flying into the darkness, its divine fires snuffed out by waves of blood. He met the Emperor¡¯s gaze, both unmoving in an instant of predatory calm, and Jin watched the Emperor as a hunter would watch a deer. "Master, his power disrupts our foresight," a blood construct warned, its weapons held without fear and its voice steady despite the chaos. Jin simply nodded. His summons held a fraction of his powers, even his connection to the Dao, and as long as he had blood and Qi they would endlessly regenerate. His Blood Sapients had razed armies of immortals to nothing and would surely do the same to the emperor. "I am the arbiter of order itself, Bloodseer," the Emperor spoke and raised both hands to the sky. Thunder rumbled as bolts of lightning arced down, striking newly formed Bloodsapient to eradicate them instantly. "This realm, from its stars to the grains of earth, bends to the decree set forth by the heavens. By me." "You could rend the sky, overturn mountains, and still, you would be following the lines already laid before you," the Emperor¡¯s voice rolled through the battlefield like thunder, unfathomable and unyielding. "You will die here today, Bloodseer. Because I declare it so." Through Jin¡¯s sight, reality split and reformed, layered over with the realm of forms¡ªa realm of perfect, unchanging representations of the true essence of things, dictating reality by serving as a blueprint for everything seen and experienced in the physical world. It was a world of abstract perfection, the core of all things, pulsing beneath the surface. The very seat of the Dao. Every tree, stone, breath was tethered by invisible threads leading back to some ideal essence, unaltered and eternal. It was as if his vision had stripped away the planet¡¯s skin to expose its soul. He watched as these forms converged upon the Emperor, as if bound to him, infinite fragments of truth anchored to his presence, the embodiment of an inescapable design. ''Because I declare it so,'' Through the realm of forms, Jin saw the Emperors words branch out and seize the endless pieces of reality, so many they were beyond counting. Each word stretched outward like roots, reaching to seize the very fabric of reality, locking each moment in place, leaving Jin trapped in a fate that felt as permanent as the stars. The Emperor had spoken. No matter how his vision swept across possible futures and endless paths, every possibility and outcome converged to ensure his death. No matter what occurred today, Jin would be destined to die. Because the Emperor declared it so. That was it. That was why the emperor had to die. No-one should control fate, Jin thought as his eyes flashed white again. He foresaw the next move¡ªanother direct assault aimed to finish him. But the Emperor''s endless Dao made prediction uncertain. The Jade Emperor vanished, reappearing directly before Jin, a celestial blade poised to strike. Reacting on instinct, Jin raised his blood-forged spear just in time. The impact sent shockwaves through the hall and the floor cracked beneath them, marble splintering. Jin leapt back, assessing the battlefield rapidly. His constructs were faltering against the Emperor''s overwhelming power. He focused, drawing upon deeper reserves. The blood on the ground coalesced, forming into new shapes¡ªa legion of lesser sapients rising to join the fray. Jin thrust forward, his Bloodforged spear extending ahead, his Bloodbound Sapients flanking him, their expressions fierce and unwavering. A Spear-Wielding construct lunged, driving its weapon straight at the Emperor¡¯s side, striking with a focused intensity that cracked the jade-tiled floor beneath them. "More blood, master!," one hissed, rushing forward, blade raised¡ªonly to be caught mid-air by chains of jade fire, dissolving into crimson. Another construct sprang forth, bearing twin lances. ¡°You can¡¯t bind us forever, old man!¡± it taunted, diving under the chains and thrusting upward with its lances aimed for the emperor¡¯s chest. The lances pierced the Jade rulers flesh as he shifted, sending crimson arcs spraying against the empty air. A shockwave scattered the construct towards Jin, his blood whip unfurling. He struck with the whip and it split into three, wrapping around the jade monarch to bind him, tearing at divine flesh until it burned and vanished in jade fire. Jin smiled at the sight of the emperors blood. "Do you believe that your strength and your cunning could unsettle the order woven by Heaven itself?" The Emperor studied the numerous lacerations and stab wounds that covered his form. His body erupted in jade fire, every inch of his body burning under intense heat. "Even now, as you lash against it, you serve it." He spoke from within the flames. When the fires snuffed out, not a wound remained "To oppose me is to oppose the very foundation of this world, for I am woven into its core." The Emperor stood statuesque, eyes burning with divine fury. Jin''s eyes glowed too. White with the threads of time. He glimpsed the next moments¡ªa death-strike aimed at his heart; with no visible angle, no trace, impossible to block. He shifted with ease, evading as the space he occupied folded inward, collapsing into nothingness by the Monarch''s unreadable blow before he summoned and launched a blood spear in retaliation, targeting not where the Jade Emperor was, but where he knew the Emperor would be. It struck, sinking into jade and leaving red in its wake. But the wound healed instantly, the spear bubbling to nothing under jade fire. The constructs formed barriers, counterattacking; one unleashed blood rain as lethal projectile drops, but the Emperor¡¯s flames consumed them all. "Your defiance ends here," the Jade Sovereign declared, his voice resonating with absolute authority. Jin disagreed, he had already seen how this would end. The Emperor had decreed that Jin would die, but he had not decreed that he would survive Jin''s death. Jin eyed the Emperor¡¯s soul through the realm of forms and commanded his constructs to attack, his focus unwavering from the point that connected the Jade Deity with all things in the universe. The threads of karma and fate stretched into the depths of the Emperor¡¯s soul, locked in place by his iron will. Jin saw every inch of it, fixed as it was by his fate, and settled into a stance, his spear held at the ready. Holding his stance, Jin¡¯s spear poised, his sight remained locked on that singular nexus, his entire being sharpened and honed on his enemy¡¯s link to the universe itself. With one thrust, The Bloodseer ended the empire. His spear struck the emperors very soul, fracturing it to pieces. Then he leaned forward to whisper in the dying Monarch''s ear. "It''s over. There''s no recovering from this, no reformation of the body, no return of the soul." He withdrew his weapon in a burst of movement and spray of blood. "And no immortality" The throne room fell silent and the torchlight dimmed, as the Emperor¡¯s gaze fell to the blood upon his hand, each drop falling to the floor, a steady beat in the stillness. ¡°Chaos,¡± he breathed, as his hand loosened, releasing the broken blade that fell to his feet. ¡°Ruin. You will leave them with nothing but despair. Do you think they will thank you for it?¡± A grim smile spread over Jin¡¯s face, his fingers curling as he commanded the blood back, his spear reforming, the weapon twisting as if alive in response to his will. ¡°They will curse me,¡± he said, stepping forward, the whip lashing behind him, marking the floor with lines of red. ¡°But they will see beyond the walls you¡¯ve built. They will suffer¡ªand in that suffering, they will find freedom.¡± As Jin approached, the emperor opened his mouth to respond and Jin saw existence twist to obey him. "I will li¡ª" Jin cut off his head. Blood spattered, the severed head hit the ground, rolling to a silent stop at his feet as the doors to the throne room shattered open, and seven generals stepped through, powerhouses of the Empire; their faces drawn, weapons raised. In that moment of victory and release, Jin saw a small portion of the threads of fate and karma shift, from the emperors corpse to him, latching on, locked in a final gift ensuring his guaranteed end. He was still destined to die. Jin''s fingers tightened around the severed head, blood dripping like crimson rain. Book 2: Godslayer - Interlude: The New BloodSeer - Part 3 The Cosmic Sage. A being whose mind was like a blade that cut through all, unflinching in his methods, elegant yet ruthless, entrapping both mind and soul. Warlord Zhen of the Heavenly Demons. Raw. Brutal force given flesh, the embodiment of both shield and sword, strength and conquest. The Starfall Empress. A soul as merciless as a desert¡¯s sun, her ambitions as vast as a star field, with no hesitation for power. The World-Rending Monarch. An acolyte of raw destruction. A voice of granite grinding against metal who saw all structures as weak, ephemeral. He tore through walls, mountains, and armies alike with bare hands, treating the very land itself as clay to be reshaped by his will. To him, life was a resource to drain; his attacks shattered land, crushed bones, and silenced voices in seconds, creating an atmosphere thick with dread. The Lotus Tyrant, Skybreaker Cheng, and Iron Soul Yan. The seven generals stood in the dead Emperors hall. Loyal. Fierce. They had served him as his strongest. His closest. They had shaped the empire under the will of his words. Seven pillars. The Starfall Empress''s eyes fell to the body of the Emperor, her hands trembling, a ripple of grief turning her knuckles white as she clutched her sword. ¡°No,¡± she breathed, a single tear tracing her cheek. ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s a trick. This can¡¯t be real. The Emperor is¡­ He can¡¯t¡­ We cannot be left without him.¡± Beside her, the Warlord Zhen¡¯s face twisted, his stance hardening, every line of his body taut as he faced Jin, a snarl escaping his lips. ¡°He was our anchor,¡± he muttered, stepping forward. ¡°Our guide. Blasphemy. How¡­ how could a mortal, a thing like you, take that from us?¡± Jin¡¯s tired gaze sharpened with a faint and macabre amusement that flashed accorss his eyes as he lifted his bloodwhip, letting it sway in front of him to drip with its rippling, crimson barbs. The emperors undying flame still clung to his wounds, suppressed by his perfected blood arts. It hampered his every movement, draining his Qi and vitality. ¡°Blasphemy? Against what?¡± he asked with words like blades, cutting. ¡°A lie? Your Emperor clung to the heavens to escape the weight of autonomy.¡± He turned his gaze to each general, one by one, his bloodbound creatures moving in tandem, their crystallised weapons raised, casting sharp tints of red and maroon across the hall. ¡°And you all followed him because you¡¯re terrified of what it means to be truly free.¡± Warlord Zhen swung wildly, a rage-filled roar escaping him, desperation fuelling his attacks. Jin parried each strike. His blood constructs moved with relentless precision, cutting through the Warlord''s defences. Each of them held the experience of one who had battled thousands. Warlord Zhen¡¯s face twisted, anger spilling out in every twitch and spray of blood as he stumbled. Jin''s blood curse had taken hold, and without immediate action it would not be long before the Warlord of the Heavenly demons fell lifeless as a result. Nevertheless, Zhen''s voice bounced off the walls of the hall, fierce and unyielding. ¡°And so you think freedom lies in destruction? That with nothing, people will somehow grow?¡± He clenched his weapon, brandishing it before him. ¡°You call this salvation?¡± Jin tilted his head, a dry laugh escaping his lips, cold as steel. ¡°No,¡± he replied, his gaze piercing. ¡°Salvation was a lie. Chains." "I am not here to give you answers.¡± He let the blood whip lash forward, striking against the demonic Warlord''s axe, sparks flying. ¡°I am here to show you there are none.¡± They fought. The seven generals¡¯ weapons rose, their eyes fierce, burning with rage as they moved to encircled him. His bloodbound sapients moved with a frenzy and ferocity that bordered on fervor, their future sight anticipating each general''s moves, countering them before they could land. The hall became a battlefield, blood splattering against walls, foundations rumbling, walls cracking with the clanging clashes of combat. The Lotus Tyrant lunged, her sword aimed at Jin''s chest. He met her with a spear of blood to block her strike, their weapons impacting in a burst of energy. "You¡¯re faltering, Bloodseer," a flash of anger blazed in The Lotus Tyrant¡¯s eyes as she steadied her sword, stepping forward, her face pale yet resolute. ¡°You''ve failed. The people will curse you,¡± she spat, her hand steady on her weapon. ¡°They will hate you. They will live every day wishing you had never set foot in this empire. We will make sure of it.¡± ¡°Good,¡± Jin retorted, stepping forward, his bloodbound creatures following, their forms swirling, solidifying, each holding a weapon of hardened blood. Despite their advantage, The Lotus Tyrant grimaced. She was the first to die. With a swift movement, Jin twisted his spear, both severing her soul from its body and disarming her, sending her weapon clattering to the floor. She fell, gasping, her hand clutching her chest as she pleaded. ¡°I fought¡­ because he was my light¡­ he¡­ gave me meaning¡­¡±Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Jin¡¯s vision sharpened as a flash of blue lightning curved toward him. He sidestepped at the precise moment, his eyes cold, avoiding the impact as it seared into the ground. He looked down at her, his face unreadable. ¡°Then he blinded you,¡± he said coldly, his voice low. ¡°Better to die with your eyes open.¡± He killed two more of them, until only four of the empires strongest remained. Jin¡¯s blood armor began to show signs of strain, cracks forming under the relentless assault, blood leaking from the gaps. The Starfall Empress pressed forward, her shards now forming a spear of pure energy aimed directly at Jin¡¯s chest. He deflected it with his own, but the force sent him staggering back, blood splattering against the marble floor. ¡°You¡¯ve made yourself the enemy of everything that lives,¡± she screamed, her shards piercing the air towards him. ¡°You are what people will fear for generations.¡± Jin¡¯s response was a final, desperate surge of power, his bloodbound sapients converging on the four remaining generals, each attack precise and devastating. ¡°I don''t care." His vision blurred, the bloodbound constructs faltering around him, the flow of energy draining with each desperate strike due to the lingering wound left by the dead emperor. He could feel the injuries¡ªslowly, relentlessly¡ªgathering their toll. But he raised his spear again, unwavering. The Empress of stars brought her sword down, a brutal slice that cleaved through the air. Jin¡¯s spear moved to intercept, but the pain surged, searing, forcing his arm to drop by inches, the blow slicing across his shoulder. ¡°Do you feel it now?¡± The Starfall Empress continued, unyielding. ¡°The weight of a god¡¯s vengeance pressing upon you?¡± Jin staggered, his blood constructs falling back, dissipating into red mist, his mind fractured with pain. ¡°The weight of a dead man?¡± he sneered, the bitterness coating his words. ¡°It took four of you, bound to the corpse of your Emperor¡­ and you still fear to act without him... You still want to bind fate to his will...¡± But even as he spoke, the blood in his veins slowed, an icy, creeping stillness spreading, his sight faltering as he saw, too late, The Cosmic Sage''s blade descending from behind¡ªa strike he could see but not counter. He lifted his arm, willing the blood armor to thicken, a construct to form in mid-air to shield him, but his own blood betrayed him, sluggish, unable to react in time. The blade pierced through and a burst of agony exploded through his chest, his breath hitching as darkness closed around the edges of his vision. ¡°That ¡®dead man,¡¯¡± The Cosmic Sage'' snarled, wrenching his blade free, ¡°Will give us purpose.¡± Formations rippled into existence around him as he drove his boot into Jin¡¯s chest, forcing him back, his body collapsing against the throne¡¯s steps, blood pooling, his own creation now simply the lifeblood draining from him. "His corpse will give us strength. So will yours." Jin coughed, a spray of red staining the steps beneath him, the cold stone biting into his skin. His strength faded, but he managed a final, ragged breath. ¡°You¡¯ll¡­ inherit nothing,¡± he spat, each word a struggle. ¡°The world you¡­ inherit will be nothing¡­ like what you left behind.¡± The World-Rending Monarch stepped forward, his sword raised, steady. ¡°Then let us seize it from you,¡± he murmured, his voice calm yet unyielding. ¡°As you stole our god.¡± Jin¡¯s sight faltered as he watched the blade rise with eyes that glowed bright as stars, an eternal moment suspended in the realm of forms, all possibilities converging into this final end. Countless outcomes, all of them ending with his death. As the sword fell, he welcomed the darkness, a faint smirk lingering in defiance even as the last breath escaped him. *** ¡°They¡¯d laugh if they knew,¡± Jin muttered. To think that he, once a destroyer of stars, was now reduced to a young disciple in a sect that would be beneath his notice if it were not for the empire that governed it. He had clawed through the streams of time, shredding his mind over and over, until he¡¯d found that one thin line where his ritual succeeded. He had bypassed the Jade monarch''s parting gift to uncover the secret of rebirth, though the Dao''s madness had caused him to forget most of how it had been done. This body, though weak now, held potential. He would forge it anew, strengthen it until it surpassed even his former self. This life, this second chance, would be different. He had failed to topple the empire in his previous life, only managed to fracture it. He¡¯d torn half of its heart out, forced the emperor to his knees, and shattered their unity into four weakened factions. He had free''d them, or so he''d thought. But that had not been enough. A mistake¡ªhe saw that now¡ªthat had cost him everything. His own blood had been spilled by lesser cultivators because he¡¯d grown complacent, he had let his pride convince him that his ability to peer through time had made him infallible. They had killed him and stolen portions of both his and the Jade emperor''s power and capabilities. "That damned sage," he muttered under his breath in anger. Never again. This life was not a chance for redemption. It was retribution. With this life, he would make no mistakes. His past self had been a Blood Marshall; now, he would become something more. There would be no half-measures. No arrogance. No stupidity. This time he¡¯d rend the Empire until not a single star bore its mark. Each face returned in fractured memories, splintered but sharp. three of the seven had fallen by his hand¡ªgenerals he had ended in the heat of his rebellion, their blood still wet and seething as he struck down their leader, the emperor of all they had pledged themselves to defend. Now four of them remained, wielding the power of corpses. Generals claiming to be Emperors, each wearing crowns that would never fit, and each pretending to be something not meant for them The memories rose like embers catching fire, igniting the pieces of his past that made him powerful. Jin needed time to regain his former glory, but as a youth, time was all he had. He wasn''t powerless, though it had fractured his mind, his Dao had never left him. Neither had his techniques. In the present, within the tunnel his future prot¨¦g¨¦ Alex had dug, Jin¡¯s young fingers tightened against his palms, a rare grimace breaking his usual calm. In the end, he had fallen not to strength, but to something that had defiled his corpse and stolen parts of his power. The four false Monarchs likely held limited versions of both his and the dead Jade Emperors abilities. The very idea filled him with endless rage. ¡°One by one,¡± he murmured, his voice a vow etched into the silence of the caverns tunnel. ¡°One by one, I will see each of you fall.¡± Jin allowed the thought to linger and breathed out, a faint smile curving his lips. The empire was already his¡ªhe simply needed to claim it. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 22: Arbiter of Flux [You have defeated level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Blood Phoenix - N??????u?????a?????????n?x?????????u??????¨¨xi?¨¢ (Qi Gathering: Ninth stage) - (D) - Experience penalty due to level difference.] [Experience Assimilated.] [Qi: 598 > 1123] [Feat ''Titanslayer >... E?????????R???????????R??????O????????R???? ] [...] [Gained Rare Feat: "S????????????layer of U?????????n???????k???????n????????o?????????w????????n?????s?????????" Defeat 10 enemies uncategorised by the system - All stats +100 . All stats +5% when facing non-system beings.] Jun Li, Lui Xan, the 6 cubs, the fire tigress, the phoenix. 10 kills. It looks like my system was unlocked in more ways than one, Alex realised. If the way his other feats improved were any indication, this one would likely increase the number of stats gained and percentage of total stats increased the more the feat improved in complexity, though he had no time to dwell on the specifics. He dismissed the notification. Alex stayed at the edge of the chaos, his muscles tensed, locked in place as his perception pulled the moments around him into a sluggish crawl, time slowing drastically in his vision to capture a battle that was previously a blur. He was fast, but the two before him seemed to give new meaning to the word. Alex watched the deadly exchange as Jin faced the demonic cultivator, wielding his blood-forged axe with an unsettling focus. Jin¡¯s eyes held a white glow, one that sparked something in Alex¡¯s mind¡ªa hint of deja-vu, a half-memory of sorts, vague and without shape. To grasp it was to disperse it. But the feeling still gnawed at the corners of his mind. Something about that glow felt wrong, like a familiar face seen in a dream. The little demon stood tall, his form both imposing and grotesque¡ªa hybrid of man and creature sculpted from crystal and flesh. His limbs extended into sharpened, blood-crystal scythes, shifting and bending at his will like some unnatural weapon forged in madness. The dark, wiry beard hung over his muscular chest, giving him the appearance of a creature carved from the roughest mountainside, as if someone had taken the essence of violence and bound it within this towering figure. Alex could feel his shattered dantian, pitiful and weak, barely registering to his senses. Yet the spirit beast core within the demonic cultivator roared to life with every pulse, filling the man with a feral, animalistic Qi that surged through his frame, its aura a beacon of bloodlust and hunger. It was as if the spirit of hundreds of beasts lay caged within him, straining against the man¡¯s twisted form, desperate for release. In comparison, Jin stood as barely more than a boy, still firm before the towering demonic cultivator, though he barely reached his chest. His sect robes hung over his narrow frame and his tight grip around the heavy, coloured axe that stretched nearly his height remained steady. Alex noted the lines of Qi formations along the weapon, the faint hum of power barely masking the fact that Jin¡¯s Qi was a significantly weaker than the little demon¡¯s. And the Little Demon feels weaker than the Tigress, but not by much... Maybe at the eight level of Qi gathering, he observed. Jin looks like hes somewhere between the sixth and seventh... he observed grimly, I''m guessing he''s at the seventh level. Alex''s eyes widened at the sight, considering his breathing manual had stated it usually took cultivators anywhere from ten to thirty years to reach the seventh stage, and Jin had only been with the sect for less than one. So that''s his true cultivation level... Alex observed. It wont be enough, He concluded. During his first night, where he''d poured over the sect''s manuals for hours, he had extensively studied the differences between levels of cultivation, particularly within the Qi gathering stages 9 different levels. Typically, a level 8 Qi gathering cultivator would hold the comparative strength of approximately 300 to 400 Level 6 cultivators, but the introduction of world treasures had changed the Empires scaling entirely. It had halved the strength requirements for most stages. Now, It would take roughly 5-10 Level 1 cultivators to face Level 2. It would take 10-15 Level 2 cultivators to face Level 3. It would take 15-25 Level 3 cultivators to face Level 4. It would take 30-40 Level 4 cultivators to face Level 5. It would take 50-75 Level 5 cultivators to face Level 6. It would take 100-125 Level 6 cultivators to face Level 7. It would take 150-200 Level 7 cultivators to face Level 8. It would take 250-350 Level 8 cultivators to face a Level 9. And a Level 9 cultivator would be enough to stand against all others within the Qi Gathering stage. The power gap between the 7th and 8th levels of Qi Gathering stood like a canyon, an unbridgeable divide requiring over a hundred to breach. A 8th-level cultivator held such dominant strength that a single strike would overpower several cultivators at the 7th level- with strength, speed, and endurance layered far beyond reach. In comparison, the 1st level existed in different realm; a 7th-level cultivator like Jin could defeat a large number of 1st-level opponents in a moment, and an 8th-level cultivator like the Little Demon existed on an entirely different plane, with efficient and unstoppable comparative power, able to crush a group of 1st-level fighters without pause. That meant the likelihood for Jin to make a difference was extremely low. it require at least 100 of him. Like getting hit by a meteor while holding a winning lottery ticket. In short, unless Alex did something drastic, they were bound to both face defeat and be sacrificed, or worse. If either the The Little Demon or the Fire Tigress had taken him seriously from the start, Alex would have died in an instant. But considering it would take over a thousand of him to face either, Alex supposed they didn''t need to. Without knowledge of his broken system, his invented technique, and his Dao, at least. Though all three held hard limitations, his skill, Omega, his Dao, and his impossible technique, the Void Web, didn''t care for levels or cultivation. They broke everything. But they wont work against the Little Demon- he''s too fast and has a Dao of his own... theres no way for us to weaken him. Unless i get his heart, his brain, or shatter his spirit beast core, it''s a waste of time. He''ll regenerate, Alex concluded. He didn''t have the fine control needed to manipulate the Void Web to without facing an equaly deadly backlash, nor were there any enchanted Qi weapons in the vicinity to repeat the technique, he realised, observing the chaotic battle. Jin¡¯s crimson axe moved in his young grip with a weight that didn¡¯t slow him. His eyes still holding that soft white glow, a strange light that continued to stirr something deep in Alex¡¯s mind¡ªa feeling he couldn¡¯t place, but one that tugged at him with a vague, haunting familiarity. Jin slipped through the little demon¡¯s attacks, his stance precise, his movements almost one step ahead. He wove around the strikes, his expression calm but with a defiance in the set of his jaw. The little demon parried with brutal efficiency and ease, his face almost lazy and his crystallized blood limbs slicing in whirls of expertise, the air whistling with every movement. His gaze fixed on Jin, an unaffected smirk tugging at his mouth as he growled, ¡°This is what they send against me? Kids and their shiny toys?¡± His tone carried a grating, mocking edge, as though he was swatting away a minor inconvenience. The arrogance in his voice was unmistakable¡ªto him, Jin was just nothing but a mere annoyance. Jin dodged the demons swipes by a hairs breath each time, the tips of his follicles sheared by blades of the little demons hardened blood. Much to the little demons steadily growing frustration. Jin¡¯s laugh came low, short. ¡°A demon who can barely land a blow¡ªshould not be so talkative¡± His voice cut through the chaos, laced with an unbothered calm.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. At his words, the demonic cultivator''s face turned dark, a hard line forming on his mouth. In an instant, the air around them twisted, the fabric of reality bending as the little demon summoned blood spikes. They formed in a dense three-dimensional cage around Jin, hundreds suspended, hovering, poised to strike from all directions, leaving no clear path of escape. Alex¡¯s breath caught as he watched, the spikes rocketing forward to tear into Jin¡¯s body, their impact sharp and unforgiving, the blood-forged points striking with brutal force. Jin¡¯s body staggered, every impact driving him toward the ground, his form crashing heavily under the onslaught. Alex watched, standing still at the edge of the battle, his perception stretched into a slow, heavy rhythm. He felt his own limits, the restriction that kept him from joining, yet this sluggish pull of time allowed him to witness every detail. Jin and the little demon moved in sharp, unrestrained speed, neither one held back by the drag that bound Alex. His breath stayed steady as he watched, each moment filled with the tension of what he could see but not change. Alex reviewed the tools at his disposal, of all of them, only his Dao and the Void web had managed to harm the Demonic cultivator. And the void web is out, unless Jin has a Qi-sword. All that''s left is the Dao, he thought grimly. As jin struggled to rise to his feet, Alex yelled, "Jin!, hold him off for a minute!" and sat in the lotus position, condensing his domain within 1-foot''s range. Jin simply nodded, without looking back, as reality rippled around the his smaller form as he too began to summon and wield the blood that surrounded him, utilising some haematological Dao of his own. Reality rippled faintly around Jin, a distortion that spread through the air like the shock of a heavy stone cast into a still pond. The blood spilled across the ground quivered, gathering and reshaping itself, drawing upward as though compelled by some unseen force. It formed into the shape of a young man, his figure defined in dark crimson. From his hands extended long, barbed whips, their surfaces writhing with the same blood essence that had shaped him, each whip thick and twisted. The life liquid, once raw and aimless, now held form¡ªa warped imitation of life itself, arms stretched out, each hand gripping a barbed whip, red and rippling, extensions of his flesh. Jin¡¯s axe flared, the Qi bursting through it igniting the weapon in an burst of raw energy as he lunged forward. From above, Eclipse fell, its metallic edges streaking downward, a violent gravitational pull driving it straight toward the demonic cultivator, converging on his form in whirls of fury. But Alex''s mind was elsewhere, observing the battle with an almost detached focus. With time slowed to an infinitesimal crawl and mere seconds stretching to minutes. He mutedly observed the three warriors utilising their Dao''s. A boy fighting a man almost twice his size. It reminded him of his earliest days back on Earth being trained by his grandfather, his surprise at Jin''s connection to the universe was muted- an afterthought, even. As the sight of the two battling Dao''s of blood caused a childhood memory to spring to the surface of his mind. *** "Begin," his grandfather commanded, his voice firm like the strike of a bell. Alex knelt on the smooth stone courtyard, a wooden training sword resting across his lap. The morning air was cool, and the early light cast soft angles across the yard, brightening the patterns in the stone beneath his knees. His grandfather stood nearby, arms folded, his gaze steady on Alex''s tiny form, focused on Alex¡¯s stance. This was how they started every day¡ª without fanfare or preamble, just calm, consistent practice. ¡°Grip,¡± Grandfather said, the single word enough for Alex to adjust his hold. Grandfather stepped back, his expression unchanging. They began the first routine, moving through each motion deliberately, without rush or pause. ¡°Every strike you make, every time you lift your hand,¡± Grandfather began, speaking just loud enough for Alex to hear, ¡°it¡¯s a choice. And each choice leaves something behind. That¡¯s what karma means. Understand?¡± Alex nodded slightly, focusing on keeping his balance. ¡°Yes, Grandfather.¡± Grandfather¡¯s voice was calm, practical, as though he were talking about any other chore. ¡°Not just the act, but the thought behind it,¡± he said, his tone even. ¡°If you lift your sword carelessly, that thought stays in the swing. And that swing, sloppy or steady, stays with you.¡± Alex listened, his hands steady on the wooden sword as he continued moving through the forms. Grandfather¡¯s steps stayed just behind him, guiding his posture or correcting his stance without words. They moved together, the rhythm of training simple and undisturbed. ¡°The world¡¯s set up in a certain way,¡± Grandfather said after a few moments, his voice still calm, ¡°and people like to call that fate. But,¡± he paused, repositioning Alex¡¯s elbow, ¡°within that, we choose. That¡¯s why every step you take here, every stance you hold, matters. It¡¯s all a series of choices.¡± Alex kept silent, only giving a slight nod. His grandfather¡¯s words were part of the lesson, no different from a movement or stance. Grandfather¡¯s hand rested lightly on Alex¡¯s shoulder, guiding him forward with a gentle nudge. ¡°When I say your actions have weight,¡± Grandfather continued, ¡°I mean that each choice builds on the last. You can¡¯t just swing a sword and call it done. You know what happens if you leave something sloppy in your form?¡± ¡°It sticks,¡± Alex replied, voice soft but certain. ¡°Exactly,¡± Grandfather replied, his tone approving without becoming warm. ¡°A small mistake becomes a habit. And habit shapes the future. That¡¯s karma, too¡ªactions repeated, carried forward.¡± Alex moved on to the next sequence, adjusting as his grandfather directed. Grandfather circled around him, his gaze sharp but his tone still steady, never letting up on the flow of instructions. The lesson carried on with each subtle adjustment in posture or stance, each brief word carrying the weight of expectation without grandeur or embellishment. ¡°Some people think everything¡¯s already decided¡ªthat they just go along,¡± Grandfather said, tone neutral. ¡°But as long as you¡¯re standing here, holding that sword, you¡¯re choosing. And if you choose wrong enough times, that shapes you, for better or worse.¡± Alex¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, the words simple but pressing. He remained quiet, knowing his grandfather¡¯s lesson would come through as they worked, no need for him to interrupt or question it. ¡°Every time you step here, you¡¯re creating habits, not just for yourself,¡± Grandfather continued, ¡°but for the people you¡¯ll encounter. Your mistakes, your strengths¡ªthey¡¯re all built here, bit by bit. That¡¯s how karma works. What you do now creates what you¡¯ll face later.¡± As they moved through the final sequence, Grandfather stopped him with a raised hand. He leaned down slightly, just enough so Alex could see the full intent in his gaze. ¡°When you¡¯re on this path, it¡¯s not just about swinging a sword. You understand?¡± ¡°Yes, Grandfather,¡± Alex replied, his grip firm. As Grandfather turned back, his eyes held no sign of completion, only the expectation for Alex to stand ready for the next movement. He gave a slight nod toward the courtyard, a signal that training wasn¡¯t over yet, and Alex adjusted his stance, ready to continue. "Show me the form again," his grandfather instructed with a voice reflecting a calm sea of steadiness. Alex nodded and moved through the kata, his feet gliding over the stones and his practice sword slicing the air with accuracy. He completed the form and lowered the sword. "I think I''m beginning to understand." *** Alex sat cross-legged in the present, his breathing slow and steady. He let himself drift into a calm state, focusing on the simplicity of the present moment. As his mind settled, he held onto a clear, central idea¡ªhe could shape each moment, decide his next steps. He pictured the exactness of each action, how each one could flow directly into the future he intended. He had utilised probability to wound the little demon, however briefly. But how could he reach a point where his actions flowed seamlessly into something close to the future he wanted? How could he choose a single moment and shift himself toward it, landing exactly where he intended, even if it was half a second ahead? He had done it twice before, against the dragon Phurafel''s undead revenant and against the little demon mere moments ago. But that had been mostly intuitive, completely random, and somewhat outside of his control. If he stepped forward, how could he attain something close to full control over his next action. How could he arbiter the next 0.5 seconds? He exhaled, releasing any need to control what might happen. The thought came clearly: By fully accepting whatever comes, I¡¯m free to act without any weight holding me back. This understanding settled over him, filling him with a calm he hadn¡¯t experienced since entering the realm. He began with a simple thought: each moment had the potential to shape the next. Every choice he made was a kind of crossroads between the present and a possible future. And the crossroad If he could grasp that crossroad, he could move with such precision that his next action would place him in a favourable one. He could almost feel it, like a flow connecting one instant to the next, no gaps in between. He thought back to the tiny thread he had seen through his Dao, barely as long as a nail, yet it had stretched out from the present moment, connecting to something greater. The more he focused, the more he understood: everything he could do, everything he could become, was somehow woven into this one thread, here in the present. The thread held these moments together, not as separate events, but as one interconnected whole, ready to be experienced. He didn''t have to move forward or backward; he had to become part of something that held all possibilities, just for an instant, as though every choice was already here, waiting to be chosen. [System warning: User caution is advis- E????R??????R???????O????????R????????] [Dao safety procedures removed] He felt a subtle rhythm within him, a steady pulse that tied one moment to the next, linking him to everything around him. He breathed deeply, feeling his connection to this idea grow with each breath. He didn¡¯t need to force anything; he could simply blend into the flow- and the thread- letting action arise naturally from it. With his eyes closed, he imagined himself stepping into the next moment effortlessly, as though he were already there. He focused on the tiny thread he had felt through the Dao, those few cenimetres that connected him to some distant and unknowable possibility. Alex moved to rise from his seated position and place his own vulnerability against the Little Demon''s apparent invincibility. He stepped through the single thread, Straight into the Little Demon of Winding Bloods, [Dao: ¡®True Immortality¡¯ - Progress 1.99 > 3%] Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 23: Dao vs Dao vs... Dao?
He had blindly and wholly entrusted himself to the Dao, regardless of where it would take him. His choices had been deliberate, immediate, and absolute. And it had worked. It was not controlling fate- that was impossible. It was simply offering himself to his Dao and to flux. To time. Letting it take him along its threads. And time had delivered his step 0.5 seconds into a position where he held his blade within the same space occupied by the Little Demon¡¯s core of beastly Qi. The Little Demon¡¯s form froze mid-motion, a momentary stillness overtaking the fury, his bloodshot eyes shifting with utter shock as he turned his gaze upon Alex, fixed with an intensity that held nothing short of a raw and violent disbelief. His lips parted, but no words came immediately; he seemed to wrestle with the impossibility of the attack, his eyes widening in a flicker of something alien to his face¡ªa brief, dawning recognition that somehow, against all odds, Alex¡¯s blade had reached him. His mouth twisted, a sneer forming as the rage within him twisted, doubling over itself, each layer more venomous than the last. ¡°What¡­ do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± The question was a growl, barely words, spat through clenched teeth. The syllables came out in waves, each one edged with malice and incomprehension, as though the very notion of being touched, let alone harmed, was an affront that cut to his core. His body contorted, the muscles beneath the crystallized blood flexing, readying to unleash the storm building in his chest. Jin, mere feet away, flinched visibly. His jaw dropped as he took in the reality before him¡ªa disciple far weaker than him doing what should have been impossible, in far more ways than one. "Wh-what did you just do..?" He took an involuntary step back, his hand loosening on the hilt of his crimson weapon. Alex¡¯s action had carved a line in the reality Jin barely understood, and he struggled to reconcile the sight before him. The Little Demon¡¯s limbs, extended and sharp, crystallized into a dense array of scythe-like edges, its movement precise, driven by a viciousness honed over years of life in the harshest of places. His arm moved in a swift motion, his entire body coiling as he swung, every fiber of his twisted form aligned to rip Alex to pieces. The fury in his eyes burned, not merely a need to win, but a need to annihilate, to tear down the very fabric of this challenge to his existence. Alex felt the shift of time within him, a slowing that allowed him to see the full breadth of the attack, each sharpened edge bearing down with the weight of Qi-infused power. Yet even with his senses heightened, his vision sharpened, he knew there was no evading it. He was far too slow, without the temporal awareness granted by his Sword Saint''s Domain, he would have died before even realising what had hit him. But with it, Alex had the misfortune of witnessing the unavoidable blow descend like an exocutioners axe. The limbs sliced into him. Painfullly. Cleaving through his torso with brutal efficiency. Pain detonated in his mind, a sensation that clawed through nerve endings, tearing apart every shred of his awareness. His muscles tensed under the impact, a raw, instinctive reaction, but the attack was unyielding, disassembling his body with a precision that could only come from the Little Demon¡¯s mastery of his craft. Alex¡¯s vision dimmed, color washing out into a harsh red, his surroundings fading as his own blood pooled and his form gave way beneath the assault. His thoughts fractured, torn apart as his mind slipped, veering dangerously close to a dark edge he could not come back from. The world shrank, narrowed to the single, overwhelming sensation of destruction. But even as the last fragments of his thoughts began to splinter, he let himself fall backward, his consciousness sinking into the recesses of his Dao. With his dying breath, Alex searched for that infintesimal truth it had shown him. The thread. His awareness fragmented further, but Alex allowed himself to sink into the sensation, searching for the single thread that tied him to his last unbroken second of possibility. His mind latched onto a singular truth within his Dao: that each moment existed not alone, but as one of countless intertwined possibilities, each with its own resonance. Alex¡¯s understanding allowed him to perceive reality as a boundless network, a multidimensional lattice in which the present and the past lay side by side, each moment an individual point, but each moment connected. Alex steadied his breath, grounding himself within the lattice of possibility he sensed all around him. The moments appeared infinite and beyond reach, as far away as the Earth or the Sun. A distant thread woven through an infinite realm of layered reality. He tuned into the closest point of the intricate weave, where every choice, every fraction of time, hummed with a resonance that connected it to the present. Each path existed side by side- some overlapping-distinct outcomes waiting to be embodied. He reached into this realm with his intent, searching for the single thread of his past self-a self- existing a half-second prior. If this failed, he would die. But Alex didn''t care, to entrust himself to the Dao was to risk death. In that moment, Alex realized that his inability to see where the thread of his future path lay allowed him to entrust himself wholly to it, without a single iota of doubt. This trust, born from surrender, ensured that the thread would receive him, guiding him seamlessly into the actions that awaited him just beyond the veil of uncertainty. With a single breath, he felt the weight of that understanding settle within him, solidifying his connection to the path ahead.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Without knowledge of the nature of the threads possibility, and with no knowledge of the future, Alex threw himself wholeheartedly into its depths. He stepped again. As he connected with that specific thread, he aligned his awareness with the essence of that past outcome, grounding himself fully into the presence of that past. 0.5 seconds, thats all he could take. He could already feel the strain, like trying to fit the ocean in a plastic cup. His intention sharpened, and his being shifted as he committed to this one, chosen moment, refusing to relent to the strain. The instant took hold around him, crystallizing into reality as he anchored himself to its resonance, fully embodying the exact self from that interval. Reality shifted, the agony fell away, and in an instant, he re-emerged, whole again, a half-second behind the catastrophe that had torn him apart. The searing pain faded into memory, erased as though it had never been as the flow of time reversed, restoring his form to the split second before the attack. Thats the third time, he thought, realising that each step taken in faith was simply a surrender to possibility, weaving the very fabric of his reality. Everything that''s ever happened and could happen is all around us, and it exists all at once, huh. And blind surrender to flux allows you to embody it... He realised, Who knew? [Dao: ¡®True Immortality¡¯ - Progress 3 > 3.01%] So i moved 0.5 seconds into a possible past state... Why did that bring less progress than- Wait, hold up- why did that even bring any progress at all? is it because i reversed only myself this time? and intentionally? He thought, feeling reality settle around him. He opened his eyes, feeling the renewal, the sensation of wholeness that filled him. There was no time to pause, no second of reprieve¡ªhe lunged forward again, his blade materializing into the opposite side of the Little Demon¡¯s chest. The strike emerged within the demon, deep into the fractured core, its new existence overlapping, displacing, and rearranging the demonic cultivators interior. It met the resistance of compressed energy before the structure within cracked, crumbled, and then shattered. The moment seeped into the environment, suspended between breaths. There was a release, an eruption, as raw Qi poured forth, uncontrolled. The core had shattered. The little demon¡¯s life force, his Dao, unravelled in the very act of release. Alex felt it¡ªthe power surging to inevitably explode, broken into shards that would scatter and disintegrate as the spirit within the core inevitably vanished. The instant the core shattered, a torrent of Qi exploded into his Domain, sending jolts across every fiber of his perception. The Qi rupture carved through his awareness in piercing waves, the energy splintering into his heightened senses, each fragment resonating with a raw, primal force that flooded his mind¡¯s view like a landscape crumbling into fragments. He felt the rupture as vibrations tremored across the ground and air, the broken energy pulsing in his mind with blinding intensity. Through his inner vision, he saw the shattering energy patterns, raw currents of power breaking into fractured streams that poured out from the core, each resonating with the exacting brutality of a weapon¡¯s strike. The chemical scent of the demon¡¯s dissipating Qi stung the air, lingering as an acrid remnant of destruction, while time itself stretched within his perception, each moment of dispersal etched into the boundaries of his mind with brutal, unrelenting clarity. Alex breathed it all in, cultivating his enemies dispersing Qi and feeling his pathways burn with pain as foreign power coursed through them. The Little Demon staggered, a guttural scream tearing from his throat, not merely a cry of pain but a roar of despair, guttural and primal, born from the very depths of his being. He fell to one knee, his hand reaching up to his chest, fingers clawing desperately at the hollow cavity left by the shattered core, as if he could somehow force himself back together, as if by will alone he could reassemble the power he had spent a lifetime cultivating. The fury in his eyes turned cold, his gaze a sharpened blade of loathing fixed upon Alex, his breath ragged, uneven, each inhalation trembling. ¡°You have destroyed everything,¡± he rasped, his voice a hollow echo, the bitterness laced into each word thick, potent. ¡°I''ll kill y...¡± He choked on the last word, his voice cracking under the strain, his hands still clutching his chest, bloodied fingers pressing into flesh that no longer held strength. Each syllable hit with the weight of his loss, his words spilling out, fractured, the remains of a man who had known greatness, only to be reduced in an instant. There was no laughter, no twisted grin¡ªonly the empty, burning eyes of a man robbed of everything, his body trembling under the weight of his own hatred. His breath heaved, rattling with a fury so deep it seemed to resonate through the air around him, filling the space with a tension that hung, thick, almost tangible, even as his Qi faded. "Just die," Alex muttered, watching the demonic cultivators end without remorse. They had gathered Qi from life; they shattered minds for power; and twisted souls for blood. He had no sympathy to offer him. Jin watched in silence, his own face a canvas of horror and awe, understanding that this was no victory. This was the destruction of something unstoppable, a creature that had become a force beyond any one life, and here it lay, broken by the most improbable of means. He took a hesitant step forward, his hands clutching his weapon, though no longer with intent but with the need for grounding, for the feeling of something solid amidst the chaos of what he was witnessing. The dissected corpse of the phoenix began to kindle, smouldering with embers. Jin observed the phenomenon; the phoenix, would be reborn and untouched by death; but they were still mortal and breakable. "We... We need to leave, Alex." Alex couldn¡¯t respond. Something was wrong, pulling at the edges of his mind, an emptiness growing inside him that gnawed and tore with a ferocity he couldn¡¯t contain. He felt his connection to the Dao snap, like a thread severed, leaving a void that filled with darkness, an overwhelming weight pressing down on him. The sensation of his overutilised Dao clawed at his skull, tearing at his mind. A sensation unlike anything he''d ever experienced, save for what he''d felt in the endless library, appeared. But deeper than anything physical. It felt as though something ancient, vast, had latched onto his consciousness, ripping into the very core of his being. He couldn¡¯t think; his thoughts scattered, slipping through his grasp like sand through clenched fingers. His fingers dug into his scalp, as though clawing at the skin would somehow release the entity that engulfed them all. Alex forced himself to fight back with desperation even as the world dimmed, and with a force of will, he removed himself completely from the Dao''s grasp. As the last of his consciousness faded, that thought lingered, a faint murmur swallowed by the expanding abyss within him. The world dissolved around him, his mind slipping into the embrace of darkness and his body falling limp as everything faded to black. He had shattered the demon¡¯s core, and had accomplished the impossible. Yet the price had been greater than he¡¯d anticipated. The cost of severing that connection, of reaching so far into the unknown that the unknown had tried to claim him, consume him from the inside out. He managed one final thought, faint and wavering, adrift in the haze of of the fading world. Heh. Got that fucker. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 24: Time Shenanigans [You have defeated [Error - Non-System Entity detected - Quantifying¡­] [Quantification Accepted.] [You have defeated level 0??????0???????0???????0??????0??????? Proto Sapien - T???????????h?????e?? ??????????L???i???t???t???l????e??? ?????????D???????????????em?????????????o???????????n????????????? ????o???f??? ?????????????W????????????????i???n????d????i????n??g??? B????l?????????o???o???????d???s??? (Qi Gathering: Eight stage) - (D) - Experience penalty due to level difference.] [Experience Assimilated.] [Qi: 589 > 1003] The soft ebb and flow of Qi cradled Alex¡¯s senses, the faint pulse of energy lifting him through a calm expanse he had not expected. This was different¡ªa cushion of Qi infused with blood essence, carrying him as if crafted to ferry him out of the abyss he¡¯d fallen into. It didn¡¯t align with his knowledge, the boundaries he thought held him and Jin equal. An outer disciple, wielding Qi constructs? Alex opened his eyes to witness Jin manipulateing a platform of solid Blood-Qi, visible to the naked eye, it drifted, carrying Alex to through the realm. That''s not just blood manipulation, he observed. That''s manifested and solidified Qi, hes created a complete construct of Qi, he noted with curiosity. He knew the limits of the stage Jin had reached well, he had thoroughly commited the scale to memory, intent on thriving in this new world. A construct like this should have been beyond what either of them could achieve. How Jin managed it, Alex couldn¡¯t explain. Such a thing was said to be impossible for those at Qi gathering, an unreachable technique reserved for those at the ''Nascent Soul'' stage. It''s impossible... unless you use demonic cultivation methods, he reaffirmed. But to do so would mean breaking taboo, harnessing dark or forbidden energies through corrupt and typically harmful methods. It often involved one abandoning morality, gaining power through a range of methods from corpse reanimation, soul tampering, channeling the violent essence of death, or forcibly draining life force from living beings to accelerate growth, all methods seen as violating natural and moral laws. Wait, but isn''t that essentially what the system does? He thought as he lay still in recovery. His system siphoned energy from all beings he defeated, using the energy of their death to empower him. It only differed from demonic rituals in the fact that it was apparently omniscient and omnipresent and capable of numerous seemingly impossible feats, from mass intersteller transport to reincarnation. Either way, Alex eyed Jin warily and with caution, reassesing his fellow disciples capabilities. He actually returned, Alex considered, the thought drawing his eyes back to his companion. It was hard to reconcile with the image he¡¯d built of him¡ªa callous self invested disciple, certainly not an ally. And yet, Jin¡¯s action had altered something, created a new layer to examine. He¡¯d forced the little demon to face them together, denying him the chance to recover or stall until the phoenix revived. But the timing, the precision of his returned caused Alex to view the act with a critical eye. When I weakened the phoenix, he thought, that was Jin¡¯s opening. He¡¯s clever, Alex noted, recognizing the calculated effort Jin had made. It was the perfect moment to act. Without that intervention, he saw how close he had come to risking everything. The demon would have dragged him down, forced him into a protracted battle until the blood phoenix could reform. Jin¡¯s decision had denied him that chance, removing the threat as swiftly as it had appeared.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. It''s logic, Alex thought, plain and simple logic. A calculated intervention, a move to ensure the safest path, nothing more. If Jin had seen the same threat, the same vulnerability in the demon, then his aid was a matter of self-preservation. That much, Alex could understand, perhaps even respect on a surface level. But trust? Actions born of convenience were not a foundation of trust. No, trust required more¡ªa fundamental change, a revelation that transcended mere convenience. And gratitude? The concept didn¡¯t settle easily within him. Though he allowed the acceptance of help, for now, the thought of trusting Jin¡¯s intentions was still beyond reach He reached for Eclipse and felt resistance, his connection to sword feeling muted, like a crystilline wall in the depths of his soul. [System Message: Soul-Bound Ego weapon ''Eclipse'' Undergoing Minor Evolution due to excessive higher grade (D) resource absorption. Weapon Unavailable.] [Time until completion: 24 hours] [SwordSoul- Mastery: 11 > 16%] Hmm... that''s interesting, but until its evolved theres no telling what it''ll do. Either way its good news, i can''t rely on the Dao and Allocation forever, they''re both limited resources. He still couldn''t feel his connection to the Dao, but that was fine- he knew it would return eventually as it had the first time he had pushed his connection beyond what it could handle. He thought of the impossible movements he had made to kill the cultivator. He had revived himself during that battle, essentially resetting his existence. Alex hadn''t just moved through time; he had skipping forward, each jump placing him into the position of an alternate version of himself. It was as if he reached across the multiverse, using the lives of his other selves as stepping stones to move ahead. Each time he leaped, he assumed the exact state of that version of himself¡ªpicking up from where they were, in whatever condition they happened to be in at that point. This wasn¡¯t just time travel; it was a way to navigate possibilities, advancing by harnessing the countless paths he¡¯d taken across realities. Alex relaxed back with a satisfied smirk and dismissed the notification with a thought, letting his body sink into the support of the Qi construct. His gaze wandered over the landscape of the test realm, catching the shifting movements of wild creatures roaming freely. Even from this vantage, Alex could make out the shapes moving through the shadows of the terrain¡ªthe wild bloodbeasts. They seemed less chaotic, an odd calm settling over them even without the Demonic blood cultivator, their creator, to guide them. They had not vanished or weakened as he might have expected. They continued on, thriving in a realm absent of control. Surviving without the beacon. The ground beneath Alex and Jin grew uneven as they neared the portal, rough with dried patches of blood that had sunk deep into the dirt, staining it a dark rust. The clearing stretched out before them, littered with scattered swords, their blades dulled and mottled, handles gripped by nothing but hardened dust. Cracks ran along the ground where strikes had landed, deep grooves scarred into the earth, marking the remnants of earlier battles. No bodies remained¡ªjust these forgotten weapons, strewn like abandoned thoughts. Deep within, he felt a soft thrum of energy from his steadily evolving soul-bound sword. He could feel it clearer now, the connection reastablishing itself with each breath as the weapon nestled within his soul slowly took form. The portal loomed ahead, close enough to catch their shadows. Without a word, they walked toward it, thier steps taking them closer to whatever it was that awaited them on the outside. Alex let his mind drift on the construct, a quiet scrutiny forming. His awareness never fading and his mind shifting from thoughts of his evolving weapon to the events that had unfurled. Despite thier collaborative survival, Jin would have to prove himself beyond tactical decisions. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 25: Eyes of the Sect Alex stepped out of the portal onto the cold stone platform of the sect''s courtyard. The crisp mountain air filled his lungs, a far cry from the oppressive atmosphere of the trial realm. Beside him, Jin emerged with a steady stride, his gaze scanning the surroundings with calculated calm, his robes torn and stained with blood and dirt. The portal shook and wavered briefly before vanishing in a soft implosion of Qi that marked them as the final returnees, leaving them standing alone on the stone platform. Alex¡¯s ribs throbbed with protest, but he barely acknowledged the pain. Jin mirrored him, standing firm as a wall, as though the weight of his injuries were nothing. Alex held a gaze filled with steady focus that swept across the sect, observing the environment he had returned to. The sect grounds were alive with chaos. Disciples slumped on stone benches or lay on stretchers, their groans mixing with the murmurs of those who could still speak. Healers moved among them, their hands glowing faintly as they worked. The smell of blood and burnt wood clung to the air, along with the faint tang of medicinal herbs. Many stood in elation at their results in the trail, while many more stood wounded, their faces pale, grimacing, or stoically silent. The sect had lost more than half of its hopeful disciples¡ªthose who hadn''t been strong enough to survive the trials. Alex noted the empty space around the portal where the very few remaining corpses of those who had perished lay, their ashes swept up and burned in the ritual fire, he counted about thirty injured disciples, perhaps more in other buildings, and the ashes of five corpses. The rest had become blood creatures, spirit beasts that would grow in strength and intelligence, feeding the sect''s power and influence. Near the brazier, a pile of tokens marked those who hadn¡¯t returned. With a single test, Elder Zhen had gone from owning nine spirit beasts to owning just under a hundred. A calculated boon, Alex realised, his eyes hardening with disgust. Alex¡¯s gaze swept the scene, noting the glances cast their way. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd as Elders and instructors noticed it was not their two golden-rooted star pupils who had returned alive, just one of them. They were expecting Lui Xan and Jin, the two golden roots of supreme potential, not Jin and me, he observed with macabre amusement. Jin ignored them entirely, his steps measured as he descended the platform. Alex followed, his eyes catching the raised brow of a nearby elder who stood among a group of armoured guards. The elder¡¯s silver hair and pristine robes and the sharpness of his expression set him apart from the chaotic surroundings. The elder stepped forward, motioning to the pair with a single raised hand. ¡°Your tokens,¡± he said, his voice cutting through the noise. Jin reached into his robes first, drawing out the blood-red feather of the Blood Phoenix. He held it out without a word, his gaze steady as the elder took it. Alex followed suit, his hand brushing against the soft edge of the tiger cub pelt before passing it over. The elder''s eyes widened ever so slightly as he examined the feathers. He glanced between them, his expression revealing nothing before he returned his attention to the feathers, studying the handful for a long moment, turning each over in his hands. ¡°Where did you find these?¡± he asked, his tone low but pointed. His eyes moved from Alex to Jin, then back again. Jin¡¯s hand dropped to his side, his fingers brushing the hilt of his sword. Alex met his gaze. "We took them from the beasts,¡± he replied evenly. Whispers rippled through the nearby disciples who had overheard the exchange. The elder didn¡¯t move. Around them, the whispers grew louder, disciples craning their necks to see what was unfolding. Alex caught snippets of their conversations. ¡°They killed it?¡± ¡°Impossible¡­ they¡¯re only at the first stage¡­¡± "No-not him, Jin did..." ¡°Must¡¯ve cheated. There¡¯s no way¡­¡± More eyes turned toward them. The elder''s grip on the tablet tightened subtly as he handed the feathers to one of the guards, then gestured sharply. "Follow me," he instructed, turning on his heel. Alex exchanged a glance with Jin before following. The path toward the medical hall cut through the center of the sect grounds, flanked by stone pillars etched with glowing runes. More disciples stopped in their tracks to watch them pass, their gazes heavy with curiosity. Alex walked a half step ahead, his movements precise despite the blood soaking through his robes. As they walked, Alex noticed the growing shift in reactions around them. Some disciples stepped back, casting wary glances. Others stared openly, a mix of awe, surprise, wonder, and in some cases suspicion clear in their expressions. Jin walked beside him, his posture relaxed but alert. They were led toward the medicinal hall, carved into the mountainside. The structure''s stone fa?ade featured intricate carvings of a history Alex was too tired to study. Lanterns hung from the eaves, their light steady against the encroaching twilight. Inside, the hall was a hive of controlled chaos. Beds filled the space, each occupied by a disciple in varying states of injury. Some groaned weakly, others lay still, their breathing shallow. Alex noted a few disciples in various states of injury attempting to leave¡ªsome leaning on makeshift crutches, others supported by companions. Healers moved among them with practiced efficiency, applying salves and administering pills. The elder guided them to a side chamber away from the main area. The room was modest, containing a wooden table, several chairs, and shelves lined with jars of herbs. "Wait here," he said before exiting the room. Jin leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. "They''re unsettled," he observed quietly. Alex nodded. "Defeating a demonic cultivator at the eighth stage wasn''t in their script." "Nor was me bringing back the Blood Phoenix''s feathers," Jin added. Footsteps approached from the corridor. A healer entered, her eyes immediately sweeeping over Alex and Jin, ¡°These are the ones?¡± she asked to no one in particular. There was a pause, then the healer spoke again, "Alex, come with me. Elder An Shi will see you. Jin, you wait here for another." The healer guided Alex into a smaller chamber, its walls lined with shelves of herbs and tools. A single bed occupied the center of the room, and beside it stood Elder An Shi¡ªa tall figure with a composed demeanour, dark robes bearing the emblem of the sect''s healers, and eyes that held an age that did not match his appearance. He moved with precision, his hands deftly arranging a set of silver needles on a low table. His gaze lifted as Alex entered, sharp and assessing. "You are Alex," he stated, looking directly at him. Alex inclined his head slightly. "I am." "Elder An Shi," the man introduced himself. "I will attend to your injuries." Elder An Shi moved with deliberate precision as he set a small case on the table. Opening it, he revealed an array of medical instruments and neatly arranged herbs. He gestured toward a stool. ¡°Sit,¡± he said, gesturing to the bed. Alex complied, observing the elder''s movements. The elder healer An Shi examined a bruise on Alex''s side next. "Any difficulty breathing?" "None," Alex answered. A soft knock sounded at the door, and a young disciple entered, carrying a tray with liquids. He set it on the table before leaving promptly. Elder An Shi handed a cup to Alex. Alex accepted the cup, the aroma of the herbal tea rich and earthy. He sipped it, feeling warmth spread through his body. "I''ll need to inspect your injuries to ascertain the level of healing needed," he said. "And check for curses- many of you seem to have acquired them in various forms in this test, somehow." Alex simply nodded, unsurprised yet grateful his system was still on cooldown, all traces of his heart''s mana dormant and yet to ignite. Elder An Shi inspected a shallow cut on his shoulder, applying a herbal paste that sparkled softly with energy in Alex''s enhanced vision, before placing a hand over the area, channelling a warm flow of Qi that eased the discomfort. The moment his palm pressed against his wound, Alex¡¯s awareness flared to life, a torrent of sensation flooding his consciousness. The healer¡¯s Qi flowed into him in a steady stream, cool and deliberate, spreading like tendrils of water through his disrupted meridians. He tracked its every movement, sensing how the foreign energy coiled at blockages and dissolved them with precision, opening pathways that had been choked by the trauma of battle. So this is how it works, Alex thought, his attention sharpening. His internal Qi responded tentatively at first, its flow sluggish and uneven, but the infusion coaxed it forward, guiding it to circulate more freely. Along his ribs, where fractures strained against damaged muscle, he felt the healer¡¯s Qi condense into a concentrated wave that enveloped the injury. The control is so precise¡ªit feels almost like a needle threading through fabric, he observed, his mind captivated by the interplay of energies. The energy burrowed deeper, soothing inflamed tissues and knitting microscopic tears in the cellular matrix. Faint traces of a flowing and cool energy swept through him, the water-Qi mingled with the surrounding Qi, its cooling presence calming the irritation and stimulating regeneration at the cellular level. The Qi¡ªit¡¯s aligned with the water element. That must be why the tissues feel like they¡¯re mending so smoothly... So to become capable of healing through cultivation, I''ll need to find a way to acquire water-affiliated Qi, he thought, noting how the elder harmonized his Qi with the body¡¯s natural rhythm. Alex¡¯s focus honed in further, following the process with almost clinical detachment, though he could feel a sense of awe creeping in. He felt the impurities expelled from his meridians, dissipating into harmless wisps before vanishing entirely. The Elder''s control was exact, microscopic, even. Purposeful. Elder An Shi avoided overstimulation of his Qi network through his deliberate movements. He¡¯s balancing everything perfectly¡ªno wasted effort, no strain on my system. The presence of medicinal Qi was subtle but unmistakable, a distinct resonance that he recognized as derived from rare herbs. It bolstered his resilience, a fortification that he felt extending to his bones and muscles alike. Herbal Qi, refined and integrated. I can feel how it reinforces the tissues themselves. It''s more than just simple healing¡ªit¡¯s strengthening. His breath deepened instinctively, his body responding to the revitalization as the lesser pains in his side ebbed, leaving behind a clarity he hadn¡¯t felt since the battle. If this is the level of precision required to heal, I wonder what else is possible? His chest rose and fell steadily as the elder¡¯s Qi withdrew, the absence of its influence leaving a faint trace of warmth behind.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The elder removed his hand, the energy dissipating and their connection severed. With his domain confirming a complete severance of energy, Alex immediately attempted to mimic what he had just witnessed, at least partly. He focused his Qi inward, attempting to guide it toward a bruise on his forearm, held obscured behind his dantian on the off-chance the elder could see Qi like he could, but the energy dispersed erratically, fading before it reached the injury. Concentrating harder, he managed the faintest warmth to gather near the surface of his skin, though it lacked the control or impact he had observed in the elder¡¯s technique. [Technique: ''Azure Restoration Method'' gained!] Alex allowed himself a small smirk as the Elder examined a cut on his forearm. "How did you sustain this wound?" the Elder asked. "In combat," Alex replied simply, intent on revealing nothing. Like hell I''m going to tell you I beat someone it would take thousands of people at my level of cultivation to beat, Alex scoffed internally. While it would be a boon for other disciples to be worshipped as a star pupil, Alex had not forgotten his main goals within the sect; To find Earth, And to steal as many treasures and techniques as he could get his hands on. It was bad enough that his actions had garnered a little attention, but perhaps he could use that to his advantage, somehow? It''s not like they''re using their techniques for good deeds, he thought to himself, observing the Elder''s movements. I mean, stealing from genocidal maniacs is practically a good deed in itself. ¡°You fought an eighth-stage cultivator,¡± the elder interrupted his train of thought, his voice even. His hands paused briefly before moving to Alex¡¯s other shoulder, probing the torn muscle. ¡°Explain how.¡± Alex¡¯s gaze remained steady. ¡°I didn¡¯t. I used strategy and the environment. The Eight level had been in battle with the Fire Tiger and the Phoenix, he was heavily injured and on the verge of death after defeating both creatures. Jin struck from behind, I merely collected the fur when it was all over," he recited. It was a half-truth. Actually no-it''s pretty much a complete lie, Alex thought. Both himself and Jin had agreed to withhold information from the sect, as the news of their true capabilities would bring much favour, but also lead to intense scrutiny, which both apparently wanted to avoid, though Alex found himself curious as to the reasoning behind Jin''s need for secrecy. But as all three higher cultivation beings had died, someone would ultimately have to take responsibility for the final kill. If only there was time to dispose of the body... I could''ve stored it in my inventory. He had tried to go back, but Jin had informed him of the Phoenix''s impending rebirth, ¡®In a few minutes¡¯, he had said. The best Jin had been able to do was make it appear as though they had taken advantage of a battle between the two higher cultivation beings and remove spiritual evidence of their involvement. Still, it''s convenient that only entries and exits are monitored during tests not the events inside it, Alex huffed, relieved and somewhat disgusted. Jin had been very clear that the lack of intervention was solely to encourage disciples'' growth by any means. He doubted the revived Phoenix would cooperate with its captors, but if it were to tell them what really happened, that it was killed by a prospective disciple, all eyes would be centred on Jin, and Alex could simply continue fade into the background unnoticed. Jin had said that if that were to happen, it would be inconvenient but not unmanageable, and that it was also inevitable¡ªthat to garner interest was the fate of the strong. They were just delaying that fate. Alex still didn''t trust Jin, however. Not completely. The teen had already left him for dead once when it suited him. He would have to act fast to get what he wanted and leave before allowing Jin a chance to betray him again. Before the meeting with the elders, if possible. "Strategy." Elder An Shi¡¯s expression didn¡¯t shift, but his hands stilled for a moment longer this time. He resumed his work, the glow of his Qi spreading through Alex¡¯s side. ¡°Against the Eight level,¡± he said, his dry tone carrying no judgement. ¡°It''s true that there is evidence that the Blood Phoenix was also defeated.¡± Alex shifted his weight, keeping his response measured. ¡°The Phoenix was wounded and killed by the Little Demon, not by us, and the Little Demon was killed by Jin. I just took advantage of the situation,¡± he said. The elder did not respond right away. He worked silently, his hands moving over Alex¡¯s injuries, his Qi infusing the wounds with a steady energy. When he finished, An Shi stepped back and regarded Alex for a moment longer. ¡°An army of prospective disciples couldn¡¯t have stood before such a man, even injured, and yet Jin did,¡± he said, almost to himself. Then, with deliberate calm, he turned his attention fully back to Alex. His gaze was sharp as if searching for some hidden truth, before he sighed, running fingers through his hair and releasing the tension in his shoulders. ¡°You¡¯re fortunate to be alive.¡± ¡°Jin has drawn attention,¡± An Shi said as he worked. ¡°This feat has not gone unnoticed. Nor will it be accepted without scrutiny... As the sole witness, our sect demands answers from you.¡± Alex watched him closely, already aware of what was to come. The sect would want to judge them to ascertain their worth, decide if they were worthy investments and perhaps fight over which instructor or elder would take such promising youths under their wing. ¡°And you?¡± he asked, curious as to this particular healing elder''s stance. An Shi met his gaze, his expression unreadable. ¡°I will heal you,¡± he said. ¡°The rest is not my concern.¡± He straightened, wiping his hands on a cloth before gesturing to another healer who entered- the one that had brought Alex in. ¡°Ensure he rests here until his mental injuries are healed. Then send him to the elders¡¯ council with the other one.¡± Her head inclined slightly, acknowledging the command. As the elder turned to leave, his robes brushing against the shelves, Alex allowed himself a moment to exhale. *** That night, Alex lay motionless on the cot, his breathing steady and measured. The room was quiet, the activity from earlier reduced to silence. The occasional muffled sound of footsteps rang faintly in the distance, but within this section of the medical hall, most of the healers had retired. Guards lingered at their posts, but their presence was sparse, and the injured disciples who remained were either deeply asleep or barely conscious, too preoccupied with their own pain to notice anything. Alex opened his eyes. The stillness of the room was in opposition to the sharp clarity in his mind. He sat up, testing his body with a slow roll of his shoulders. There was no pain, no tightness, no residual fatigue. Every wound he had sustained was gone, and not just gone¡ªhis body felt stronger than before, as though layers of fatigue and hidden injuries had been stripped away. All thanks to The Azure Restoration Method, an Elder''s technique, a technique that provided more than mere healing, but physical improvement akin to reinforcement. He had subtly tracked the flow of energy, watching, analyzing, and committing it to memory. And later, when he had been left to rest, he had almost drained his reserves while applying the Azure Restoration Method himself, mimicking the elder¡¯s technique with his Qi. The results had far exceeded his expectations. But he felt as though there was more to it, some part of the method he had yet to uncover. At some point, I''ll need to get my hands on some water affinity Qi, maybe find a den like the fire tiger''s, or a natural spring in the mountain, if something like that even exists, he decided. Swinging his legs over the side of the cot, Alex stood. His movements were deliberate as he stretched his arms and legs, testing the strength that had returned to him. A loud crash behind him broke the silence, followed by a string of curses. Alex turned, already familiar with the distinct cadence of the voice before he saw her. Mei burst into the hall, her boots skidding slightly on the smooth stone floor. A sharp huff escaped her lips as she caught herself on a nearby column, the sound ringing in the vastness of the hallway. ¡°Damn cultivators,¡± she announced loudly, waving a hand as if brushing off some invisible affront. ¡°Why does every building have to be carved out of the mountain? Ever heard of stairs that don¡¯t make you feel like your soul¡¯s being wrung out?¡± Her voice cut through the calm like a thrown dagger. ¡°Alex!¡± Alex barely raised his head before she closed the distance with a speed that made her robes flutter. Her petite frame blurring with the force of her movements as she stopped just short of crashing into the bed he sat on. She planted her hands on her hips, leaning forward with an exaggerated huff that sent loose strands of her short black hair flying around her face. ¡°So, second place, huh?¡± She leaned in closer, mock-conspiratorial. ¡°I hear you coasted through the trial hanging onto Jin¡¯s robes like a lost kid, made second place riding his coattails all the way to glory... at this rate, you¡¯ll be lucky if people even remember you were there at all.¡± Alex shifted his weight, setting the sword beside him. ¡°Good to see you too, Mei,¡± he said dryly. ¡°I¡¯d almost forgotten what it¡¯s like to have my accomplishments reduced to luck and charity.¡± ¡°Well get used to it." She started, her eyes locking on to his. "Apparently, you¡¯re the poster boy for undeserved luck. They say the second place disciple survived by accident. Didn¡¯t even deserve to touch the Fire Tigers pelt.¡± Alex stared at her for a moment, then gestured to the spot beside him. ¡°Do you ever pause long enough to sit down, or do you just hover around people until they surrender?¡± Mei plopped down with a sigh, the heels of her boots clicking against the wall as she kicked her legs. ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll give you a moment to defend your honor before the history books erase you entirely.¡± She grinned, her fingers drumming against the stone. ¡°But don¡¯t expect them to ever believe you did anything impressive.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need them to believe me,¡± Alex said, leaning back slightly. ¡°If anything, it¡¯s better this way. Let Jin soak up the attention. I¡¯m fine right where I am.¡± Mei raised an eyebrow, looking up at him. ¡°Oh, come on. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re happy being the sect¡¯s official ¡®lucky guy.¡¯ I mean, really? You could at least fake some ambition.¡± Alex gave a faint smile. ¡°The less they look at me, the easier it is to get things done. You, of all people, should understand the value of staying out of the spotlight.¡± "I''m retired," she snorted. "The spotlight avoids me. But staying out of it doesn¡¯t involve hiding in someone else¡¯s shadow. You¡¯re starting to sound like one of them.¡± Her voice dipped with mock disgust as she waved a hand toward the distant training grounds, where cultivators sparred in rigid formations. ¡°Next thing I know, you¡¯ll be bowing to an elder and talking about the ¡®glory of the sect.¡¯¡± ¡°That¡¯s a leap,¡± Alex said, his voice dry. ¡°You know exactly how I feel about this place.¡± ¡°Oh, I know.¡± Mei turned to face him fully, her expression sharpening. ¡°And that¡¯s why I can¡¯t figure out why you¡¯re still here." Alex leaned back, calm. ¡°And you came all the way here to tell me that?¡± ¡°Hell no,¡± Mei shot back, straightening and waving him off. ¡°I came here because the sect¡¯s buzzing like a swarm of idiotic bees. Everyone¡¯s drooling over Jin¡ª¡®Oh, Jin fought an eighth-level cultivator! Oh, Jin¡¯s a prodigy!¡¯¡ªlike he didn¡¯t almost die doing it. You, though?¡± She jabbed a finger in his direction. ¡°Barely a mention. Just some muttering about how lucky you are to still have your limbs.¡± With that, she spun on her heel, her steps loud as she headed for the door. Alex stayed where he was, watching her go. She turned and broke the silence again. "Oh, and by the way. My system''s been acting funny ever since we got back." ¡°Has yours changed too? Mine went berserk. Update this, release that." She didn¡¯t wait for a response, continuing with rapid-fire cadence. "It said my ''skill limitations'' and ''mana siphoning'' was removed..." She hesitated for half a beat, then shrugged. "Weird, right?" "Whats up with that?" Book 2 - Chapter 25: Treasury of Secrets Alex moved silently beside Mei as they left the treatment chamber. The corridors of the medical hall stretched ahead, lit only by the dim glow of sporadic lanterns. A few disciples remained, their rest uneasy, some stirring awake at the sounds of their discussion. Mei whispered a skill name under her breath and Alex sensed the air still around them as a subtle veil enveloped them both, their forms, sounds, scents, and energy blending into the shadows. "Veil of the Valkyries?" He repeated. "Not bad... Is it new?¡± Alex queried, the corners of his mouth lifting faintly despite the tension in his shoulders. ¡°Seraphs, Valkyries¡ªwhatever floats your Earthling brain,¡± she shot back. "I can hide an entire squadron of combat drones with this skill.¡± ¡°Overkill much,¡± Alex noted dryly. Mei let out a small, indignant huff but didn¡¯t argue. Her gaze flicked to the corners of the corridor as they walked, the occasional flare of Qi from stationed guards passing over them harmlessly in Alex''s vision. The silence of the medicinal hall was broken only by the faint taps of footsteps far off in other chambers, disciples and healers too preoccupied to notice their hidden movements. ¡°Yeah my system updated,¡± Alex said after a while as their steps fell in rhythm. ¡°It mentioned skill caps. Mana siphoning too" He refrained from mentioning all of the other ways his sytem had been changed, the mana, Dao, energy limitations, and attempted stat cap release. It seemed odd that his update appeared to be far more drastic than hers. Maybe it''s because i was the closest to the blast? Or maybe it¡¯s because of the glitches? He speculated. Either way, he had been hit by Phurafels last ''attack'' at near point-blank range. Mei stopped mid-step, one hand brushing the edge of a nearby column as her head tilted slightly. ¡°Everything feels different," she said rolling her wrist in a slow, deliberate circle, her fingers flexing experimentally as a shield of light sprang into existence before twisting to wrap around her hand like a glove. "It''s like I''ve gained years of mastery overnight¡ªthings that used to take ages feel like they¡¯re coming to me in hours. All of my skills feel more adaptable now, and hunting brings better experience. Everything just seems... fairer." She shrugged lightly, the movement barely shifting her frame. Her boots struck the even flooring with effortless precision as she turned to face him. "More adaptable, less like I¡¯m constantly fighting against the system to improve.¡± Alex nodded in assent to their shared experience. "if you think about it, the only reason why you would even need a ''system'' would be to make things and to make magic easier... Nobody automates difficulty." "Unless its your enemy''s magic," Mei scoffed. "Then you''d want to make it difficult as fu-". Her hand flicked outward briefly with her words, her fingertips brushing the edge of the wall to leave deep vandalising scorch marks. ¡°None of the other users have heard of anything like it. I asked around but kept my prying vague, obviously. No one else has experienced anything like this, not today, not ever.¡± Alex nodded, unsurprised by her words. "Seems like it¡¯s just us.¡± Mei¡¯s pace slowed as she glanced over her shoulder. ¡°Exactly. I¡¯ve been in these worlds for years, Alex. A very long time. Updates don¡¯t happen.¡± A pause, then her brows creased in confusion, "But why us? Only me and you? D''you think there are others?" Alex responded low, the words barely audible under his breath. "Yeah, there are others. We weren''t the only ones there when he struck..." His steps slowed momentarily, his brow furrowing as he caught sight of an open doorway up ahead. The faint outline of a guard shifted within. He adjusted his path slightly to keep their course hidden-no point in taking chances. ¡°Phurafel,¡± he said after a pause. ¡°When he died, the way he combined his skills for that last strike... it might¡¯ve affected our souls... Maybe,¡± Alex said. ¡°Or his ''magnum opus'' might have disrupted everything entirely.¡± Mei¡¯s hand paused mid-gesture, her gaze snapping to him. ¡°Phurafel?¡± she said, her voice low as her fingers resumed their rhythmic tapping against her leg. ¡°The Dragon? You think his last move broke whatever chains were holding us back?¡± His pace slowing slightly, his footsteps falling heavier against the stone as though the thought weighed on him. ¡°That has to be it."This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Mei shrugged lightly, the movement barely shifting her frame. Her boots struck the uneven stone with measured precision as she turned to face him. ¡°The other survivors on that world might have updated systems too,¡± she said. Her hand brushed the edge of her bag again before falling still. ¡°Or maybe we¡¯re the only ones with new systems on both worlds. Maybe Phurafel¡¯s attack just hit us differently.¡± That''s possible, Alex thought, seeing some validity in her words. She only had her skills and experience siphoning limits removed. I had practically everything released... except for the stat cap. Maybe the others experienced even more limited effects... Maybe they didn''t get anything at all. Mei clicked her tongue, her fingers drumming briefly against her leg. ¡°I never noticed, but now its obvious. It''s been there for years. Like I¡¯ve been running uphill with weights strapped to me. Now the skills feel like I can bend them. Shape them. Maybe even break them. It¡¯s so freeing." Her steps quickened slightly as the faint breeze of the exit ahead of them brushed her face. ¡°The limitations¡ªskill suppression, mana siphoning. It¡¯s as though we''re all being kept intentionally weakened... It¡¯s the only thing that makes sense. Maybe to empower cultivators at our expense? Why?¡± Alex let out a slow breath, recalling his recent ordeal after having ventured dangerously far into his Dao-the sensation of that same Dao attempting to subsume his soul. "Maybe some of the limits are there for our safety..." he ventured in speculation. His steps steady as he moved closer to the exit, and he dismissed that potentiality, considering the other, more illogical limitations- the ones that had kept them weak. The faint light of the stars framed his movements as he looked forward. The true answer was obvious. ¡°Or maybe its because we¡¯re system users,¡± he said with finality. ¡°Maybe we¡¯re a threat to the way their world works.¡± Mei¡¯s fingers stilled as she nodded, briefly slowing mid-step. Her fingers tapped against her thigh. ¡°Makes sense. System users like us aren¡¯t exactly the most compatible with serfdom.¡± She said, her voice soft but laced with clarity. "But if that¡¯s true, and the dragon removed whatever was holding us back.¡± lips twitched into something resembling a grin, her eyes darting to the large doorway. ¡°Then shout-out to Phurafel. Didn¡¯t think I¡¯d be thanking him, but here we are.¡± She spoke the words lightly, though there was a faint edge to her voice that Alex caught. She wasn¡¯t joking¡ªnot entirely. He nodded slowly "Indeed." They exited the medicinal hall in silence. The night air greeted them as they stepped outside, crisp and quiet. Alex let his gaze drift over the darkened sect grounds, his thoughts alight with possibilities. ¡°Souls, huh?¡± Mei joined him, her hand brushing her temple absently as she walked beside him. Then, with a small shake of her head, she turned back toward the path ahead. ¡°Well, whatever the case, it¡¯s another headache for Future Us if they ever find out¡± Us? Alex thought. ¡°Generous of you to share the burden,¡± He said, guiding her along a smaller path to their side. Mei followed without another word, the faint wavering darkness of her stealth skill folding them deeper into the shadows as they disappeared into the night. They navigated the winding pathway, footsteps muted against the carved stone floor. The scent of medicinal herbs quickly faded in the wind, mixing with the cool night air. Mei''s eyes fixed forward as they approached a steep path in the mountain walls. ¡°No time for dawdling,¡± She said, her voice a whisper but carrying that irreverent edge Alex had come to recognize. ¡°If anyone spots us here, it¡¯s your problem. I did my part... Where are we going, anyway?¡± Alex allowed himself a faint smile. "There," He pointed to a structure high above, the action eliciting a soft inhale from Mei. His mind replayed the details he had learned earlier. When the healer had led him here, she had been quick to point out the general layout of the sect. She hadn¡¯t intended to reveal much, but a few offhand comments about the surrounding mountain¡¯s interior had been enough for Alex to piece together the basics. Most notably, the heavily fortified structure carved deep into the mountain. A treasury vault. One of many. The healer had described it casually, as though it were just another part of the sect, but Alex had seen it himself during their trek through the grounds. A towering, reinforced structure carved high into the mountain¡¯s depths. It had stood apart from most of the other structures, its construction both imposing and deliberate, as though designed to keep its contents safe from others. The building was vast, distant, high, and deep within the mountain, its walls covered with layers of stone and reinforced by distant structures. It wasn¡¯t hard to imagine what lay inside¡ªrare treasures, cultivation manuals, artifacts of immense value. He stepped on the path but did not leave, rolling his shoulders to test his range of motion. Satisfied, he scanned both the mountain and the sect grounds. Only a handful of guards lingered, their focus elsewhere as they stood near various posts, most of them focused on the valley''s exit. The rest had retreated to their quarters, leaving behind an air of calm. Deep within, Alex felt a soft thrum of energy from his steadily evolving soul-bound sword. He could feel it clearer now, the connection reestablishing itself with each breath as the weapon nestled within his soul slowly took form. A slighter smile tugged at his lips as he began to climb the mountain path, Mei following close behind, shrouding them both in obsucrity. His gaze shifted upward keenly, toward the higher reaches. The path to the vault would not be an easy one, but armed with the unique capabilities of his Dao, it was one he intended to dominate. It was time to see what these people considered ''Treasure''. Update & Next chapter date. Hi guys, happy New Year! now that the Christmas&new year break is officially over, chapters will resume from Monday 6th January at 8pm GMT Chapter posts have a 500 word limit, so here¡¯s some facts about wolves: Wolves are the largest members of the Canidae family, which includes domestic dogs, coyotes, and foxes. They inhabit diverse habitats across the Northern Hemisphere, including forests, tundras, deserts, and grasslands. The two primary species are the gray wolf (Canis lupus), found in Eurasia and North America, and the red wolf (Canis rufus), native to the southeastern United States. A typical adult gray wolf measures between 4.5 to 6.5 feet in length, including the tail, stands about 2.5 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder, and weighs between 60 to 110 pounds. Their fur varies in color from gray to black, white, and shades of brown, providing camouflage in their respective environments. Wolves are highly social animals that live and hunt in packs, which are typically family units consisting of an alpha pair (the breeding pair) and their offspring. Pack sizes can range from 2 to 30 members, though they usually consist of 5 to 8 wolves. This social structure facilitates cooperative hunting and pup rearing. Communication among wolves is complex and involves vocalizations, body postures, facial expressions, and scent marking. Howling serves multiple purposes: it helps maintain pack cohesion, advertises territory, and coordinates hunting. A wolf''s howl can be heard up to 10 kilometers away under certain conditions.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Wolves possess remarkable physical adaptations for hunting. They have powerful jaws with a bite force capable of exerting approximately 1,500 pounds per square inch, enabling them to crush bones. Their 42 teeth are specialized for stabbing, shearing, and crunching. Additionally, wolves can run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour during a chase and maintain a speed of about 5 miles per hour when traveling. Their diet primarily consists of large ungulates such as deer, elk, moose, and bison, but they also consume smaller mammals, birds, and carrion when large prey is scarce. An adult wolf can consume up to 20 pounds of meat in a single meal, which is akin to a human eating one hundred hamburgers. Wolves have an acute sense of smell, with approximately 200 million scent cells, allowing them to detect prey from over a mile away. Their hearing is also highly developed, capable of detecting sounds up to six miles away in forested areas and ten miles in open terrain. Reproduction occurs once a year, with the alpha pair typically being the only breeders. After a gestation period of about 63 days, the female gives birth to a litter of 4 to 6 pups. Pups are born blind and deaf, relying entirely on their mother and other pack members for care. They begin to see and hear after about two weeks and start joining pack activities, such as hunting, by the age of 12 weeks. In the wild, wolves have an average lifespan of 6 to 8 years, though they can live up to 13 years. In captivity, they may live up to 16 years. Wolves play a crucial role in maintaining the health of ecosystems by controlling the populations of large herbivores, which in turn influences vegetation growth and provides food for scavengers. Their presence can lead to increased biodiversity and improved habitat structure. Despite their ecological importance, wolves have faced significant threats from habitat loss, human persecution, and hunting. Conservation efforts, including legal protection and reintroduction programs, have been implemented in various regions to help stabilize and recover wolf populations. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 27: Relentless Ambition Mei''s silhouette cut through the night sky. She stood on the disk of mana with her arms crossed, her short frame at ease and her expression confident. Alex ascended beside her similarly relaxed, the igniting panels of Phoenix Cascade flaring briefly beneath his feet, the bursts of energy keeping his movements steady as he calmly matched her pace. The faint crackle of energy was the only sound, dulled to nothing by the layer of concealment her stealth skill provided. The mountain blurred before them, its jagged edges shrouded in the faint mist of lingering clouds. Alex glanced up at the structure carved deep into its face. The treasury vault¡¯s metallic doors stood out even at a distance, towering and forbidding. The surrounding stone walls glistened faintly, smooth and sheer, as though untouched by time or weather. ¡°We¡¯re getting close,¡± Mei said, her voice cutting through the shared silence. Her shield tilted slightly as she adjusted her balance, her arms dropping to her sides. "Slow down," Alex said, shifting focus to the structure ahead. The light from the entrance of the vault revealed a lone figure, standing still and upright. The guard¡¯s stance was rigid, his robes flowing slightly as the wind swept down the mountainside. Mei¡¯s disc slowed as Alex let the panels around him fade and landed softly on her platform. The mana disk shifted under his weight but thickened to hold firm as Mei crossed her arms again, leaning slightly forward to observe the guard. ¡°That¡¯s him,¡± Mei said, her tone sharper now. Her gaze flicked to Alex. ¡°The Unbending Fang. He''s a problem...Why are we doing this, anyway?" "Because i want to borrow some stuff before we leave." "don''t you think they''ll know who to look for if you suddenly disappear the moment their treasures get raided?" "I''m not leaving straight away, there''s some more things I need," "and I won''t be taking much, half of the stuff will be up here" he tapped his head with a smirk. "Tell me about the guard." ¡°Freakin'' maniac. Caught a group of disciples sharing a technique once. He called it a ''demonic technique'' and made them fight each other to the death. Only the last one standing got to live long enough to report their crime,¡± she said, jabbing her finger towards the edge of a summoned shield, shaped like an arrow. ¡°And when someone stole a medicinal herb? Cut off their hand and left them bleeding at the sect gates as a warning.¡± The disk tilted slightly again as Mei shifted her weight. ¡°He¡¯s a fanatic. My stealth skill¡¯s good, but he¡¯s not the kind you fool up close.¡± Alex nodded once, his expression unreadable as he crouched slightly, bracing himself on the edge of the shield. ¡°Then we don¡¯t get close,¡± he said simply. Mei raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t argue. Alex extended one hand, faint streaks of mana coalescing around his fingers. The air fractured briefly before a construct formed in the distance¡ªa shadowy figure, hooded and cloaked with a long ceremonial blade, appearing just at the edge of the guard¡¯s vision. "Pierce Reality," he whispered, and the distant bushes ruffled, giving the appearance of multiple distant intruders. The Unbending Fang¡¯s posture stiffened immediately. His head snapped toward the movement, his body a blur as he shot toward the figure with inhuman speed. Alex didn¡¯t wait for Mei¡¯s signal. The disc lurched forward as he pressed one foot into its edge, the force propelling them both toward the massive doors. Mei¡¯s hands extended slightly, stabilising the disc as they shot forward, the faint hum of her mana silenced as they blurred through the air. The doors loomed closer, their sheer size dwarfing them both, standing like sentinels against the sheer rock face with massive frames that blended into the mountain¡¯s carved surface. Alex landed first, stepping off the shield as Mei dismissed it with a thought. She landed beside him, her boots hitting the stone with a muted thud. Patterns stretched across the metal, their grooves deep enough to hint at mechanisms Alex could practically see beneath the thick metal. Mei tilted her head back, craning her neck to study the towering doors with a faint scowl. ¡°What now?¡± Alex exhaled slowly, his gaze sharpening as he stepped closer to the door. ¡°Hold on,¡± he said, his voice steady. ¡°I have an idea.¡± His breath steadied as he pressed his hand against the cold surface of the massive doors. The sensation spread through his palm as time stood still in his vision, buying time before the dangerous guard could return¡ªmetal dense with purpose, fortified by layers of mechanisms, traps, and ancient formations humming in their slumber. His fingers pressed against the cold metal as his thoughts turned inward, summoning a fragment of his connection to the Dao. Flux. Change. The state of all things being and not being. His influence rippled outward, faint but precise, touching the layers of existence that made up the door. It became old and decayed, then pristine and untouched. In some moments, it vanished entirely, leaving an expanse of fine dust. Alex grabbed Mei''s arm and pulled her through several feet of dense metal, traps, and arrays as though they weren''t even there. The doors had solidified behind them soundlessly as they stepped forward. Boots pressed against smooth stone, the sound faint but distinct in the otherwise muted chamber. The image of heavenly bovine motifs greeted them, their horns curling into ornate spirals that intersected with lines of script Alex didn¡¯t recognize. ¡°Alex, you¡¯re going to tell me what just happening here, right?¡± Mei said, her tone edged with curiosity and something else he couldn¡¯t quite place. "I''ll tell you later." He responded flatly. He''d think about it if she asked. Alex stepped forward into the treasury¡¯s vast chamber, his footsteps faint against the polished stone floor. The air felt heavier here, dense with the energy of formations prickling his skin. The walls stretched high above, etched with the sect¡¯s insignia alongside patterns of divine bovine motifs intertwined with angular fractal patterns. Formations carved into the stone hummed softly, their patterns surging in rhythm, casting a muted light across the room. Mei strode ahead, her boots clicking lightly on the stone as she paused near a cluster of display pedestals. Her fingers brushed the edge of one as she peered at an elaborately designed spear encased in a glass cylinder. The spear¡¯s shaft bore intricate carvings of swirling clouds, its tip a crystalline blade that seemed to hold an inner glow. ¡°Not bad,¡± she muttered. Her gaze swept over the display. ¡°This sect is pretty rich for this sector." Alex raised an eyebrow, glancing at her. ¡°How do you figure?¡± She turned to him, gesturing toward the well-maintained shelves and pedestals. ¡°Look around. This stuff is organised and accessible. That¡¯s not how a treasury this valuable should look if it¡¯s their best one.¡± She leaned closer to a rack of spirit stones, plucking one out and holding it up to the light, the burn of its Qi visible to the naked eye. ¡°That alone tells me this is probably just an entrance vault.¡± Shelves of dark wood rose in organised rows, their surfaces gleaming with a faint polish. Weapons lined one wall, each meticulously placed on custom mounts. Blades, spears, hammers and other weapons he couldn''t recognise were displayed in varying shapes and sizes, their metal exuding lethality, brimming with barely contained Qi. Each one felt comparable to Yan Hua in the energy they exuded, some of them exceeding what he had felt in their first encounter. Others were simplistic and arrayed beneath and at the edges, but still radiated a raw, refined power. He would inspect them later. Alex turned towards his true goal, his eyes scanning the rows of cultivation manuals on the opposite side. Bound in leather and engraved titles that glowed faintly in his vision, they rested in perfect symmetry, categorised by discipline. He opened the manual, relieved to see that whatever translation function his system had granted him applied to texts far more ancient than he was. His attention lingered briefly on a title written in archaic script before he turned back to Mei. ¡°What makes you think this is just the entrance?¡± he asked, keeping his voice low as his gaze flicked to the far end of the chamber, where a double set of massive doors loomed. Mei turned to him, a small smirk tugging at her lips. She tapped the glass cylinder in front of her with a knuckle. ¡°Because we got in without much trouble. And¡­¡± She gestured around them with an exaggerated wave. ¡°We haven¡¯t been caught yet. Doesn¡¯t scream ¡®main treasury,¡¯ does it?¡±Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Alex considered her words as his eyes shifted to the rows of spirit stones displayed in recessed alcoves along the walls. They ranged in size and hue, some burning brightly while others lay dormant. What she said makes sense, he thought. For a sect this supposedly hard to get into, the most valuable treasures, however many or few there were, would be hidden behind of traps and formations far more sophisticated than the ones they had encountered. ¡°Still, it¡¯s well-guarded for a side vault,¡± he remarked, as he flicked through several manuals, "some of these techniques are intended for those at the highest stages". His gaze focused as he studied the formations woven into the floor beneath the alcoves. Arrays of interlocking runes spread outward in precise geometric patterns, the energy seeping deep into the floor and in constant rotation, their purpose clear to him: traps designed to immobilise or incinerate intruders. "Whatever you do, stay away from that area." He could practically see the trap''s deadly Qi shooting through the air in pulses to connect with the ceiling. Alex reached toward the shelf, his hand pausing over a thick, weathered manual bound in dark leather. Gold-etched characters on the cover read ¡°The Book of 9 Swords.¡± His fingers brushed its surface, noting the weight of the book as he pulled it free. The edges of the pages looked uneven, as though cut hastily, and a faint metallic scent hung around it, like steel left too long in the sun. The technique its pages described was nothing short of astonishing¡ªnine precise sword forms that could counter and dominate all other weapon techniques. At the highest stages of mastery, a practitioner could strike from nine angles at once, delivering nine simultaneous attacks in one motion. The manual described the technique as an ultimate blend of offence and defence, designed to make its user nearly untouchable in combat. As he read, Alex focused on the methodology laid out in detail. The first step involved guiding his Qi into his core and controlling his breathing, slow and deliberate, to expand his Qi pathways. The manual instructed him to visualize the flow of energy through his meridians, focusing it into a single, sharp point at the base of his spine before channelling it into his sword arm. Once the Qi was condensed, it needed to flow outward in pulses timed with his movements, not just into the blade but into the surrounding space, extending its reach and control. The manual emphasised positioning¡ªeach form required the practitioner to anticipate and counter attacks from specific angles, keeping their movements fluid and precise. Alex stood, gripping his sword tightly. He followed the manual¡¯s instructions step by step, his breathing steady as he brought the blade through the first stance. His Qi was uneven, sweeping through his meridians as he moved, but he adjusted, shifting his weight and grounding himself before transitioning into the second stance. Mei leaned against a nearby pedestal, watching him. ¡°It¡¯s going to take forever to use their techniques,¡± she said, crossing her arms and gesturing toward the manual still open on the ground. "You''re wasting your time." Alex continued unperturbed, reaching the ninth stance, the blade cutting a slow line as if bisecting an imagined enemy. [Technique ''Nine Swords Destruction'' gained!] "I wouldn''t be so sure of that¡± Alex muttered under his breath, observing that the air around his sword blurred faintly, his movements shifting to near-perfection. In front of him, the after-image of a second blade appeared, though it was faint. The manual had mentioned the technique requiring the mastery of something called ''Basic Sword Qi,'' a feat only attainable for those at the next stage of cultivation, greater in strength than any opponent he had faced so far. The limiting requirement led him to a very important question; what would happen if he attempted to learn techniques intended for those far beyond his stage? Well at least now I know what I''m looking for next, he thought, eyeing the endless rows of manuals. It would be a good opportunity to test the limits of his system. He began swiftly scouring through the shelves, his fingers brushing the edges of cultivation manuals lined meticulously along the rows. He paused, unsure of where to begin, before settling on a strategy¡ªchoosing at random but favouring those manuals with traces of Qi, their brightness an indicator of power in his eyes. One after another, he flipped through their pages, skimming the descriptions and methodologies, deciding if a technique sounded practical or worth his time. Each time he found one that met his standards, he committed it to system-enhanced memory and sprang into motion. He waved his sword in sweeping arcs, leapt high to test aerial manoeuvres, or hurled his blade to observe its trajectory. Flickers of movement followed, his body blurring momentarily in Mei¡¯s vision as he appeared to attempt splitting into multiple versions of himself, though each effort faltered before anything materialised. Undeterred, he repeated the process¡ªreading, attempting, discarding¡ªwhile Mei leaned nearby, watching the display with quiet amusement. [Technique...] [Technique...] [Technique...] Nearly an hour later, he sat cross-legged on the ground, cultivating a manual etched with faint silvery markings, before he rose as if possessed and made a beeline for the far end of the hall, his eyes set on the densely protected inner section. Alex¡¯s steps slowed as he neared the chamber¡¯s far end, where a towering double set of metal doors loomed. The surface bristled with dense layers of talismans and trinkets, wrapping the imposing metal in a chaotic yet deliberate pattern, their edges overlapping so tightly it seemed they encased the doors entirely. The talismans exuded a stifling Qi, pressing against him like a tangible force that grew heavier with each step as if the very air resisted his advance. Mei¡¯s voice broke through the oppressive quiet. ¡°Where are you going?¡± she asked, her unease evident in her sudden halt, but Alex neither turned nor answered, his focus locked on the doors. Their intricate carvings of monstrous minotaurs wielding a myriad of weapons, their towering forms depicted as unstoppable conquerors. One minotaur cleaved mountains, another dragged the sun and moon into chains, while others vanquished phoenixes and dragons alike, their hulking forms dominating all in their path. At the centre, a lone minotaur held a lightning-wreathed figure in one hand and chains that seemed to bind the sky in the other, its expression locked in eternal triumph. The Qi emanating from the door felt like a solid wall, thick and unrelenting. It was denser than anything he¡¯d encountered¡ªeven Mistress Yan Hua¡¯s Qi, which felt almost hollow in comparison. He traced the glowing formations with his eyes, noting the complex traps built into their structure. Alex raised a hand, feeling the overwhelming density of Qi, he pressed his palm against the invisible force and froze as it refused him, its density barring further approach. He channelled his Dao and walked through the barriers as though they weren¡¯t there, the strain building gradually in the back of his mind like the slow press of a distant storm, or like a distant drumbeat growing ever so faintly louder with each step. He reached the other side, still enveloped in flux, and found a mostly empty chamber and a handful of heavily sealed items on ornate pedestals; a war staff, a hammer, a set of chains, three swords, what looked like a set of manuals, and a strange crystal. Alex stepped forward, his gaze locking onto a towering greatsword as large as he was. it radiated suffocating heat, the metal''s molten texture bright, ever burning, and writhing as if alive, its fire bound in place by dense seals that spoke of eternal resistance, the oppressive energy carrying an unsettling familiarity that tugged at his thoughts. The blade was barely affected by flux, appearing ever present in all moments, though in some instances it looked like bones and ashes. It can''t be... Alex thought, the sense of familiarity increasing further as he reached out to touch the surface, ignoring the sensation of burning flesh. The moment his charred finger brushed against its surface he immediately felt a sharp presence begin to overwhelm his mind. Nope- Inventory, he had barely even thought the words before the giant burning weapon vanished into the depths of his spatial space. Beside it, twin blades rested, their surfaces marked with patterns resembling the sun¡¯s blazing arcs and the moon¡¯s cool crescents, exuding a balance of warmth and shadow that unsettled him as though light and dark vied for dominance in their presence. He stored the weapons in his inventory too, the barest of a Dao-filled touch being enough. His attention shifted to an immense hammer etched with jagged lines that seemed to spark faintly, the air around it alive with a crackling tension that prickled against his skin, leaving his hand instinctively hovering at his side. Electricity, huh? I bet without the Dao it''d fry me just for standing this close, he thought as he observed its suppressed arcs. He moved past the pair of circular blades surrounded by an aura of destructive earth Qi. That wasn''t a weapon he was familiar with in any manner, though he found its design intriguing. His eyes paused on the large floating crystal radiating an unsettling stillness, he could see clearly that nothing moved around the crystal- not air, not sound, not chemicals, not even flux. He could tell that if he were to approach it recklessly, he would be trapped in the single moment the crystal exuded, as though time itself bent in its vicinity. Ok, I want nothing to do with that just yet, he thought, moving on to the next treasure. Thick metal chains snaked in the air to his left, their motion smooth and predatory, looping in an endless cycle around dense formations barely capable of containing them. A floating staff turned gently in place, its subtle rotation stirring a whirlwind so sharp that as Alex approached, a single thread of it lashed out, slicing his palm cleanly and forcing him back with a start. As he walked, he cultivated, employing a learned technique to breathe in portions of the dense Qi of each item, the energy-boosting his reserves. I guess this energy doesn''t really have a beginning or end, so i can cultivate it even while I''m in a state of flux... he reasoned with mild surprise. I don''t even want to think about the implications of that, [Qi: 1003 > 1013 ] Finally, the trio of manuals. Their bindings were strange, two crafted from the dark, reflective scales of some ancient creatures, and the last, disturbing in its appearance, bound from what could only be human flesh, the ink slowly bleeding from its edges a deep and disturbing blood red. The Dao''s prickly thrum grew faintly in the back of his head as he placed a finger on the manuals, focusing on the sensation of his inventory. Targeting only the books themselves and not the talismans and trinkets that covered them, he stored them away, causing the talismans to fall harmlessly to the ground. Summoning the manuals once more, he scoured through all three with a face that displayed varying emotions the more he read, before placing them back harmlessly once he was done to turn and heading for the exit, a soft and satisfied smile painting his features. [Technique...] [Technique...] [Technique...] Now that he had gained most of what he wanted, it was time to experiment, to test the limits of not just his system, but of cultivation, too. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 28: The All-Knowing Cut staggering, overwhelming even. Countless. His mind churned, sorting through the knowledge now permanently etched into his memory. Though a select few techniques among those he had learned appeared near perfect, most were far from it. The flaws within them were obvious, their inefficiency grating against his instincts. Techniques designed to manipulate energy rather than master weaponry. Movements full of unnecessary complexity. Their creators had been blinded by the pursuit of supernatural spectacle, sacrificing function for form.
He summoned and raised a sword, his grip firm as he brought it to readiness. It was a lighter metal taken from his soul armoury, a simple blade untouched by Qi. He focused inward, summoning the energy that had been dormant in his navel. His breath steadied as the strain began to spread through his arm, faint but present. Sword Qi emerged. The blade¡¯s edge bright in his vision as energy condensed around it, sharpening to a deadly focus. Basic Sword Qi was intended for those at the Foundation Establishment stage and above. It was the foundational mastery of condensing one''s Qi into a tangible extension of a sword, allowing the user to project sharp, cutting energy beyond the blade''s physical reach, with a thought the translucent edge extended in a burst, shooting outward. If he wanted to, he could extend the length of his blade¡¯s edge as far as his Qi would allow. The effort pulled at him, a persistent strain required to hold it steady. It¡¯d be better if it didn¡¯t feel like lifting weights, he thought with a grimace. He had learned that using techniques meant for higher cultivation stages, even with perfect understanding, was dangerous. These techniques required spiritual energy and physical strength far beyond his current level. Pushing past those limits could cause serious injuries to the body and meridians, a loss of Qi control called Qi Deviation, or even the collapse of one¡¯s cultivation path entirely. The mental strain could also lead to confusion or worse. Fortunately, his system perfectly managed the intense and advanced flow of Qi, ensuring he faced no risk of Qi deviation, cultivation deviation, or permanent meridian damage. But while his system protected him from Qi deviation, cultivation collapse, or permanent meridian damage, it couldn¡¯t shield him from the physical and mental toll. Alex studied the weapon in his hand. The flow of energy had stabilized, now as long as a spear. Good enough, he thought, letting the blade lower as the energy dissipated. Cultivation and magic... The thought lingered, pulling at itself as Alex considered the nature of the two vastly different energies. Qi feels... Potent. he thought, summoning the energy through his pathways and into his fingertips. It almost feels a little like a more elementary form of... Lifeforce?... It was immensely powerful when purified, far more so than mana, and he could only imagine how much more powerful purified and condensed Qi became at the higher stages of cultivation. But mana... almost feels like... Building blocks, he thought tentatively. Cultivators depended entirely on their bodies as vessels for Qi. Their strength came from turning internal energy into power, but that reliance made them rigid. Magic, in contrast, used the environment effortlessly, whether through his domain, inventory, or spatial skills like Pierce Reality or Sovereign Executioner. Magic enabled a practitioner to wield the elements¡ªfire, water, earth, air¡ªand even abstract forces like space and time. Cultivators required rare constitutions, treasures, or extreme cultivation levels to achieve similar results, and even then, it came at a great cost. Cultivation techniques focused on control, ensuring Qi manipulation didn¡¯t harm the body or pathways, but this rigidity made innovation immensely treacherous, one would have to have an almost precognitive knowledge of the movements of pathways, or simply risk the dangers that came with trial and error, where the slightest mishap could lead to permanent and irreversible damage. Magic, on the other hand, thrived on creativity. It demanded ingenuity and planning but rewarded them with unique effects and adaptability. The dangers of magical experimentation were always present, but with the system, they became far less prevalent. Simply put, while Qi and Qi techniques offered a more immediate and devastating, arguably incontestable power¡ª Magic was simply more versatile. [2-hour mana cooldown ended. Skills now available for use] Alex triggered Mana Blade. The energy surged into the weapon, spinning into a lethal, razor-sharp force in a saw of lethality. Eternal Infusion followed, rushing to meet it. The second sword skill charged toward the blade, colliding with the already active energy. The spinning edge of Mana Blade broke apart under the second skill, consumed entirely. The first skill gets devoured by the second. That¡¯s no good. This time, he decided to guide the mana as he had the few times he¡¯d altered his skills in the past. Mana Blade. Eternal Infusion. He felt the two skill¡¯s forces clash at the blade''s surface briefly before he guided them, forcing their distinct natures into alignment. The edge sharpened briefly before the infusion absorbed the rotation, collapsing one into the other as a bright spark flared. They conflict now but don¡¯t destroy one another. Maybe I can merge them together instead of simply forcing them¡ª ¡°You¡¯re experimenting,¡± Mei said flatly as she crossed her arms, leaning against the pedestal. Her gaze followed the length of his flashing and sputtering blade, then snapped back to him. ¡°But I can already tell you¡¯re going about it wrong. Magic isn¡¯t just brute force or throwing energy at something until it sticks.¡± She stepped forward, her tone sharp, almost instructive. ¡°Magic is a methodology. A system. You¡¯re coming at it from a place of instinct, and while that might work for now, it¡¯s no way to achieve mastery.¡± Alex turned to face her, his sword still in hand. ¡°So what¡¯s the way, then?¡± His attention focused slightly, curiosity overtaking caution. ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡± She raised four fingers, ticking off her points as she spoke. ¡°It¡¯s a combination of four things. Your understanding of the world, your understanding of the arcane, how strong your will is, and owning a skill that lets you manipulate mana, sensing it¡¯s better, too.¡± Alex tilted his head. ¡°Understanding the arcane? Sounds vague. What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not vague,¡± Mei shot back. ¡°The arcane is as complex and deep as the real world. You think mana is just ¡¯energy¡¯?¡± She air quoted with fingers as though the idea was idiotic. ¡°It¡¯s charge, atoms, cells, matter, spirit, soul, life, evolution, summoning spirits, even dimensional conditions, there are some more things I don¡¯t quite get, but it¡¯s a lot. It¡¯s everything. The more you understand the intricacies, the more control you have. And the more control you have, the more devastating your magic becomes.¡± ¡°The system helps,¡± Mei said, gesturing toward him. ¡°If you¡¯re lucky enough to get a skill to manipulate mana. Active skills, passive skills, doesn¡¯t matter¡ªit gets much easier if you have one of those, otherwise, you¡¯ll have to brute force it.¡± She shook her head, ¡°real power comes from how you use skills, not what the system gives you. People at the top don¡¯t just rely on the system to do everything for them.¡± ¡°That¡¯s where most people fail¡ªthey either don¡¯t have or can¡¯t combine the different fields of knowledge, or sometimes they don¡¯t have the strength of will to impose their intent on reality.¡± ¡°Understanding, will, control,¡± Alex muttered. ¡°What about worlds where technology and magic coexist? Seems like both could have huge advantages.¡± ¡°They don¡¯t,¡± Mei said simply, she glanced briefly at ancient scorch marks on the wall, then back at Alex. ¡°You¡¯ll rarely find worlds that balance two dominant resources¡ªlike magic and technology. One always wins. Politics, industry, costs, or culture push things in one direction or the other. You see it time after time. You don¡¯t see worlds using crude consumable fuels and renewable energy equally. Magic and technology are no different¡ªone will dominate the other. So almost all worlds are limited in some way. That¡¯s why incursion dungeons are so critical.¡± That makes sense, Alex thought, like the prevalence of wired technology on earth, even though it was clearly inferior to Tesla¡¯s wireless technology, invented over a hundred years ago at that, or earth''s illogical reliance on crude oil despite its near redundancy when compared to renewable alternatives. Throughout Earth¡¯s history, the need to cling to existing infrastructure and basic human greed had stifled social progress at every corner.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. ¡°So... it¡¯s like engineering,¡± Alex said, lowering his blade slightly. ¡°You study the real world and the¡­ Arcane, and figure out how they interact with reality.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Mei replied with a nod. ¡°Magic and technology are no different. You need all four elements: Miss more than one, and you¡¯re stuck playing with parlour tricks.¡± Alex stayed quiet for a moment, processing her words. ¡°Alright,¡± he said finally, the faintest hint of a smirk crossing his lips. ¡°Show me where I¡¯m wrong.¡± Mei snorted, crossing her arms again. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m doing, genius. Now stop playing with half-baked skills and start thinking like a magician.¡± With her words still fresh in his mind, he condensed his Domain and his perception expanded, wrapping around the weapon as if he had become the god of all that existed in its range. He traced the current of mana, splitting it into streams, commanding them to spiral without interference. Both skills ignited again, the blade now holding their combined weight. Within the Domain¡¯s clarity, the chaos sharpened into manageable patterns. His skill, Eternal Infusion¡¯s description claimed it would infuse his sword with the essence of magic¡­ whatever that means, he grumbled internally. Mei¡¯s description had felt like an introduction to a concept he had hardly even stepped foot on. Like antimatter theory or something equally esoteric. So instead of focusing on something he had never heard of, on a hunch, Alex decided to focus on something simple, an element his past life had caused him to be passingly familiar with. Lightning. Alex focused, drawing on everything he knew. He pictured electrons building charge, the massive potential difference between clouds and the ground, and the sudden discharge as currents tore through the path of least resistance. Rather than focusing on the chaos of mana manipulation¡ªhe chose the set systems of reality. Movement, conduction, heat, and ionization working together, driven by the laws of nature. From observing the gravity dragon, Tarabyzan, he realized that mana could behave no differently. It was energy¡ªtransferable, convertible, bound by conservation. Energy doesn¡¯t come from nowhere, and it doesn¡¯t disappear. It changes form. With that thought, he shaped the mana, condensing it. His intent turned it sharp and volatile, forcing it into a dense, electric charge. The edge of his blade crackled, the mana visibly stabilizing into a contained thick and almost solid arc. Sparks leapt and popped, charged with devastating energy, the blade radiating an aura of precision and control. His focus then turned to fire¡ªits essence grounded in combustion. He imagined its base elements: heat, fuel, and oxygen merging into a steady burn. Mana followed, forming a bright red glow around the blade. He compressed it further, knowing from experience that higher temperatures would shift the fire¡¯s colour. The red deepened, turning blue as the heat intensified and molecular motion quickened. He pushed harder, stripping the particles of their electrons until the fire transitioned into plasma, its brilliance overwhelming. The volatile energy roared, radiating destructive heat that warped the space around the blade. The heat radiated outward in waves, blistering the stone beneath his feet and burning the air around him. Alex shifted immediately, dispersing the plasma before it could spiral further. [System Message: Skill consolidation detected] [Initiating Skill consolidation protocol¡­] [Skill: Mana Blade removed!] [Skill: Eternal Infusion removed!] [System Alert: Skill consolidation has been influenced by your class] [Consolidating Skill Masteries¡­] [Completed] [D ranked Skill - ¡®All-Knowing Cut¡¯ (Active) gained!] [All-Knowing Cut (Active) - The user gains the ability to infuse their blade with any element they can conceive and understand to a satisfactory level of mastery. This user gains two functions: imbuing the blade with the chosen element to enhance damage capabilities or launching a mid-to-short-range crescent strike of the imbued element, which explodes upon impact. At D-grade, the skill can infuse any physical phenomena the user can comprehend. Higher levels of mastery enable the infusion of more esoteric or abstract elements.] ¡°All-Knowing Cut,¡± Alex muttered the words and barely thought of lightning before his blade transformed into a crackling arc of thick and coiling lightning. So I only have to imbue the element once before the system registers it to the skill, he noted, observing the vibrating blade. He swung his blade, watching as sparks crackled along the blade¡¯s edge with compressed energy, a dense and volatile, sharp, almost tangible edge. He knew that if he were to swing the blade with intent, the energy would tear forward, cleaving through the vault¡¯s interior to explode upon impact. But that would be an extremely stupid thing to do, he thought, resisting the intrusive impulse. ¡°That¡¯s annoyingly bright,¡± Mei observed as he deactivated the skill. Her gaze shifted between Alex and the path he had forged through the dense protective layers. ¡°When you walked through the inner doors and its defences¡­ How were you doing that?¡± she asked, her brow furrowing and her head tilting to glance at the talismans hanging overhead. The edges of the formations merely hummed faintly, undisturbed, their overlapping barriers stretching from the floor to the high vaulted ceiling. Mei had witnessed Alex had walked through them unimpeded, his stride unbroken, his body moving through the dense lattice of talismans, Qi traps, dense metal and reinforced arrays as though they weren¡¯t there. He had reappeared in the main entrance chamber unharmed and without so much as a hair out of place, much to her startlement. Alex didn¡¯t pause in practising his new skill. He glanced at her briefly over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. ¡°The Dao,¡± he said simply, his tone casual. ¡°It was a quest reward. Sort of. I kind of just ran with it¡± His eyes turned to the complex formations once more, ¡°But to be honest I think there¡¯s more to it. I feel like I¡¯ve barely scratched the surface.¡± Mei¡¯s expression shifted, thoughtful now as though reevaluating something about him. ¡°The Dao¡­¡± she said, her voice softer now, almost to herself. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve heard of it.¡± She didn¡¯t say more, but her thoughtful look lingered as he moved toward the outer chamber. Alex glanced at her again, his voice breaking the silence. ¡°Anything you want to take?¡± Mei snorted, crossing her arms. ¡°Hell no. You think I¡¯m crazy? I just wanted to make sure you didn¡¯t get yourself caught.¡± She hesitated, her expression tightening briefly. ¡°Besides, I¡¯ve got something I wanted to talk to you about¡ª¡± A low and deep metallic groan cut through the stillness. Both of them froze as the massive outer doors shifted, their ancient frames grinding open with a slow, deliberate weight. The first tremor of power washed through the chamber. Alex¡¯s stomach churned as he felt the oppressive force pressing against the walls, filling the room with a suffocating presence. It was a power far beyond that of an outer disciple¡ªvast, unyielding, and ancient. Alex moved without thinking, grabbing Mei¡¯s arm as the floor beneath them seemed to ripple. The polished stone folded inward, swallowing them both in a fluid motion as they sunk into the mountains depths. The chamber above them fell into silence once more. *** Back at the medicinal hall¡¯s entrance and shrouded in Mei¡¯s stealth skill, Alex glanced back to the mountain¡¯s upper reaches, his brow furrowed. It felt like the entirety of the mountain range¡¯s peak was being observed, somehow. ¡°Who the hell is that?¡± He asked. Mei shook her head, her gaze fixed behind them. ¡°Not someone we want to meet.¡± Mei glanced toward Alex before speaking. ¡°I wanted to warn you, that¡¯s why I came tonight. I overheard something,¡± she said with mild concern. ¡°The elders are expecting to see you tomorrow morning.¡± She leaned her shoulder against the stone wall, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face as she added, ¡°Some kids from Elder Zhen¡¯s circle said your reward¡¯s been changed. You were supposed to get a Spirit Furnace Pill¡ªten years of Qi in one dose. But they swapped it for some secret technique that¡¯s impossible to master unless you¡¯re at Soul Formation. Three months of seclusion training to learn it, they said.¡± She paused, her expression sharp. ¡°Zhen¡¯s trying to weaken you. He¡¯s giving the others time to surpass you¡ªand after that? He¡¯ll send his outer disciples to deal with you.¡± ¡°Let them come,¡± Alex scoffed in dismissal of her warning. Mei moved to the edge of the medicinal hall¡¯s entrance, turning her attention fully to Alex. ¡°It¡¯s not all bad. You¡¯ll have three months to yourself. Maybe you can visit ¡®Earth¡¯ in that time.¡± Alex¡¯s gaze remained steady on her. ¡°I don¡¯t even know where Earth is,¡± he said flatly. ¡°All I have is Pyra.¡± ¡°Oh yeah.¡± Mei stepped forward and raised an empty palm toward him. In an instant, a golden sphere appeared, hovering above her hand. It radiated faintly, its surface alive with shifting and overlapping runes, rituals, spells, and complex patterns of stored energy of unrecognisable kinds. ¡°Jin told me to give this to you. Said you were supposed to have a world treasure,¡± she said, tilting her hand slightly to offer it to him. Alex took it, studying the sphere as he spoke. "Did he say what kind of world it holds?" ¡°Dunno.¡± Mei glanced at the sphere before turning her eyes back to Alex. She shrugged, her tone nonchalant. ¡°No clue.¡± A wave of powerful Qi washed over not just the pair of them, but the entire sect, causing the nearby trees to sway and waterfalls to ripple in disturbance as Alex heard distant shouts sound across the mountain range. Both he and Mei looked outward, moving deeper into the medicinal halls open double doors. The sect¡¯s valley stretched out beyond the hall''s walls, its structures bathed in faint moonlight. From this vantage point, the scale of their earlier intrusion became painfully clear. Alex felt it again¡ªa ripple of energy that seemed to stretch and bend the space around them. The figure entering the vault was powerful; deliberate, and precise, their presence filling the entire mountain like an all-seeing storm. Lanterns were being lit, one after the other, as the sect entered high alert. ¡°Let¡¯s head back inside,¡± Alex said. Getting caught now wouldn¡¯t do; tomorrow he would have to face the sect¡¯s elders, and perhaps see what world his companion, Jin, had brought to him. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 29: Judgement [Grade E Skill - Coinflip Collapse (Temporary) gai¡ª] [Coinflip Collapse - (Active, 10-second cooldown, no duration). A coin is conjured into the air. If it lands heads-up, a small localized explosion follows. If tails, nothing happens. The outcome is unalterable.] [- ???????Error???????¡ª] [Nexus Assimilation Initiating] [Skill gain influenced by class] [Error??????? - Skill gain influenced by constitution] [Target Primary Class: ??????????????Sys???????te??????mic S¡ª] [Target constitution: Abyssal Bo¡ª] [System Message: Grade E Class Skill - Unknowable Sovereign (Temporary, Active) gained!] [Unknowable Sovereign - (Temporary, Active, 30-minute duration, 1-hour cooldown) - The call of the sovereign reaches all realms. A small ball with 2 symbols on either side is conjured into the air. If it lands on the rightmost symbol, a small localized explosion follows. If the left, summons a self replicating creature from another dimension to fight independently to the user. Loyalty and obedience will be dependant on the entity summoned. The outcome is unalterable. Higher levels of mastery lead to more powerful explosions and more powerful summons.] Hell no, self replicating? And my constitution can affect skill gain¡­ there¡¯s a lot to unpack there, Alex thought, reviewing the details of his latest randomised acquisition. It had been some time since he¡¯d had the freedom to inspect it, now that the madness of the test had ended. But this had been the second time his constitution had affected his skill acquisition, the first being when he¡¯d attempted to utilise an arachnid skill crystal back on Pyra, he¡¯d received a similar message back then, too. He could not see any practical use in such an unpredictable and chaotic skill, one that would not only conjure what he suspected would be a relatively harmless explosion, but potentially summon a foe rather than an ally. Still, now that I have a better understanding of skills, maybe I¡¯ll be able to alter or combine the one of the future ones, assuming they''re not as reckless as this one, he thought, hope budding in his chest. He had risen early that morning to something of a daily ritual, acting in anticipation of his transferring to the realm of endless skills and selecting the first thing he saw at random, not yet willing to face the being that resided in the realm. The test had lasted several days, and apart from the first morning he had spent in the sect, he held only vague memories of his time transformed into a bloodbeast, his skills still operating to transfer his beastly form to crash through the strange realm and select a skill almost immediately upon first contact. I guess that¡¯s not much different from now, then, he thought as a servant guided him to his meeting with the sect¡¯s elders. I won¡¯t be able to test any of my active skills until I have true privacy, either in a heavily warded or isolated environment like the treasury or when I¡¯m out of the sect entirely¡­ there¡¯s no way to tell the extent of their detection skills. If one of them had spatial techniques, perhaps even my inventory won¡¯t be safe, he thought with caution. He had been told by his healer that there were no spatial masters in the sect besides the sect leader, who would not be present, thankfully. The thought had tempted him to consume his stolen blades rather than risk their discovery, but he recalled the sensation of grasping the fiery great sword and thought against it. That blade held a powerful force, If consuming it went wrong, the attempt could bring about an exposure of its own kind. So instead, he followed towards the meeting that would determine the events of the test and his ¡®prize.¡¯ *** Alex stood outside towering oak doors, his shoulders tense but squared. The summons had been impossible to ignore, leaving no room for delay or refusal. He adjusted the folds of his robe, his hands brushing the fabric with care. Inside, the elders surely waited, their focus would be trained on Jin¡ªbut Alex was still required to appear, ¡®as a witness¡¯. He exhaled at the inconvenience, pushing the doors open with measured force. Their gazes fell on him, though briefly. Alex stepped into the vast chamber, its grand scale accentuated by rows of pillars carved with ceremonial designs. The meeting hall was well lit, the lanterns above casting varying hues across the polished wooden floor. He stopped at the center of the room, his gaze fixed ahead, where a raised section stood. The sect elders sat in semi-circular formation, their figures draped in flowing robes that marked their status. At the center of the crescent stood the tallest chair, intricately carved and clearly empty. Conspicuously empty. Alex''s gaze didn¡¯t linger on it, though the void it represented was curious. Whatever its significance, now was not the time to question it. Perhaps whoever was truly in charge of the sect was preoccupied? He would ask Mei or Jin as soon as they were clear of the pompous and annoyingly inquisitive elders. Mistress Yan Hua occupied a seat a ways to the right of the center, her presence calm yet commanding. Her gaze lingered on Alex, sharp but unreadable. Elder Zhen, seated to her side, leaned back in his chair with a faint air of indifference, as if his attention was a scarce resource. The other elders and senior instructors were scattered across the platform, their expressions varying between interest, skepticism, and the detached focus of seasoned cultivators. Jin was already there, standing near the center of the room, his figure composed and his posture appearing relaxed. Alex noted how the room¡¯s attention seemed to circle him like a drawn bowstring, taut and waiting. He took his place slightly behind Jin, intentionally keeping himself in the background. she turned her gaze toward Jin. ¡°If we find your claims to be true, it will mean you have accomplished something no other within our sect¡¯s history has achieved. Do you understand what this means?¡± Jin¡¯s voice was calm as he answered. ¡°I understand it was a test.¡± The elder beside her raised an eyebrow faintly. ¡°A humble answer,¡± she said. ¡°Perhaps too humble.¡± ¡°A rare feat,¡± one elder said, his eyes coldly measuring Jin¡¯s stoic frame. ¡°Rare enough to require the right hands for guidance.¡± His voice carried no inflection, but Alex caught the sharpness in his tone, like poison concealed within sweet broth. Elder Zhen, seated near the middle of the crescent, straightened slightly. His eyes rested on Jin, but his voice carried across the chamber. ¡°A resource of this magnitude must be honed without hesitation. The future of the sect demands it.¡± His words drew a faint murmur from the senior instructors seated just below the elders. One of them, a wiry man with sharp eyes, straightened in his seat. ¡°Indeed. A prodigy of this caliber must be refined carefully. Without proper guidance, his potential will be wasted.¡± The elder on the left waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Potential doesn¡¯t shatter so easily,¡± he said, his tone almost bored. ¡°He needs freedom to grow, not to be smothered under rigid instruction.¡± Another elder folded his aged hands lightly, his voice steady as he spoke with a faintly pleased expression. ¡°Hmm. I agree. He requires discipline. Without it, potential scatters like ash.¡± His smile widened faintly. ¡°But the right discipline¡ªone that allows for freedom. The wrong hand would surely dull his edge.¡± The elder spoke without raising his voice, but each word felt like a command Alex couldn¡¯t ignore. ¡°Your methods are outdated,¡± another elder responded lightly, ¡°Innovation is strength and innovation makes legends.¡± A fourth elder¡¯s lips curved faintly as they nodded in agreement. ¡°Even tradition bends for the exceptional.¡± Alex observed as the instructors and gathered sect elite argued over who would gain such a ¡®legendary¡¯ disciple. The gathered administration¡¯s gaze converged on Jin, their words weaving a subtle contest for control. Alex stood still, noting the shift in tone whenever Jin¡¯s name was mentioned. Their voices overlapped in subversive tones, each carefully testing the waters before pressing their point. Mei said this would be a simple meeting, Alex thought, his gaze steady as it traced the nearest elder¡¯s swaying garments as he protested with passion. Looks more like a battlefield. Jin¡¯s voice slipped into Alex¡¯s mind, so sharp and controlled it was as if the words had been carved into the space itself. ¡°He¡¯s hiding it, but Elder Zhen¡¯s eyes haven¡¯t left you. Watch him. Carefully.¡± Alex¡¯s focus didn¡¯t falter, but the precision of Jin¡¯s transmission clawed at his thoughts. It carried no disturbance, no trail¡ªan execution beyond the reach of someone Jin¡¯s age or experience or level of cultivation. He would have attributed it to his golden spirit root, if the other ¡®golden child¡¯ Lui Xan hadn¡¯t been so conversely unimpressive. That¡¯s another thing he¡¯s done that¡¯s not supposed to be possible, he thought, his mind already adjusting, recalculating what else Jin might be hiding. His response came a moment later, conveyed through Vibrational Silence, a technique from the well protected treasury, its history rooted in an era before the sect¡¯s dominance, when entire nations had relied on its stealth to win wars undetected. Rather than force its way through the listener¡¯s qi, the method synced with natural sound frequencies, embedding itself so subtly it was imperceptible even to ritual formations or barriers. It left no trace of its passage, resonating within Jin¡¯s inner ear as if it had always been there. Alex offered no outward sign, his breathing even, his stance unchanging. The technique¡¯s origin lay in the teachings of the Obsidian Immortal Guard, a vanished martial sect known for their mastery of covert communication and assassination across the empire, before the late Jade Emperor ordered their eradication. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s me he¡¯s watching?¡± Alex responded through the technique. Jin¡¯s stance stiffened almost imperceptibly. Alex noted the faintest pause in his breathing before Jin¡¯s reply followed. ¡°That technique¡­ Vibrational Silence¡­ how do you know it?¡± ¡°Who knows...¡± Alex¡¯s gaze remained forward as he sent the sound transmission. His shifted briefly to Elder Zhen, taking in the man¡¯s form. His robes hung heavily from broad shoulders, the black and gold embroidery dulled by wear. Alex sensed the faint reflective light and hum of ceremonial armour, its enchanted metal hidden beneath the folds, its surface pristine and well cared for. Why is he the only one wearing hidden armour? Alex wondered, shouldn¡¯t he be powerful enough to not need it? Or is he scared of something? Jin¡¯s voice reached Alex through sound transmission, the words threading into his mind. ¡°Zhen Tian,¡± Jin began, the faintest pause following the name. ¡°Strongest of the elders. Or at least, he should be.¡± Alex¡¯s gaze lingered, observing the way Zhen leaned back in his seat, one leg draped over the other, his fingers toying absently with the hilt of a blade strapped to his side. His Qi was the strongest present, that was true, like a star among lesser flames, condensed beyond measure and filling his every cell to bursting. His sword¡¯s sheath was ornate, etched with complex ritual formations, but its placement was too casual and awkward, as though the elder was unfamiliar with how to handle a blade¡ªmore adornment now than a weapon. Jin¡¯s transmitted voice came again, sharper this time. ¡°He¡¯s still young by their standards, only a few centuries. They say his rise was meteoric¡ªdiscipline and diligence that put the rest of the sect to shame. He once spent fifty years in seclusion, training without rest, mastering techniques most would consider impossible.¡± Alex caught the faint scrape of Zhen¡¯s boot against the marble floor as the elder shifted with lazy impatience, the man mumbling about killing them and being done with it beneath his breath, his posture loose and unguarded, his awareness matching that of an amatuers. It didn¡¯t match the image Jin painted. ¡°Why is he acting like that?¡± Alex sent back, his thoughts laced with curiosity.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°No one knows,¡± Jin replied, his voice carrying a subtle undercurrent that Alex could only interpret as distaste. ¡°He was righteous once. Focused. Devout.¡± Jin¡¯s brow furrowed imperceptibly. ¡°Then, a few months ago, he completely changed,¡± Jin continued. ¡°He stopped training. He stopped teaching. Now he spends his days scheming amongst criminals, growing his influence over this world¡¯s underworld, and behaving in ways more befitting of a demonic cultivator.¡± It was strange, but Alex could swear Jin almost sounded pleased with that last element. Jin hesitated before his words continued. ¡°But his discipline has all but disappeared, and there is no strength without discipline. It was mostly likely his activities that led to the little demon¡¯s capture, though I suspect it was through mere subterfuge and betrayal than any feat of strength.¡± ¡°But you said he is the strongest and youngest,¡± Alex¡¯s jaw tightened briefly, his irritation at his latest enemy now being the most powerful elder in the sect, hidden, buried beneath layers of practiced control. Jin smirked as though reading Alex''s mind. ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?¡± Alex transmitted in annoyed tones. Jin¡¯s faint laughter followed, a murmur in Alex¡¯s thoughts. ¡°What¡¯s not to enjoy? These fools are tearing themselves apart for me.¡± One of the elders rose, his movements unhurried yet forceful. His broad shoulders carried a lattice of scars etched into thick, dark skin, his arms adorned with the twisting tattoo of a wyrm coiled around his forearm as if ready to strike, and his bare chest revealed further skin crisscrossed with scars and inked designs. His voice rumbled across the hall, louder than necessary. His voice broke through the noise silence like the snap of a whip. ¡°Enough posturing. Jin will join me. Only I can guide the strength he carries.¡± Jin¡¯s sound transmission flowed seamlessly into Alex¡¯s mind once more, unhurried. ¡°Elder Xun. Beast cultivator. Loves talking about instincts and primal power. He¡¯s direct, but that¡¯s where his creativity ends.¡± Jin¡¯s words slid smoothly into Alex¡¯s mind, sharp with assessment. ¡°He thinks power starts and ends with force. Look at him¡ªscarred, loud, and a little too proud of taming that heavenly wyrm everyone talks about.¡± Alex shifted his weight slightly, his gaze traveling to the elder¡¯s massive hands, calloused and strong. ¡°The wyrm¡¯s not here. Is that because he¡¯s got it leashed or because he¡¯s scared of losing control?¡± ¡°Both.¡± Jin¡¯s response carried the faintest flicker of amusement. ¡°It¡¯s one the sect¡¯s better weapons, with its cultivation high as it is, but it¡¯s chained deep underground. Even he knows it¡¯s dangerous.¡± Before Alex could ask more, another elder rose. Her movements were graceful, precise, her slender fingers brushing the hem of her silver-threaded robes. Her attire seemed alive, the threads mirroring the faint ripple of water disturbed by a single stone. She clasped her hands before her, and when she spoke, her voice carried a melodic exactness that demanded attention. ¡°Strength without control is a waste. He needs refinement.¡± She turned to face her. ¡°Jin. I will hone your potential into something unparalleled.¡± Jin nodded respectfully. ¡°Sound cultivator,¡± Jin said, the words sliding into Alex¡¯s thoughts. ¡°She¡¯s meticulous, ruthless. That¡¯s Elder Ling. A good choice. Her techniques have destroyed entire sects. Ever see an army destroy itself from the inside out? I¡¯ve heard she made it look like art.¡± Alex¡¯s eyes followed the slight movement of her hands, the way the rings on her fingers hummed faintly, constantly emitting sound waves as she immediately disregarded him to observe Jin whilst debating with her peers. ¡°She acts... Precise and cold. She seems like the type to discard broken tools.¡± ¡°She¡¯s the opposite,¡± Jin disagreed. ¡°If you¡¯re perfect, you¡¯re useless to her. What she craves is efficient clay. Deadly efficient and mouldable like her.¡± ¡°The one speaking beside her is Elder Lei¡± Jin¡¯s voice followed quickly, his thoughts sharper now. ¡°Ritual formation master. Useful, I suppose, but unimaginative.¡± Alex glanced at the elder, noting the rigid lines of his posture, the deliberate precision of the Qi that constantly encircled him in invisible fractal patterns, rigid and unyielding. ¡°Not flexible, then.¡± He estimated. ¡°No room for error.¡± ¡°None,¡± Jin confirmed. ¡°But if he sets you up for success, no one can touch you.¡± The sharp bark of laughter that followed drew Alex¡¯s gaze. One of the elders lounged in his seat, a wide grin splitting his face. His thick arms crossed over his chest, the thick fabric of his plain robes obscuring the powerful frame beneath. His arms were thick and crisscrossed with old battle scars, filled with casual yet raw power as if carved from unyielding stone. ¡°All this talk of control and rituals. Jin doesn¡¯t need any of that. What he needs is strength¡ªthe kind you earn through pain and blood. Put him in my hands, and I¡¯ll make him unbreakable.¡± Jin¡¯s voice turned quiet, almost contemplative. ¡°That¡¯s the pugilist. Wu Shan. No robes, no artifacts. Just fists, body tempering, and scars. His disciples either become monsters or die trying.¡± Alex studied the elder¡¯s relaxed posture, the weight of his presence, undeniable even in stillness. Wu Shan¡¯s brow bore the worn strength of a man who lived and fought on the edge, and his hands were thick with calluses, resting lightly on the chair¡¯s arms. ¡°He¡¯s raw. Direct. Not subtle.¡± ¡°And impressive,¡± Jin added. ¡°His technique is¡­ unique. It¡¯s quite original, so much so that I doubt it¡¯s even truly his.¡± Alex could¡¯ve sworn he saw a hint of greed flash across Jin¡¯s stoic expression for a split second. ¡°Watch carefully, Alex,¡± Jin said, his tone quieter now, though his words carried an edge. ¡°This is the Ben Nui Sect. They don¡¯t care about you. They don¡¯t even care about me. All they want is power.¡± Another elder, seated calmly to the side, interjected. ¡°Freedom without guidance leads to waste. But guidance without adaptability is no better.¡± His gaze shifted briefly to Jin. ¡°You have shown adaptability. Tell me, how would you respond to the right hand guiding you? Who would you like to follow?¡± ¡°I am grateful for any teaching, though I find myself intrigued by the art of body tempering.¡± Jin straightened and turned to face the elder before his words followed. "And I will follow with poise. I will focus on what needs to be done. The rest is noise." ¡°Very good.¡± The elder responded with a satisfied smile. ¡°A fair choice. The defeat of one almost a stage higher than you is a victory unheard of in this sect¡¯s history.¡± The large rough elder Alex understood to be the master of body tempering let out a quiet huff from his seat near the center. His posture was relaxed, though his hands clasped tightly in front of him. ¡°Victory,¡± he said, his voice sounding calm but gruff. ¡°If such a word applies. Circumstances favouring survival are not the same as strength.¡± The formation master to his side chuckled softly, his head tilting slightly. ¡°Spoken like a man unfamiliar with seizing victory from death. With the difference in cultivation levels, even incapacitated, without the necessary strength it would take only the most masterful of attacks to even harm them.¡± Alex straightened his posture. Behind him, the hall doors shut closed. He noticed Mei stood by the entrance with a collection of attending servants, her small form relaxed and her gaze wary as she observed the proceedings from the sidelines. ¡°Now, let us move on to ceremony.¡± It was then that the formation master turned, finally regarding Alex¡¯s presence. ¡°Provisional disciple Alex. You have returned from the trial, second only to Jin of the Golden Root. An unexpected result.¡± The elder was stern and unyielding, his words cutting. ¡°You will recount the events of the trial,¡± Mistress Yan Hua interjected, her voice overwhelming all others as she met his gaze. ¡°Every detail. Leave nothing out.¡± The collection of elders¡¯ and instructions hushed as their stares pressed down on him, but it hardly registered to Alex¡ª he had faced worse. His mind flashed briefly to the phoenix feathers, the blood-stained tiger pelt, and the corpse of the demon cultivator. He stepped forward, aware of every pair of eyes in the room as he moved closer, allowing his domain to engulf their forms, granting him an omniscient measure of their states. They were powerful, each and every one of them. His fingers curled at his sides. Stick to the agreed story. He met Mistress Yan Hua¡¯s gaze, keeping his expression neutral. ¡°The trial started with slaughter,¡± he said. ¡°The portal delivered us to the tests realm¡ªthe forest¡ª but it was full of spirit beasts made from demonic rituals and traces past conflicts. Most of the bodies were missing.¡± Elder Zhen shifted slightly, his movement almost imperceptible, but Alex caught it. The man¡¯s disinterest was a practiced mask, yet the faintest shift of intent registered in his posture. Alex forced himself to continue with the same steady cadence. ¡°Jin and I encountered and defeated a blood creature early on.¡± ¡°Our diviners registered your encounter with a pack.¡± The formation master interjected with sceptical features. ¡°The pack came shortly after, they were rabid, mindless, and driven by whatever ritual had formed them,¡± Alex recovered quickly with the truth, ¡°but they were only in the first level of Qi gathering and we dispatched them without issue.¡± A senior instructor leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with skepticism. ¡°At your cultivation level? Unlikely.¡± Alex met the man¡¯s gaze evenly. ¡°Jin handled most of the combat,¡± he admitted. ¡°I provided support where I could.¡± The answer satisfied no one, but it allowed him to proceed. ¡°We advanced deeper into the realm, avoiding unnecessary confrontations. By the second day, we reached the central region, where a majority of the survivors awaited.¡± Elder Zhen¡¯s gaze landed on Alex. ¡°Yes, Lui Xan and the others, the diviners confirmed that, too.¡± The man¡¯s expression was vague, his eyes flat and disinterested, yet somehow piercing. His lips curled in a slight grimace as he leaned back in his seat, fingers tapping idly on the armrest. He looks like he¡¯s already decided something, Alex thought. But he¡¯s still trying to hide his true feelings from everyone else¡­ Why? Alex paused, considering his next words. He glanced briefly toward Elder Zhen with curiosity, noting how his face remained an impassive mask before continuing. ¡°The Blood Phoenix had already been defeated when we arrived,¡± Alex said. ¡°The little demon had destroyed it.¡± Ripples of discomfort washed over the gathered elders and instructors. Even Mistress Yan Hua¡¯s gaze sharpened slightly, though she said nothing. ¡°Jin and I watched from a distance,¡± Alex continued. ¡°The cultivator himself was left weakened and gravely injured with his internal organs exposed and his Qi reserves nearly depleted, though he was still standing.¡± A murmur passed through the room, faint yet somehow immensely loud. Mistress Yan Hua leaned forward. ¡°And then?¡± The Little Demon?¡± she asked. ¡°His death could not be divined.¡± Alex¡¯s eyes turned briefly to his impromptu companion, who stood further back, his posture calm. ¡°Jin struck the final blow¡± Alex said simply. Another murmur spread through the room, louder than the last, the details of his account igniting a mix of reactions. Some elders exchanged knowing glances, their excitement barely veiled. Others nodded faintly, their interest piqued to brimming by the calculated feat of the story. ¡°A first-stage disciple defeating an eighth-level being? The stars shine upon Wu Shan¡¯s fortune,¡± a peripheral elder¡¯s voice carried a faint edge of bloodlust, his eyes alight with greed. ¡°You returned with the Fire Tiger¡¯s pelt. Explain how you came by it.¡± Elder Zhen interrupted with a wave of his hand, his voice carrying an impatient timbre. Alex inclined his head slightly. ¡°The Fire Tiger was already dead when we found it,¡± he said simply. Another elder, seated to Zhen¡¯s left, leaned forward to inspect Alex, his eyes glowing faintly with Qi. ¡°Luck seems to follow you, Alex.¡± ¡°It would seem so.¡± Alex met his gaze steady and firm but did not elaborate. For all the endless benefits and access gaining the sect¡¯s favour could bring him, he simply had too much to lose. The risk of his anomalous nature being discovered before he had gained the power needed to defend himself was currently astronomical. Better they think it¡¯s luck than skill, he thought. For now. Elder Zhen¡¯s lips twitched, his expression filled with poorly hidden irritation. ¡°Luck has its limits,¡± he said, turning his head lazily to regard his peer before turning to regard Alex. ¡°We shall see how far it carries you.¡± ¡°Convenient,¡± he continued, his tone devoid of warmth, smooth and unhurried. ¡°That my nephew was both one of the few killed by a sword with such precision, and one of the very few whose nature of death was unable to be accurately divined. Almost as if by design.¡± Alex turned his gaze to the elder, his expression unreadable. ¡°The trial realm is unpredictable, Elder. We adapted to its challenges as best we could.¡± Yan Hua stepped forward before anyone else could speak. ¡°Enough.¡± Her firm voice interrupted the exchange as she leaned forward slightly, her gaze locking onto Alex. ¡°You performed well in the trial. Second place is no small feat. The sect recognizes your achievement.¡± Her words should have felt like validation, but to Alex It was anything but that. ¡°Your reward will reflect your accomplishment,¡± she continued. ¡°The pelt, three months of isolation training and a technique scroll from the my private treasury, one never before bestowed to disciples of your rank. Your servant will guide you to its location.¡± Alex inclined his head. ¡°Thank you, Mistress Yan Hua.¡± Elder Zhen¡¯s lips curved faintly, the expression more gesture than smile. ¡°A generous reward,¡± he remarked. He leaned back, his attention already drifting elsewhere. ¡°Let us hope he proves worthy of it.¡± Hah, I bet he thinks he¡¯s hurting my progress, I couldn¡¯t ask for a better reward, Alex inclined his head once more in amusement. ¡°Thank you, Elder Zhen.¡± Elder Zhen¡¯s gaze lingered on Alex a moment longer before he nodded dismissively. ¡°Very well. We are done here.¡± As Alex turned to leave, he caught the faintest hint of amusement in Yan Hua¡¯s eyes, and something that seemed to border on hopeful approval. Judging me, are you? he thought, keeping his face carefully blank. Mei fell into step behind him as they left the chamber. Jin, who had remained silent throughout the meeting, stepped forward, his voice soundlessly transmitted to Alex¡¯s mind. ¡°You handled that well,¡± he said, his tone measured. ¡°Thanks I guess,¡± Alex responded though none but Jin could hear. ¡°I almost forgot to ask, what kind of world did you give me?¡± Alex remained focused on the exit as he made to leave, his expression neutral and betraying nothing. ¡°And do you think it¡¯s over? Will things go quiet before the next test? Or is there more?¡± ¡°A good one, your servant will tell you the details.¡± Alex sensed Jin¡¯s lips curved faintly, the closest thing to a smile he had seen from him since the meeting began. ¡°And no. It¡¯s just beginning.¡± His voice carried no inflection, but Alex caught the sharpness in his tone, like a blade concealed under silk. He left, walking toward solitude, his mind restless with questions about the treasure in his pocket and the world it would send him to. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 30: Blood Gods Three months. Alex had been tasked with three months of isolation to focus on nothing but ¡®training.¡¯ It was a ploy designed to stilt his progress, but he planned to turn the task into a catalyst for that massive change. First, he would master whatever high-level technique they had made a show of giving him, and visit both of the worlds in his possession while attempting to enhance or master as many of his skills as he could, whether they were old, new, or granted by the realm of skills he was forced to visit each morning. ¡°A new world, huh,¡± Alex muttered while cradling the newest golden orb in his hand. The world treasure carried an unnatural weight, not heavy but imposing, as if it wanted to sink through his palm and into the earth below. The glyphs hummed faintly, their lines near-perfect and clean, as though carved by something with surgical claws rather than tools. Mei exhaled sharply, her steps quickening as she muttered, ¡°Glad I don¡¯t have to sit through that mess. One of those paranoid old fossils is losing it over a supposed break-in, but the formation master just keeps saying everything¡¯s fine, that no alarms triggered.¡± Her fingers tapped lightly against the manual in her hand before she glanced at Alex. ¡°If they ever bother to check the inner chamber, though...¡± She snorted, shaking her head. ¡°It might actually kill them.¡± He glanced back at Mei, walking beside him, guiding him to the seclusion chamber deep in the surrounding mountain, her short stride quick and energetic despite the early hour. Her voice cut through the silence, abrupt and curious as she shifted to eye his world treasure. "So? Gonna open it?" Alex shook his head, tucking the orb carefully into his inventory pouch. "Not yet," he said. "I¡¯ve got questions first. Is this the test world? It can¡¯t be, right?" Both his thoughts and his voice held scepticism. It shouldn¡¯t be. Judging by the system message, that¡¯s a full year away. Mei glanced at him, the small straps at her waist rustling faintly as she turned. "No," she said briskly, adjusting her clothing, ¡°disciples aren¡¯t allowed into their test worlds until the day of the test, next year. That¡¯s sect law, your test world¡¯s locked away until you¡¯re out. You won¡¯t even be able to monitor it during isolation training." Alex turned the orb again, tracing the grooves near its base. "Then what is this? A gift?" He held it up slightly, weighing it again in his mind. "Why would they hand it over now?" Mei gestured at the orb. "They didn¡¯t, Jin gave it to me this morning. Said it was ¡®to pass the time¡¯ and left. I think they all believe no outer disciple has a chance of gaining anything from that ridiculous technique and will just be staring at cave walls the whole time." That reasoning made the gifted world seem like a well-intended gesture, but despite that, suspicion coiled within Alex. He turned the orb over again, its golden surface glinting in the light of the sun as he headed towards the furthest ends of the mountainous valley the sect resided in. Alex felt mildly conflicted¡ªWhile a random ¡®gift¡¯ from Jin carried too many complexities, the prospect of a new world also held boons, from specialised materials, items, and to even more specialised skill crystals, whether gained from beasts or quests. The first skills he had gained had been vaguely related to Phoenix¡¯s due to the creature that had resided in the dungeon, and then there was the dark skill crystal that had granted him Bestial Senses, the foundation for his domain. Not to mention the demonic skill crystals from the demonic incursion dungeon that had granted him his sword clone milestone skill that had ultimately led to his ability to absorb sword egos. It seemed that the classes and skills granted to worlds mostly seemed to follow racial themes, allowing the more exceptional beings among their number to stray further and further from said themes. His skill, Assimilate Nexus, would alter any skill crystal he utilised to activate as a class skill and fall under the influence of his nature as a swordsman, or what the system referred to as a ¡®systemic sword sovereign.¡¯ So the more worlds I visit, the more varied and powerful my skill set can become, and I can use each unique skill gained to advance or consolidate the others, his eyes lit up with interest at the thought. It was an enticing prospect, but still, from what he¡¯d seen of Jin so far, the youth didn¡¯t strike him as the type to do things without reason. So why did he decide to give me a world? He¡¯s clearly trying to get in my good graces¡­ Lui Xan and the others seemed pretty scared of him too, but Mei simply calls him the ¡®Golden Child,¡¯ as though he¡¯s a harmless model disciple¡­ Alex turned the possibilities over in his mind, calculating whether to utilise the gesture or simply discard it altogether before he glanced back at Mei to question the deciding factor "What¡¯s its rank?" "Rank?" Mei blinked. "Didn¡¯t anyone explain how to gauge it? Of course not. Figures." She pointed a finger at the orb. "Look for the mark near the base. It should have a series of glyphs¡ªcount the segments. One mark means ¡®F¡¯, two means ¡®E¡¯, and so on." Alex tilted the orb, scanning its surface until the glyphs emerged from the twisting designs. Five segments. His chest tightened slightly as he counted again to be sure. "D," he muttered aloud. Mei raised an eyebrow, her expression unimpressed. "D-rank," she said, tapping her chin. "Not bad. That means everything in that world will have a base stat minimum of 400 in every category. Stronger creatures could hit 800 before levelling, he thought. 2000 to 4000 total base stats, he mused. That was leagues above the E-ranked beings of Pyra and the F-ranked humans he presumed Earth held when the system first arrived. Those initial base numbers had ranged from 1 to 10¡ªbarely a fraction of what he now held. He tightened his grip on the orb, forcing his thoughts to stay focused. "What kind of world is it? Jin said it was a good one."Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. She stopped abruptly, her boots skidding slightly on the path as she turned to face him. ¡°When did he tell you that? I didn¡¯t see you two talk.¡± ¡°Of course you didn¡¯t¡±, Alex projected into her mind through sound transmission. Mei blinked, startled, and took half a step back. ¡°Weird. Mental skills are for weirdos. You should focus on stabbing things instead.¡± Alex¡¯s response was immediate. ¡°You mean like you?¡± ¡°Exactly!,¡± she shot back. She glanced pointedly at the orb. "Anyway, what do you care about the nature of the world? It¡¯s only D-rank so it¡¯s nothing compared to the imperials or beasts you faced in the trial. Just go in, wreck stuff, and come out stronger. Or maybe you could treat it as a three-month vacation¡ª it¡¯s not like you need the time; it¡¯ll probably only take you a few minutes to learn that technique they gave you." Alex¡¯s grip on the orb loosened slightly. "Humor me. What did Jin say about it?" Mei blinked, the question catching her off guard. "Huh? Oh, uh¡­" She scrunched her nose, clearly straining to remember. "I don¡¯t know, I kind of zoned out when he was talking. Something about it being a good match for you. Mentioned blood a lot, something about blood gods, blood creatures, blood this, blood that¡ªblood, blood, blood." She shrugged, then waved her hands dramatically, like swatting invisible flies. ¡°He kept saying it like it meant something to me. Honestly, he lost me after the fourth ''blood.''" Her words repeated faintly in his mind as he turned them over. Blood. The word stirred something striking in his thoughts. Jin wouldn¡¯t give him a world like this without a purpose. The world he¡¯d been given had to be related to the nature of his spirit beast core in some way. It was the blood. The blood beast he¡¯d absorbed, the blood spirit beast core he now possessed, and the blood arts that had followed. The thought lingered, turning in the back of his mind like an unopened vault. Blood gods. Blood creatures, he thought. What had Jin called it¡ªa good world? Good for who? Mei leaned closer, her voice cutting through his introspection. "Why is Jin even helping you, anyway? What¡¯s his deal?" Alex paused, the orb still in his hand. "I¡¯m not sure," he said. "We worked together in the trial. Survived some sticky situations." "But you don¡¯t trust him?" Alex glanced at her then as his grip on the orb loosened slightly. "No. Not entirely." *** The isolation training region rested on the far end of the mountain range that encased the valley, its chambers carved side by side into the mountain. Alex entered his chamber with Mei. The room was well-lit, and his eyes immediately caught the groove in the entrance where he presumed a door would shut. The hall outside gleamed with a near-marble polish. Inside the chamber, a massive container filled with nutritional pills stood prominently, and Mei handed him a manual as they entered the innermost section of the isolation chamber. Alex cradled the golden orb in his palm. Its surface radiated energy, a dense and complex weave of shifting structures that seemed both ancient and incomprehensible. His fingertips tingled faintly as he adjusted its weight, feeling the subtle pull of its energies, like veins breathing just beneath the skin. It didn¡¯t seem alive, but it felt far from inert. Jin must¡¯ve given this to me for a reason, he thought, though no clarity followed. The patterns shifted slightly when he tilted it¡ªlayers of them repeating¡ªbut there was no warmth, no response, no acknowledgement of his touch. In order to enter the world, he would have two options. The first would be to incorporate it into his dantian, which would trigger the treasure¡¯s mana siphoning and conversion process to infuse his every cell with constant and persistent body-strengthening Qi, boosting each of his stats beyond ten thousand. But That would almost definitely kill me, he thought with concern. Whilst his mana was on cooldown, his body was devoid of the substance, and could freely channel Qi. But the moment his cool-down ended, this heart would fill his body with mana, and that mana would violently clash with any present Qi within him, erasing him from existence. He found it curious that his body¡¯s natural mana flow steered clear of both his dantian and his spirit beast core when dormant and unaltered, as though by design. The cool-down lasts two hours, but to even enter cool-down I¡¯d need to trigger the mana burn skill for thirty seconds. The moment that happens I¡¯m done for, he thought. Yeah, no thanks, once the reinforcement process starts, it sticks until the treasure is removed or swapped out for a different one. The second option it is, then. The second option was to find the world treasure¡¯s nexus point, a concentration of all of its energies that acted as a sort of lock. Alex would need to simply channel his Qi into the point to enter the world, though wasn¡¯t exactly sure of the fine details, but that was the only safe path of entry. The treasure warmed slightly in Alex¡¯s grip, its surface firm yet vibrating faintly, as if containing something restless. His Qi moved into it, tentative at first, then more deliberate as he searched for something unmistakable. He focused, the patterns beneath his perception sharpening, their weight heavier the deeper he went. His breathing slowed, the faint hum of the treasure growing sharper in his awareness. Then he felt it¡ªa singular point, dense and unyielding, drawing his attention like a hidden star within a vast sky. His focus narrowed as his Qi pressed into the point, steady and deliberate. The warmth surged briefly in his palms before golden text materialized before him, suspended in midair. [Would you like to enter stored world designation: ¡®Serra¡¯ of cluster ¡®4179-A¡¯?] [Enter World | Monitor world | Integrate world] Both the ¡°monitor¡± and ¡°integrate¡± options were greyed out, leaving only the choice to enter. ¡°Do you want to come with me?¡± Alex asked, his grip on the orb firm as he turned to her. Mei pushed her hair back, her eyes moving briefly to the treasure before landing back on him. ¡°I¡¯d love to,¡± she said, her hand making a small motion toward the chamber. ¡°Anywhere¡¯s better than this place.¡± Her hand lowered, her fingers brushing the edge of the pathway as she added, ¡°but I know how they think¡ªif I¡¯m gone, they¡¯ll come looking. The first place they¡¯ll check is this chamber, and they¡¯ll find nothing but that orb sitting here. It¡¯d only make things worse for you.¡± She gestured faintly toward the space around them. ¡°So no, I can¡¯t. But... thanks for asking.¡±She exhaled softly, stepping back as she handed him the manual tucked under her arm. ¡°See you soon.¡± She spun on her heel and made to leave, her boots clicking as they scuffed the smooth stone floor as her form faded. The sound bounced off the high walls, too loud in the quiet chamber, drawing Alex¡¯s attention back to her earlier words. Jin didn¡¯t seem like the type to give distractions. The orb had purpose, buried deep in its golden threads. The patterns on the world treasure twisted endlessly, reminding Alex of fractals he¡¯d seen back on Earth¡ªshapes that repeated forever, infinitely complex but never truly complete. Like this world Jin had given him, a puzzle whose pieces refused to fit. Alex selected ¡®Enter¡¯ and felt the orb''s energies surge, transporting him to an entirely different world. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 31: The Summoned Hero The familiar sensation of traversing worlds engulfed Alex, but something was different¡ªhe felt a distant pull that started faint, then suddenly grew in intensity. The sensation hit like a freight train. Alex¡¯s knees didn¡¯t buckle and his body didn¡¯t falter, but his mind registered the unrelenting force that pulled against his entry as the world around him¡ªno, something deeper than the world¡ªshifted. His body turned weightless, his stomach lurching like he¡¯d been thrown off a cliff. The air cracked like a thunderclap and for a moment, there was only a deafening roar in his ears, as though he had been yanked through the heart of a storm. Then it was gone, replaced by an unnatural stillness as he appeared suspended, floating in midair. [For entering his world, Deity class being designation ¡®Vyragorastushemayxar¡¯ of planet designation ¡®Serra¡¯ has granted you the feat ¡®Serra Born¡¯ and ¡®Blood Child¡¯] [Error¡ª User is not a native to world designation ¡®Serra¡¯] [Feat ¡®Serra Born¡¯ removed] [Feat ¡®Blood Child¡¯ removed] [Assessing means of world entry¡­] [¡­] [Feat ¡®Blood Summoned (Temporary)¡¯ gained!] [Feat ¡®Hero (Temporary)¡¯ gained!] Well¡­ that¡¯s new, he thought idly through the sensation, observing his new surroundings. His stomach churned softly as gravity returned, landing him gently on his feet on a cold, unfamiliar surface. He knelt slowly to press his palm against the surface beneath him¡ªsmooth, faintly warm, filled with enough mana to power all of his skills many times over. A ritual circle of some kind, he surmised. Massive, perfectly drawn, lines interlocking with unnatural precision beneath them. Light exploded into being as whatever ritual had pulled him here finalised, stretching out in all directions. Alex shielded his eyes and extended his senses in all directions, an instinct honed from constantly dealing with forces that had no regard for human life. One moment, he had been on his way to a random location in this new world, most likely somewhere separated from civilisation. The next, he found himself pulled to a grand, circular throne room filled with opulent designs that felt alive in their detail. Walls stretched high, an almost cathedral-like expanse, but carved in something magical and not quite stone. His wrapped and covered feet scuffed against the marble floor, the sound sharp in the calm stillness. He squinted upward. He wasn¡¯t alone. Around him, others were landing. They appeared in flashes of light and sound¡ªdisparate figures materialising like fragments of a broken mosaic being pieced together, one after another, each arrival accompanied by a breathless collapse, their bodies unable to withstand the force as he had. So far there¡¯s twenty of us, and more are arriving each second, Alex counted each flash of light and collapsed figure as they appeared. They sprawled, gasped, or staggered upright, confusion plastered across their faces. Some among them arrived to stand undisturbed, each radiating an aura of something beyond human. To Alex¡¯s right, a woman with sharp features and cropped hair was already standing, her arms folded across a chestplate of some strange metallic weave. She clenched her fists, and Alex noticed her knuckles bore calluses¡ªevidence of someone used to hitting things, hard. Her gaze darted around like a hawk. To his left, a tall man with dark skin and a silver streak in his braided hair was staring at his hands, flexing them experimentally. His hands crackled with energy that Alex didn¡¯t immediately recognize. It wasn¡¯t mana, but it coursed through him like a second heartbeat. A young man amongst them knelt to place his hand against the floor in excitement, muttering under his breath as he examined the bright network of symbols underfoot, his fingers tracing the flowing patterns with keen interest. His clothing appeared to resemble that of some kind of student. ¡°What the hell is this?¡± a gruff male voice amongst the crowd questioned. Alex turned. Across the room, a hulking figure rose unsteadily to his full height, easily seven and a half feet tall. Some ways ahead, water splashed onto the ground, coalescing into a fluid humanoid form. Its surface glistened with faint reflections until it slowly solidified, resembled a young woman in form-fitting clothing who looked as though she was constantly submerged, her hair swaying slowly through the air. The last to arrive was a hulking mass of segmented silver plates, constantly shifting to reveal a mechanical figure taller than Alex by at least two heads. Its movements were unnervingly fluid, as though each segment of metal had a life of its own, and its body emitted a faint hum as its glowing eyes swept across the group with methodical precision. ¡°Good, the last of them has arrived. Thirty is less than we expected¡­ they must be powerful,¡± a voice called out, clear and commanding. Figures surrounded them in a wide semicircle. At the edges of the platform, a series of elevated balconies where pale-skinned figures in angular armour stood watching silently. At the centre balcony stood a central figure, unnaturally pale¡ª so much so that she appeared pale as death, with piercingly red eyes and long pointed ears. Her attire gleamed, a mix of metal and flowing cloth that blurred the line between armour and regality. Her eyes met his, sharp and assessing. She wasn¡¯t alone. Beside her, men and women stood as still as statues, their stares cutting through the space like the blades they held. Each of them seemed¡­ more. Taller, sharper, brighter. They looked at him as though dissecting a curiosity. Alex didn¡¯t like it. This¡­ doesn¡¯t feel like a random placement, he thought, his mind steady despite the chaos. His eyes turned from face to face of the armoured figures, cataloguing details¡ªthe curl of a lip, the grip of a hand on a weapon, the subtle shifts in weight that hinted at readiness. None of them seemed surprised to see him, and each seemed ready to act, as though their very presence was a contingency. ¡°Heroes summoned from across the realms, we beseech your aid!¡± All heads snapped toward the source, looking past the surrounding robed figures with faces hidden behind ornate masks whose hands were outstretched in unison. Behind them, at the far end of the chamber stood a dais, and atop it, a massive throne loomed, carved from something that looked like gold and shining with veins of liquid light. Seated there was a man in elaborate robes of deep crimson, a crown of silver and jewels resting crookedly on his head. The king¡¯s voice once again broke the silence. ¡°You have been brought to this realm to fulfil a great purpose. Your power and your potential is undoubtedly unparalleled¡ª only you can stand against the tide of destruction that threatens our world.¡± The man on the throne rose, spreading his arms wide. His voice carried the weight of rehearsed authority, though Alex noticed the slightest tremor in his hands. A speech. Maybe one repeated before. A low groan escaped Alex¡¯s lips before he could stop it. Seriously? Chosen ones? Alex turned his attention back to the group he had arrived with. Some looked ready to fight, their hands raised or burning faintly with quickly gathering energy. Others seemed indifferent, scanning the room with measured precision. No one spoke. A man in the crowd crossed his arms. "You brought us here without our permission," he said flatly. "Return us at once." The king responded, undeterred. ¡°We understand you may be confused. Afraid. Angry. But know that you were not chosen lightly. Your destinies are entwined with the fate of this realm, and only through your strength can salvation be achieved¡­¡± Alex zoned out the speech, only half paying attention as he spread his attention to those around him. A few still seemed ready to fire back, perhaps to escape or gain their return through force, but most remained silent, watching. Waiting. Each of the summoned individuals'' bodies radiated tightly contained mana, about a tenth of what Alex held within his vast reserves, torrents of energy constantly pouring into their bodies. Some held slightly larger reserves than others and possessed mana that constantly cycled through them in a way that reminded him of cultivation, while others held complex circuit-like pathways of mana that threaded through their forms in intricate and layered arrays. This group wasn¡¯t a random collection of people. They each had the look of individuals used to walking into dangerous situations and coming out on top. Alex let out a low breath through his nose, mildly impressed, though he had seen better. Directly in front of him, a serpentine creature coiled gracefully, its scales reflecting the colours of the moon as it stretched its arms. It had closed eyes, but the way it tilted its head suggested awareness. Across from him, the being composed entirely of flowing water eyed the armoured retinue above. Nearby, a figure cloaked in shifting shadows solidified, its features obscured but its presence imposing. Alex sensed muscle and claws buried beneath the shadows. "Well, this is different," Alex muttered. "Indeed," replied a voice like the rustling of leaves. The serpentine creature turned toward him, revealing a mouth filled with crystalline teeth. "I was in the middle of a hunt." A low chuckle came from the shadowed figure beside it. "I was hunting too, though not in the way you¡¯d imagine." The king continued his short speech, spewing rehearsed sentences about their collective potential, weapons and rewards they would receive, and something about a god¡¯s blessing, though nothing else he said seemed to hold any real value or information about their circumstances. A closing sentence from the king brought Alex back to attention due to the sheer strangeness of its contents.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ¡°¡­You are now bound to this land and its people, chosen to protect them from annihilation. Your arrival is a blessing beyond measure.¡± A woman in the summoned group stepped forward, her sharp features illuminated by the unnatural light of the braziers. Her crimson cloak shifted slightly as she moved, revealing glinting plates of armour beneath. She crossed her arms, her expression neutral but her voice biting. ¡°Chosen? Bound? Summoned without permission?¡± Her tone was calm, but her words carried weight. ¡°Explain. Now.¡± At this, one of the robed men stepped forward. ¡°You must understand,¡± he began, ¡°Our world is under siege,¡± he said, their voice steady, holding the lack of inflexion one would expect from practised words. ¡°Not by armies, nor by war, but by stagnation. The balance of power has tilted too far in one direction, and the natural order is breaking. You have been chosen to restore it.¡± The metallic being shifted, its voice a series of overlapping tones that sounded like words. ¡°Chosen? By what mechanism?¡± The robed figure continued. ¡°You have been summoned through the Rite of Stars,¡± the mage began, his voice measured and flat. ¡°A ritual devised in the ancient days, when mortal kingdoms faced destruction at the hands of powers beyond their reckoning. Through the ritual, we draw individuals from distant realms¡ªthose whose strength, skill, and potential surpasses anything this world could offer. The ritual is precise. It brings only those capable of altering the tide of fate. You see¡ª¡± The king interjected with stern impatience. ¡°The mechanism is irrelevant. What matters is that you are here. Without your aid, my kingdom¡ªno, this entire world¡ªwill fall. We have no alternative.¡± The darker-skinned man stepped forward, his boots clicking against the stone platform. ¡°Let¡¯s cut to the chase,¡± he said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°What exactly are we restoring balance from? And who decides what that balance looks like?¡± The King paused before continuing. ¡°Our world was once ruled by the Blood God, a being whose power still influences all life here. His progeny, the Demigods and Sanguinari walk among us, enforcing their will and extracting tribute. For centuries, this has been our way. But now, their influence grows unchecked. Entire regions are collapsing under their demands. If this continues, our world will fracture and all will be lost.¡± The tall man with the braided hair raised a hand as though he were in a classroom. ¡°Yeah, question. What if we don¡¯t care about your realm?¡± The metallic being shifted its segments again, this time louder. ¡°Define all will be lost,¡± it rasped, its voice a strange inhuman rumbling. A young man amidst the crowd of summoned was kneeling, his gaze excitedly fixed on the magic patterns surging through the floor. He paused, straightened, and tilted his head, his expression thoughtful as he looked up. ¡°So, you want us to take on a literal god and his children? Sounds like a raw deal.¡± The king hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. He looked to his mages, and one of them¡ªa gaunt figure with sunken eyes¡ªstepped forward. ¡°I understand your anger,¡± he said. ¡°And we do not ask this lightly. But you must understand¡ªthis is not just our fight. If the Blood God¡¯s influence continues to spread, it will reach beyond this world. Your own realms will not be safe.¡± Alex almost scoffed at the sentence. If they wanted to present him with an otherworldly threat, they would have to get in line. The group of summoned heroes paused, before the mechanical figure finally spoke, its voice a deep, resonant hum. ¡°There is no evidence. Provide proof of this claim.¡± The robed individuals stood in a wide circle, their hands raised, trembling from exertion. Glowing symbols on their garments matched the ones on the floor. Some of them faltered, collapsing to their knees, their breaths ragged and shallow. Blood dripped from the edges of their sleeves, pooling silently at their feet. Alex felt a tug, a pull of responsibility stemming from the mana released by the spoken words of the surrounding robed men, though he didn''t fully understand how it had even managed to affect him. With a thought, he rallied his internal mana to expel the foreign influence. [User ''Hiden'' has affected you with the debuff ''Vein Song'' - your will shall be shifted to align with the user''s goals for the duration of the skill¡¯s activation.] [User ''Valen'' has affected you with the debuff ¡®Veiled Vision¡¯ - you will be unable to view debuffs selected by the user in your status sheet for the skill¡¯s duration¡­] [User ''Homen'' has affected you with the debuff ¡®Minor Blood thrall¡¯ - For the skill¡¯s duration, You will find yourself unable to resist any reasonable commands set by the user. ¡®Reason¡¯ is determined by your ¡®intelligence¡¯ stat.] [User¡­] [User¡­] Notifications flashed before him, alerting him to an apparent plethora of debuffs, each solely aimed at subverting his decision-making and clarity concerning refusing to aid the kingdom. It was curious, that the combination of mental skills didn¡¯t seek complete control over the summoned heroes, only to ensure that they were incapable of refusing the mission. Alex wondered if that was due to moral reasons, or simply because the kingdom didn¡¯t have skills powerful enough to completely bind high-level people and were merely limited to suggestion. Either way, it didn¡¯t bode well. [You have resisted debuff ¡®Vein Song¡¯ - effect removed] [You have resisted debuff ¡®Veiled Vision¡¯ - effect removed] [You have resisted debuff ¡®Minor Blood Thrall¡¯ - effect removed] [You have resisted¡­] [You have resisted¡­] [You have resisted¡­] A figure stepped forward from the king¡¯s right, clad in ceremonial robes layered with protective enchantments. They raised a hand, and a translucent window of text appeared before them, likely projected by his skills. ¡°The process is complete,¡± the figure announced. Their voice carried authority. ¡°The summoning has stabilized. The variables are contained.¡± The word contained didn¡¯t sit well with Alex. He had ensured not a spec of foreign mana existed within his condensed domain the moment he had felt the debuff¡¯s energy encroaching, his previous experience battling mind-controlling monsters back on Pyra causing him to do so on instinct, a muscle memory of sorts. He could have attempted to free the others of the foreign influence too, but he was only intimately familiar with the nature of his energies and pathways, whilst theirs were completely foreign. It was likely the attempt could lead to unpredictable results or cause more harm than good. And Mei said I should stay away from mental skills, how wrong she was, he thought idly as he regarded the others around him. If he had listened to her, he would have ended up willingly following their mission without ever being aware that he was being controlled. The robed figure beside the king raised a hand, this time towards them, summoning a large screen that revealed a desolate world. With the large screen before then, cities lay broken, lifeless expanses replacing oceans, and faint energy coursed through the air like an unfinished sentence. Two figures stepped into view, their movements deliberate yet unnatural. Alex knew what they were without needing to understand the how or why. The vision shifted as a group of powerful equally powerful beings descended to oppose the newcomers. The clash that followed shattered the remnants of the world, one by one the entities fell until only a blood-cloaked figure stood. It absorbed the remains of its fallen kin, its form twisting with newfound power. The young student seemed unfazed, his head tilting slightly as he observed the scene. The hawk-like woman frowned, her glowing eyes turning piercing. The metallic being shifted erratically, its form becoming more human-like with each second that passed. The tall man with braided hair¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the speaker, barely even paying attention to the scene before them. ¡°Great. A movie. Super helpful.¡± The tall man with braided hair among the summoned sighed. ¡°Fine. Suppose we agree to help. What¡¯s your plan?¡± He addressed the king and then turned his attention back to assess the others, his expression filled with calculation, as though wondering how in the hell they were supposed to make this work. ¡°Is there a handbook?¡± The young student joined in suddenly, pushing himself to his feet and appearing to agree. His voice came out steadier than he appeared, giving the impression of overconfidence. ¡°You know, ¡®So You¡¯ve Been Summoned to Save a World¡¯? Maybe some bullet points? Because right now, I¡¯ve got a million questions and zero answers.¡± The speaker smiled with a faint but genuine expression. ¡°You will be briefed in detail. But first, you must understand that this is not a task you can accomplish alone. You will need to work together to combine your strengths.¡± the speaker gestured with enthusiasm. ¡°Your abilities will awaken soon. Then you will be tested.¡± The speaker continued. ¡°Answers will come. In time.¡± ¡°Great. Super helpful.¡± The young student quirked a brow. The armoured woman stepped forward next, rolling her eyes. ¡°You are all so eager to play hero. Fine, I¡¯ll stick around for now¡ª just to see how strong these ¡®demigods¡¯ are. But do not expect me to hold hands and play the loyal knight.¡± Curiously, Alex turned to regard the summoned beings he had previously spoken to. ¡°What do you think?¡± He muttered to the strange beings directly before him. The water being sighed, a sound like rain on a quiet lake. "I cannot allow this realm to perish because I refused to act." She said. The serpentine creature nodded slowly. "If these demigods and Sanguinari threaten my new hunting grounds, they will face my fangs." The shadowed figure remained silent for a moment before shrugging. "I''ve been looking for a challenge." Hmm¡­ Alex considered the abrupt change in their attitudes. That¡¯s quite the change¡­ A few seconds prior it had felt like a fight was about to break out. They¡¯re all brainwashed, Alex thought. These robed men must have pretty powerful mental skills. This might not be their first rodeo¡­ Either that, or they¡¯re extremely well prepared. This kingdom is about as trustworthy as a handshake from a pickpocket, he thought. Alex glanced at the others again. He wasn¡¯t thrilled about the idea of teaming up with complete strangers for a morally ambiguous kingdom that utilised mental influence¡ªIn fact, he had absolutely zero desire to do so¡ªhe wasn¡¯t naive enough to simply believe any story they sold him without verifying it for himself, and the fact that they had just successfully utilised some form of mind control on the surrounding summoned ¡®heroes¡¯ was a major point against them. Alright, he thought finally. It¡¯s time to leave. The group of thirty summoned heroes were guided to a chamber where long tables were set with an array of foods¡ªsome familiar, others entirely foreign. The aroma was inviting. "This place is incredible," one person remarked. "It is," another in the crowd agreed. "Whoever they are, they have resources." Alex looked at the other summoned heroes, his expression unreadable. He didn¡¯t know them¡ªyet¡ªbut he could still sense their strength. Whatever or whoever their enemy was, they would at least stand a chance with a group like this. As they walked, Alex moved to a more secluded section of the path, keeping the shadowy and obscure figure between himself and prying eyes, while staying in what he sensed to be the figure''s blind spot. He activated his Dao, channelling a state of flux that allowed him to instantly slip through the floor undetected. Wrapped in flux that no barrier could resist and utilising the the near omniscience granted by his domain, he walked out of the palace''s rear sections unimpeded¡ªwithout alarm or discovery, heading out of the opulent structure and into the vast city that surrounded the royal building. The first thing he noticed was that his clothing was too conspicuous, clearly foreign and far out of place in this new world. Before anything, he would have to find a place to purchase more ¡®ordinary¡¯ clothing, then he would have to visit a local and well-inhabited place that allowed him to get a lay of the land and perhaps understand the true nature of the new world he had found himself in. Gods, Demigods¡­ and Sanguinari? Was it? He thought as he made his way deeper into the city. I wonder what they¡¯re like? What kind of skill crystals do they own? He had no real obligation to do as the king had said. He didn¡¯t need to fight in some conjured conflict. He didn¡¯t even know if they were telling the truth. They had been dragged into a war they didn¡¯t ask for, summoned to a world that expected them to fix its problems. Briefly, Alex wondered how long there was left until his sword, eclipse had finished evolving. Perhaps a few hours. He would have to find a secure place to inspect that, too, once he had gotten a lay of the land. ¡°And Mei said this would be a vacation,¡± he half-laughed, bringing up his status to inspect his newest feats, framed by the king as ¡¯blessings¡¯. His eyes turned to the palace that rose high above the rest of the city¡¯s walls. He didn¡¯t know what was worse¡ªthe arrogance and duplicity of the summoners, or the nagging feeling that this wasn¡¯t going to be as simple as any of them hoped. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter: The King鈥檚 City [Gained Epic Feat: "Hero (Temporary)" Summoned in service to world designation ¡®Serra¡¯ - All experience gains whilst summoned increased by 200%. This feat will be removed upon the user''s exit of the designated world.] [Gained Rare Feat: "Blood Summoned (Temporary)" Summoned in service to deity-class being designation ¡®Vyragorastushemayxar¡¯ - All skills gained whilst summoned shall be influenced by the deity-class beings nature, with lower grade skills bearing greater influence. This feat will be removed upon the user''s exit from the designated world.] 200% experience gains¡­ That¡¯s enough to make this world feel more rewarding than any other most have been to, Alex thought, the impact of the ¡®Hero¡¯ feat settling in his mind. Even the most powerful feats I¡¯ve gained couldn¡¯t offer that level of constant growth. It¡¯s temporary, sure, but that kind of boost could reshape entire paths for someone summoned here. He could see it¡ªsome might stay, just for that. Anyone with these feats would see staying here as a better option than leaving, even without the brainwashing. The other summoned heroes all had them, too, drawn further in by the same system. The Blood Summoned feat carried a darker weight, tying skills to the nature of a blood deity, which meant every new ability gained here would reflect that influence. A deity tied to blood, shaping every skill earned here. Alex found it fortunate that higher grade skills could resist the influence to varying degrees. He wondered how many others had been summoned before him, whether they were dead, trapped by this system, or free from outside control and lingering in the world for these rewards, constantly growing in power. Or maybe the crown just disposes of them once their usefulness runs out? Maybe they each get sent back to their worlds with their feats removed? All of these thoughts crossed his mind as he traversed the vast city streets, taking in the nature of the land he had been unwittingly summoned to. Buildings lined the streets in symmetrical rows, their facades carved with details that suggested both wealth and intention. Wrought iron framed doorways lined the neatly crafted streets and balconies hung overhead, each sporting railings with flowing patterns. ¡°Doesn¡¯t exactly look like a city that needs saving,¡± Alex muttered to himself as he took in the surrounding cityscape. It seemed medieval, somewhat, but opulent. Opulence stretched in every direction as far as he could see, making the entire city appear as merely an extension of the palace, the surrounding building¡¯s stones white and polished to a near-marble finish. The entire city can¡¯t be this wealthy, can it? It¡¯s impossible, he thought. The way they treated their summoned ¡®heroes¡¯ doesn¡¯t exactly scream ¡®functional socialist paradise¡¯ he was sure there were bound to be seedier sections buried within the city''s depths. Beneath Alex¡¯s feet, thin veins of magical energy threaded through the stone, running along the edges of buildings and down into the ground. Alex paused to study the energy more closely. The lines surged faintly, feeding into conduits that disappeared below the streets. The integration of magic into the city''s infrastructure was seamless, suggesting a society that relied on it for more than just convenience. The energy flows like electricity, he thought. Whatever powers this must be as constant as what we had back on Earth. He stepped closer to a stall near the edge of the street. The vendor was a middle-aged man with calloused hands who diligently organised his wares¡ªrunes etched into thin uniform plates of metal. Each rune buzzed faintly with the static of contained potential, light and even. Alex gestured toward the display. ¡°What do these do?¡± he asked, his tone neutral. The vendor glanced up, studying him briefly before answering. ¡°Depends on the glyph. This one warms your home. That one sharpens tools. Practical magic.¡± Alex nodded, considering the simplicity of the items. ¡°The magic¡ªwhere does it come from?¡± ¡°From the conduits,¡± the vendor replied, gesturing toward the ground. ¡°The really good ones are blood-fuelled, if you can afford them.¡± He hesitated, then added, ¡°You¡¯re new here, aren¡¯t you?¡± Alex tilted his head slightly. ¡°To the city? Sure, I¡¯ve travelled pretty far. What gave me away?¡± The vendor smiled as though pleased with his deduction. ¡°You¡¯re asking questions no local would. Most of us just accept it.¡± Alex¡¯s gaze shifted to an obelisk at the corner of the street. The structure was covered in stylised stone and painted to match the decor, but Alex saw clearly what lay beneath. Crimson light surged to mix with blue beneath its surface, feeding into the conduits that stretched out like veins across the city. Around the obelisk, iron fencing separated it from the crowd, and uniformed guards stood watch. The people moved around it without lingering, their attention fixed on their errands. ¡°What¡®s that?¡± Alex asked. The vendor followed his gaze. ¡°An output Relay. The source of the city¡¯s magic. Everything flows through the relays. They¡¯re sort of like power banks, providing energy to the city. The Houses control them¡± ¡°Houses?¡± The man frowned. ¡°The ruling families. They own the conduits, the taxes, and the city itself. You¡¯d do well not to get their attention.¡± Alex paused, his brow scrunching briefly. ¡°But what about the king?¡± The vendor snorted quietly, shaking his head. ¡°The king? Kings might sit on the throne, but thrones don¡¯t run the lands. The Houses do. Always have.¡± The man¡¯s expression grew guarded, his hands busy rearranging items on the stall. ¡°Kings come and go. The Houses don¡¯t.¡± Alex pressed no further, watching as the vendor returned to his work. He offered a slight nod of acknowledgement and dug into the folds of his garments as though reaching for an item, his thoughts already turning to analysis. The king summoned us, but why? To overthrow the houses? No that can¡¯t be it. The balconies of the palace returned to his memory, along with the armoured figures who had stood silently during the summoning. They hadn¡¯t been explained, not directly. No titles or roles had been offered, just the implication of power in their presence. Who were they? If they¡¯re tied to the king, why weren¡¯t they introduced? Were they even his allies¡ªor his jailers? The questions crowded his thoughts, but none had immediate answers. If the Houses are the real power, what would they stand to gain from summoning high level other-worlders and labelling them as heroes? Perhaps they were at war with the demigods, the children of the absent blood god. But no, that can¡¯t be it either¡ª unless the demigods worked together or had a nation of their own, it was unlikely they would be the main force the king had summoned the heroes to combat. Perhaps they merely wanted high-level enforcers to enhance their power, or perhaps the reason was something greater and more dire. It was a curiosity, that was for sure. But whatever the reason for the summoning ritual,If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. It¡¯s not my problem, Alex thought as he delved into his Inventory. ¡°What''s the most expensive thing you¡¯ve got here?¡± Alex asked, his eyes scanning the vendor¡¯s display. Without hesitation, the vendor reached under the counter and placed a bundle on the table, revealing a finely embroidered belt with subtle metallic threads woven through. ¡°Silkweave Belt,¡± he said simply. ¡°Holds triple its capacity and cuts the weight of anything stored in it by half. Two hundred gold coins.¡± Alex ran a finger over the smooth fabric, its craftsmanship undeniable. ¡°Useful, maybe I¡¯ll buy it sometime in the future,¡± Alex said, stepping back as the vendor grinned and carefully wrapped the belt again. ¡°What¡¯s something more affordable for an adventurer?¡± Alex asked, casually gesturing to the stall. The vendor paused, brow furrowing slightly. ¡°Adventurer?¡± he repeated, sounding uncertain. Alex realized his mistake. ¡°Ah, sorry¡ªI mean someone with a combat class.¡± He caught himself, recalling that not all worlds shared Pyra¡¯s traditions or terminology. Cultures varied, and assuming otherwise could leave him stumbling through conversations like this one. The vendor nodded slowly. ¡°A combat class, right. Well, most people here who take up fighting register with the crown as hunters. Monsters aren¡¯t much of an issue in the city, and most folks don¡¯t bother. This place is safe enough.¡± Alex considered the response, filing it away. He wasn¡¯t here to buy so much as to gauge. If a hunter¡¯s gear was considered an uncommon investment, it suggested a market with limited demand for combat-specific tools. Pricing his own wares would depend on whether locals valued adventuring essentials or leaned toward goods catering to their daily lives. The vendor¡¯s casual mention of the hunters also hinted at the kind of system he might need to navigate later¡ªstructured and bureaucratic, with combat treated as regulated work rather than a way of life. Useful to know. ¡°This one¡¯s practical,¡± the vendor said, reaching into a compartment beneath his stall to withdraw a sheath the length of Alex¡¯s forearm. ¡°Basic hunter¡¯s blade. Not enchanted or anything fancy, but sharp enough to get the job done. Two gold coins.¡± Alex turned it over in his hand, noting its simplicity. It was the kind of no-frills tool that spoke to the city¡¯s safety¡ªthe sort of item used more for emergencies than survival. Two gold for a blade like this, Alex mused, means essentials here are modestly priced¡ªprobably because most people don¡¯t need them. It gave him a clearer sense of the market: functional goods were valued, but low-end ubiquitous combat gear likely saw less demand in a place where hunters operated under the crown''s regulation. It was useful context for pricing his own wares. Alex accessed his inventory, the extra-dimensional storage space opening to reveal its contents for him to instantly search for an item to sell to the cheerful vendor. Among his storage, three key items stood out: the first being a serrated wooden stake that would grant a multitude of abilities to any who would pierce it into their heart, granting nature-bound abilities and a twisted form of immortality at the cost of turning any who it pierced into a tree-like being, exchange it¡¯s user¡¯s humanity for power. The wooden stake, dubbed the ¡®Thorned heart of the mother,¡¯ had been claimed from the dead Arachnae Queen¡¯s treasure hoard, and according to the system, the stake¡¯s energy was linked to a diety-class being of Pyra called the ¡®Great Mother¡¯. Despite the item''s lower grade, its value as both a last resort and cursed weapon caused Alex to dismiss the prospect of selling it. The second item was a spellbound tome of necromancy that would allow Alex to commune with the dead, and the third was one of the many large dimensional crystals the demon army on Pyra had used to maintain a portal between worlds, right before he had stolen it and caused their portal to implode. He examined the tome¡ªits ability to allow him to commune with the dead would prove invaluable, though he currently had no immediate use for it. Its effects would be vital for his survival and future plans, making it priceless in ways no one here would understand. That left the dimensional crystal. Though powerful, it served no immediate or even long-term purpose for him. Selling it could raise some curiosity, but in a city like this, where the crystal¡¯s rank was a whole grade lower than almost everything else in the world, its significance would likely go unnoticed. Decision made, Alex withdrew and placed the dimensional crystal on the counter. ¡°How much for this?¡± The vendor leaned forward, inspecting the crystal with a practised eye. He turned it over a few times, examining its faintly fractured surface. ¡°Quality¡¯s not the best,¡± he said, setting it down, ¡°but dimensional crystals are rare enough that even a low-grade one fetches a decent price. I can offer you three gold for it.¡± His dimensional pouch had been priced at two hundred gold coins, Alex thought, studying his crystal, a crystal like this could be a key ingredient for creating high-end spatial equipment¡­ Three gold would give him a massive profit, assuming the spatial pouch it created would hold quality as the pouch the vendor possessed. Alex crossed his arms, considering the offer. ¡°Twenty.¡± The vendor chuckled softly. ¡°Ten is the best I can do. No one¡¯s going to pay more for something this unstable.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Alex said, nodding as the vendor counted out the coins and handed them over. Alex pocketed them before gesturing to the bustling streets around them. ¡°Where can I get some clothes? And somewhere to spend the night?¡± The vendor pointed toward a side street lined with shops. ¡°You¡¯ll find a tailor down that way¡ªdecent prices and quick work. For a place to stay, there¡¯s a calm little inn and tavern just a few blocks from here. If you¡¯re looking for something livelier, there¡¯s a tavern for hunters and combat types on the other side of the market.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Alex said, stepping back from the stall. ¡°Take care.¡± ¡°Good luck,¡± the vendor replied with a nod, already turning his attention to the next customer as Alex moved through the streets at a measured pace, weaving between clusters of people, their faces fixed on their errands. *** The tavern brimmed with life, a chaotic blend of raised voices, clinking mugs, and heavy boots scuffing the well-worn wooden floor. Its fame as a gathering spot for hunters and combatants was evident in every corner¡ªwalls adorned with mounted trophies of slain beasts, boards pinned with job notices, and tables crowded with adventurers exchanging plans and stories. Alex stepped through the wide entrance, his attire blending practicality and subtle normalcy. He had opted for a dark, close-fitting jacket reinforced with faint metallic threading along the shoulders and forearms, designed to protect without hindering movement. Beneath it, a sturdy but plain tunic and dark breeches tucked into leather boots completed the ensemble. The outfit was intentionally low-profile, chosen to deflect unnecessary attention while maintaining an edge of readiness. This kind of place attracts all sorts¡ªbrash types, schemers, mercenaries, maybe even famed citizens, Alex thought as he scanned the room. It¡¯s noisy, chaotic, and risky, but it¡¯s also where the real information flows. You don¡¯t learn much about a city in quiet little inns. The choice to come here had been simple; the hunters¡¯ tavern would be more than just a rowdy den of gossip¡ªit was where deals were struck, alliances were forged, and the undercurrents of the city¡¯s culture were laid bare and revealed to all. If he wanted to understand this world, this was the place to do it. Navigating through the crowded room, Alex took in the details. A trio of hunters argued loudly near the bar, gesturing animatedly over a rolled-up map. At another table, a group inspected a bloodied beast¡¯s claw, trading it for a pouch heavy with coin. A noticeboard near the wall was crowded with scraps of paper, detailing bounties for monsters, recovery jobs, and occasional ¡°discreet assistance¡± requests. A barmaid darted past him, balancing a tray of drinks with practised precision. ¡°Need a room?¡± she asked without breaking stride, her voice carrying just enough to reach him over the din. ¡°Yeah,¡± Alex replied, falling into step behind her as she led him toward the counter. The barkeep, a broad-shouldered man with greying hair and a scar across his cheek, nodded as Alex approached. ¡°Single room¡¯s three silver. You want meals included, it¡¯s four.¡± ¡°Three¡¯s fine,¡± Alex said, sliding the coins across the counter. The barkeep handed him a key, pointing toward a staircase tucked into the corner. ¡°Upstairs, second on the right. Don¡¯t cause trouble, and you¡¯ll be fine,¡± the man said, turning back to fill another order. Alex pocketed the key, his mind already dissecting the room¡¯s dynamics. The loudest hunters at the tables likely all worked in separate teams; their well-maintained weapons and gear suggested frequent outings. The patrons in the corner traded valuables that could hold deeper stories, while loners at the edges of the room kept to themselves, their silence speaking volumes about the lives they led, some holding impressive amounts of mana. Alex sat at the corner of the inn¡¯s common room, his back pressed to the wall and his gaze fixed to the table, allowing his domain to envelop those around him. Book 2: Godslayer - Chapter 34: The Hunter鈥檚 InnI Sat in his corner of the inn, with drink in hand, Alex studied the room with care, keeping his head tilted just enough to avoid drawing attention. Most of the patrons wore practical, well-worn clothing¡ªsturdy cloaks, reinforced boots, weapons strapped loosely to their belts, dimensional pouches, and deadlier, hidden tools. Hunters. Or something close to it. He traced a finger along the polished edge of the tavern¡¯s table in thought, feeling the slight imperfections in the wood. It wasn¡¯t a fresh cut¡ªthere were faint gouges and scratches, remnants of old scuffles. He rested his hand there, blending in with the room¡¯s atmosphere. Around him, the tavern buzzed with conversations layered over the occasional clang of metal tankards. He listened. Fragments of dialogue floated by: ¡°¡­the job paid less than expected¡­¡± ¡°¡­went out to the frontier. Heard he didn¡¯t make it back¡­¡± ¡°¡­next shipment¡¯s coming in tomorrow¡­¡± He leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other, and tilted his head slightly to get a better look at the noticeboard near the wall. It was crowded with papers pinned haphazardly¡ªmost bearing bold text and short descriptions. He spotted terms like ¡°Hunter¡¯s Contract,¡± and ¡°Bounty.¡± That¡¯s probably what I¡¯m looking for, he thought, tapping his fingers against his knee. You can always judge a city by its problems. If hunters register with the crown, then the crown likely posts jobs for them, too. Alex considered approaching the noticeboard, but he stopped himself. There were too many people there and he wasn¡¯t here to make friends or draw attention. Listen first. Watch. Learn. He folded his arms on the table, lowering his gaze as he tuned into the nearest conversations. ¡°¡­heard they¡¯re sending an assessor to the frontier,¡± a man said, his voice low but clear. He leaned toward his companion, his expression serious. ¡°Something¡¯s stirring out there.¡± His companion snorted. ¡°When isn¡¯t there something stirring?¡ªit¡¯s always the same.¡± ¡°Not this time.¡± The first man shook his head. ¡°This is different. They wouldn¡¯t send an assessor for the usual trouble.¡± Alex¡¯s fingers tapped lightly against the wood. An assessor. The Frontier. He didn¡¯t know what any of that meant, but it sounded important. The conversation drifted on, the men discussing the details of recent jobs and the state of the roads outside the city. Alex caught bits and pieces¡ª ¡°Did you hear about the Azure Wolf?¡± one of them asked, swaying with inebriation and his expression filled with a mix of awe and disbelief. ¡°They say she took down three Sanguine on her own.¡± ¡°THREE?¡± The other man scoffed. ¡°I heard it was just one Sanguinari, and even then I didn¡¯t believe it. It¡¯s all lies. Propaganda.¡± Alex¡¯s ears perked up, though he kept his gaze fixed on his cup. Judging from the conversation, it seemed that the man¡¯s words carried a hint of truth, buried under layers of embellishment and lies. At best, it was possible that this ¡®Azure Wolf¡¯ had at least battled a ¡¯Sanguine¡¯ and survived. But why did that warrant such a conversation? Is that what they consider an impossible feat? He found himself curious as to the level and strength of the strange group he had yet to truly meet. The palefaced, long eared group at the palace didn¡¯t count, I could hardly see them on the balconies. But if they were the Sanguine, then it seems like ¡®The houses¡¯ and Sanguinari might be one and the same. Another voice joined the group¡¯s conversation¡ªa gruff man with a patch over one eye. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. ¡°The Azure Wolf is real,¡± he said, his tone cutting through the room like a blade. ¡°I¡¯ve seen her. She doesn¡¯t hunt for coin or glory. She hunts to settle debts.¡± The hunters fell silent for a moment before resuming their chatter, their voices quieter now. Debts? Interesting, Alex thought. He glanced toward the noticeboard near the bar. The papers pinned there listed bounties, missing persons, and job offers. Some bore official seals, while others were scrawled hastily, their ink smudged from handling. A man approached the board, pulling a dagger from his belt to remove one of the notices. He inspected the parchment before folding it and tucking it into his coat. His movements were precise, practiced¡ªsomeone who had done this many times before. Alex lowered his eyes to his drink, swirling the liquid slowly in the cup. I need to figure out how to register with the crown. That much is clear. But this place makes it feel like the city doesn¡¯t run on official channels alone. The hunters near the fireplace raised their mugs in a toast, interrupting his thoughts. ¡°To the fallen!¡± one of them shouted. ¡°To the living!¡± the others replied. Alex watched as the group fell into quieter conversation, their expressions growing more somber. The large door to the tavern swung open, letting in a cold gust of air. A man stepped inside, his presence commanding immediate attention. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his armor polished to a mirror finish. A longsword hung at his side, the hilt engraved with detailed designs. Whispers spread through the room.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡°That¡¯s Darius.¡± ¡°The King¡¯s Hound.¡± ¡°Why¡¯s he back so soon? You think he¡¯s hunting someone?¡± ¡°Nah he¡¯s probably just here to post a special notice, stop being a coward.¡± Alex watched as Darius made his way to the bar, his movements perfectly commanded and controlled. He exchanged a few quiet words with the barkeep before turning to survey the room. Their eyes met briefly, but Darius¡¯s gaze moved on, uninterested. Ah, so he¡¯s not after me, Alex relaxed slightly, his gaze returning to his drink. Alex leaned back in his chair, the cup of lukewarm ale resting between his hands. The inn¡¯s sounds drifted around him¡ªconversation, laughter, the scrape of boots on wooden floors. He tuned out most of it, focusing on the steady hum of mana in the room, the ambient energy flowing through the people around him like rivers through unseen channels. Some flowed smoothly, controlled and refined. Others sputtered, chaotic and uneven, revealing gaps in discipline or talent. He was still learning. Listening. A shadow fell over his table. ¡°You¡¯re in my seat.¡± Alex glanced up. The man standing before him was old¡ªhis face lined with age, skin weathered and leathery, like parchment left too long in the sun. His hair was a wild tangle of white, falling just past his shoulders, and his beard, though neatly trimmed, couldn¡¯t hide the sharp angles of his jaw. His eyes, a faded gray, bore no warmth, but they shone with a vivid alertness that betrayed his years. Alex remained still. ¡°Didn¡¯t see a name on it.¡± The old man chuckled¡ªa dry, rasping sound. He leaned forward, placing both hands on the table. His fingers were gnarled, knuckles swollen, veins bulging like thick ropes beneath his skin. ¡°But I wasn¡¯t asking.¡± He grinned, revealing surprisingly intact teeth for someone his age. His hand extended toward Alex, palm up. ¡°Come on, boy. Show some manners.¡± Alex hesitated briefly before clasping the offered hand. The man¡¯s grip tightened instantly. The pressure was startling¡ªno gradual buildup, just raw, crushing force. Alex felt his bones compress, a sharp spike of pain shooting up his arm the sound of fractured bones rang in his inner ear. If he was a little weaker, his fingers would have snapped like twigs. But he wasn¡¯t, and they didn¡¯t. Alex exhaled slowly, letting his own strength flow into his grip. He ignored the fractures and concentrated through the pain, distributing the force evenly through his bones and muscles. His hand didn¡¯t move an inch. The old man¡¯s eyes pursed slightly in evaluation. ¡°Not bad,¡± the man murmured, though his smile never wavered. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than you look.¡± Alex kept his expression neutral. ¡°You too.¡± The old man grinned and huffed a short chuckle. He released Alex¡¯s hand and dropped into the seat opposite, stretching his legs out beneath the table. His joints cracked audibly as he shifted. ¡°Damn knees,¡± he muttered. ¡°Youth never appreciates what they¡¯ve got.¡± Alex didn¡¯t like him. If he wasn¡¯t trying to keep a low profile, a kick would have sent the man flying. He resisted the urge, though his leg twitched with the impulse. He studied the man closely now, noting the worn, practical clothing¡ªnothing flashy or extravagant. No visible weapons. No armor. But the mana within him¡­ it was unlike anything Alex had encountered. Dense. Compressed. Immense. Yet utterly still. It didn¡¯t flow or cycle like the others in the room. It sat, static and unmoving, coiled deep within the man¡¯s core. ¡°You don¡¯t mind if I sit here, do you?¡± the man asked, though it wasn¡¯t really a question. Alex shook his head with curiosity. ¡°Go ahead.¡± The old man leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. His gaze swept the room briefly before settling on Alex again. ¡°Name¡¯s Osric,¡± he said. ¡°And you are?¡± ¡°Alex.¡± Osric nodded, as if filing the name away. ¡°So, Alex¡­ what¡¯s a lad like you doing in a place like this?¡± ¡°Looking for work.¡± Osric snorted. ¡°Aren¡¯t we all?¡± He reached for Alex¡¯s cup, taking a swig without asking. He grimaced at the taste. ¡°Pisswater.¡± Alex said nothing, waiting. The old man eyed Alex¡¯s clothing as though searching for something. ¡°I don¡¯t see a badge, you¡¯re not registered. You a mercenary?¡± Alex shook his head to the question. That wasn¡¯t what he was after. In response, Osric set the cup down with a thud, leaning in close. ¡°You want to be a hunter?¡± Alex nodded. Alex leaned forward slightly, meeting Osric¡¯s gaze. ¡°I do.¡± Osric grinned. ¡°There¡¯s a registration tomorrow, actually. and a few sets after that. But¡­¡± He tapped his temple with a finger, as if recalling something. ¡°¡­you¡¯ll want to be careful.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because the assessor in charge is one of the worst bastards the crown¡¯s ever employed.¡± Osric¡¯s tone was casual, but there was a glint in his eye. ¡°Name¡¯s Gideon Arlen. You ever heard of him?¡± Alex shook his head. Osric¡¯s grin widened. ¡°No? Well, you¡¯ll remember him soon enough. They call him the Hand. They say he¡¯s strong enough to split a fortified castle with his fists. Never seen him do it myself, but I¡¯ve seen what¡¯s left of the poor bastards who thought they could take him on.¡± Alex frowned. ¡°And he¡¯s part of the crown¡¯s inquisition?¡± ¡°Oh, aye.¡± Osric leaned forward, lowering his voice. ¡°The crown employs men like him to deal with the¡­ harder problems. The things even the Houses hardly touch.¡± The mention of the Houses made Alex pause. He knew the term referred to the ruling families of Serra, the real power behind the throne. Their influence stretched across the continent, their reach extending far beyond the city walls. ¡°And the Sanguine?¡± Alex asked carefully. Osric¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°The houses? If you¡¯ve got any sense, you¡¯ll steer clear of anything to do with them.¡± Alex nodded slowly, filing the information away. ¡°What about working for them?¡± Osric¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°You got a death wish?¡± ¡°No. Just curious.¡± The old man sighed, rubbing his temples. ¡°No offence, but please don¡¯t ask stupid questions.¡± Stupid question? That implied that merely mentioning them held finality and absurdity. Alex considered that. ¡°Once again, just curios. About you, too. I assume you¡¯re a hunter of some kind?¡± Osric smirked. ¡°Me? I¡¯m just an old man.¡± Alex didn¡¯t believe that for a second. The sheer volume of mana packed within Osric was staggering. It wasn¡¯t natural for someone to hold that much power without it spilling out, without it affecting their surroundings. And yet, Osric sat there, utterly unassuming. ¡°Then why¡¯s your mana so still?¡± Alex asked finally. Osric¡¯s grin returned, though there was a hint of something colder behind it. ¡°That¡¯s a question not many would think or know to ask.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve seen plenty of strong people,¡± Alex said. Osric¡¯s gaze softened slightly. ¡°You¡¯ll figure it out in time, lad. Just make sure you¡¯re still around when you do.¡± They sat in silence for a moment, the sounds of the tavern washing over them. The fire crackled in the hearth, and somewhere near the bar, a group of hunters began singing a raucous tune. ¡°Tell me about the registration,¡± Alex said eventually. It starts at dawn, over at the assessor¡¯s hall. You¡¯ll have to prove yourself¡ªstrength, skill, resilience. And if you pass, you¡¯ll get your token.¡± ¡°And if I fail?¡± Osric¡¯s grin turned wicked. ¡°Then you¡¯ll be lucky to leave with your bones intact. Gideon doesn¡¯t take kindly to failure.¡± Alex absorbed the information, his mind already turning over plans. Osric drained the last of the ale from Alex¡¯s cup and stood, stretching once more. ¡°Good luck, Alex. You¡¯re going to need it.¡± Without another word, the old man turned and walked toward the door, his footsteps heavy on the wooden floor. Alex watched him go and rose to head to his room, his thoughts still lingering on the name Gideon Arlen. The hand. He had a feeling tomorrow was going to be interesting.