《Blaze》


 0. Prologue

    Skolar''s eyes fluttered open as he found himself suspended in the endless expanse between universes. A vast network of bright lights, connected by threads like synapses, spread out before him, resembling a brain''s neural pathways. Some of these lights were clustered closer to the center, with many threads connecting to each one. But at the edges, some dots only had a few connections, and others had none at all, isolated from the rest of the complex web.


    This was the view of the multiverse from an outsider''s perspective. Among the countless dots, one had once been Skolar''s home - the universe where he was born and grew up. After dedicating millions of years to reaching the Apex and breaking out of the Net, he found himself faced with infinite emptiness and solitude. He was the sole being to ever achieve such a feat as far as he knew.


    But now, after eons of tireless calculations and relentless predictions, a glimmer of hope sparked in his eyes. Through the intricate threads of fate that governed all living beings, he could finally discern a familiar pattern - one that resonated with his own existence. A being was destined to be born, with the power to challenge The Heavens and potentially transcend beyond the bounds of Creation itself.Excitement filled his heart as he considered the potential. After countless eons of solitude, there was finally a chance to have someone by his side!


    After frantically searching through the threads of fate, Skolar finally found the exact location of the anomaly he was seeking. It was a large grey planet in a fairly isolated universe, connected to only four other threads. The being he was looking for had not yet been born and would not be for another 200 years. Skolar knew he mustn''t interfere with their life in any way, or else the delicate balance of fate could be disrupted with unpredictable consequences.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    He could only manage a gentle touch. With determination, he delved deep into his truesoul and extracted a tiny wisp of soul. Holding it in his left hand, he carefully separated an even smaller piece from the initial wisp. Using the larger fragment, Skor began to shape it into an avatar, identical to himself but without any spiritual energy within. The only difference was its durability, which far surpassed that of a mortal. Next, he infused the smaller wisp of soul into the avatar, causing its eyes to snap open. Finally, Skolar enveloped the avatar in golden energy and launched it towards the grey planet.


    The avatar possessed no spiritual energy, making it unoticeable by cultivators. However, it still held complete control over the Dao Laws. This was a golden opportunity that couldn''t be missed, but at the same time, extreme caution had to be taken in order to not interfere with the flow of fate.


    Skolar''s avatar plunged into the Net with extreme speed and entered one of the golden threads. The avatar then decreased its speed and started travelling the golden path. until it came upon the Universe where the Grey planet was located. Carefully concealing his presence, Skolar approached the planet and descended through the atmosphere to a desolate region filled with lifeless mountains. There, he settled on top of a random peak, sitting cross-legged in a meditative position. "All I can do for now is wait." he sighed to himself.

 1. Orphan

    As Rin sat on the cold, hard pavement, holding out her hand and hoping for a few coins that would allow her to buy some bread to quell her hunger, she couldn''t help but feel a deep sense of despair. She had grown tired of the daily humiliation and ridicule that came with being an orphan, especially one with bright red hair.


    Just as she was about to give up hope, a tall, well-dressed man approached her. He wore a top hat and had a twinkle in his eye. "What''s a pretty little thing like you doing begging on the streets?" he asked, his voice smooth and velvety.


    Rin recoiled at the man''s words, instinctively sensing that he was not to be trusted. But as he reached into his pocket and handed her a few gold coins, she couldn''t help but feel a flicker of gratitude.


    She hastily stood up, clutching the coins tightly in her hand. "Thank you, sir," she said, trying to hide her fear.


    The man smiled at her, revealing rows of perfect white teeth. "No need to thank me, my dear. I simply couldn''t resist helping a beautiful young lady in need." He leaned in closer, and Rin caught a whiff of his cologne, a scent she couldn''t quite place. "How old are you dear?"


    Rin''s heart raced as she averted her gaze from the man''s piercing eyes. She had heard stories of girls being lured away by men who promised them a better life, only to be sold into slavery or worse. She took a step back, her fingers tightening around the coins. "I''m not interested in talking, thank you," Rin said, her voice shaky but firm.


    The man''s eyes narrowed as he took a step closer, his hand reaching out to touch Rin''s arm. "Don''t be shy, my dear. I could give you everything you''ve ever wanted. Clothes, food, a warm bed to sleep in." His voice was like honey, sweet and seductive.


    Rin''s heart pounded in her chest as she pulled away from the man''s touch. She knew deep down that he was not to be trusted, that his intentions were far from pure.


    She took another step back, trying to put some distance between herself and the man. But, to her horror, he stepped forward, closing the gap between them. "What''s the matter, my dear? Don''t you want to know what it feels like to be taken care of?" he said, his voice laced with a hint of menace.


    Rin''s instincts screamed at her to run, but she felt rooted to the spot. She could feel the man''s breath on her face, and his hand was now on her shoulder, gripping it tightly. "Let go of me!" she cried, her voice rising in panic.


    The man''s grip tightened, and Rin could feel her heart beating in her throat. Just as she was about to scream for help, there was a sudden commotion from down the street. The man turned his head to look, and in that split second, Rin wrenched herself free from his grasp and took off running as fast as she could.


    Her heart pounding, Rin darted through the crowds, weaving in between people and stalls as she fled from the man. She didn''t dare look back, her focus solely on putting as much distance between herself and the stranger as possible.


    Rin, a street urchin, had seen enough darkness in her city streets to know the danger that lurked within. Although she was resilient and resourceful, she''d been soundly beaten by older street kids more times than she could remember; yet somehow managing to survive each time. Now that she was a teenager, an added fear crept in; one of rape and violation, leaving her vulnerable and afraid for her safety as she ventured out into the urban landscape.


    Having left the Commercial District, Rin decided to head back to the outskirts of Scarlet City in hopes of finding a friendly face. Scarlet city, the capital of Sen, was enormous and filled with people trying to make a living every day. As is common with large cities, the further away from the center one traveled, the worse the neighborhoods became. On the eastern border near the Slums could be found most beggars, thieves, and other unsavory characters. With purpose in her step, Rin marched in that direction.


    She soon found herself in the Slums and encountered her friend, Meng. He was a twelve-year-old boy, and they had supported each other over the last five years while living tough lives as beggars.


    "Did you hear?" said Meng, his face agitated. "Cultivators from the Sky Sect are coming to the Slums! Immortals¡­" he breathed out in awe.


    Rin''s mind raced. "Why? What happened?" she asked urgently.


    Meng shook his head. "I hear they are looking for talented children that can join their sect," he said, his voice laced with excitement. "Can you imagine being selected? Clean clothes and food every day..." he said dreamily.


    Sky Sect was one of the three most notable sects in Scarlet City. People there strove to cultivate Qi, an abundant energy found throughout the world, to build up their physical and spiritual strength until they became immortals. It was said that these immortals lived in a realm of their own, with its own rules and capabilities ¨C they could fly, perform magical feats, and more. Rin had never encountered an immortal herself, though.


    Rin wanted to believe her friend''s optimism, but she couldn''t help feeling a sense of dread growing inside her chest as Meng continued to talk about what it would be like to be chosen by the Sky Sect cultivators.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Suddenly, there was a commotion. Three individuals dressed in white garments were rounding up all the children. "Come and be tested by the Sky Sect," they called out. The three men, gathered all the young people they could find on the streets. "I will infuse qi into your body and you must try to concentrate it in your lower dantian." The lower dantian, located just below the navel, was the focus of their test. One by one, each orphan went through the testing process. Rin watched as more and more children failed and were pushed to the side. It seemed that passing this test was no easy task.


    Rin''s turn finally arrived. One of the men in white robes placed a hand on her body."I will be channeling Qi into your meridians. Try to sense the energy and gather it into your dantian." Rin closed her eyes and concentrated, but at first, she felt nothing. It took several attempts before she began to feel a warm sensation flowing through her body. With more focus, she was able to take control of the energy and tried to condense it in her dantian as instructed. However, every time the energy reached below her navel, it dissipated completely. The man could only frown deeply at this discovery. "Such skillful energy control, but her meridians...this is...".


    His gaze hardened as he stared at Rin. "You may have potential, child, if your meridians weren''t so messed up." A bitter twist of his lips revealed his regret. "But they are all separated, a tragic and rare defect that will prevent you from ever forming a core. I''m sorry, but you can never be a true cultivator." The words hung heavy in the air, crushing her dreams with their finality.


    When she felt the pulsing energy of Qi, a spark ignited within her. It was something she didn''t even know she was capable of - hope. Hope for a better life, a way out of the poverty and constant struggle in the Slums. But just as quickly as it bloomed, her hope was extinguished. Reality set back in, crushing her dreams and leaving her feeling hopeless once again.


    "That''s not fair!" she finally burst out, unable to contain her frustration and disappointment any longer. "Why does it matter if my meridians are messed up? I can still control the energy!"


    The man in white robes raised an eyebrow at her outburst. "Child, being able to control the energy is only half of what it takes to become a cultivator. Without a core, you will never be able to truly harness the power of Qi." Rin felt like she had been punched in the gut.


    In a daze, Rin returned to her shack in the Slums. These makeshift dwellings were all too common in this poverty-stricken area, constructed out of whatever materials people could find. Rin shared her small space with an elderly couple and her friend Meng. As she entered the empty shack, Rin collapsed into her corner and sobbed herself to sleep. Later that evening, Meng returned with news of his own failure on the test. "Don''t be sad," he reassured her with unwavering optimism. "We will escape this place someday."


    The days went back to their typical routine after that. Rin spent her time in the bustling Scarlet City, begging for coins and scraping by for food. Five days had passed since she failed the cultivator''s test, and the frustration had dissipated. She was once again focused on survival, with no time left to dwell on her dreams. She had heard rumors of a new caravan coming to the market district, which meant more people and more opportunities for begging and hustling. As she walked through a narrow alley on her way there, she suddenly found her path blocked by a burly, bearded man.


    Rin''s heart skipped a beat as she came face to face with the intimidating figure. He was twice her size with a thick, unkempt beard and a bald head. His menacing glare sent shivers down her spine.


    She started backing away, but when she turned around she stumbled upon the same well-dressed man who had attempted to entice her just a few days earlier.


    Rin''s primal instincts screamed of danger, sending an electric shock through her body. Time seemed to slow down as her muscles tensed.


    "Do you think you can swindle me and get away with it?" the man grinned viciously. "There''s nowhere for you to run now, little bird," he spat, his voice dripping with malice and triumph.


    "Please..." Rin''s voice trembled as she pleaded, her words barely audible through the lump in her throat. Her eyes filled with tears that cascaded down her face like a torrential waterfall. "Please, I beg of you," she gasped between sobs, "have mercy on me. I am but a lowly beggar." Her body quivered with fear as she awaited the cruel fate that may befall her at the hands of this heartless stranger.


    Fate''s cruel hand strikes without mercy. The man''s grip was like a vice as he dragged her into a dark alley, ripping away her clothes with violent force. Rin''s mind raced as she remembered the shiv hidden in the wraps around her left foot. But fear and the overwhelming strength of her attacker rendered her paralyzed, unable to make a move. The evil glint in the man''s eyes matched the weight of his body pressing down on hers, crushing her fight and spirit. Rin''s screams echoed off the alley walls until her voice gave out, but no one came to her aid. In this world of callous indifference, she was just a helpless beggar at the mercy of a monster.


    As the evil man finally released her, Rin''s mind snapped back to life. She could feel the anger inside her small, broken and battered body growing with each passing second. It boiled and swelled like a raging volcano, ready to burst forth with all its fiery intensity. And burst it did, like a supernova in her mind, catapulting Rin into action. Without hesitation, she grabbed her makeshift shiv from her left foot wraps and plunged it deep into the evil man''s face with a sickening wet sound as it penetrated his eye socket.


    Rin acted on pure desperation and leapt onto a drainage water pipe that ran up the side of the building. She used it as a makeshift ladder to climb up to the roof.


    The screams of pain and anger echoed through the air, fueling her adrenaline as she ran forward. "Help! Catch that little whore. Crush her bones!"


    Without even a glance behind Rin ran from roof to roof until her feet were bleeding and then she ran some more. Finally she reached her shack into the slums. The residents of the shack, old lady Hufu and her husband, were inside when a bruised and battered Rin burst in through the door. With just one look, the startled old lady Hufu understood what had happened to the young girl. She quickly grabbed a dirty blanket and covered Rin''s half-naked, bruised body. "Don''t worry, you''re safe now," she reassured the girl before turning to her husband. "Old man, hurry and bring me some water and a clean cloth."


    As the old lady Hufu tended to Rin''s wounds, she couldn''t help but feel a sense of despair. Life had always been cruel for people like them, but it seemed especially harsh for a young girl like Rin. Hufu knew they could only endure and hope for a better day, but right now, that hope felt so far away. How much more could they take before breaking completely?


    Under the gentle care of the old woman, Rin''s sobs slowly subsided and she felt exhaustion creeping over her. The warmth and comfort of the soft blanket lulled her to sleep, her body finally able to relax after the emotional turmoil of the day.

 2. Escape

    Rin was abruptly roused from her slumber, causing her to flinch and retreat into the corner. Her eyes wide with fear as she looked at the person who had woken her - it was Meng.


    "Rin!" Meng''s expression was a mix of emotions as she looked at Rin. "I''m sorry to startle you, but you need to go. Some bad people are searching for you."


    "Bad people?" Rin''s voice trembled with fear.


    Meng nodded gravely. "Yes, some men came looking for a girl with red hair. You''re the only one in the Slums with red hair. One of the men had a blood-soaked patch over his right eye and he seemed to be the leader. I think they want to hurt you very badly, Rin."


    As Rin listened, a mix of fear and anger bloomed inside her. The memory of her recent ordeal flooded back to her, and she couldn''t help but feel like an animal being hunted for simply trying to escape. Life was cruelly unfair.


    Her mind raced as she tried to think what to do. She had no friends or family who could protect her, and the Slums were no place to hide.


    "But where will I go?" Rin asked herself, feeling overwhelmed and scared.


    She was not safe in the city, they even found her in the Slums. She had to get out. Out in the wild she thought fearfully.


    Rin''s mind flashed back to the time before she had come to the Slums. She was only a small child, living in the bustling city of Scarlet with her parents. They were poor but they were happy, and Rin loved exploring the streets and alleys of the city.


    But then everything changed.


    Her parents fell ill with a strange sickness that seemed to have no cure. Despite their efforts, they couldn''t find anyone who could heal them. And one day, they were gone. After their sudden and unexpected passing, she was forced to rely on the kindness of strangers for her survival.


    Despite feeling miserable as she reminisced on her difficult life, she refused to let the spark of determination within her die out. With a newfound resolve, she stood up and declared, "I will not only survive, but I will also seek revenge against those who have mistreated me. They will all pay for their actions."


    Rin quickly gathered her few belongings: two apples, an old loaf of bread, and a short knife. In the cover of darkness, she slipped away from the city, careful to avoid the goons who were searching for her. She could hear them storming into people''s shacks as they searched for her. With determination and stealth, she made her way to the edge of the city. As she walked, Rin eventually reached the edge of the city and came upon a massive moat that marked its boundary. The once-glimmering waterway was now dry and barren, a stark contrast to the bustling streets she had left behind. Crossing it on foot, Rin emerged into the vast expanse of the eastern forest. The towering trees loomed over her, their branches intertwined in an eerie canopy that blocked out most of the sunlight. With each step, Rin''s exhaustion and fear grew. The darkness enveloped her and she couldn''t help but feel vulnerable and alone. But as she trudged deeper into the forest, a sense of safety washed over her. This was not a place her pursuers would dare to follow her. Only hunters and foragers dared to venture this far. Finally, Rin found a thick tree with strong branches and used them to hoist herself up into a makeshift bed. As she settled between two sturdy limbs, sleep finally claimed her exhausted body, and she drifted off under the watchful canopy of leaves above.


    As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the trees, she stirred awake. Every muscle in her body ached from the uncomfortable tree trunk and bruises, which seemed to pulse with renewed pain. Memories of the previous day flooded Rin''s mind, and despair began to set in. But she forced herself to push those thoughts aside and carefully climbed down from the tree. This was not a time for self-pity; it was a time for survival. Driven by intense thirst, Rin ventured deeper into the forest in search of a source of fresh water.


    Rin''s stomach growled loudly as she made her way deeper into the forest. She desperately needed to find food and water, but with no knowledge of survival skills, she wasn''t sure where to start. She at least had the two apples and the loaf of bread, which she quickly devoured. However, her hunger was only temporarily appeased.


    With the sun climbing higher and higher, Rin''s thirst became unbearable. She could feel her throat getting dry and scratchy. Every time she passed by a stream or creek, it seemed inaccessible or too dirty to drink from. Just when Rin thought she couldn''t take it anymore, she stumbled upon a small clearing in the forest. In the center of the clearing was a crystal-clear pond. Without hesitation, Rin ran towards it and cupped her hands to take a sip of water. The cold liquid felt incredibly refreshing as it quenched her thirst.


    Rin felt a pang of loneliness as she surveyed her surroundings. She needed to find sustenance and a secure shelter for the night. Despite not seeing any animals, she had from the merchants in Scarlet City about the presence of powerful beasts deeper within the forest. So, she could not venture too far but also had to avoid being found by her pursuers. After some thought, Rin decided that the nearby lake would serve as her temporary base. With determination, she set out to search for food.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    She searched for any signs of edible plants or berries but found nothing that she recognized. The only thing she knew for sure was safe to eat were mushrooms, but those seemed scarce in this part of the forest. As time passed, Rin started to feel discouraged. Just as she was about to give up and return to her temporary base by the lake, she stumbled upon a bush filled with bright red berries. With cautiousness and excitement, Rin picked a handful and carefully tasted them. They were bitter but edible.


    Satisfied with her find, Rin gathered as many berries as she could carry and returned to the lake. She also collected some firewood along the way so that she could start a fire later on.


    As evening approached, Rin started working on building a shelter near the lake using branches and foliage from nearby trees. It wasn''t much but it would serve as protection from any potential predators lurking in the forest. Once her shelter was complete, she tried and failed to start a small fire using dried leaves and twigs before settling down for dinner.


    The sun had set by then, casting a golden glow over the treetops. As Rin sat by her makeshift campfire eating her meager meal of berries, she couldn''t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Despite the challenges she faced, she had managed to find water, food, and shelter all on her own.


    The night was quiet, except for the occasional rustling of leaves and the hoots of owls. Rin curled up in her shelter, staring out into the darkness as she tried to come up with a plan for her next move. She knew that she couldn''t stay in this forest forever, but she also couldn''t risk going back to Scarlet City where her pursuers were waiting for her.


    The next morning, Rin woke up to birds chirping and sunlight streaming through the trees. She stretched her sore muscles and set about actually managing to start a fire.


    After a long day of foraging, the meager handful of berries Rin had found yesterday was barely enough to keep her young body going. But as she explored her surroundings, hope appeared in the form of a towering tree beside a ravine. Its branches were heavy with large, yellow fruit, each one perfectly round and enticingly ripe. Hunger gnawing at her stomach, Rin scrambled up the rough bark and plucked a fruit from the nearest branch. As she sunk her teeth into it, sweet juices burst forth, filling her mouth with succulent flavor. Lost in the moment, she didn''t feel the branch groaning beneath her until it gave way with a loud crack. In an instant, she plummeted down into the dark abyss, the wind rushing past her ears as she fell towards the jagged rocks below. Panic rose in her chest as she desperately grasped at anything to break her fall, but there was nothing to hold onto.


    The force of the impact sent a searing pain through Rin''s left foot, causing her to gasp for air and claw at the ground in agony. As she lay on her back, she mustered up the courage to inspect her injury. Blood gushed from a deep wound, and with horror, she realized her foot was twisted at an unnatural angle, broken beyond repair. Panic engulfed her as she envisioned a future where she can no longer walk, unable to survive in this harsh terrain. It seemed like bad luck has become her constant companion, shattering every last ounce of hope and will within her.


    Desperately Rin dragged her battered body towards a nearby cavity in the rock, resembling a small cave, praying it will provide some refuge from the cruel world around her.


    The agonizing pain engulfed Rin''s entire being, making it nearly impossible for her to form coherent thoughts. With trembling hands, she struggled to wrap her shattered leg in a tattered cloth, a desperate attempt to stop the blood from gushing out. Just before succumbing to unconsciousness, her eyes caught sight of a small glass pebble. It pulsated with an ominous red glow, beckoning her with an otherworldly allure. Driven by an intense trance, Rin reached out to touch the pebble, only for it to shatter into shards that pierced her skin and released a blinding light that consumed her mind before plunging her into darkness.


    As Rin lost her conciousness she failed to realize the gravity of her encounter. As the pebble shattered a drop of red liquid fell on the girl''s hand and was quickly absorbed by her skin.


    In that moment, a mysterious connection was forged, an unseen bond that would shape Rin''s future in ways she couldn''t yet fathom. The air hung heavy with the scent of iron and magic, hinting at the forces at play in this seemingly ordinary moment. As Rin slipped deeper into unconsciousness, the world around her shifted and changed in ways she couldn''t comprehend.


    Rin''s senses were overwhelmed as she found herself floating in a blinding expanse of white light. It felt like a dream, but too real to be dismissed. Her body was weightless, suspended in an empty void. Suddenly, a man appeared before her, his skin adorned with intricate tattoos in ancient runes. His piercing gaze fixed on her with intense scrutiny, and Rin couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease wash over her. This was no ordinary dream.


    The man, with a regal air about him, greeted Rin with a flourish. "Greetings, disciple!" he began. "Since you have absorbed my drop of blood, your body holds enough potential to cultivate my powerful technique - the 2.Blaze Tempering method. Its success, however, relies heavily on one''s mental resilience."


    "But how rude of me," he said, his tone softening. "Allow me to introduce myself first." He held himself with a sense of grandeur and authority.


    "I am Daoist Whiteflame - or rather, a fraction of my divine self that remains after death," he explained. "Before meeting my end at the hands of my enemies, I infused 100 drops of my blood with my legacy and scattered them among the stars.


    This fragment of my being regained self-awareness, obviously you have just absorbed one of the droplets of blood. As my lucky disciple, I will impart all of my knowledge to you for free. Your only duty is to seek revenge for your fallen master - if you manage to survive cultivating my technique, that is. Find and eliminate the ones who brought about my demise."


    Rin''s jaw dropped as she stared at the man in front of her, trying to process what was happening. With a frustrated sigh, Whiteflame exclaimed, "Come on, girl! Don''t just stand there gaping like a fish. Say something, give your great master a proper greeting or something!"


    Standing before her was an immortal, akin to the ones that roamed the streets of Scarlet City. But this one exuded a sense of majesty and superiority unlike any being she had ever encountered. His aura radiated power and authority, yet there was also a hint of warmth and friendliness within it.


    Rin could feel her heart racing as she whispered, "Disciple greets Master."

 3. Legacy

    "Well you will do just fine lass." murmured Whiteflame. "My time is limited since I am only a sliver of divine sense so there is not much time to waste. I will impart to you only two techniques. They were created by me so it''s natural that they would be at the pinnacle of excellence in the entire Universe. The first technique is called Devour The World, and its sole purpose is to saturate your body with the surrounding energy. The second technique is my ultimate legacy - the best body tempering method in existence, known as Blaze Tempering. My method of cultivation is quite straightforward... You absorb qi and then ignite it inside your body. This ignites a fierce fire that purifies and strengthens every cell, transforming your body into one that is stronger and superior. The process can be excruciating, but I have no doubt that a dedicated disciple like you will handle it with ease."


    Rin''s eyes widened in confusion as her new Master spoke of body refining and igniting qi. She had no clue what he was talking about, but her eagerness to learn drove her forward, despite the promise of an "excruciating" process. She wondered what that word meant, but her determination to improve herself overshadowed any doubts. After the turmoil of the last few days, this opportunity felt like a blessing from the heavens.


    "Before, I was able to achieve the third level of condensation. But I suppose you wouldn''t understand what that means. All you need to do is focus on tempering your body, and everything else will come naturally," the deceased cultivator mused.


    "It''s quite simple, as you can see. I will now implant the techniques into your mind. Prepare yourself." Whiteflame pointed his finger at Rin''s forehead. She felt a rush of information flooding her mind. She now knew the exact breathing and concentration methods to access qi, at least in theory. And the Blazing Tempering technique was represented by a complex rune that she had imprinted in her memory.


    "I apologize for my limited energy, I won''t be able to sit and talk with you for long. But don''t worry, we will meet again after you successfully reach your first condensation stage. Oh, and before I forget, I have infused enough qi in your body for the initial ignition. When you wake up, my divine sense will automatically trigger Blaze Tempering. Pay close attention to the process, my dear disciple. And make sure you eat more, you look a bit thin. Until we meet again."


    In a sudden burst of light, Whiteflame disappeared into thin air, leaving behind a smile for Rin. She stood there in shock, trying to process everything that had just happened. Slowly, she felt herself slipping out of the now empty dream world, and she opened her eyes to reality. As she woke up, she could feel a strange force taking over her mind, leading her through the intricate process of activating the Blazing Tempering rune.


    At first, utter stillness filled the small cave. Rin shifted her weight, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through her broken foot. Then, a faint sensation of warmth began to radiate from her abdomen, just below her navel. It crept steadily through her body, reaching her arms, legs, and head. But as the temperature continued to rise, Rin''s skin prickled uncomfortably and beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Suddenly, she felt as though she were being consumed by flames. The searing pain was almost too much to bear as it spread throughout her body like a wildfire.


    An intense heat spread through her body, searing every nerve and muscle until Rin felt like she was being scorched alive. With each passing moment, the pain intensified, reaching unbearable levels that threatened to overwhelm her. She screamed and screamed until her throat was raw and no sound could escape. But the agony continued, mercilessly torturing her until there was no air left in her lungs to fuel her screams. All she could feel was agonizing pain, every other sense shutting down in response to the overwhelming intensity of it all. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly as she endured this torment, with no relief in sight. And just when she thought she couldn''t take it anymore, the heat and pain slowly began to subside, leaving behind a trembling and exhausted Rin.


    Gradually, she regained her senses. To her surprise, her body was coated in a thick layer of dark filth. The lingering effects of the tempering process, she concluded. Her cells had purged all toxins and impurities, leaving her feeling renewed. As she carefully examined herself, Rin noticed that her previously injured foot was now completely healed. In fact, she felt stronger and healthier than ever before. Even her senses seemed to have heightened; she could see and hear with more clarity, and her mind felt sharper and quicker. It seemed that the tempering had not only cured her injuries but also enhanced her physical constitution and her mental capacity.


    Repulsed by the putrid stench clinging to her skin, Rin swiftly left the cramped cavern and made her way back to the lake she had stumbled upon the day before. She eagerly plunged into the water, vigorously scrubbing her skin until it was squeaky clean. As she emerged from the refreshing lake, Rin suddenly became acutely aware of how hungry she was. Remembering the tree with the delectable fruits that she had fallen from, she decided to make her way back there. Despite the pain from her fall, it had also presented an incredible opportunity for her to enter the world of Cultivation. Upon reaching the tree, Rin climbed carefully, testing each branch before putting weight on it. With a successful harvest of several fruits, she descended and sat down to devour them. It took over ten fruits before Rin''s hunger finally subsided.


    With her stomach finally sated, Rin''s mind was able to clear and focus on her current predicament. She took a deep breath and felt the determination and strength coiling within her. With newfound confidence, she knew exactly what she needed to do. She would dedicate herself to mastering the art of Blazing Tempering until she became the strongest warrior. Then, she would seek out a prestigious sect to join and earn justice for those who had hurt her. And finally, she would use her power to help others like Meng who had selflessly aided her in the past. The path ahead may be difficult, but Rin was ready to face it head on with unwavering resolve.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    She would have to look for food again soon, but after some contemplation, she decided to try practicing the art of Devouring the World. Settling by the tranquil lake, she focused on her breath. Her previous experience with qi was limited to the test from the Sky Sect and when Whiteflame had infused her body with energy. Gathering qi from the world around her proved to be much more difficult. However, Rin persisted and after several hours of trial and error, she felt it: energy slowly gathering in her body from all sources - the lake, the trees, the earth, even the sky. She could absorb it into her being, nourishing every cell in her body. This was true cultivation!


    Rin lost track of time as she focused on filling every inch of her body with qi. She pushed herself to the limit, absorbing as much as she could until she could absorb no more. The difficult part was yet to come, as she now understood that "excruciating" simply meant an overwhelming amount of pain.


    Mentally preparing herself, Rin summoned the Blazing Tempering rune in her mind. She dreaded what would come next, but she knew it was necessary if she wanted to become stronger. Understanding the intricacies of the rune was beyond her, but she knew how to use it to trigger her qi ignition. With focused determination, she followed the steps her Master had taught her and successfully activated the rune on her first try. As before, the warmth started in her abdomen and spread throughout her body before intensifying into a blazing heat.


    As the second cycle commenced, Rin''s desperate screams filled the air. The overwhelimg pain was reminiscent of the first time, but this time Rin seemed to bear it with more composure. She could feel her muscles and bones breaking down under the intense heat, only to be rebuilt moments later. When the process was complete, a thick layer of gunk covered her skin, though not as much as the last time. Despite the intensity of the pain, Rin found herself able to endure it better this time around, perhaps due to her mind adjusting to the torture. Like a phoenix rising from its ashes, Rin emerged from the flames, transformed and reborn once again.


    The aching emptiness in her stomach returned, gnawing at Rin''s insides. With a sigh of relief, she remembered the handful of sweet fruits she had gathered from her lucky tree earlier. The Blaze Tempering process seemed to require a constant supply of nutrients, something she was quickly learning as she delved deeper into its mysteries.


    Rin realized that if she wanted to keep up with her cultivation, she needed to start eating more consistently. Perhaps adding some meat to her diet would help, but the thought of hunting for her food made her uneasy. Growing up in the city, she had never even seen wildlife before. The wilderness was a foreign and intimidating concept to her.


    All Rin knew how to do was make fire. If she wanted to survive and thrive in this new environment, she knew she had to expand her skills and knowledge beyond what she had known before.


    Rin eventually settled into a routine of cultivating, exploring, searching for food, and resting. Sometimes she was able to add variety to her diet by finding mushrooms or mussels in the nearby lake, but attempts at catching fish or squirrels were unsuccessful. She wasn''t exactly thriving, but she was managing reasonably well. Her cultivation was also progressing well. After completing ten cycles, which took about a week, she felt a sudden change within her body. It seemed to expand slightly and she could sense herself growing taller. Additionally, her cells were now able to absorb qi at a faster rate, speeding up her cultivation process. But the most significant change was the gradual increase in speed and strength with each completed cycle. Rin felt as though her strength had doubled compared to when she first began cultivating.


    As she sat by the tranquil lake, Rin''s gaze was drawn to a few graceful deer who came to drink from its shimmering waters. Her stomach rumbled at the thought of having a big source of food for a while if only she could catch one. But the deer were far too elusive and quick for her even with her enhanced body. Frustrated, she realized she needed a way to hunt them from further away, but she lacked any weapons or skill in ranged combat. After much contemplation, she decided to train in throwing stones. Along the edge of the lake lay hundreds of small, smooth stones perfect for throwing. So Rin gathered as many as she could carry and began her training in earnest.


    As she explored the surrounding area, Rin made it a point to practice her throwing skills whenever possible. Whether it was aiming at birds perched on branches or squirrels scurrying across the forest floor, anything edible became her new target. Though her initial attempts were clumsy and unsuccessful, Rin persisted and slowly but surely, her aim improved with each passing day.


    Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of training, Rin''s persistence paid off when she managed to strike a bird right in the head with a perfectly aimed stone. The bird fell lifeless to the ground, and Rin couldn''t contain her excitement and pride at this small victory. Meat was back on the menu. From that day on, she continued to hone her newfound skill, knowing it would be crucial for her survival in this wild landscape.


    As Rin progressed in her cultivation, she could feel the immense power building up within her. She was now close to reaching the second tier of Blaze Tempering. In order to reach the next level, she now needed to go through twice as many cycles compared to the first tier. However, her cultivation speed had also improved - she was now able to complete two cycles every day without fail.


    But as much as she wanted to focus solely on her cultivation, Rin couldn''t ignore the fact that her food sources were quickly dwindling. The fruits and mushrooms around the lake were almost completely depleted, and if she didn''t move soon, she would have nothing left to sustain herself.


    With a heavy heart, Rin decided it was time to leave the peaceful lake behind and continue her journey. But before she did, she was determined to reach the second tier of Blaze Tempering.


    After 22 days since running away from Scarlet City, as Rin had counted them, she finally felt ready. She had gathered as much food as she could: two squirrels, a small bird, and a handful of mushrooms. There was no more fruit to be found. Rin settled by the lake, her usual spot, and began to focus on absorbing the qi from the world around her. As the energy filled her body, she prepared to trigger the 30th cycle. The qi sparked and ignited within her, followed by the familiar heat and pain. But Rin was like steel at this point, enduring the process without a single sound. Just like after finishing the first ten cycles, her body expanded slightly with each cell increasing its capacity for absorption.


    As Rin flexed her muscles, she felt the surge of power coursing through her body. Her senses sharpened to an otherworldly level, her heightened hearing and vision far surpassing any mere mortal''s. Thoughts raced through her mind at lightning speed, each one crystal clear and purposeful. No longer did Rin feel vulnerable or weak; with feline-like reflexes and lightning-fast speed, she was was no longer prey, she was now the predator. With a primal roar, she set off in search of deer, eager to test out her newfound abilities.

 4. Feral

    Leaving a blur in her wake, Rin tore through the dense forest, her lithe body moving with the agility and grace of a predator on the hunt. Her senses were heightened to perfection, allowing her to track every subtle movement and sound in the surrounding wilderness.


    She relished in the rush of adrenaline as she searched for her prey, her keen eyes scanning for the telltale signs of deer. And when she spotted their tracks, her heart raced with excitement.


    Without hesitation, Rin closed in on her unsuspecting target, moving silently and effortlessly through the underbrush. With deadly precision, she launched a small stone at the deer''s hind leg, shattering bone with a sickening crunch. The panicked animal lashed out in pain, but Rin relentlessly pursued it, fueled by primal instincts.


    As the injured deer stumbled ahead on three legs, Rin closed in on its frantic movements. With a fierce determination, she leapt onto its back and wrapped one arm around its neck in a vice-like grip. The struggle was intense as the deer fought for survival, but Rin''s strength was unmatched.


    With a resounding crack that echoed through the forest, Rin succeeded in breaking the deer''s neck, ending its life with swift and efficient force. As she stood over her kill, panting, Rin thought she had proven herself as a fearsome hunter in the wild.


    Rin''s days were now filled with constant movement, her feet taking her deeper and deeper into the forest. She hunted for sustenance, relying on her skills to catch wild hares and deer, their meat providing enough nourishment for her growing appetite. As she forged ahead on the path of Blaze Tempering her body needed more and more nourishment. But for now, she was finally thriving in this new environment.


    Unbeknownst to her, however, she had just entered the territory of a fierce pack of wolves. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, but underneath it all lurked the unmistakable smell of predator. Rin would soon discover that she was not alone in these woods.


    For the past two weeks, since her departure from the tranquil lake, Rin had devoted herself diligently to cultivation and throwing stones. With each passing day, her aim became more lethal, fueled by her continuously increasing strength. Though her progress in cultivation had slowed compared to the beginning, she persevered through daily bouts of pain, only growing more disciplined and resilient with each trial. But despite her great progress, she couldn''t escape the feeling of restlessness as a child longing to grow up. When would she be able to fly and conjure magic from her hands like the immortal beings she had heard of? Whiteflame''s path to cultivation seemed to deviate from the norm, making Rin wonder how she would compare to disciples of the prestigious Sky Sect.


    One day, when she was strong enough, she vowed to return and prove herself. But for now, she couldn''t shake off the lingering feeling of not being quite ready.


    Rin was unaware that the path of body cultivation was considered one of the most challenging and rare paths in the world. Out of a thousand cultivators, only a handful would choose this difficult journey. While most relied on cultivating qi and strengthening their inner cores, Rin''s unique constitution made this path impossible for her to follow. However, those who specialized in body cultivation had a clear advantage over qi cultivators at the same level.


    Though their offensive abilities may be similar, body cultivators possessed incredible resilience and could fight for extended periods without relying on qi to fuel their attacks. Instead, they relied on their own robust physical forms, making them formidable opponents in battle.


    As Rin''s mind wandered, she was abruptly brought back to reality by a primal sense of danger that seemed to emanate from the very shadows around her. She slowly edged her way through the dense trees, hyper-aware of each rustle and snap in the underbrush. Suddenly, a deafening howl pierced the air, causing shivers to race down her spine. Out of the bushes emerged a massive grey wolf, its steely gaze fixed on Rin as if she were its next meal. Her heart raced as two smaller wolves flanked her on both sides, trapping her with no escape.


    Despite all her bravado and strength, Rin was overcome with fear and felt completely helpless in front of these ferocious beasts.


    The wolves drew closer, their snarls and growls sending shivers of fear down Rin''s spine. But she refused to cower like a helpless girl anymore. She was a cultivator, a killer.


    Clenching a rock in her hand, she channeled all her energy into one desperate throw. The stone hit its mark with a satisfying thud, the force of the impact causing blood to spray and the wolf to let out a guttural roar of pain. Rin had managed to gouge out its eye. But these were not ordinary wolves, transformed instead into magical beasts by the rich qi environment. And even with her deadly aim, this low level magical beast would not fall easily to her attack. Rin steeled herself for the coming battle.


    Without a moment of hesitation, taking advantaged the leader''s momentary confusion, the girl launched herself at the wolf on her left, determined to make it suffer for daring to attack her. She wrapped her hands around its neck, feeling its muscles tense and claws dig into her skin in a futile attempt to break free. But she was relentless, tightening her grip until she heard the satisfying crunch of bones breaking.


    The wolf''s lifeless body fell to the ground with a thud as Rin turned her attention to the other two wolves. They cowered in fear, witnessing their packmate''s brutal demise at the hands of their prey. But Rin showed no mercy, lunging towards them with feral ferocity. She reveled in the adrenaline coursing through her veins as she fought off their desperate attacks. Blood sprayed across the forest floor as they ripped at her skin and flesh, but Rin refused to let it stop her. With each savage strike, she could feel her own primal instincts taking over, driving her to inflict as much pain and suffering as possible.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    In one final burst of energy, Rin delivered fatal blows to both wolves, relishing in their agonized cries before they too joined their fallen packmate in death. She stood victorious amongst the carnage, panting heavily and covered head to toe in blood.


    The overwhelming sense of triumph over a life and death challenge coursed through her veins, every breath felt like a celebration, every step a testament to her strength and determination.


    Rin was in pain all over her body, but at this point, the intensity had become almost tolerable and was not distracting her as much.


    She knew she needed to recover and heal quickly, and luckily, she had just the right tool for the job - Blaze Tempering. This ancient technique not only tempered her body, but also rejuvenated it with each cycle. She couldn''t help but notice the drastic improvement since her broken foot had been healed by this powerful practice. As she rested and reflected on her abilities, Rin realized that perhaps she wasn''t harnessing Blaze Tempering to its full potential. The thought of reducing her recovery time after a fight was almost too good to be true - it was like having an otherworldly cheat at her disposal. If she was willing to take the risk, she could improve at an unprecedented rate.


    Rin sank down onto the soft grass, her body weary and aching. She closed her eyes and focused on the rhythm of her breath as she began to cultivate. The energy flowed through her, mending her muscles and replenishing her strength.


    A new plan formed in her mind - to search out every wolf and beast she could find and engage in fierce combat, emerging victorious and stronger than before. But first, she knew she needed to improve in other areas as well. Her stealth and sneaking skills needed much work, as evidenced by the surprise attack from the wolves that left her battered and wounded. Determined to become a better fighter, Rin resolved to train harder and smarter.


    The passing days melded into one another, their details blurring in Rin''s mind as she lost track of counting them. Her daily routine now felt like second nature - waking up at the break of dawn to stretch her muscles and hone her aim, scouring the dense forest for any potential beasts to kill for both sustenance and to sharpen her fighting skills. She also spent a great deal of time perfecting her stealth abilities, moving through the trees undetected with grace and ease.


    As the sun began to sink towards the horizon, signaling the end of another day, Rin would take a break from her physical training to focus on cultivating.


    With closed eyes and focused breaths, she advanced on the path of Blaze Tempering, healing any potential wounds and progressing further in her journey. At this point, Rin had fully embraced her feral nature.


    Her tattered clothes were long gone, replaced by a thick and warm wolf hide that provided protection from the elements and kept her hidden in the depths of the wilderness.


    Every day brought new challenges as Rin ventured deeper into the heart of the forest. Constantly on high alert, she encountered dangerous foes and honed her survival skills. But each day also brought a sense of freedom and belonging that Rin had never experienced before.


    However, one day everything changed. The smell of burning wood and smoke filled the air, alerting Rin to a nearby campsite. As she cautiously approached, she saw a group of rough-looking people gathered around a crackling fire, their laughter and shouts echoing through the trees.


    She watched as they cooked meat over the flames, their weapons propped up against nearby trees. Curiosity got the better of Rin as she crept closer, using her stealth skills to remain undetected.


    A sudden pang of loneliness struck Rin''s heart as she stood among the trees. After months of living like a wild animal, hunting and surviving on her own, the desire for human contact overwhelmed her. She had stumbled upon a group of people who seemed right at home in the forest, their rough appearance fitting perfectly with the rugged surroundings.


    An idea sparked in Rin''s mind - perhaps she could make friends with these strangers. She watched them from a distance, observing their movements and interactions. They may have appeared like outlaws, but there was a sense of camaraderie amongst them.


    Her heart was filled with determination as she tightly clenched two stones in her hands and cautiously entered the clearing where they were gathered. In an instant, they all sprang to their feet, weapons drawn and ready for a fight. Rin quickly assessed the situation - five men and one woman, all armed and seemingly prepared to defend themselves at any moment.


    "Halt!" exclaimed the short, stout man. "What''s our next move, boss?" They all turned their attention to Rin, who stood in front of them. The big, bearded man stepped forward - clearly the leader of the group.


    "Well, who are you, girl? What brings you to the heart of the forest? Are you lost?" His eyes narrowed as he assessed her aura - the girl was a cultivator most likely at mid-fundation level.


    Rin took a deep breath and spoke confidently. "Greetings, my name is Rin. I am a hunter."


    The woman in the group, taller and older than Rin, raised an eyebrow. "A hunter, huh? Where''s your bow?" Rin''s mind raced - she had only said she was a hunter to avoid revealing her identity as a cultivator. After all, she was no longer a beggar.


    "I hunt with stones." she replied quickly. The men burst into laughter. "Stones? Did you hear that?" one of them jeered. "She uses stones!".


    The leader silenced them with a stern look. "Be careful, Geri. She may be small but she''s a cultivator. One wrong move and she could break you with her bare hands."


    A sudden shift occurred among the men - they all moved into more guarded and defensive stances, except for the boss and the woman who seemed to know what Rin truly was.


    The girl''s emerald eyes widened in surprise. Did she unknowingly give away her identity as a cultivator?


    Her gaze sharpened and she focused intently on the group in front of her, suddenly becoming acutely aware of their every move.


    As she observed the boss, she could sense a distinct difference in his aura - it was powerful and commanding. The woman standing next to him also emitted an aura of strength, although it paled in comparison to the boss''s. In contrast, the rest of the men had no noticeable aura at all, they appeared to be regular individuals with no cultivation abilities.


    She came to the realization that cultivators were able to detect each other''s presence. Deep down, she knew the boss was powerful - perhaps even more powerful than herself.


    A brief moment of hesitation flickered across Rin''s face, but she quickly pushed it aside. The desire for companionship and a sense of belonging was too strong to ignore.


    "I have been thinking," she began tentatively, hopeful yet uncertain. "Is it possible for me to join your group?".

 5. Bandits

    The big boss, a burly man with a scar running down his face, eyed her suspiciously.


    "Join us, girl? What do you know about us?" he demanded. "Did Roian send you?"


    Rin took a deep breath and thought quickly. She knew she needed to mix some truth in her story to gain their trust. "No one sent me," she began, carefully choosing her words. "I was living with my master in the forest when he was killed by other evil cultivators. I managed to escape and have been surviving alone in the woods since then."


    The woman next to the boss raised an eyebrow. "What was your master''s name?" she asked suspiciously.


    Rin hesitated for a moment, but decided it was best to stick with the truth. "Whiteflame," she replied, trying not to show any signs of nervousness. There was almost no chance that these people had heard of her master.


    "What do you say, Myron?" the woman turned to address the boss.


    Myron, a tall and lean man with calculating eyes, stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Must be some hermit cultivating in isolation," he concluded finally.


    Rin breathed a sigh of relief internally, thankful that her master''s name hadn''t sparked any recognition among the group.


    Myron stared intently at Rin, his eyes searching for any hint of hesitation. "Do you even know what you''re signing up for, lass?" he asked, his voice low and serious. "I wouldn''t mind having a foundation level cultivator on our team," Myron continued, "but it''s important that you understand the risks. We''re basic road bandits, girl. We prey on unprotected caravans along the road just a few thousand paces from here." Rin listened carefully, her mind racing with possibilities. She had heard stories of caravans being attacked while traveling and knew that wealthier merchants always hired guards to protect their goods. But the thought of becoming a bandit herself didn''t faze her. After all, for most of her life she had been a victim. Now, it was time for her to be the aggressor. "I''m still interested in joining," Rin said decisively. "I''m tired of living by myself and I have no issues with this kind of activity." Myron nodded, satisfied with her response. "Well then, anyone against having a midfoundation cultivator join our ranks? No? Well, it doesn''t really matter anyway because I''ve already made up my mind," he declared with a smirk. "Then welcome to the crew, Rin," Myron said warmly. "But before we head back to our base, let''s introduce you to the rest of the team."


    "I am Myron, and this is my wife Wanda. We are both cultivators. The lads with us are Bruno, Geri, Aram, and Jorgen," Myron introduced himself and his companions to Rin. "You''ll meet the rest of us at our main base, which is located in a big cave."


    Rin couldn''t help but feel curious about the "Foundation level" that Myron had mentioned earlier. As they journeyed towards the base, she decided to ask him about it.


    "Myron, what exactly is Foundation level? My Master never taught me about cultivation levels. He just showed me how to get stronger," Rin said, hoping that he could shed some light on this new information. Myron looked at her with a doubtful expression.


    "Your master didn''t tell you about cultivation levels? That''s strange," he remarked before continuing to explain. "Well, I''ll tell you what I know. The first level is Foundation level, where a cultivator learns to absorb and store qi in their dantian. It''s divided into three stages: early, mid, and late Foundation. After a long time and through lucky encounters, a cultivator can form a core of pure qi in their dantian. Then they move onto the next stage - Core formation."


    "And what comes after that?" Rin asked, intrigued by this new knowledge. "I''m not too sure about the details," Myron admitted. "But if a cultivator continues to cultivate for a very long time, they can become demigods. Cultivators at this level can fly and bend the laws of nature with their will."


    He paused for a moment before adding, "There''s actually a demigod in Scarlet City, one of the biggest cities nearby." Rin was amazed by all of this information. Her master had never talked about cycles or tiers or condensations like these cultivators did. It was clear to her now that she was following a completely different method of cultivation compared to the other cultivators she had encountered so far.


    As they approached the camp, the sound of crackling fire and chatter grew louder. Myron led Rin to a large cave, its mouth illuminated by the flickering flames of a fire pit. Three figures were huddled around a bubbling cooking pot, their faces obscured by the dancing shadows. The entrance to the cave was wide enough for two people to walk side by side, and it extended 100 paces deep into the earth. The floor was covered in thick furs, most likely where the bandits slept when they weren''t out on raids. Myron''s voice rang out as they entered the cave.


    "Hey crew! We''ve got a new recruit." He gestured towards Rin with pride. "This is Rin, our newest team member. She''s a skilled cultivator." The other members of the group turned to look at Rin with curiosity. Myron introduced them one by one.


    "These are Arn, Benny, and Livy." Each nodded in greeting. "And you''ll meet Violet later," Myron continued. "She''s our scout and incredibly stealthy. She goes out to scout the roads for potential caravans we can rob."


    Rin''s keen eyes scanned the three new arrivals. She could feel Arn''s aura immediately, a telltale sign that he was a cultivator like herself. His energy was slightly weaker than hers, but Rin knew not to underestimate him. As for the other two, they were mere mortals.


    And thus, a new chapter unfolded in Rin''s journey, that of a daring road bandit.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    With each passing day, she grew more comfortable and familiar with the ragtag crew of bandits.


    On the second day of her arrival, Violet returned from her scouting mission. Much like Rin, she was a petite girl with jet black hair and striking purple irises. However, Violet seemed to possess an air of experience, perhaps a couple years older than Rin.


    Assigned to shadow and learn from Violet''s stealthy ways, Rin quickly adapted to their routines. As they roamed the forest, always on the lookout for their next target, a new sense of purpose settled within her. She finally felt like she belonged somewhere, even if it was in the world of outlaws and thieves.


    They journeyed deep into the forest, their steps taking them thousands of paces until they reached a towering cliff that overlooked the vast Road below. Violet pointed towards it with a sense of purpose, explaining,


    "This is the main road that connects Scarlet city to the Ullm Republic in the far east. It sees a lot of merchant traffic, but most caravans are heavily guarded." Her eyes scanned the area, searching for what they needed.


    "We''re looking for caravans with minimal guards, preferably without any skilled cultivators among them. At most, we can handle those at a low foundation level. And they need to be spread out enough so that other caravans won''t catch up when we strike."


    As she spent more time with her new family, Rin learned that Myron hadn''t always been a bandit. "I used to be a merchant guard," he confided in her one night around the campfire. "But things went sour with some merchants and I had to make a run for it. Been an outlaw ever since."


    Rin couldn''t help but feel a sense of admiration for Myron. Despite his circumstances, he had built a small community within their band of outcasts. Most of them were like Myron, rejected by society for petty crimes or simply trying to survive on the fringes of civilization.


    The flickering flames of the fire cast a warm glow on the group as they sat around it one night. The smell of bubbling stew filled the air, making their mouths water in anticipation. Aram, the youngest member of their ragtag group at only 16 years old, approached with a bowl of steaming stew in hand. "Lookey here, boss," he said with a boyish grin. "Saved the best part for our dear Rin." He looked up at her shyly, his admiration for her clear in his eyes.


    "Thanks, Aram," Rin replied with a genuine smile as she accepted the bowl from him. She couldn''t help but feel a touch of guilt though, knowing that Aram had a bit of a crush on her. She saw him quickly turn away to pretend to tend to something by the fire.


    Rin knew she only had platonic feelings for Aram, but she couldn''t deny the warmth and affection he showed towards her. She hoped he would find someone who returned his feelings someday.


    As they settled in for the night, Violet and Rin discussed their upcoming scouting mission. "We''ll be away from camp for a few days," Violet explained to Myron. "But we promise to bring back some useful information."


    Myron nodded and gave them both a pat on the back. "Stay safe out there," he said gruffly.


    A few days later, the girls finally found a promising target. "This caravan looks like it''s carrying some valuable goods," Violet said excitedly. "At this rate, it''ll reach our area tomorrow. Let''s move quickly and gather the gang for the heist."


    As dawn broke, Rin climbed up a tree to scout out the road ahead.


    Her role was that of a sniper and scout, providing long-range support and preventing enemies from escaping during an ambush. She had 20 specially crafted stones for ammunition, as well as some steel balls given by Myron. These smooth and weighty projectiles would greatly enhance her offense if used .


    Meanwhile, Myron and Wanda were waiting in the center of the road with their massive claymores at the ready. Violet was hidden somewhere nearby, playing with her knives. "Remember what I taught you, Rin," she whispered to herself as she waited for the perfect moment to strike.


    In the few short weeks of their mentorship, Violet had become both a guide and a companion to Rin. Their combat styles were remarkably similar, except for hand-to-hand combat. Despite Rin''s physical strength, her hand-to-hand skills were unrefined and erratic, more resembling that of a wild animal than a trained warrior. Under Violet''s watchful eye, Rin began to improve through basic drills, though progress was slow. In the midst of many sparring defeats, Rin came to realize that she relied solely on brute force to defeat her opponents and lacked proper technique. Each day, Violet easily bested Rin despite being a normal cultivator, driving home the importance of finesse over strength in combat. The sting of defeat was a constant reminder for Rin to hone her skills and learn from her mentor''s expertise.


    As she reminisced, Rin noticed the slow approach of a merchant caravan. It consisted of three large carts pulled by oxen and only five guards, all of them mortals. Or so she thought - one of them was actually a foundation level cultivator, Rin could faintly sense his aura, albeit a weak one. She knew she could probably take him down with a well-aimed stone.


    Myron said that they would surrender everything without a fight, but Rin still felt tense and ready for action. The caravan slowly came closer to where Wanda and Myron were waiting in the middle of the road, eventually stopping at a distance of around 30 paces.


    ¡°What is the reason of you blocking our passage¡° asked one guard, the fundation level cultivator, and most likely the leader.


    Myron let out a deep, throaty laugh, clearly unimpressed by the guard''s attempt to appear intimidating. "Aw come on now," he scoffed, "you know the drill." His voice was nonchalant, as if he were simply issuing a friendly reminder. "This is a heist. Drop your valuables and scurry back to where you came from."


    The guard sneered at Myron, his eyes filled with contempt as he examined the ragged clothes and dirt-streaked face of the man before him. "I''ve heard about you," he hissed venomously, "Myron the Hobo." He spat out the name like it was something foul and unworthy of his attention. "A cultivator preying on innocent mortals. How does it make you feel? Strong and mighty?" The guard''s voice dripped with disdain as he looked down upon Myron.


    Myron''s expression turned cold as he locked eyes with the guard. "It doesn''t matter how it makes me feel," he retorted sharply, his tone laced with anger. "Nothing can change what will happen next." His grip tightened on the hilt of his sword, ready for whatever may come next. "So why don''t you just finish venting and then fuck off?" Despite his casual words, there was a dangerous glint in Myron''s eyes that warned of the consequences if the guard didn''t comply.


    Myron gestured towards the forest where his crew had been waiting patiently for their leader''s signal. Following Arn''s lead, they came out onto the road, behind the line of caravans.


    The guard hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do against such odds. But eventually he stepped aside and let Myron''s team pass through the caravan.


    As they made their way past the wagon full of goods and treasure, Myron couldn''t help but smirk triumphantly. Another successful heist in the bag.


    Rin couldn''t help but feel a sense of disbelief. Everything had gone so smoothly, without any need for her to use her powers. It almost felt like the whole robbery had been too easy.


    She glanced over at Myron, who was walking confidently ahead of her with a big grin on his face. His crew members were laughing and joking as they carried their spoils on their backs.

 6. Errand

    The bandit camp was abuzz with anticipation as a celebration was about to begin. Their most recent haul may not have been the most valuable, consisting mainly of textiles and a few barrels of subpar beer, but there was one item that stood out from the rest. Rin proudly wore it around her neck - a small, cracked ring that held great power. It was a Spatial Ring, damaged and unstable but still functional for several more years to come. As all cultivators in the bandit crew were already equipped with their own spatial storage devices, they all agreed to give this precious find to Rin.


    Under Myron''s guidance, she bonded the ring with a drop of blood and could now access its contents. The space within was not overly large - just enough for a sphere with a diameter of nearly one pace - but it was magnificent. Excitedly, Rin began storing hundreds of projectiles inside, eager to use them in future battles.


    As the group sat around the fire, trading jokes and swigging beer, Rin couldn''t resist summoning small stones from time to time and returning them back to her ring. They also celebrated the prospect of finally having proper clothing thanks to Wanda''s skilled sewing abilities. Rin had been stuck wearing furs for far too long and looked forward to wearing something more fitting for a cultivator like herself.


    "A toast for Ginger!" Arn''s voice rang out triumphantly, echoing through the cold night. His strong, calloused hand gripped his mug tightly as he raised it high into the air. ¡°And to our newest member, officially deemed a bandit after her successful first heist."


    The scent of ale permeated the air, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration. Rin blushed at the attention but couldn''t help feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. This was where she belonged now, among these outlaws.


    Arn took another swig of his beer before sharing a story from his own early days as a bandit. "I remember my first heist, that didn''t go so well," he chuckled. "We were operating in the country of Tzu at that time."


    "It was near the Clover Pass, and it was the rainiest day I''ve ever seen," he continued. "Slipping and sliding through the mud, we managed to sneak into a wealthy merchant''s warehouse."


    "But things took a turn for the worse when I accidentally stepped into a deep pool of mud," Arn recalled with a grin. "It took three of my comrades to pull me out, but by then we had already been discovered."


    The group erupted into laughter, imagining Arn flailing around in the mud while trying to escape.


    And so they spent most nights together, while during the day Rin started pushing more and more into improving herself.


    They had formed a strong bond and spent most nights together, their camaraderie growing stronger with each passing day. Meanwhile, Rin was determined to push herself further and further towards self-improvement, dedicating her days to honing her skills.


    And finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she broke through to the coveted fifth tier of Blaze Tempering. The fiery energy within her aura pulsed stronger than ever before, and she could feel her physical body growing and strengthening with every tier.


    With each step, the number of cycles seemed to double, and Rin''s mind boggled at the thought. By her calculations, it took her over three hundred cycles to reach this last step, and if she continued advancing, she would soon need thousands of cycles for every tier. It was a daunting realization, but still, even as Rin complained in her mind about the time-consuming process, she knew she was far ahead of the rest. Myron had taken over thirty years to reach Late Foundation and had been stuck there for the past twenty. The thought made Rin grateful for her own cultivation speed. One day she will have to pay back Master Whiteflame.


    Rin''s friendship with Violet continued to deepen as they spent more and more time together. They shared meals, trained together, and talked about their past lives and hopes for the future. Violet was a skilled fighter in her own right, but Rin could now overpower her in sparring since she had broken through to the fifth tier of Blaze Tempering.


    "You''re getting stronger," Violet grunted, sweat dripping down her forehead.


    "Thanks to your training," Rin replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.


    The two girls took a break and sat down for lunch, enjoying the warm sun on their skin. "Do you ever think about your past life?" Violet asked, taking a bite of her meat jerky.


    Rin just pondered silently her horrific last day in Scarlet City coming to mind. "Not anymore. I have a new life now, thanks to you." she lied.


    Violet smiled warmly at her friend. "I''m glad we found each other."


    Their conversation turned to their insatiable thirst for power and the heights of cultivation they aimed to reach, daring to defy the very boundaries of heaven itself.


    One day, Wanda surprised them with custom-made clothes made from the finest materials. "Wow, these are amazing!" Violet exclaimed, admiring the intricate designs and expert tailoring.


    "I had no idea you were so skilled at sewing," Rin added, equally impressed.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Wanda blushed with pride. "Thank you both. I''m happy you like them."


    Rin thanked her profusely for the beautiful garments, feeling grateful.


    She could hardly believe she was adorned in such luxurious attire, a stark contrast to the rags she used to don as a desperate street urchin. The memories of her tattered clothes, always stained and torn, flooded her mind as she ran her fingers over the delicate fabric of her new dress. It was a moment of pure joy and disbelief that this could be her reality now.


    Well, now that you''re out of those creepy furs,¡± Wanda interrupted Rin''s thoughts. ¡°We can send you to unload.¡±


    ¡°Unload?¡± Rin asked with surprise.


    ¡°Yeah, from time to time we have to get rid of the stuff we steal,¡± Wanda explained. "So we sell it to unsuspecting merchants. And now that you''re not dressed like a wildling anymore, we can send you back into civilization. Plus, since you''re the newest member, no one knows about your ties to us yet.¡±


    As they returned to the camp, the crew''s admiring gazes followed them. Rin stood tall and graceful, now dressed in elegant clothing. Myron chuckled at her transformation, while Aram couldn''t help but sneak furtive glances in admiration of her. "You look like a proper lady now," Myron teased. But there was also a hint of pride in his voice.


    "I have a task for you, Rin," announced Myron, gesturing for her to join him. "I will send you on a journey to the distant village of Vancia in the North. We need to sell our wares there, and I believe you are the perfect person for the job. You''ll be accompanied by Violet, she knows the way. The village is about 50 fields from here."


    Follow me to the cave,¡± Myron commanded, his voice low and intense. He stared at Rin with a penetrating gaze. ¡°Your cultivation has increased yet again, girl. I''m not sure I could survive if we were to fight now. You are truly talented, Rin.¡±


    Rin shifted uncomfortably under Myron''s scrutiny. "I appreciate your encouragement," she replied with a small smile.


    "Don''t limit yourself, Rin," Myron urged, his tone suddenly serious. "Living on the outskirts of the mortal world is not your destiny. You have too much potential to waste it here with me, an old man who is too weak for the cultivation world."


    Rin thought deeply, then turned to Myron with a puzzled expression. "You''re not weak," she said, trying to reassure him.


    Myron let out a bitter chuckle. "Don''t be naive, Rin. Among mortals, I may seem powerful, but among cultivators I am nothing but a frog at the bottom of the barrel."


    He paused for a moment before continuing, his expression grave. "That''s why I choose to live among mortals and prey on weak caravans. It''s safe and easy for someone like me ¨C a scared and spineless old man."


    Rin was taken aback by Myron''s confession. She had always seen him as fearless and confident, but now she saw a glimpse of his vulnerability.


    "Listen carefully, Rin," he said firmly. "If you get the chance, join a sect. They will offer you more than I ever could. With your cultivation and talent, you could trample anyone who dares to oppose you. Think about it."


    Rin fell silent, mulling over Myron''s words.


    She knew he was right ¨C joining a sect would bring her countless opportunities and resources. But it also meant leaving behind the simple life she had grown accustomed to with Myron.


    "Thank you, Myron," she finally said, meeting his gaze. "I will think about it."


    Myron gazed at the little readhead a little longer than his attitude slowly shifted his attitude to a more normal and joyful one.


    ¡°Anyway take this bracer and bind it to you, same as the spatial ring. We have all the materials here stored from the past few heists.¡°


    Rin received the thick bracer. It was thick and heavy. After she bound it she looked inside and could see a large space probably 20 times bigger than her ring, filled with textiles wooden planks trinkets etc.


    Myron''s eyes lingered on the redheaded girl before his demeanor softened into a more friendly and cheerful one.


    "Alright, take this bracer and bind it with blood, just like the spatial ring. We have all the loot from our recent heists stored in there," he said, handing her a thick bracer.


    Rin took the heavy bracer and bound it to her. Peering inside, she was amazed at the spacious interior filled with various materials and trinkets collected from their past escapades.


    ¡°You will go to the village and try to sell this to the merchants there. This is a mortal village with only few cultivators passing through from time to time. it should be absolutely safe.¡°


    ¡°Hey Rin, let me give you this list of things we need to buy,¡± Wanda said as they stepped outside the cave. She handed Rin a parchment with a long list of items. ¡°I also wrote down prices for each item. Make sure to bargain and get the best deal, don''t let those merchants take advantage of you.¡±


    Rin scanned the list and nodded, understanding the importance of getting the most for their money in their journey.


    "Oh and one more thing," Wanda added with a warm smile. "I packed some food for your trip as well."


    "Thank you so much, Wanda," Rin replied gratefully. "You always take such good care of us."


    Wanda''s motherly tone softened even more as she replied, "Of course dear, I wouldn''t want my little companions going hungry on their adventure."


    The road to the Vancia village was a winding path through the countryside, lined with tall trees and blooming wildflowers. Rin and Violet journeyed along it, leaving behind the bustling main road and entering into a quieter world. For Rin, it had been months since she had stepped foot in civilization, and the familiarity of this small country road brought back memories of simpler times.


    As they traveled, Rin''s mind wandered to Myron''s words - was she wasting time living as an outlaw? With her cultivation level now, surely she could be accepted into the Sky Sect. But the thought of returning to Scarlet City filled her with dread. The trauma of her past experiences still haunted her, and she wasn''t sure if she was ready to face it all again.


    Violet, usually chatty and energetic, was unusually quiet and seemed troubled. Finally, she spoke up:


    "Rin, I won''t be able to accompany you into the village. The guards in this area know my face too well. You''ll have to go alone."


    Rin nodded understandingly, knowing that Violet was trying to protect her. "I''ll wait for you at the outskirts. Everything should be alright, but if anything happens..." She couldn''t bring herself to finish the thought, the fear of what could happen too great to put into words.


    Violet''s concern for her touched Rin deeply, igniting a fierce determination in her heart to protect her friend at any cost.


    They reached the village within hours, their swift and nimble bodies carrying them effortlessly through the terrain. The village was nothing remarkable, just a cluster of simple structures surrounding a dusty crossroads. A crude wooden wall encircled the perimeter, serving as a barrier against wild creatures.


    Rin hesitated for a moment, then left Violet behind and walked towards the entrance of the village, prepared to confront civilization once again.