The battle for the Starspirit Fruits had ended, leaving the valley eerily quiet. The once vibrant battlefield was now a graveyard of blood and broken stone, with the bodies of cultivators and beasts strewn about like remnants of a shattered storm. Tianyu lay motionless among the carnage, his battered body barely able to move. Each breath was shallow, his chest rising and falling against the crushing weight of exhaustion.
The emblem given to him by **Elder Qingxu** felt cool in his palm. Tianyu turned his head to glance at it, the name engraved on its surface catching the dim light. **"Elder Qingxu of the Thousand Peaks Sect,"** he murmured, a faint smirk playing on his lips despite the pain. "I've made it this far… and they've taken notice."
But even the thrill of recognition wasn't enough to mask the overwhelming ache in his body. Every muscle screamed for rest, and blood seeped slowly from wounds that hadn't yet clotted. "I'm alive… barely," he whispered. "But alive is enough."
It was then that he felt it—a faint pulse from the ring on his finger, like a second heartbeat. The sensation washed over him, soothing and warm, as though an invisible hand were tending to his wounds. The blood trickling from his cuts thickened slightly before clotting, and the deep bruises on his ribs began to ache less with every pulse.
Unbeknownst to Tianyu, the ring wasn't merely healing him. A subtle transformation was taking place within his very being. The essence within the ring—Ao Shun's will—began seeping into his bloodstream, altering it at its core. Slowly, the crimson of his mortal blood darkened, mingling with faint streaks of gold.
Tianyu groaned softly as he sat up, still unaware of the changes occurring inside him. "You're stubborn, aren't you?" he said to the ring, his tone half-joking. "But if you keep helping me like this… I'll let it slide."
The ring pulsed again, the warmth in his veins pushing him to stand despite his fatigue. "Fine," Tianyu grumbled, forcing himself upright. "Let's see where you want me to go this time."
The ruins of the **Starspirit Vine** loomed ahead, its majestic glow now replaced by a withered husk. But as Tianyu approached, the ring's pull became more insistent, guiding him toward the base of the vine. The earth beneath his feet trembled faintly, and he noticed a faint shimmer emanating from the roots.
Curiosity mingled with caution as Tianyu crouched down, brushing aside the brittle remains of the vine. His fingers grazed a hidden crevice, and with a faint hum, a portal materialized before him. The air around it shimmered with a strange energy, resonating with the ring.
"A hidden portal," Tianyu murmured, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "I should've known you'd drag me into something like this."
The portal pulsed in response, and Tianyu sighed. "Alright, alright. Let's see what's inside."
The portal led to a narrow cavern, its walls shimmering faintly with residual energy from the Starspirit Vine. The air was dense, almost suffocating, as though the cavern held secrets from an ancient era. Tianyu's footsteps echoed as he descended, the ring's pull growing stronger with every step.
At the cavern's center, embedded in the roots of the vine, lay a radiant gem—a **Netherflame Essence Stone**. Its surface pulsed with fiery light, shifting between shades of crimson and gold. Tianyu felt its energy resonate with his very soul, a warmth spreading through him as he approached.
"This… this is what you wanted me to find," he said, his voice soft with awe. The stone seemed alive, its energy radiating in waves that caressed his spirit. As he reached out to touch it, the cavern trembled, and spectral beasts formed from the remnants of the vine's energy appeared.
Tianyu tightened his grip on his sword, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Of course it wouldn't be that easy," he muttered. "Nothing ever is."
The fight was brutal, each spectral beast testing his limits. But with the strength he had gained from the **Scarlet Immolation Tempering Art** and the ring's subtle support, Tianyu triumphed, his body trembling but victorious.
Finally, he grasped the **Netherflame Essence Stone**, its energy surging into him. His wounds closed further, his Qi flowing more steadily than before. Unbeknownst to him, the stone not only amplified his cultivation potential but also stabilized the growing traces of dragon blood within him.
The cavern began to collapse, forcing Tianyu to retreat back to the surface. The valley had become dangerously unstable, the tremors threatening to swallow it whole. Tianyu gritted his teeth as he navigated the cracked terrain, his movements swift despite his fatigue.
As he climbed out of the collapsing valley, the golden hues of dawn greeted him, painting the mountains in warm light. The path ahead was steep and winding, but Tianyu pressed on, determined to reach the next city before his strength waned further.
The journey through the mountains was treacherous. Loose rocks slid beneath his feet, and the thin air tested his endurance. Yet the ring's subtle guidance and the energy of the Netherflame Essence Stone sustained him, pushing him forward.
After what felt like an eternity, Tianyu emerged from the mountains, his body battered but his spirit unbroken. In the distance, the outline of a bustling town came into view—a welcome sight after the trials he had endured.
As he descended the final slope, a familiar figure caught his eye. His **Fleetpaw Drakon**, the loyal mount he had thought lost, stood waiting for him near the base of the mountain. The beast's fiery eyes met Tianyu's, and it let out a low, contented growl.
"You waited," Tianyu said, his voice tinged with relief and gratitude. He approached the Drakon, placing a hand on its sleek fur. "Good to see you, too."
The Drakon knelt, allowing Tianyu to climb onto its back. With a renewed sense of purpose, he urged the mount forward, the town growing closer with each stride.
The midday sun hung high above as Tianyu rode his Fleetpaw Drakon down the worn dirt road leading to Emberglade. The city walls loomed ahead, a testament to its strategic importance at the base of the mountains. The earthy scent of the town mingled with the crisp mountain air, creating a strange but welcoming warmth. Despite his exhaustion, Tianyu felt a flicker of relief knowing he had reached a place where he could finally rest.
As he approached the city gates, the bustle of townsfolk and travelers filled the air—merchants hauling goods, guards patrolling the perimeter, and children darting between wagons. The gates themselves, reinforced with iron and engraved with simple yet elegant designs, stood wide open, promising safety within.
But safety, as Tianyu soon realized, came with a price.
"Hold it right there," a gruff voice commanded as two guards stepped into Tianyu's path. Their armor was modest but well-kept, and their hands rested casually on the hilts of their swords. The older of the two, a man with a thick mustache and stern eyes, glanced at Tianyu's mount. "You're entering Emberglade, traveler. There's a tax for entry—five gold coins."
Tianyu blinked, his exhaustion momentarily replaced by irritation. "A tax? For walking through a gate?"
The younger guard smirked but said nothing, letting his superior handle the interaction. The mustached guard shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Everyone pays, whether you walk, ride, or crawl. Emberglade isn't a charity."
Tianyu sighed, his hand drifting to the pouch at his belt. He felt the weight of the gold inside—a hard-earned reward from countless hunts and battles—and grimaced as he pulled out five gleaming coins. Each coin felt heavier than it should have, and parting with them left a sour taste in his mouth.
"Here," Tianyu said flatly, dropping the coins into the guard's open palm.
The older guard nodded, satisfied. "Enjoy your stay. Don't cause trouble." He stepped aside, motioning for Tianyu to pass.
The younger guard chuckled, murmuring under his breath. "Not like he looks capable of much trouble."
Tianyu's fingers twitched toward the hilt of his sword, but he let the comment slide. He had neither the energy nor the patience to deal with petty provocations. Without another word, he urged his Fleetpaw Drakon forward, the mount's fiery eyes narrowing slightly as if sharing its rider's disdain.
Once inside the city, Tianyu was met with the vibrant hum of Emberglade's streets. Stalls lined the main thoroughfare, their colorful awnings shading merchants selling everything from spirit beast pelts to exotic spices. The scent of roasted meats mingled with the acrid tang of molten metal from a blacksmith's forge. Despite his fatigue, Tianyu couldn't help but take in the lively atmosphere.
But rest was his priority. Weaving through the crowd, he sought an inn, his eyes scanning for a place that looked clean enough to trust but not so expensive that it would drain his dwindling funds.
After a few minutes, he found what he was looking for: a modest two-story building with a sign that read **"The Ember's Rest"**. The inn had a weathered charm, its wooden exterior polished from years of care. Warm light spilled from its windows, and the faint sound of laughter drifted from within.
As soon as he entered the inn, Tianyu approached the counter, where a stout innkeeper greeted him with a friendly smile. "Welcome to The Ember's Rest. Looking for a room?"
"Yes," Tianyu replied, his voice edged with fatigue. "A private one."
"That'll be ten silver for the night, meals included."
Tianyu slid the coins across the counter without hesitation. "And a bath?"
The innkeeper's grin widened. "Bath's just down the hall. You'll feel like a new man after that. Let me get someone to take your mount to the stables."
Tianyu nodded in appreciation, handing over the reins of his Drakon before making his way to the bath.
The warm water was a balm to his aching body. Tianyu sank into the tub, letting the heat work its way into his sore muscles. The grime of the battlefield washed away, swirling down the drain along with the tension that had gripped him for days. He leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment of peace.
*"This is better,"* he thought, the water easing his pain. *"I might actually survive the next leg of this journey if I keep finding places like this."*
Refreshed and clean, Tianyu made his way to the inn's dining hall. The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread drew him in, his stomach growling in protest at the thought of food. He sat at a corner table, keeping his back to the wall out of habit, and ordered a hearty meal: roasted chicken, steamed vegetables, and a tankard of spiced cider.
The food was simple but satisfying, each bite restoring some of the energy he had lost during his trials. As he ate, Tianyu allowed himself a rare moment of indulgence, savoring the meal and the relative safety of the inn.
Once his meal was finished, Tianyu retreated to his room, a small but comfortable space with a sturdy bed and a desk. He set his sword within arm's reach before sitting at the desk, pulling out a map and a small journal.
"Silverleaf City," he murmured, tracing the route on the map with his finger. The journey ahead was long, and the challenges would only grow more daunting as he drew closer to the Thousand Peaks Sect.
He jotted down a list of supplies he would need to replenish—spirit herbs, dried rations, and perhaps a few talismans for emergencies. The Netherflame Essence Stone he had found in the valley pulsed faintly within his satchel, a reminder of the power he now carried.
*"This stone will help me grow,"* Tianyu thought, his gaze steady. *"But I'll need more than cultivation to survive what's coming. I need to prepare for everything."*
With his plans laid out, Tianyu leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting to the window. The glow of the city lights reflected in his determined gaze. Tomorrow, he would continue his journey—but for tonight, he allowed himself a moment of rest.