Tyler drifted in the nebulous space between sleep and wakefulness, where reality blurred with the echoes of memories. In this dreamlike state, he was transported back to a time and place far removed from the forest, mists, and the path of cultivation that now defined his entire reality.

He was home again—back in the before. Heavyweights clattering onto bars filled his ears—the distant huffing of a nearby runner on a treadmill, the pulse of a packed gym in the morning. The familiar scent of his chalked-up hands and sweaty musk filled his nose.

"Hey Ty, spot me real quick?" asked a nearby friend.

"Oh, yeah, sure," Tyler said before turning around and seeing the bar. "Hey, Fridge, come over. I don't think I can spot this maniac's PR alone." The maniac in question was named Jimmy. He was a well-known powerlifter from his unit when he was still posted to Quebec City and a good buddy of Tyler's.

From the far end of the gym, where the squat racks were, walked a hulking 6'3" man that weighed at least 300 pounds named Robert, starkly contrasting to Tyler's 200 pounds lean build and Jimmy's 5'8", 330 pounds. The duo, within the gym, was known as Fridge and Mini-Fridge.

In his dream, Tyler and his old training buddies worked out, chatted, and bantered with each other, with tons of name-calling going around. This was the atmosphere Tyler enjoyed the most—real, raw, and playful jokes and quips between friends.

In his opinion, people who could be that honest and vulgar with one another generally made the best friends. Because for some fucked up reason, being told he wasn't the smartest and that he had made a mistake didn't impact him as much as being told that he was a complete Neanderthal and that if homo sapiens had his intellect, they would've burned their entire species with that fire instead of thriving.

It's like how saying I love something had a completely different feeling from saying that you fucking loved something. It's like it was missing a bit of passion that swears and well-crafted insults filled life with some zest.

Tyler's dreams shifted. He walked down the streets he knew so well, each step taking him further into his past. He saw his old self, a version of him untainted by the complexities of cultivation, unburdened by the weight of a world filled with magic and danger. Here, his challenges were simpler, his joys more mundane but no less significant.

Faces from his past appeared in his dream—friends, family, people who had been part of his journey before his life had turned into the extraordinary. Their voices and laughter echoed in his mind, a poignant reminder of what was still only five or six months old for him.

This surreal, almost lucid dreaming experience allowed him to view his former life from a new perspective.

As he wandered through the memories, reliving moments that felt both intimately familiar and strangely distant, a profound realization dawned upon him.

Throughout his earlier life, he had drifted without a clear goal or direction. Though filled with the routine and comfort of familiarity, his days lacked a definitive purpose or driving ambition for anything more than simply surviving.

Tyler felt a tinge of regret for the aimless path he had once walked, a sense of opportunities not fully grasped or passions not pursued. Yet, there was also an understanding, a recognition of his journey and how it had led him to where he was now.

The one thing that Tyler still didn't know was why he, above all people, was sent 10,000 years into the future. Was it pure chance? Or was it some sort of hidden talent that lay dormant within him..?

Even as he reflected on this, Tyler acknowledged that this aimlessness was something he still grappled with. The pursuit of cultivation mainly drove his current life, as he had nothing else going on for him.

His reflections revealed a younger self constantly swayed by external pressures and the lure of instant gratification, a trait exacerbated by the pervasive influence of budding social media platforms in his formative years. Each ambition he had entertained was quickly abandoned at the first sign of difficulty or doubt.

His life took a sharp turn at the age of 15, and he had to suspend all dreaming and planning altogether when he was forced out of his home and into premature adulthood due to his parents and siblings abusing drugs and the police getting involved.

The harsh realities of fending for himself led to an existence burdened by work and devoid of the leisure or support to pursue any dreams.

This phase of his life, while devoid of the usual teenage experiences, shaped Tyler into an odd man who was challenging to connect with as he was always only really focused on working and surviving. A problem he still struggled with years later while he was in the military, a problem that had caused many girlfriends to become exes.

At 18, after feeling forced to attend college for a chance to get a higher-paying job, he crashed and burned. Overwhelmed and burned out, he fell into depression.

Tyler's entry into the military marked a significant shift as he was in the lowest part of his depression, a thing he had hidden well through the enrollment process. It was a choice driven by necessity rather than passion, yet it offered him a semblance of stability that had been missing from his life.

Surprisingly, basic training had felt easier than his life before, where every week was a struggle, uncertain if he would even have a roof to stay over or food to eat. Tyler quickly became complacent and extremely lazy after a single year in service.

The military took care of everything throughout his year-long training for his trade. He didn't have to cook, do dishes, or work 18 hours daily to survive, and he barely had to do any cleaning. Or, at the very least, the cleaning was part of his job during courses, so it didn't feel like a chore. None of that had helped him overcome the many issues he had as a person.

Eventually, after doing what felt like the bare minimum, he'd convince himself he never had time for anything, even when he had nothing going on. He'd get home and stare at the walls or watch TV shows until he fell asleep. Nothing productive ever happened in his life anymore. There were no struggles.

That had somewhat changed after his first combat deployment, which had really kicked him in the ass and set him on a better path mentally. Better yet, throughout the deployment, he had started to love running and physical activity, marking another shift in his life. He had a hobby, something he could do for himself.

Unfortunately, even then, he somehow convinced himself repeatedly that he couldn't do multiple things due to the constant demands from work. Exercises, deployments, training, and many other duties and travels were always last minute and lasted too long for him to stick to any scheduled things.

He never understood how others had the time to go hunting every year, have kids and a dog, work out, meet new people, and find new hobbies. All the while still doing the same job he was. Sure, Tyler's training schedule was a bit over the top compared to others in the last three years, with two to three hours dedicated every day to the endeavor, and had he cut that up, he would've been fine.

Tyler could be irrationally dense at times for the dumbest of things that would only require the slightest of nudges for him to realize the error of his ways, and for the longest time, he had no one in his life like this until he found himself at this new unit half a decade back.

Reflecting on this journey, Tyler realized the impact of his early life experiences on his current self.

His past, marked by unfulfilled dreams and early adulthood responsibilities, shaped his resilience and adaptability. These very qualities now defined his approach to the challenges of cultivation and his new life in a world far removed from the one he once knew.

In the military, he had learned to endure, to find moments of personal growth amidst the demands of duty, preparing him, in ways he hadn’t anticipated, for the path of cultivation Tyler now walked in addition to adequately teaching him the tools he had long lacked in life that everyone else seemed to just.. have.

However, despite these transformative experiences and the strength they imbued him with, Tyler realized a fundamental void in his life – the absence of a self-chosen goal or purpose.

His past was a tapestry of externally imposed objectives and survival-driven decisions, leaving little room for personal aspirations or self-directed goals. He had never learned to set goals for himself properly.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Then again, how many people could honestly say they knew the purpose of their lives?

Some might say it was to be happy and to ensure their kids lived fulfilling lives. Others might say that they wanted to help as many people as possible and found purpose in medicine, curing, and taking care of other's illnesses. A few thought that expressing themselves, creating everlasting art pieces, and inspiring future generations through their work was good enough.

Through all of those people, there were generally the same number of people who couldn't answer the question if you asked them what the purpose of their lives was, and honestly, that was fine. Everyone grew at different rates, and some of the most successful people in the world found their goals in their 50s.

Life isn't a sprint but a marathon. Everyone has their path. Tyler thought.

Tyler couldn't ascertain how long he had been asleep, nor did he find it relevant at this particular moment. All that truly mattered was the sight before him—a beautiful woman, not in the conventional sense or by any universal standards. Still, to him, she was the most exquisite woman he had ever encountered.

In this vivid dream, time had come to a standstill by Tyler's design, allowing him to dwell within this cherished memory that had left an indelible mark on his heart. It wasn't a spectacular or extraordinary scene, but it held immense significance for him for unknown reasons.

She was his first true love, and as he observed himself in the dream, he sat in the basement of a modest home in the southern part of Quebec City. The girl lay cradled in his arms, sound asleep, while he gazed intently at the comforting warmth of the crackling fireplace as he gently stroked her hair.

Lost in the depths of his thoughts, Tyler's mind traversed the realms of memories and possibilities, particularly fixated on the impact of the shattering on the lives of those he once knew. Questions about their fates and how they all might have navigated the seismic changes of the shattering occupied his thoughts.

His mind wandered to others who had been part of his life – brothers in arms from his military days, friends he had cherished, and past lovers. The uncertainty of their fates in a world transformed by the shattering brought a wave of sadness he had gotten rid of a few months ago. Tyler pondered over their survival, struggles, and triumphs.

As he sifted through these thoughts, only a handful of people – about ten – stood out vividly. Each represented a different chapter of his life, a unique bond, or a shared experience.

Tyler's moment of introspection brought him face to face with the poignant realization of his past actions - the silent withdrawal from relationships, a pattern he had often repeated without apparent reasons. This understanding brought a sense of regret, highlighting missed opportunities and the disconnection from life now irretrievably behind him.

Amidst this whirlwind of emotions, Tyler's thoughts once again converged on the absence of a clear purpose in his life, a theme that seemed to persist from his past into his present. But with this realization came a newfound resolve.

Fueled by his emotions, Tyler made a solemn vow to himself. He committed to seeking information about those ten people to discover what had become of them after the shattering. Alongside this quest, he promised to protect those he cared about, those who would become part of his journey in this new world.

Even if that list of people was nonexistent, perhaps the young Sakura was the only person he had somewhat grown to like. It wasn't anything weird, but something about the young girl made Tyler appreciate life a bit more. Her drive and self-discipline at such a young age were things he hadn't ever seen or experienced before, and he liked her approach to life.

However, that realization was somewhat depressing to Tyler, as what did that say about him, an almost 29-year-old man, that a 14-15-year-old little girl was a source of inspiration? Although their interaction hadn't been very long, the young girl's joyful smile while teaching and practicing martial arts was reinvigorating.

While he didn't dislike Annie, Greg, or even the Sword King, Shen, and Master Tanaka, they had always felt distant, and honestly, he understood why. Two of them saw him as an employer, two as an all-powerful shattering ancestor with far-reaching mysterious abilities, and Master Tanaka saw him as the Sword King's disciple.

Tyler recognized that cultivation was his anchor in this transformed reality. It was the one aspect of his new life where he had made significant strides, and he saw the value in continuing to develop this skill. Just like working out had been the consistent friend in the past.

After getting to this point in his thoughts, the vivid form of a panther cub intruded upon his dreams, and it stared right back at him through its deep, dark blue eyes.

The moment he saw those dark blue eyes, he couldn't help but see himself in them. He felt a strong connection to this panther cub that went beyond the simple love for a pet or an animal.

Just like the cub had experienced earlier, Tyler had felt it. The link between the animal and himself was tangible, and it felt like they were part of each other's souls.

Daredevil.

With a single thought, the dreams vanished, and Tyler found himself sitting on the beach of his inner world. The dream that had taken him on a journey through his past had dissipated, leaving him in this serene landscape, with the distant sounds of maelstroms constantly refining Qi.

Beside him, surprisingly, was Daredevil, the cub with whom he had formed a unique bond. The cub's presence in his inner world was a mystery, yet there it was, comfortably brushing against his leg, purring softly.

Tyler's gentle inquiry, "How did you get here, buddy?" was met with a soft growl from Daredevil. The cub attempted to communicate, but the meaning was lost in translation, leaving them at an impasse. Despite the communication barrier, they had an evident connection, a bond that transcended words.

Sensing he could wake up whenever he wanted, Tyler decided to linger here with the cub and got up. "Come, I'll show you around this island."

They walked through the warehouse casually, with Tyler explaining the various items he had accumulated recently. He shared details about the pills and treasures, their potential uses, and his understanding of their properties. While not grasping the specifics, Daredevil seemed to enjoy the narration and the attention.

The tour eventually led them to the man-made pool where Tyler had stored his serene dew. He nudged Daredevil to take a sip, curious how the cub would react to the extraordinary liquid.

Upon tasting the dew, Daredevil's soul form visibly shook, experiencing what appeared to be an instant and profound enlightenment. While not entirely understanding the depth of the transformation, Tyler could sense that the serene dew was having a significant impact on Daredevil and couldn't help but wonder what would happen if he drank it himself.

For now, however, he saw no use in trying the dew past the few drops sprinkled in his soup to clear his mind now and then. There was no use in wasting such a precious dew until he faced an actual comprehension bottleneck in his cultivation.

In the outside world, the scene was quite picturesque. Tyler lay on a soft patch of grass next to a tranquil and mysterious pond, enveloped in a peaceful slumber, with Daredevil beside him. Above them, Sylvamist and her mate watched over their cub and the human with concern and curiosity.

Sylvamist, the ever-vigilant mother, voiced her worry to her mate, "You think our little cub will be fine?" Her question was filled with maternal concern.

Her mate, the male panther, responded with a nod, his confidence grounded in a deeper understanding of the situation. "If anything, he'll be way better off than both of us ever were," he said, believing that this unusual bond with Tyler might provide Daredevil with opportunities and experiences far beyond their own.

He paused momentarily, his eyes glowing with a deep red hue. "I should report this to our benefactor, see what he thinks... But that would cause more problems than it solves for them," he mused, carefully considering the broader implications of their cub's newfound bond.

The panther duo were not just mystical creatures of the forest; they had connections and allegiances whose interests and intentions could influence their decisions if they had asked for guidance. How else could Soul Shattering spirit beasts live peacefully within Veridian Peaks?

Back Inside Tyler's inner world, as he observed Daredevil in a peaceful state of enlightenment, he noticed one of his communication crystals resonating with energy. It was Lo Wang's. With a touch of his Qi, he activated it and inquired, "What is it?"

To his surprise, the voice on the other end wasn't Lo Wang's or Shen's. Instead, an unfamiliar voice rang out, filled with a threatening tone. "So, it seems you dared to kill my son. I don't know how you managed it or how you disappeared from the Veridian Peaks, but you'd better keep hiding, or you'll die without a grave."

Tyler knew this conversation might arise and had already prepared himself for it. He responded, his tone unwavering, "So, he can try to kill me, but I can't defend myself? What kind of bullshit is that? If your son hadn't been so determined to throw his life away, he would still be alive. After the Sword Sect's admissions, I had completely forgotten about him, and we hadn't interacted since the duel. It seems he couldn't handle the loss."

Before Lo Xin's old man could answer, Tyler continued his little speech. "Now, I assume your other son has told you not to get involved, but you decided to do so anyway. Are you certain that's a good idea? Aren't you worried that there is a reason I could easily deal with three Sea Formation cultivators and their lackeys while barely in the Qi Transformation stage?"

After hearing this whole thing, the Lo Family Head couldn't help but burst out laughing. "A mere Qi transformation cultivator is threatening me?" More laughs echoed out from the crystal. "That's the best joke I've heard in a thousand years! Enjoy the little amount of life you still have."

Before Tyler could answer, the crystal shattered in his hands, forcibly destroyed from the other end. Following that crystal, one by one, all of the communication crystals he owned except the ones to Ancestor Fang and Annie shattered, destroyed from the other end. He had no way to communicate with Lin Jian, but he knew the man was probably already aware of things and that there would probably be a conversation happening soon.

But, surprisingly, something else happened as Annie's communication Crystal also hummed with power. Having a bad feeling, Tyler answered. "Annie? What's going on?"

A sinister laugh came from the other side. "I wish I could see your face right now. You might be well connected, but even the Sword King can’t stop me anymore. He’s dead. I'm afraid you have nothing to return to on this mountain."

Seconds later, the crystal shattered in his hands, forcibly destroyed on the other end.