Tyler plunged into the mystical depths of the pond, and an intense cascade of sensations enveloped him. His skin tingled, almost sizzling under the touch of the True Essence of Water, but it held on. This ancient and profound energy felt boundless, like the ocean’s abyss.

However, most notably, it felt heavy, as if he were hundreds of meters underwater, enduring immense pressure. The sensations were so overwhelming that he couldn't help but groan in pain.

With each groan, he inadvertently ingested a bit of water, and searing pain coursed through Tyler every time. The raw power of the Water True Essence scorched his insides. The agony was overwhelming, but it was also transformative. His entire inner world and the vast ocean within it trembled under the influence of this energy.

The True Essence surging through his body seared through every acupoint it encountered, forcing the connection between his inner world and his body to widen even further. The Cloud Swords serving as his acupoints shattered, their once-defined forms dissolving into a misty white swirl at the ocean's depths.

The acupoints had been acting as valves, preventing his enormous Qi reserve from flooding into his body and only releasing it when needed. However, as his acupoints turned into a cloudy mist, the Qi-Water fully crashed into the Water True Essence.

The floodgates were open, and there was no closing them. Large soul fluctuations rippled from Tyler and from the distant Mountain Peak, Maximus sealed the pond to preserve the surrounding life.

Were Tyler paying attention to the voids, far beyond the crystalline structure surrounding his inner world, he’d have noticed a large tree spreading its roots, forming a giant formation. This type of seal went far and beyond what the mundane world could do or would ever see.

In a world where laws governed everything and connected heaven and earth, the essence of elements transcended mere physical forms. They embodied laws and truths of a higher order. This was true for Water Qi and Water True Essence, two manifestations of the same fundamental law, yet vastly different in their nature and power.

Water Qi, the more common of the two, flowed through the world like the rivers and streams that meandered across the land. It was the lifeblood of many cultivators, a vital force as nurturing as the morning dew and as versatile as the ever-changing sea. Cultivators who mastered this Qi could command the fluidity of water, its cooling caress, and its unyielding perseverance.

However, the scene transformed dramatically when Water Qi encountered Water True Essence. It was not just higher-quality energy but the culmination of all water laws, a pure, distilled embodiment of the element's most profound mysteries and powers. It was as if one had not merely encountered water but had come face to face with the very spirit of every ocean, river, and raindrop that had ever existed.

As both energies clashed, it was akin to a gentle stream meeting an unfathomable abyss. The vibrant and lively Qi danced around the True Essence, which remained serene and unmoving. The clash was not violent but rather a poignant display of the vast gulf between their existences.

Where the Water Qi rippled and surged, the True Essence was a mirror to the cosmos, reflecting the stars and the moon in its depths. It was as though the True Essence was an elder, wise and patient, watching over the youthful exuberance of the Water Qi. Upon touching the True Essence, the Qi began to tremble, its very foundation shaken by the encounter with a primordial and profound force.

The True Essence did not repel the Water Qi in its boundless majesty but embraced it. A transformation occurred, a refinement that elevated it beyond its mortal form. It was no longer just a part of the stream—it had tasted the ocean's depths.

Given the immense power of the water he had inadvertently consumed, Tyler found himself awash in a deluge of energy, his meridians brimming with Qi, straining under the sheer quantity of it.

Tyler's thoughts sharpened, cutting through his mouth and throat discomfort to focus on cultivation. He initiated the intricate sequences of the Thundering Winds and Sword Clouds method in the depths of his inner world.

Simultaneously, he grasped a handful of potent healing pills, purposefully crushing them to harness their rejuvenating properties. He channeled these energies through the damaged acupoints submerged in the sea, working to mend their battered condition with precision.

As the True Essence of Water relentlessly pursued its course, it found its next crucible: Tyler's kidneys, the organ intrinsically aligned with the water element. The kidneys were a reservoir of energy and a purifier of the entire body, and now, they were faced with the formidable task of assimilating this primordial essence.

The True Essence, embodying the pinnacle of water's profound law, approached the kidney like a celestial tide, vast and unstoppable. It enveloped the organ, a process that was less of an invasion and more of a sacred fusion. Once a mere vessel of energy, the kidney began to resonate with the depth and purity of the True Essence, undergoing a mystical and visceral transformation.

At this moment, Tyler's awareness expanded beyond the physical confines of his body. He felt like he was the water itself as it permeated every cell and fiber of his being. The Essence coursed through him like the ancient rivers that had carved valleys and shaped mountains, relentlessly pursuing perfection.

The organ was being forged anew, not with fire and metal, but with the essence of the primordial waters. Each cell was imbued with the resilience and purity of water, turning the kidney into a beacon of elemental power within Tyler's body.

As the process unfolded, Tyler's kidney became a conduit for True Essence, a nexus where the water element's profound law was harnessed and understood. It was a metamorphosis that transcended mere physical enhancement; it was a spiritual awakening to the mysteries of water.

The once ordinary kidney now pulsed with a luminous blue light, a testament to its newfound purity and strength. Tyler could feel the harmonious flow of energy within it, a serene yet powerful current that cleansed and rejuvenated his entire being.

With the completion of this transformation, Tyler felt a profound connection to the water. His understanding of its nature deepened, not just as a cultivator but as a being inextricably linked to the universe's fundamental forces.

The tempering of his kidney by the Water True Essence marked a milestone in his cultivation journey and a profound alignment with the Dao of Water, a step closer to the elusive harmony between man and the cosmos.

Emerging from the depths of the ancient pond, Tyler broke through the surface, gasping for air as his throat still burned with drops of True Essence. He propelled himself towards the shore with newfound strength, each stroke through the water resonating with the energy coursing within him.

Reaching the shore, Tyler's senses were acutely aware of the world around him, as if every droplet of water and gust of wind spoke to him in a language he now understood more deeply. He was a vessel brimming with energy, a feeling so intense, foreign, yet intrinsically familiar.

Without a moment's hesitation, Tyler assumed the lotus position on the damp earth, his clothes having dissolved away from the energies of the pool. Closing his eyes, he focused inward on the tumultuous energies that surged within him like a maelstrom. The task was monumental: to harmonize and integrate this overwhelming power, weave it into the fabric of his being, and stabilize his inner world.

As he concentrated, the chaotic energies began to heed his call. The power of the Water True Essence, now a part of him, hummed in his veins. His meridians, widened and strengthened, conducted this energy with newfound efficiency.

Tyler embarked on a journey of internal alchemy in this state of deep meditation. He guided the energies through his meridians and acupoints, each pathway illuminated by his divine sense. The harmony he sought was a delicate balance, a dance of elemental forces.

The process was akin to orchestrating a symphony, each note representing a surge of energy, each pause a moment of reflection. The once overwhelming power now flowed with purpose, tempered by Tyler's will. It was a meticulous and painstaking process, demanding complete focus and an intimate knowledge of his inner world and body.

Hour by hour, the energies settled, finding their rightful place within Tyler's being as he endured endless pain. The True Essence's initial raw and untamed force was now a part of him, a tool in his arsenal, a step closer to understanding the Dao.

As the last traces of discord faded away, Tyler's mind settled.

Tyler's kidneys had become a marvel of cultivation, subtly producing minuscule yet potent traces of True Essence. This essence seamlessly melded with his Qi, resulting in a significant leap in quality. However, as his thoughts drifted to his heart, previously tempered but devoid of any True Essence, he was struck by a realization. A hypothesis formed in his mind.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

The key difference lay in the attunement of the True Essence to the corresponding organ used during tempering. A similar integration might have occurred had he used Fire True Essence for his heart.

Reflecting on this, Tyler turned his attention to his skin, tempered by Lin Jian's True Essence. Without Big Cat's mentioning it, he would have remained oblivious to the faint traces of power in his attacks. Yet, even with focused examination, he could not discern True Essence in his skin.

Adopting a different strategy, he channeled his entire cultivation through his body. Recalling Big Cat's observation of faint traces during his Finger Sword technique, Tyler summoned a multicolored sword into his hand, resting it on his lap. He scrutinized it with his divine sense, searching for any hint of True Essence.

Unconcerned with the vast amounts of Qi consumed in the process, he observed intensely. As minutes passed and his inner world began to feel the strain, Tyler recalled Maximus's advice. He retrieved a Spirit Crystal, appreciating that it didn't need to be crushed for absorption, allowing him to gradually draw upon its energy as otherwise, he'd probably blow up from the surge of energy.

Pausing momentarily, he also crushed a handful of Silver Condensates, releasing a surge of Qi that sent a tsunami-like wave across the ocean surrounding his inner world's island.

Gently nudging the Spirit Crystal, Tyler began to siphon the smallest measure of True Essence and was immediately engulfed in a recently familiar sensation. Though minute, the True Essence from the Spirit Crystal resonated with a profound purity and intensity. It was as if he had tapped into a wellspring of primordial energy, ancient and unadulterated.

The influx of True Essence seamlessly integrated with the energies within him, weaving into his Qi, enhancing it with a subtle yet undeniable potency. As this occurred, Tyler focused on the multicolored sword in his lap, now formed from tiny bits of True Essence.

With his enhanced divine sense, he sought to discern any trace of Lin Jian's True Essence within it.

The sword, a manifestation of his cultivation, shimmered with many hues, each color representing a different aspect of his journey and the energies he had absorbed. Traces of Fire, Wind, Thunder, and Water could be felt.

As he delved deeper, Tyler noticed a faint, almost imperceptible thread of energy that differed from the rest. It was a delicate strand, elusive and fleeting, yet unmistakably reminiscent of Lin Jian's tyrannical power.

Realization dawned upon him; the True Essence, once integrated, did not overtly announce its presence. Instead, it subtly enhanced and influenced his cultivation, like an unseen guide gently steering the course of his powers.

Tyler reflected on this revelation, feeling his inner world stabilizing from the influx of Qi from the Silver Condensates. The potential for further tempering his other organs with corresponding True Essences loomed in his mind, a path laden with possibilities and power, but for that, he'd have to find those naturally occurring energies.

However, he also recognized the need for caution. Integrating True Essence was a matter of absorption and a delicate balance of internal alchemy. Each step required careful consideration, an understanding of the profound laws governing each element, and a respect for the natural harmony of his body and soul.

As Tyler prepared to dismiss the sword technique, his intuition guided him to experiment further. He focused on the elusive strand of True Essence within the sword, a remnant of Lin Jian's power infused through his skin. With a gentle mental tug, he attempted to unravel this hidden thread of energy.

The moment he did so, his inner world was jolted by an unexpected and formidable response.

A colossal blood-red sword, pulsating with a life force of its own, materialized within the confines of his spiritual realm. The immense and awe-inspiring sword was not just a simple illusion but a manifestation of the raw, unbridled power of the Slaughter Sword laws. It was aimed directly at the walls of his inner world, threatening to breach the very fabric of his domain.

Tyler was momentarily stunned by the appearance of this giant blood sword. It was as if he had inadvertently awakened a dormant force that resonated with the most profound aspects of... Murder? The sword's presence was overwhelming. Its energy suffused with the essence of death, blood, and slaughter.

Tyler swore he heard faint murmurs of the screaming dead, not unlike the voices he had heard while traveling through the Twelve Ghost Ridge, and this caused him to recall what Maximus had told him about Lin Jian being a Sword Slave to the Slaughter Sword, a treasure being nurtured by Guk Jin.

The walls of his inner world, a reflection of his own soul, braced against the assault of the blood sword. The apparition was so fast and overwhelming that he had no time to react, and it slammed into the crystalline walls of his inner world.

The catastrophic impact within Tyler's inner world was not just a spiritual upheaval but a physical crisis. The seismic shock sent through the spiritual sea reverberated directly into his soul, inflicting excruciating, soul-rending pain.

A loud, ominous crack echoed, a harrowing indicator of the damage wrought upon his soul. He vomited blood, his nose bled, and his body was covered in bruises, a grim testament to the severity of his condition.

As the pain overwhelmed him, Tyler's grip on his abilities and Qi faltered, and the Finger Sword technique, along with the strand of True Essence, dissipated into nothingness. The damage was irreversible, and he could feel the essence of his life rapidly draining away, his vision dimming, and his body weakening.

In this desperate moment, Tyler's mind flashed to a singular item left by the late Lin Jian - the Soul Nectar Elixir. Understanding the risks of using such a potent potion at his current cultivation level, he reached out with dwindling strength but was left with no other option. His condition was dire, teetering on the brink of collapse from the profound soul damage.

With his remaining willpower, Tyler grasped the potion and crushed it over his soul avatar in a swift motion born of sheer survival instinct. The effects were immediate and potent, as befitting a Tier 3 Heaven-Grade potion. The elixir, imbued with restorative powers beyond ordinary comprehension, coursed through his soul.

The Soul Nectar Elixir worked tirelessly, weaving through the cracks and fissures within his soul, mending the shattered fragments with its celestial energy. Tyler could feel the elixir's power, a warm, soothing presence that countered the icy grip of death that had begun to claim him.

Tyler's vitality gradually returned as the potion's effects permeated his being. The dimness in his eyes gave way to a renewed clarity, and the life force that had been rapidly escaping began to stabilize. The potion, a rare and precious artifact of cultivation, was doing what seemed impossible moments before – it was pulling him back from the very edge of death.

The experience left Tyler with a profound sense of vulnerability and a newfound respect for the dangers of manipulating True Essence. It was a stark reminder that the path of cultivation was fraught with peril, where the pursuit of power could lead to both transcendence and tragedy.

Tyler's path in cultivation was one of meteoric ascent, at least from an outsider's perspective. Lately, his life seemed to revolve primarily around the pursuit of cultivation, with other aspects fading into the background as momentary distractions.

However, the reality was far more nuanced. Tyler's singular focus on cultivation was not merely a product of choice but a consequence of his circumstances. Being forcibly brought to Sword King Mountain had severely limited his options in this new reality, leaving him with little choice but to pursue cultivation as a means of survival and purpose amidst the initial chaos of his mind.

But today, his dedication to cultivation had acquired a deeper motivation than mere boredom or aimlessness.

It was fueled by a profound desire for independence—a burning aspiration to break free from the intricate web of manipulation and schemes that ensnared him.

This quest was the driving force behind his recent cultivation leap.

Tyler sat in introspective contemplation as the Soul Nectar Elixir worked its magic, knitting together the frayed edges of his body and soul. The harrowing ordeal he had just endured had inadvertently illuminated a profound truth about the path of cultivation in the Qi Transformation realm, a revelation likely unknown to most cultivators at this stage.

Tyler realized that the true path of cultivation in this realm lay in a relentless pursuit of discovering the various laws in their natural forms. It was an ongoing quest to unearth the specific True Essence laws corresponding to each organ and integrate them, finding his own path along the way.

While Tyler had some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, his memory wasn't that good. However, the day's events had provided him with valuable insights. He deduced that the kidney must have been aligned with the water element, and, given the fiery nature of the Qi in his heart, it seemed logical to associate the heart with fire.

His previous understanding of the Qi Transformation realm, gleaned from vague descriptions in Edge City's library, had painted a picture of a phase where cultivators transformed their Qi into True Essence.

As Tyler meditated while recuperating, Daredevil gazed upon the scene with horror and confusion. The sight of Tyler emerging as a bloodied, naked figure from the pool was deeply unsettling. The cub, innocent to the complexities of cultivation, could not fathom the reasons behind Tyler's dire state, but the empathetic connection to the soul-wrenching agony Tyler endured was palpable and terrifying to the young creature.

Similarly, Big Cat and Sylvamist, witnesses to this unexpected turn of events, were steeped in their own horror and bewilderment. To them, Tyler represented the pinnacle of strength for his cultivation level, and the ordeal he had undergone seemed incongruent with his abilities.

This small amount of True Essence he had consumed should not have wrought such devastating consequences. This mismatch between expectation and reality only increased their concern for their son's benefactor. They couldn’t pierce through Maximus’s seal, so they could only observe externally.

However, a full day passed, and the tide of dread began to recede with it. Finally emerging from his deep meditative state, Tyler appeared to have recovered from his injuries. The worst was over. A palpable wave of relief washed over them.

For Daredevil, witnessing Tyler's recovery was more than just seeing a companion return from the brink; it was a testament to the resilience and mysterious depths of cultivation.

The experience, though harrowing, offered Daredevil a glimpse into the arduous and perilous journey of a cultivator, where triumph and tribulation walked hand in hand. As Tyler stood, rejuvenated and whole once more, his companion could finally breathe easy.

Maximus undid his seal from afar, unbeknownst to all, as he nodded to himself.

The following words Daredevil heard sent shivers down his spine as Tyler stepped forward.

"Your turn now!" Said Tyler, looking straight into Daredevil's eyes.