Turner's watch was usually uneventful, his eyes often lost in the swirling mists that lay a few hundred meters distant. While absently fiddling with the communication crystal in his hand, he frequently diverted his attention to light-hearted conversations with his girlfriend, who was stationed at a distant encampment, three sites removed from his own. These idle chats were the only reprieve in his monotonous routine, as days melded into weeks without a hint of excitement.
However, this tranquility was abruptly shattered when an extraordinary surge of Qi erupted from the edge of the mist. Turner felt the raw power intensifying exponentially, sending waves of awe and trepidation through him.
The energy emanating from the mist was so overwhelming that it surpassed even the capabilities of his senior, who could only harness such power by pushing her cultivation to its limits and damaging her foundations. This unexpected development left Turner's heart pounding and his thoughts racing.
Was this a sign of an unforeseen danger lurking within the mist, or was it the arrival of the enigmatic Tyler Reed? If the rumors were true, the man had killed a whole section of Qi Transformation cultivators and two Sea Formation cultivators. Only a man capable of doing something like that would possess this much power.
As he contemplated the possibilities, Turner felt a surge of excitement, realizing that he was probably the first to encounter the man everyone was hunting! When the thought occurred to him, he started circulating his cultivation to infuse some Qi into the formation under him that would alert all camps that their target had been sighted.
Unfortunately for the man, before his energy could fully merge with the formation, a gust of wind carried deadly whispers that targeted his soul with it. He never felt a thing as his consciousness went dark, leaving his eyes lifeless. The same fate befell the members of the three surrounding camps.
In a single gust of wind, 30 Qi Transformation cultivators perished.
Resting at the central points of those camps, three Sea Formation cultivators instantly detected the surge of Qi. It triggered an instinctual sense of impending danger, prompting all three to erect defenses when they felt it.
Their relatively high cultivation levels, in the mid-20s, combined with their extensive experience in hunting dangerous targets, worked in their favor. They had always passively maintained robust soul defenses through [Soul Forging].
Upon reaching the Sea Formation stage, a common practice among cultivators in the Sword Sect was to invest heavily in resources to enhance their soul defenses and refine their Sword Intent. This practice had just saved their lives.
The moment they felt the surge of energy, a single sword emerged from the breeze, invisible to any of their senses, and smashed directly into their souls.
Tyler observed this from the borders of the mist and sighed. He still wasn't strong enough to kill Sea Formation cultivators with a single sword. However, he observed all three survive the covert strike of the Ten Direction Sword, though not without consequences.
The Ten Direction Sword technique, designed to cleave soul from body, met a formidable challenge in the advanced soul defenses of its opponents. The ethereal blades, each targeted with lethal precision, were intercepted by three unique and powerful defensive arts, each revealing the depth and mastery of its wielder.
The first of Tyler's swords clashed with another, this one radiating an exceptionally sharp intent, wielded by a cultivator whose soul instinctively rose to meet the threat. The collision was fierce, the kind that could have devastated the souls of most low-level Sea Formation cultivators had they been directly in its path.
The defending sword, though potent, ultimately succumbed along with Tyler’s own technique, fracturing under immense pressure and leaving its wielder with a physical manifestation of the struggle – a bloody nose and ears.
The second sword, however, plunged into a maelstrom of resistance, encountering layer upon layer of True Essence. This well of defense, seemingly bottomless, slowed the sword's lethal descent, eventually allowing it to reach the woman's soul, but not without a significant reduction in its destructive capability.
Nevertheless, the impact was severe, leaving a deep wound on her soul, a scar that would require years to fully mend naturally. The sheer force of the encounter forced her to vomit blood, pushing her to the very edge of unconsciousness.
The third sword's encounter was with a master of the laws of the Molten Dreamscape, a woman whose shield of True Essence was a testament to her control over her path. The collision of the sword against her shield echoed like a thunderclap, a resonant symbol of the battle between two immense forces.
Her expertise in soul defenses and attacks shone brilliantly, her shield not only a protective barrier but a reflection of her deep understanding of her own laws. In this clash, the sword met a superior adversary regarding the depth of skills and cultivation.
The aftermath of the encounter was a harrowing ordeal. Each cultivator grappled with a range of debilitating symptoms: disorientation, weakened True Essence flow, and a profound sense of detachment from their own spiritual core. It was as if the encounter frayed the very fabric of their beings.
Despite their high cultivation levels and vast experience, the incident served as a humbling reminder of their vulnerability. It removed any doubt left in their minds that their target was a weakling of the Qi Transformation stage.
Before they could take to the air and directly engage the target in combat, they sensed the colossal surge of Qi suddenly vanish. Tyler swiftly retreated back into the mist, evading their pursuit for now.
Wasting no time, they activated the formations surrounding the mist, sounding alarm bells through all 30 camps. The message that followed after the alert was chilling and sent shock waves through the hearts of everyone present.
"Target detected for approximately 5 seconds. Instantaneous death of 30 Qi Transformation cultivators. Two Sea Formation cultivators were injured, and one Sea Formation cultivator was unharmed. Confirmed: Target remains at the Qi Transformation stage but possesses Qi comparable to a level 20 Sea Formation expert. Confirmed: The target wields highly lethal soul attacks." The message reverberated throughout the camps, spreading panic and urgency among the cultivators.
"This is Yoon Suko speaking. All cultivators below the 24th level retreat back to the sect immediately. This mission is no longer within your capabilities. It appears that the Sect Master has underestimated the target's strength." The message echoed across the camps as Yoon Suko's voice carried a tone of grim seriousness.
He was at the 29th level and was in charge of the whole mission. His young disciple, Lazar Flame, looked at him with questioning eyes. "You can stay if you want. You already possess strong soul defenses with your bloodline, but don't go out alone and stick close to me."
Yoon Suko had trusted Elder Lo Tang and didn't doubt the man's intentions. He had found the sudden rise of a new Sect Master suspicious, but he had no concrete reason to question him. Yoon Suko also had access to privileged information about the situation. Specifically, he knew the identities of those who had perished in the supposed ambush, as well as Tyler's numerous clashes with Xin, the young master of the Lo family.
Reflecting on Tyler's actions, Yoon Suko couldn't help but empathize with him. If he were in Tyler's shoes, he might have acted even more ruthlessly and much earlier. It was clear that there was more to this situation than met the eye, and Yoon Suko was determined to uncover the truth while still conducting the mission.
Throughout his 80 years of life, Yoon Suko had encountered numerous arrogant young masters, and he knew how to navigate such situations. His position as a core disciple of the Sword Sect had provided him with a shield of protection that deterred any threats to himself or his family. He understood the dynamics of power and privilege in their world and was well aware of the challenges those without such backing faced.
Yoon Suko couldn't shake the feeling that something about this whole situation was off. After learning about Tyler's background, his interactions with Lo Shen and Lin Jian, and his decision to remain in the outer sect when he could have risen to prominence in the Sword Sect as a core disciple, it all seemed highly unusual to him.
There were too many unanswered questions, and he couldn't help but feel that there was more to Tyler Reed than met the eye.
Yoon Suko swiftly relayed another message to the 21 remaining Sea Formation cultivators. "Prepare for battle. If you spot the man, do not engage. Notify me immediately. He must understand that facing so many of us simultaneously is futile."
Back at Daredevil's side within the mist, Tyler couldn't help but notice the mass exodus of all the Qi Transformation cultivators and the tightening of the perimeter around his parents’ domain, with every Sea Formation expert on high alert. Not one person dared to step into the mist.
Tyler had planned to create a diversion with his surprise attack and escape with the young cub through the opposite side of the mist. However, the Sword Sect cultivators weren’t dumb.
It was a straightforward plan, and Tyler hoped it would be effective because he had no other clear strategy to break through the encirclement. There was one more thing he could attempt, but it would consume a significant amount of his Qi and put him in quite a dangerous situation if it failed.
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He turned to Daredevil and spoke reassuringly, "I'm going to try something; don't get scared. These Sea Formation cultivators are too strong for you, so you'll have to wait out here, buddy."
The little cub seemed sad and uncertain, but Tyler gently patted him on the head and asked, "Do you trust me?" The cub growled and purred in response, indicating its approval and trust in Tyler. "Then watch me as I show you how strong I am!"
As Tyler emerged from the protective shroud of the mist, his resolve as firm as steel, he channeled his cultivation with a forceful intensity that sent ripples through the very fabric of the domain.
The intensity of his Qi was so immense that it not only pushed back the surrounding mist but also caused the air to buckle under the sheer pressure of his power. The skies darkened slightly as if responding to his display of strength. It was a demonstration of his power and a bold declaration that he was present and unafraid.
Inside Tyler's inner world was a tempestuous landscape, alive with the tumultuous dance of clouds and the resonant symphony of thunder. Each lightning strike that tore through his inner world was a vivid echo of his burgeoning power.
As he forcefully utilized the Thunder Winds and Sword Clouds method, his acupoints, recently transformed into dense white clouds, swelled in response to the immense energy. The vigorous utilization of this technique fed the maelstroms peppered through his inner world's ocean, causing them to expand and grow more intensely. These burgeoning storms were no longer mere whirls of energy; they had evolved into powerful cyclones.
Unlike most cultivators who had spent decades on their journeys, Tyler could make the world respond to his actions and emotions after only a handful of months. This unique connection between his soul and the grand Dao was a testament to the exceptional nature of those like him, marking every step of his journey with a profound imprint on his surroundings.
As he stood there, the mist domain retreating from his formidable presence, Tyler was not just a cultivator preparing for battle; he was a force of nature, ready to unleash the full might of his storm upon any who dared to challenge him.
Tyler wasted no time engaging in conversation with the nearby cultivators. Instead, he immediately launched an attack. They had come for him, and he was determined to fight.
With all the surging power, he conjured an astonishing 300 Ten Direction Swords. If one sword wasn't enough to handle Sea Formation cultivators, perhaps 30 for each would suffice!
As Tyler unleashed the swords, the winds obeyed his command. A powerful gust, both deadly and invisible, surged towards the nearest ten Sea Formation cultivators. This was no ordinary breeze but a manifestation of Tyler's path, a force imbued with such intensity that it could rend the essence of those it targeted.
While incredibly potent, the technique exacted a heavy toll on Tyler's resources, instantly draining over 35% of his Qi. It was a high-stakes gambit. The onlookers also noticed this as they felt the Qi emanating from him become more muted.
However, the Sword Sect, his adversaries, were prepared for such an onslaught. Having anticipated another wave of soul attacks after the initial ambush, they had come equipped to counteract such tactics in record time. Unfortunately, Tyler's attack was of such magnitude that it shattered their defenses.
The sound of the impact was akin to glass shattering, a jarring and unmistakable indication of the power behind his strike. The formation that the Sword Sect had so meticulously erected, a Celestial Grade Tier 3 defensive formation, trembled under the force of Tyler's attack before ultimately breaking apart.
The repercussions were immediate and severe. The three formation masters responsible for maintaining the defensive structure were overwhelmed by the backlash, each vomiting blood in large quantities. Seeing such seasoned cultivators being so grievously affected sent shockwaves through the hearts of all who witnessed it.
The revelation that a Qi Transformation cultivator had managed to destroy a Celestial Grade Tier 3 defensive formation with his initial volley was astonishing.
Tyler's devastating attack served as a wake-up call for anyone who had doubted his capabilities, even after Yoon Suko's warning. This single display of power clearly demonstrated that Tyler was a formidable cultivator, capable of facing and surmounting previously insurmountable challenges.
On the flip side, Tyler quietly uttered a curse. His once-believed most potent technique was instantly rendered useless by the formation he had considered a mere stop-gap to his 300 swords.
Extending his divine sense as far as possible, he noticed that more than ten additional cultivators were heading in his direction. They either rode on treasure swords or effortlessly floated in mid-air. However, one presence caught his attention—the presence of a Soul Shattering cultivator!
Taken aback by this unexpected turn of events, Tyler was uncertain about how to react. As he detected the cultivator almost simultaneously, she turned her gaze toward him and whispered softly, "Ah, this clarifies a few things. Truly fascinating. Don't worry; I'm merely an observer here." With these words, she displayed a dark red book to Tyler, actively jotting down notes within its pages.
The Keepers of the Red Dust... Tyler pondered. In response, he asked her to seek him out once this current situation was resolved. He had a handful of questions he'd like answered, and in return, he would offer some answers to her questions as well, seeing as she seemed interested. Intrigued, Madame Elaine agreed.
Although it felt like all of this took a long time, everything had transpired within mere minutes. From the attack, the formation shattering, the other cultivators' responses, to the interaction with Madame Elaine, it all occurred extremely fast. This would have surely overwhelmed Tyler's mind a few months ago due to the sheer volume of information, but he had grown significantly.
Despite the immense power radiating from Tyler as he circulated his cultivation, an equally potent aura descended from the heavens above, a force that overshadowed his own. The skies seemed to respond to this unseen presence as if acknowledging the arrival of a power beyond mortal comprehension, and the darkening skies split in half as if a sword had cut them apart to give way to this new arrival.
The man’s power was greater than Tyler's. This person was Yoon Suko, and Tyler had no doubt that a direct confrontation with this person would result in his gruesome demise. He had just considered retreating into the mist to reassess his predicament when Yoon Suko's voice resonated from high above.
"Hold on. We both know you can't escape this situation. We've got you outnumbered, surrounded from all sides. Why not come with us peacefully? Our orders are to bring you back to the sect, not to kill you," Yoon Suko stated, with his younger apprentice brother by his side.
Coming to a stop, Tyler turned to face Yoon Suko. "Do you really expect me to willingly go with all of you? There's a lot you don't know here. Let me lay my cards on the table, and you can reconsider your approach after."
Tyler continued to channel his cultivation, directing another 300 swords toward the initial ten cultivators and draining another 35% of his Qi. Taken aback, Yoon Suko swiftly gestured while summoning a sword, intercepting more than half of them, while the rest continued unabated. A heavy silence engulfed the surroundings, broken only by the cries of several cultivators. Three of them had met their demise.
Tyler, who often extended kindness even to his own detriment when dealing with those who showed him goodwill, now revealed a different facet of his personality to these opposing cultivators.
This aspect of him didn't handle threats and schemes well. His demeanor in this encounter was calculated to convey a message to all onlookers, including Maximus and Madame Elaine.
He needed to make it abundantly clear that he did not take kindly to people fucking with him.
Having ruthlessly taken the lives of three more members of the Sword Sect, Tyler raised his voice once more. "I'm well aware that none of you dare to step into this mist. So, what's preventing me from retreating back in, replenishing my resources to full, and methodically wearing down these weaklings? Eventually, your encirclement won't be sustainable, and I'll slip away unnoticed into the night."
Tyler paused, his gaze shifting to Madame Elaine, who continued her note-taking. "I have no tolerance for threats and manipulation, and your new sect master appears to be nothing more than a child throwing a tantrum because his son didn't get his way. Let me ask you this. Suppose someone as weak and arrogant as Lo Xin repeatedly attempted to harm you and ultimately met his demise due to his failed plot to murder you. Would you simply accept his father's punishment without resistance?"
Yoon Suko recognized that there was likely a deeper, untold story behind these events, with fragments of it gradually surfacing. However, at this moment, he was not concerned with unraveling the mysteries. His primary objective was clear: to capture Tyler Reed. With his sword still gripped firmly, he thrust it into the air, aiming the blade directly at Tyler.
A deluge of Sword True Essence surged forth, painting the sky with an illusory swordfish. Tyler sensed the incoming energy and reacted swiftly but refrained from using his finger sword. He could feel that attempting to employ this technique here would likely result in a severe backlash on his end. Instead, he did something he had vowed not to do until he could craft one himself: and drew Luo Pang's Tier 3 Sword from his inner world.
Power coursed through Tyler's body as he grasped the sword. The weapon resisted any efforts to be wielded by anyone other than Luo Pang. However, when Tyler concentrated his entire soul on the blade, it seemed like the sword yielded to a greater power.
Employing the recently acquired movements of the Azure Sword Arts, he unleashed the only portion of the Sword Art he had successfully mastered: the Rippling Blade.
Utilizing nearly all of his remaining Qi, Tyler swung the sword forward. The blade was imbued with a minute amount of Water True Essence, and its edge emitted a radiant oceanic blue hue as it separated from the weapon. It clashed head-on with the oncoming swordfish, and the hum of his Tier 3 weapon resonated through the surroundings, reveling in the pure Qi infused with the essence of water.
The two sword techniques met in a clash that could only happen once due to Tyler's Qi reserves being so low.
An explosion of energy ensued as the swordfish pierced through the incoming wave of dense and pure Qi as if swimming effortlessly against the current. Remarkably, it appeared mostly unaffected by the Rippling Blade, only slowing down a bit.
The swordfish continued its lightning-fast trajectory, posing an imminent threat to Tyler. Time seemed to crawl to a standstill when Tyler noticed something behind him—a small panther. Unable to restrain itself upon witnessing the impending danger to its benefactor, the panther leaped out of the mist.
Acting purely on instinct, Daredevil summoned all of his cultivation and transformed into mist, moving at a breathtaking speed. He materialized before the swordfish and swiped at the True Essence attack.
A sharp yelp echoed as Yoon Suko's attack connected with the tiny panther cub before disappearing. The front leg of the cub had disappeared, blood gushing out from the wound.
"Noooooooooooo!!!" Tyler's instinctive cry rang out.
Tyler's reaction came a fraction too late, and his eyes darkened with despair and anguish. His depleted Qi reserves were instantly replenished as he crushed two Spirit Crystals without a second thought, causing his entire inner world to tremble.
Anger.
True Essence surged violently from his inner world, coursing through his entire being. However, he paid no heed to the consequences. Stepping onto the mist, he propelled himself toward Daredevil and caught the cub, which had come perilously close to death.
A shockwave of power rippled through the surroundings, freezing everyone within a kilometer radius in place, including Madame Elaine.
Everyone present felt it—a monster had awakened.