As Tyler was getting out of the shower, he swiftly got dressed with a pair of black silk-like pants and a deep blue shirt, a combination of colors he particularly enjoyed.

A moment later, a soft knock came from the door.

“Come in,” said Tyler.

With a faint inkling that this visitor must be Lin Jian, especially since he had recently requested Theressa to relay a message, he felt unsurprised as the man, who appeared to be in his forties, entered the room.

Dressed in a black robe and with a sword gracefully suspended from his hip by a slim belt, he resembled a typical cultivator wandering the streets of Edge City.

If anyone knew that this legendary figure was wandering the streets of Edge City to casually visit some mortal who had barely any cultivation to speak of, they wouldn’t believe it no matter how hard you tried to convince them.

Fully aware of the potential risks at stake, Tyler mustered the courage to be honest with the Sword King. The man had been nothing but upright, honest and generous to him over the past days. Truth was the least the man deserved.

He also understood the importance of transparency in this pivotal moment, acknowledging the need to address any concerns or doubts that Lin Jian might harbor and honestly, keeping the truth for any longer would be a pain in the ass as he eventually would have questions that should be so basic that they’d cause anyone pause if asked.

With his prior knowledge of the cultivation world gathered from various books, Tyler fully comprehended the potential implications of his presence. The grim possibilities of being subjected to harrowing experiments or hostile treatment by Lin Jian or others with lesser moral character sent a chill down his spine.

However, the genuine assistance and respect he had received from the Sword King touched him profoundly as it was something he hadn’t experienced since his worst moments in the military...

Driven by sincerity and respect, Tyler took a leap of faith and disclosed the truth, at least most of it. He hoped that by revealing his genuine nature, it would foster a stronger bond between them and dispel any doubts or suspicions that Lin Jian might harbor and potentially offer him a springboard to truly launch himself forward in this world.

Offering the man a seat at the reading desk, he himself sat down on the nearby bed. "Lin Jian... No, Sword King," Tyler began, his voice filled with a mix of appreciation and guilt. "We have known each other for only a short time. Your sincere attitude towards me has left me feeling a sense of unfairness. I have not been entirely truthful or, at the very least, I have been somewhat deceptive. To level the playing field, I think it’s only right for me to come clean."

Before Tyler could continue, Lin Jian interjected, his voice gentle yet filled with a sense of reflection. "No, no, there is no need for that. I am simply glad to assist the ancestor in his recovery. It is my way of sowing good karma in this world, hoping that it may help offset the atrocities I have committed in the past. There is no need for you to burden yourself further with confessions or guilt."

While the Sword King's assistance may not have stemmed solely from an altruistic impulse, there was an underlying sense of righteous intention and genuine concern.

Tyler recognized that Lin Jian's actions were driven by a desire to balance the scales, to atone for past wrongs and contribute to the greater good. Most likely he was also scared shitless of facing a Shattering Ancestor.

Thus creating both doubt in his motives and trust that the man wouldn’t hurt him in the short run. He realized that, despite the complexities of their situation, there was an inherent goodness and purpose behind Lin Jian's current actions.

"And that is why I believe it’s only fair to share the truth with you," Tyler asserted.

"Your guesses are, in a way, accurate, as I come from a time before the shattering happened. However, there is a small detail that you may have misunderstood.” Tyler paused, steeling himself for the Sword King’s reaction.

“Through unknown means, I only became aware of this world five or six days ago. It feels like yesterday when I was meditating in the comfort of my little townhouse in Kingston, near where Lo Shen found me. As a result, I possess no substantial cultivation abilities to speak of before today. In fact, I am likely less knowledgeable on the matter than most mortal children running around..."

Tyler's confession carried a sense of humility and vulnerability, as he revealed the true extent of his experience and understanding of the world. He sought to clarify any misconceptions and provide a clearer picture of his circumstances to Lin Jian.

Lin Jian's expression grew increasingly serious as Tyler's words reached his ears. A realization began to take shape within the Sword King's mind, providing him with a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding this enigmatic young ancestor.

Pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place, forming a cohesive picture that hinted at the truth behind Tyler's origins and his current predicament thus enhancing his sense of awe for this young man.

A contemplative silence enveloped the room as Lin Jian delved deeper into his thoughts, connecting the dots and drawing his own conclusions. The weight of this newfound understanding settled upon him.

Following a brief period of silence, Lin Jian spoke once more, his tone tinged with both confusion and concern. "If your words hold true, then it only deepens my confusion. However, I must caution you, revealing such information about yourself to a stranger in this world can be extremely dangerous, if you were not already aware."

Lin Jian's words carried a weight of caution and an underlying sense of the risks that Tyler may face due to his lack of knowledge and experience within the cultivation world.

The Sword King's warning served as a reminder of the precarious nature of their current situation and the need for Tyler to navigate this unfamiliar world with utmost care.

"I understand," Tyler replied, his voice filled with a mix of gratitude and acknowledgment. "That is precisely why I decided to confide in you, the overlord of an entire region; the Sword King of Veridian Peaks.” He paused.

“I am aware that in this world or the previous one, revealing such truths to a stranger can be dangerous. I had no certainty of your intentions, yet you showed me nothing but kindness and benefaction. You could have easily taken my life or treated me as a mere test subject for experiments the moment you became aware of my existence, but you chose otherwise. And if I’m being honest, were you to kill me this very second to do just that I don’t think anybody is even left around to mourn me."

Tyler's words carried a genuine sense of appreciation and sadness as he expressed his gratitude towards Lin Jian.

"In the hopes of nurturing a mutually beneficial relationship that isn’t so one sided, I felt it necessary to be honest with you," Tyler continued, his voice filled with sincerity. "I am grateful for the kind treatment you have shown me, but I am also aware that I have nothing tangible to offer in return."

Tyler acknowledged his current lack of resources or abilities that could be of direct benefit to Lin Jian. He expressed his understanding of the asymmetry in their relationship and emphasized his desire to contribute in any way he could, despite his limited knowledge and cultivation.

Waving his hand dismissively, the Sword King responded, "Take these healing pills. They will help restore the minor injuries from your recent cultivation. Some of these, the ones with the blue and yellow seals, are extremely potent so unless mortally wounded, don’t use them.”

“As for what you believe, that you have nothing to offer, let me share this with you: My old friend, Fang Mo, had a brief conversation with you, and it sparked a breakthrough in his cultivation from which he had been stuck at for hundreds of years. You must have felt it at the time as the whole mountain shook from his insights into space-time.”

The Sword King paused and looked carefully at Tyler, “Inspired by your words, he has entered seclusion to consolidate those insights into his laws just two days ago. You may not realize it yet, but there is incredible potential within you. Perhaps it is a trait natural to everyone from before the Shattering…" Lin Jian sighed.

His words carried a sense of assurance and recognition, highlighting the impact Tyler had unknowingly made on others. He sought to encourage Tyler, highlighting the ripple effect of his presence and the hidden strengths he possessed. The Sword King saw value in Tyler beyond what he could currently comprehend, offering a glimpse of the untapped potential lying within him.

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"In regard to your lack of knowledge about the cultivation world and your current situation, let us strike a deal," the Sword King proposed. "You can keep my token, essentially becoming my direct disciple and unless you want it, no one will ever know about it.”

“Additionally, I will contact Lo Shen who already suspects things to provide you with the essential tools, guidance and accommodation you need. In return, I only ask for two things. First, once you have grown strong enough, I hope you will lend me your assistance in times of need. And second, I ask that you engage in occasional conversations with this old man, sharing your insights and knowledge about the world as it existed before all of this." The Sword King gestured to the world around them, encompassing the transformed reality they now inhabited.

Tyler thought that it seemed too good to be true. “Are you sure? This deal seems pretty one sided, no offense but this seems to be only beneficial to me.”

The Sword King's smile remained, radiating warmth and sincerity. He continued to address Tyler's concern, assuring him of the genuine intention behind his offer. "I understand your hesitation, but rest assured that I have made this proposition fully aware of its implications. The value you bring through your unique perspective and experiences is immeasurable.”

After a short few seconds of silence, the Sword King continued, “For instance, your ability to manifest a Cloud Sword before completing your first major meridian and achieving level 1 is a testament to your extraordinary talent. Even I wasn’t as talented in my youth… It is only fitting that I extend this support to you as cultivator of my Sword King Mountain as would anyone else if they achieved this feat. In return, I am more than willing to provide you with the necessary resources and guidance to navigate the cultivation world. The second condition is just to satisfy this old man’s selfish curiosity about the old world…"

Lin Jian's words carried a sense of admiration and recognition, highlighting Tyler's exceptional abilities and the significance of his presence for their futures. He reaffirmed his commitment to the deal, emphasizing the reciprocal benefits that would emerge from their collaboration.

“Was manifesting this Sword really that impressive? I was simply following the method’s steps.”

The Sword King chuckled. "Tyler. Let me make things a bit clearer for you. Not only did you achieve small-success in a cultivation technique so difficult that most of the peerless talents within the entire Veridian Peaks wouldn’t even be allowed by the system to comprehend its secrets. But you also developed Divine Sense as a level 0 mortal and caused enough of a disturbance to scare away a few Soul Shattering old monsters on this very mountain. This feat is short of impossible as far as I know."

Pondering on the various things the Sword King had just mentioned, Tyler replied with something he was certain would entertain the man. “Now that I think about it, here. I wrote a journal entry about my first steps on cultivation.”

The Sword King raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Oh, is that so? You have written about it already? Well then, I suppose I can take a look at your journal entry. I trust your words will provide an entertaining read."

Tyler's mention of the journal entry intrigued the Sword King, as it offered a window into his inner thoughts and reflections. Tyler couldn't help but tease the man. "If it does entertain you, you have to teach me that teleportation trick," he said, laughing along the way.

The Sword King reassured Tyler, his words carrying a sense of confidence. "Fear not, teleportation will come naturally to you once you have successfully undergone your first soul shattering. Perhaps even sooner since you have already developed Divine Sense…"

As the Sword King thought about it for a moment, he decided to address this later and delved into the journal entry, his calm and joyful façade underwent a profound transformation.

Shock and awe painted his features as the words on the page resonated deeply within him, unlocking a profound understanding of Tyler's experiences as never in his life had he questioned the system’s ways.

By opening this door of possibility, it was like gears clicked into place and the blockage holding up the dam that was his cultivation broke apart as he instinctively entered meditation.

Unbeknownst to the Sword King, the surrounding Qi responded to his sudden enlightenment, vibrating in harmony and making way for the much purer form of energy cultivators of his level used, True Essence.

This surge of energy caused the entire Sword King Mountain to tremble and a portion of the ceiling within Edge City’s library to be blown apart as if it were being lifted towards the heavens.

In the Eternal Palace and the various cities across the mountain, several elders felt the tremendous surge of True Essence and instinctively knew it originated from the Sword King.

Their eyes snapped open, and a sense of urgency overcame them. Activating various formations, they pinpointed the Sword King's location and swiftly took flight, soaring into the skies.

Their mission was clear: to establish a sealing formation around the Sword King’s location. They understood the potential danger of these unleashed energies, realizing that if left unchecked, the lives of every mortal on the mountain could be at risk.

Unbeknownst to the Sword King, he slipped into a trance-like state, completely unaware of the events unfolding around him. Meanwhile, the arrival of the massive concentration of True Essence drawn towards Tyler had an immediate adverse effect on him.

Instead of experiencing the invigorating and strengthening sensation he had felt during cultivation derived from Qi, the overwhelming influx of True Essence energy worsened his condition as his body wasn’t able to process it.

It felt as if he had been thrown into a vat of acid as his skin was slowly peeling away, and causing him excruciating pain.

As the unbearable pain consumed him, Tyler's screams echoed through Edge City’s library, but they failed to rouse the Sword King from his trance. Theressa and Meliessa on the other hand reacted almost instantly and established a sealing formation before anyone else even got close to them.

A few of the mortals browsing the library had already been knocked unconscious and a portion of the library had been blown to bits by the surge of True Essence.

Through this unbearable pain, Tyler was desperate for relief and quickly consumed one of the pills given to him by the Sword King, disregarding the warnings given prior. The potent combination of restorative Qi from the pill numbed the pain as traces of True Essence from the atmosphere surged through his body. However, that was a very short-lived respite.

***

In the depths of what was once known as Lake Ontario, Ancestor Fang sat in profound cultivation, pondering on the laws of space and time. He was surrounded by a multitude of formations, rendering his existence essentially invisible to anyone weaker than himself. Suddenly, a subtle tremor passed through the bedrock, catching his attention.

Sensing the immense suction force generated by the Sword King's enlightenment from a few hundred kilometers away, Ancestor Fang momentarily snapped out of his meditative state.

As he gazed into the boundless void, a realization dawned upon him. "I see I wasn't the only one who benefited from Senior's profound teachings," he mused.

With his friend being in a vulnerable state right now, he undid the surrounding formations and he unleashed his full cultivation as a powerful level 46. The full power of a 6th Soul Shattering cultivator was terrifying to all and he used it to send a message infused with his True Essence that spread across to all the surrounding sects for all cultivators to hear for thousands of kilometers.

“To any who dares disturb the Sword King’s Cultivation I strongly suggest that you think twice about it or you will have to deal with this old man’s full strength!”

The surge of True Essence caused by the Sword King's sudden enlightenment did not go unnoticed. Not only did it awaken Ancestor Fang in his secluded cultivation, but it also roused several old cultivators who had been meditating in their respective sects.

On the surface, the Sword King reigned as the supreme force of Veridian Peaks. But the reality wasn’t as clear cut as various surrounding factions were infiltrated by various enemies from the York Empire, the Icy Plains and the Underworld.

Some wandering cultivators with keen perception also sensed the extraordinary event. However, these cautious wanderers understood the risks of meddling in the affairs of the Sword King and chose not to act. Meanwhile, some elders in certain sects were tempted to cause trouble for the arrogant old cultivator.

However, their ill-intentions quickly dissipated when Ancestor Fang's divine sense and 6th Soul Shattering cultivation swept through them, delivering a chilling message that left them stunned: the dreaded Timeless Blade had returned!

Filled with fear and realizing the gravity of the situation, they remained motionless, abandoning their plans.

As the wave of True Essence surged through Sword King Mountain, every cultivator below the Sea Formation stage experienced an intense impact. The force was akin to a mighty thunderclap from the heavens, causing each of them to cough up a mouthful of blood.

The sheer power and intensity of the True Essence left them staggered and overwhelmed, their bodies struggling to withstand the immense energy coursing through them.

Luckily, the swift action of the twin sisters in setting up the sealing formations protected everyone on the mountain after a short few breaths of time. The cultivators and mortals of the sect regained their composure as they understood that such powerful disturbances were not uncommon in the cultivation world.

They had all experienced similar True Essence fluctuations during battles fought by the Sword King and the various Soul Shattering cultivators that passed through.

Knowing that their bodies would recover with a few hours of dedicated meditation, they all sat down and started to cultivate in order to return to peak form right away.

Meanwhile, the elders recognized the significance of this event and gathered around the sealing formation the sisters had established. Their goal was to gain insights and harness the excess True Essence that permeated the skies, hoping to derive benefits from this extraordinary occurrence.

The sisters however would have none of that and sternly waved the vultures away, emphasizing the fact that should any of them cause any disturbance to the Sword King, they’d become mortal enemies with the Keepers of the Red Dust.

All of them were then also chastised by Ancestor Fang, who had told them all to get out of the library and form a defensive line around Sword King Mountain.

With those two looming threats, no one dared to slack off.

Inside the sealed formation, the presence of Tyler went unnoticed by the elders, only for Theressa and Meliessa to be keenly aware of the situation. But they couldn’t do anything about it. The overwhelming True Essence emitted by the Sword King created an almost impenetrable barrier and unless they wanted to disturb him, they couldn’t run through it to save Tyler.

Amidst the surge of energies, the restorative pills within Tyler's body began to dissolve, providing immediate relief to his excruciating pain. The pills had a numbing effect that helped ease the healing process, offering a temporary respite from the torment he had been enduring. But that relief was short-lived.