The vibrant streets of **Emberleaf** bustled with energy as townsfolk exchanged goods and news. Tianyu wandered the cobbled paths, weaving through the crowd as fragments of conversation reached his ears.
"Have you heard? The **Thousand Peaks Sect** will hold trials in Silverleaf City next year—after the new year begins!"
"They say only prodigies will pass. The sect is famous for producing some of the empire's strongest cultivators!"
"Silverleaf is the largest city… Can you imagine making a name there?"
The excitement in their voices only added weight to Tianyu's goal. The upcoming trials represented more than just an opportunity—they were a chance for him to prove himself, to reclaim the glory of his past life and lay the foundation for his future.
*"Time is precious,"* Tianyu thought, his brow furrowing. *"I need to get stronger—fast."*
---
With the gold earned from selling spirit beast materials, Tianyu knew he needed to invest wisely. Passing through rows of colorful market stalls, he inspected various items crucial for survival on the road.
He purchased seasoning to make his meals bearable, dried meats and fruits to last weeks without spoiling, and sturdy travel clothes that could endure the harsh conditions ahead. As he packed his supplies, his thoughts lingered on something far more vital—a weapon. His worn blade was no match for the challenges he faced.
*"I need a sword,"* Tianyu mused, his gaze drifting to the polished weapons displayed by nearby merchants. *"But gold alone won't get me something exceptional. I need something that matches my growth—something that can evolve with me."*
---
On the edge of Emberleaf, Tianyu stumbled upon a secluded smithy, hidden in a narrow alley. The rhythmic clang of metal against anvil drew him inside. The forge glowed warmly, illuminating a hulking figure hard at work. The broad-shouldered man wielded a hammer with practiced ease, his muscular frame radiating strength and precision.
The smith paused, wiping sweat from his brow, and smiled as he noticed Tianyu. "Welcome, lad. You've found **Grimnar Ironflame's** forge—home to weapons with heart. What can I do for you?"
"I need a sword," Tianyu replied, his voice steady but hesitant. "Something strong enough to handle beasts beyond my reach. But my gold… it isn't enough for anything special."
Grimnar chuckled, the sound deep and hearty. "Gold's a start, but the best weapons need more than coin—they need effort, vision, and the right materials. Come back when you've earned more, lad."
As Grimnar spoke, his sharp gaze drifted toward Tianyu's satchel. His expression shifted, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Wait… Lad, I feel spirit Qi radiating from that bag. May I see what you're carrying?"
Tianyu hesitated but eventually opened his satchel, revealing the **crystal-like beast core** from the serpent spirit beast. The core shimmered faintly, its ethereal energy filling the room with a quiet hum.
Grimnar's jaw dropped, his voice tinged with disbelief. "By the forge… This came from the **Veilwood Forest**?! That's one of the rarest species—a serpent spirit beast with iridescent scales! Did you bring the rest of its remains?"
Tianyu shook his head firmly. "I buried it in the forest. It saved my life, and I won't desecrate its body."
Grimnar sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "Do you realize what you've done? Its scales are flexible, its fangs sturdy—it could've been forged into a blade nurtured into a spirit weapon. The serpent's body was priceless!"
"I don't care," Tianyu said, his tone resolute. "It fought to protect something precious—it doesn't deserve to be torn apart for my gain."
Grimnar studied Tianyu intently, his frustration giving way to admiration. "You've got principles, lad. I respect that. But tell me—do you have anything from the beast that hunted the serpent? The **Duskclaw Wolf**?"
"I do," Tianyu replied, pulling out the fangs, claws, and hide of the wolf. "They're all I brought with me."
Grimnar examined the materials with interest. "Well, lad, you've got the makings of something exceptional. Leave the serpent's beast core and the wolf's remains with me—I'll forge you a sword worth carrying. It'll take three days, so be patient."
While Grimnar worked at the forge, Tianyu threw himself into training, hunting, and cultivation. He ventured into the nearby **Shadegrove Forest**, braving deeper territories where spirit beasts stronger than him roamed.
The first day tested his resolve as he faced a **Blightfang Leopard**, its movements swift and deadly. Tianyu relied on his newly developed techniques—**Heaven's Rebirth** and **Coiling Flash**—to outmaneuver the beast's strikes and land calculated blows. Though he emerged victorious, his injuries reminded him of his mortal limitations.
*"I can't keep relying on luck,"* he thought as he tended to his wounds. *"Every battle must sharpen me, not wear me down."*
On the second day, Tianyu encountered a **Venomspike Boar**, its tusks radiating toxic Qi. The fight pushed him further than ever, forcing him to adapt his movements mid-battle. His strikes grew faster and more precise, his footwork more fluid. When the boar finally fell, Tianyu couldn't help but smirk despite his exhaustion. "I'm learning," he murmured. "Slowly, but surely."
The third day brought a realization as he meditated beneath the stars, his Qi flowing more freely than ever. The foundation of his cultivation deepened, and by dawn, Tianyu broke through to the **Spiritual Bloom Peak Stage**.
The surge of power filled him with hope—and a hint of trepidation. *"I'm getting closer to **Qi Coalescence**,"* he thought. *"But I need more—more power, more control, and more clarity. Time is running out."*
When Tianyu returned to Grimnar's smithy, the forge was quiet, the air heavy with anticipation. Grimnar stepped forward, holding a sword unlike anything Tianyu had ever seen.
The blade was translucent, shimmering faintly with a soft, crystalline glow. Thin and flexible, it radiated strength and elegance—a weapon crafted to grow alongside its wielder. Grimnar handed it to Tianyu, his smile proud. "Here it is, lad. Forged with the serpent's beast core and the wolf's remains, this blade has the potential to evolve into a spirit weapon. Treat it well—it carries the soul of two formidable beasts."
Tianyu swung the sword experimentally, its balance perfect in his grasp. "It's incredible," he said softly, his awe unmistakable. "Thank you."
Grimnar chuckled. "Don't thank me yet, lad. The road ahead is long. Keep the sword's spirit alive—it'll become your greatest ally."
Grimnar also handed Tianyu a set of protective armor made from the wolf's hide. "It's thicker than anything you'll find in the market—perfect for someone like you."
Tianyu bowed deeply, his gratitude genuine. "I'll repay you one day."
Grimnar grinned. "You've already repaid me, lad. You've given me a challenge worth my forge."
---
With his remaining gold, Tianyu purchased a swift mount—a **Fleetpaw Drakon**, a lower spirit beast bred for endurance and speed. Its sleek frame and fiery eyes made it the perfect companion for the journey ahead.
As Tianyu mounted the beast and left Emberleaf, he cast one last glance at the bustling town behind him. "The world's wider than I imagined," he murmured. "But I'll face it."
With his crystal blade at his side, protective armor on his back, and unwavering resolve in his heart, Tianyu began his journey to Silverleaf City—a step closer to the trials, to reclaiming his destiny, and to protecting what he had lost.