When Tyler woke up a few hours later, he discovered he was surrounded by the tranquil darkness of the pre-dawn hours. To his relief and mild surprise, he had enjoyed an uninterrupted and secure rest at the cliff's edge where he had positioned himself.

The fact that he had been able to sleep without any disturbances or threats was extremely fortunate. Truth be told, if a Sea Formation cultivator were to fly over this area, they would likely face almost instant aggression from the trees just like he had.

Peace and quiet could only be found by silently traversing through this particular region on foot and hiding your presence altogether. Only Soul Shattering cultivators or freaks like Tyler could do this. There was a reason why these areas were considered danger zones.

The stillness of the early morning hours, coupled with the safety of his position, provided Tyler with a rare moment of tranquility amidst the dangers he had been facing.

As Tyler extended his divine sense to survey the area below again, he could discern the activities of the cultivators lying in wait for him. It appeared that they were still anticipating his arrival. He noted that their group was split between those who were asleep and those who were keeping watch.

Despite his exceptional abilities and prowess as a Qi Transformation cultivator, he was acutely aware of his limitations. The lineup of cultivators below, including two Sea Formation cultivators, presented an insurmountable challenge, one that was beyond his current capability.

Sure, he could kill every Qi Transformation cultivator before they knew what hit them, but the two Sea Formation cultivators were out of the question. Their cultivation levels were too high.

Tyler recognized that his victory over Luo Pang was achieved only due to the advantage of a surprise attack during the man's sleep. In a direct confrontation, facing an opponent of Luo Pang's caliber would have been perilous, if not outright deadly.

With these thoughts in mind, Tyler weighed his options carefully.

A straightforward assault was out of the question.

Recognizing the gravity of his situation and the overwhelming odds against him, Tyler made a pragmatic decision. He acknowledged the necessity of seeking help. He knew he needed to back down in the face of such a lineup of cultivators.

Reaching into his inner world, he retrieved a communication crystal and sent a single message. "I need help."

Tyler's choice to seek assistance was not taken lightly. He was generally inclined to depend on his own abilities and ingenuity to overcome obstacles.

It didn't take more than a few seconds before the answer came back. "With what?" It was Ancestor Fang.

Tyler explained the situation to Fang Mo, including how he had killed Luo Pang, dealt with an ambush of wolves, and the identity of everyone in the mountain pass below, along with their intentions.

“I also know I cannot survive this fight if I start it. These people want me dead, and I don’t know what to do, so I can only beg for help. I hoped that you would help me this once.” Tyler asked.

Ancestor Fang stayed silent for a while before answering. "And you asked me because you don't know how deep the involvement of the Sword Sect reaches?"

"That's correct. While given the circumstances, I could deal with everyone but the two level 24-25 cultivators and escape with my life within the Twelve Ghosts Ridge, that's not a gamble I'm willing to make after my narrow escape from yesterday, and I'm not one to leave such threats alive."

As Tyler waited for an answer, the distinct sensation of a divine sense approaching signaled the arrival of help. Peering outside of his inner world, he witnessed the soul form of Fang Mo making its way over rapidly. Recognizing this as an opportunity to reveal himself safely, Tyler ceased his efforts to conceal his presence.

Shortly after, he received a response from Fang Mo. "I see you and those cultivators. It seems they are somehow connected to the Jeok family or the Sword Sect. I'm currently preoccupied with finalizing my weapon, so I can't spare much time. However, I'll handle these small fries for you. Next time something like this happens, you're on your own. Relying too much on others' help will dull your blade. Oh, and the Lo kid can't die."

Within moments of Fang Mo's declaration, the air seemed to tear open behind each cultivator stationed in the mountain pass except for Lo Xin. In an instant, faster than a finger snap, 12 blades forged from true essence emerged through these spatial rifts.

Each blade struck with lethal precision and power, obliterating both the bodies and souls of the unsuspecting cultivators, leaving behind only their storage treasures.

The swift and lethal attack from Fang Mo was a stark demonstration of the formidable powers of a Soul Shattering cultivator. It resolved the immediate threat posed by the cultivators and showcased the efficiency and brutality with which higher-level cultivators could operate at.

While observing Fang Mo's highly efficient attack, Tyler couldn't help but notice the similarities it bore to his own Ten Direction Swords technique. However, he was also acutely aware of the stark differences in scale and effectiveness between the two. Fang Mo's execution showcased a level of mastery and power that far exceeded Tyler's current capabilities.

What set Fang Mo's technique apart was the sheer range of his divine sense to pinpoint the exact locations of each cultivator and his use of spatial and temporal laws to execute the attack.

By creating rifts in the fabric of space, Fang Mo achieved the remarkable feat of teleporting twelve blades directly to his targets. These blades, not only physical weapons but also extensions of his will and True Essence, could instantly erase the targeted cultivators from reality.

The efficiency of this technique was, in part, a result of the disparity in cultivation levels between Fang Mo and his adversaries. While such an attack might prove ineffective against fellow Soul Shattering level cultivators, it was more than sufficient to dispatch those at lower stages, such as Sea Formation or even weak Aperture Strengthening experts, with relative ease.

The divergence between their techniques stemmed from the differing laws they practiced. Tyler propelled his Ten Direction Swords forward from his own body, harnessing the power of the winds to guide them. In contrast, Fang Mo manipulated space itself, instantly displacing the blades over vast distances.

With the threat neutralized, Tyler expressed his gratitude to Ancestor Fang. "Thank you, Ancestor Fang. I'm just curious: where exactly are you located?"

Fang Mo responded with a question of his own. "Why do you ask?"

Tyler, in response, conjured his own Ten Direction Swords, seamlessly harmonizing the technique with the winds, and promptly eliminated Lo Xin. "Trying to gain insight into the potential extent of my abilities if I were ever to reach your level," he explained. "Additionally, Xin has to die. He has already pushed his luck twice, and now he's crossed my bottom line. I will handle any repercussions with Shen."

Surprised by the technique and the man's decisiveness, Ancestor Fang nodded. "Impressive. No wonder you said you could easily deal with all these Qi Transformation cultivators. I'm sitting somewhere in the middle of Genesis Lake, so you're about at the limit of my divine sense, give or take a few kilometers."

With that, Ancestor Fang waved Tyler goodbye, and his divine sense retreated back into his makeshift cave in the middle of Genesis Lake.

With the immediate threat dealt with, Tyler got up from his position, jumped down to the road down below, started gathering every storage accessory, and stored Lo Xin's body into his inner world. His warehouse was starting to fill up with the many weapons, pills, and resources of all of these cultivators.

If he were to guess, his net worth had increased by 100 times just in these last few days, and more of the resources came from the two level 25 Sea Formation cultivators. The amount of pills and coins they carried on their person was staggering. Of course, this increase in net worth was ignoring Three Heritage Haven, as Lin Jian technically owned that.

Weirdly enough, though, Tyler could tell that none of the weapons he had just looted surpassed Luo Pang's. He also found it interesting that a few of these cultivators carried technique books with them.

One of them was carried by the level 25 Sea Formation cultivator, the strongest of the bunch.

Mistwalker's Stride

Spirit Grade

* Concentrating your energy and lightening your step allows you to traverse delicate surfaces, like fragile ice or thin branches, without leaving a trace.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

The now-deceased Hung Jeok carried the other.

Sword Sect's Azure Sword Arts

Spirit Grade

This comprehensive collection of Sword Arts originated from the Inner Sword Sect's Libraries. These techniques are designed to harness the power of water-qi.

* Rippling Blade: Channel the essence of water-qi into your sword, causing it to emit a gentle, aqua-blue radiance. This infusion enhances the blade's keenness, resulting in smoother, more precise cutting motions.

* Tidal Surge Thrust: Execute a forceful attack by releasing a focused stream of water-qi from the tip of your blade. This surge pierces through the defenses of your adversaries with pinpoint accuracy.

* Cascading Defense: Erect a protective barrier of water-qi, proficiently intercepting incoming assaults. This defensive technique acts as a formidable shield, effectively stopping projectiles and unforeseen strikes in their tracks.

* Torrential Rain Strikes: You can launch a striking technique that mimics a torrential downpour by harnessing substantial quantities of water-qi within your blade. Countless minuscule sword-qi water droplets rain upon your foes, inflicting widespread damage.

The Sword Sect's Azure Sword Arts, classified as Spirit Grade, would carry any cultivators to the end of the Sea Formation stage. Each technique within this formidable set showcases the artistry and precision required to wield the power of water in combat, making it a sought-after skill among cultivators with laws related to water.

Tyler's experience with the restricted section's techniques and training under Master Tanaka led to an important realization a few months back. He understood that mastering such advanced techniques wasn't impossible, but it would require dedicated effort and time for him, just like everyone else. The complexity and depth of these skills couldn't be fully grasped in a matter of hours or even a day, as he had initially tried in the library.

He had gotten lucky with the Thundering Winds and Sword Clouds method and the One Finger, One Sword technique. He was foolish in retrospect; why had he thought that with the existence of a system, every skill or technique would be instantly learnable, like in a videogame?

This acknowledgment marked a significant moment in Tyler's journey as a cultivator. By studying under Master Tanaka, he had recognized the value of patience and persistence required for martial arts. The path to mastering intricate techniques and laws was not a sprint but a marathon. It would demand continuous practice, study, and a deeper understanding of the underlying principles governing these powers.

Of course, he knew this intuitively. He had practiced martial arts before the shattering and hadn’t just ‘learned’ it overnight. It had taken him time and effort. Even then, he was barely passable at jiujitsu, so he didn’t know why he hadn’t connected those two aspects of his life.

There may have been a bit of dissociation between his old life and this one.

With the spoils dealt with and new reading material to dig into, Tyler spread his divine sense far and wide and noted that Shin Seok was still alive and well at the outpost. He decided to visit the man and started walking his way over.

As Tyler traveled, he decided to reach out to someone else. He retrieved a communication crystal connected to Lo Shen's servant, Wang. Using the crystal, he sent a concise and direct message. "Wang, this is Tyler. Please relay this message to Shen for me and share it with no one else. A few members of the Sword Sect tried to have me killed. They are all dead."

After a brief pause, Wang's response came through the crystal. "I will relay your message. The Young Master will most likely get in contact with you shortly." True to Wang's prediction, it wasn't long before Shen himself contacted Tyler through the same crystal.

"Tyler, this is Shen. What happened?" Shen's voice came through, a mix of concern and urgency evident.

In his response, Tyler weighed his words carefully, not mentioning Ancestor Fang's involvement. While he had certain suspicions about who might be involved in the conspiracy against him, he was reasonably confident that Shen was not part of it and was likely unaware of these plots.

He could have initially approached Shen for assistance with the situation, but he had chosen Ancestor Fang's direct and efficient intervention instead. Involving Shen would have complicated matters and potentially delayed the resolution, which could have endangered his life.

Upon hearing the whole story, which encompassed his younger brother's participation and subsequent demise, Shen was momentarily speechless at Tyler's ability to survive such an encounter and at his brother's actions. During this silence, Tyler felt compelled to convey his condolences.

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry. If Xin had learned the lesson during Sect admission and minded his own business, I would have been perfectly fine if he chose to challenge me through a fair duel later. However, plotting to have me murdered with others crossed a line I cannot tolerate, regardless of my relationship with you."

The communication crystal transmitted a sigh in response. "I understand the situation. I'll initiate an investigation into the Jeok family. Regarding the cultivators involved, are there any remnants or clues we can utilize for the investigation?"

Tyler was nearing the outpost when he replied, "There are no traces left. The only thing remaining is your brother's remains, which I'll preserve until my return out of respect for you."

With that, their conversation came to a close. Tyler reassured Shen that he would still complete the mission given to him by the Sword Sect, but it was solely because of the Sword King that he decided to continue. If it hadn't been for the Sword King having helped him settle into this world, he might have abandoned the mission and disappeared, plotting his vengeance against the entire sect.

Nevertheless, he made it explicit that he intended to proceed solo, viewing this as a chance to explore the world on his own terms.

Tyler thought that some time spent in solitude might be beneficial for him. This period of self-reliance and exploration would allow him to complete his mission and provide him with valuable time to reflect, grow, and deepen his understanding of the world and his place in it.

Approaching Shin Seok with a direct and unflinching demeanor, Tyler made his way to where the man was located. Finding Shin Seok seated at a table in the outpost's only inn, Tyler confronted him without hesitation or preamble.

"Your friends are all dead," Tyler declared, his statement straightforward and unembellished. This blunt revelation carried the weight of the events and the gravity of Tyler's actions.

The impact of these words on Shin Seok was immediate as the man started to shake, and cold sweat soaked his back. Tyler's approach in this confrontation was a blend of boldness and a calculated strategy, aiming to convey a clear message about his strength, resolve, and the consequences of trying to kill him.

Before Shin Seok could respond, Tyler interjected, his tone firm. "Now, I can't be fucked to deal with you. You can return to Sword King Mountain or not. Dealer's choice. In any case, the Lo family will likely track you down during their investigations."

Tyler signaled the innkeeper to approach, ordering a hearty meal and drinks for himself while Shin Seok remained frozen in his seat, unable to muster the courage to move or speak. He observed in silence for the next half hour as Tyler enjoyed his meal and drinks before finally departing.

Shin Seok took another half hour to shake off his stupor and venture outside. Upon inspection, he confirmed that the Mountain Pass was now deserted, with no signs of battle or confrontation.

With Luo Pang's reports of Tyler's formidable power echoing in his mind, Shin Seok couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. He summoned a communication crystal from his storage bag. He sent a message, only to hear the shaky voice at the other end confirming the deaths of everyone involved as multiple Soul Portraits had shattered across the mountain.

At first, he had doubted Tyler's claim, but now, he was certain. Everyone his cousin had brought along had perished, and he was the sole survivor. This realization weighed heavily on his psyche as he replayed Tyler's words in his mind. He hadn't even been considered worthy of being killed.

His head hung low as he started his journey back to Sword King Mountain, informing the Jeok Family of what had happened on the way.

Continuing his journey, Tyler moved through the mountain pass with a casual yet purposeful stride, heading south again. Despite his outward composure, he was still reviewing the potential aftermath of the previous day's encounters.

The injuries he had sustained were not fully healed; the remnants of the curse energies he had absorbed still coursed through his body, and his shoulder still ached from having parts of the muscles severed.

Aware of his body's need for further healing, Tyler turned to one of the healing pills he had recently acquired. This particular pill was designed to enhance the body's natural regenerative abilities. Upon consumption, its potent herbal properties would flood his lungs and heart, initiating a process of internal cleansing and restoration.

As the healing properties of the pill began to take effect, Tyler could feel its beneficial influence working to counteract the residual curse energies and mend the physical damage. The herbs' cleansing power offered physical relief and a sense of rejuvenation, enabling him to continue his journey with renewed vigor.

Before getting on the road proper, Tyler took a moment for some much-needed personal care. He disrobed and utilized a small quantity of water from his inner world to cleanse himself of the accumulated grime and blood from the recent battles. Feeling refreshed, he changed into a new set of clothes he had stored in his inner world.

During this process, Tyler remembered observing Luo Pang using a particular formation crystal. Curious, he examined it and discovered that it contained several of Luo Pang's outfits, which had been magically cleaned and repaired.

Recognizing the utility of such a device, Tyler decided to use it for his own clothes. He placed his disheveled outfit into the formation disk and activated it with a bit of his qi, allowing the formation to clean and repair them.

With his personal hygiene attended to and his clothes taken care of, Tyler felt more composed and ready to continue his journey. He resumed his travel, now clean and wearing a fresh set of clothes, his spirits lifted by this small but significant act of self-care.

Taking these moments of normalcy and paying attention to his personal needs was crucial for anyone in the field. It allowed him to stay composed and prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. He couldn't help but recall the voice of one of his closest friends, who served as a medic. "Have you tried changing your socks and taking some Advil?" his friend's voice echoed in his mind.

Feeling melancholic, he forged ahead, confident in his ability to travel safely on these roads. Tyler took a moment to strategize his journey for the coming days and accessed his map to plot his course.

For the immediate plan, Tyler decided on a slight detour. He aimed to venture into the forest, where, according to his map, there was a lumberjack camp. This camp could offer him a place to rest, stay safe for the night, and meet new people.

After the night at the lumberjack camp, Tyler planned to resume his journey along the road. His next destination was a mysterious pond deep in the forest, marked on his map with a giant question mark. This enigmatic symbol piqued his curiosity and suggested that the pond might hold some significance or interest beyond being a mere water source.

The weeks ahead promised adventure and discovering intriguing secrets as Tyler charted his path. He planned to steer clear of the main roads, instead venturing into the dense forest, making his way towards the perilous zones and enigmatic landmarks marked on the map, fully utilizing his divine sense to understand this world better.