Tyler and Daredevil shared a heartfelt embrace for a few minutes, the panther contentedly sprawled out across Tyler's lap, purring softly. After a while, the feline recalled something his parents had bestowed upon him before their departure into the mists half a year ago.

Tyler observed Daredevil as he was still readjusting to moving around. The cub spat out a solitary ring firmly anchored on one of his canines. "Oh? What's this, buddy?" Tyler inquired as the panther nudged the ring into his outstretched hands.

Utilizing his divine sense to gain a clearer view, Tyler scrutinized the ring as it disintegrated, disgorging its contents across the island and the recently reconstructed warehouse. His soul avatar emerged from the newly erected residence and surveyed the mountain of treasures sprawled before him.

With a sigh of recognition, Tyler realized the origin of these—they were the possessions of the Sea Formation cultivators he had defeated. One of the panthers must have collected them on his behalf. He swiftly organized the items by type and energy concentration.

Among the treasures, the only one that Tyler still paid attention to within his inner world was the battered sword of Luo Pang. Although the sword was heavily cracked and pitiable, Tyler had a peculiar sensation that it hadn't been broken yet. It emitted an unwavering aura as if it were struggling to endure.

Initially, Tyler sensed the sword's uniqueness when he first laid his hands on it. However, as the battle concluded and the weapon endured tremendous stress and backlash, it seemed as though the sword's soul was desperately clinging to existence, reborn and reshaped by the intensity of the experience.

Tyler had meticulously examined every facet of the sword on Daredevil's back during the winter months, but he couldn't quite fathom what was transpiring. He presumed it might be some form of nascent sword spirit or an enigmatic phenomenon characteristic of xianxia world shenanigans. He decided to address this matter later when he better understood or even asked someone at some indeterminate point.

Returning his focus to the panther cub, Tyler expressed his gratitude. "Thank you for everything, little guy. You saved my life." He stroked the feline's fur as tears welled in his eyes. He acknowledged that if it weren't for his inner world and his unconventional cultivation, he would have perished months ago.

Upon reflection, Tyler recognized that he had come perilously close to being incapacitated or killed numerous times. Perhaps he had been excessively nonchalant in his interactions with others, much like during his military service, knowing that his status offered him near-immunity from consequences.

Back then, because he did not care for ranks and progression so he spoke his mind without a care in the world, and the worst that he’d have to deal with was a slap on the wrist for being a pain in the ass. But he was a pain in the ass that excelled at his job, so everyone cut him an almost infinite amount of slack in an environment where most people just lazed around instead of actually working.

In Sword King Mountain, he had the backing of the Emperor himself. While it wasn’t publicly stated, the man pulled on strings in the background, and Lo Shen actively cared for most Sect-facing issues.

His extraordinary circumstances had thrust him into these predicaments in this new world. He never would've met with any of these people had he been any other mortal, but it didn't absolve his dismissive and disrespectful behavior. In the end, he and Daredevil survived, but this didn't justify his actions either.

However, all of this now belonged to the past. Tyler remained unaware of Big Cat's intention to guide him toward Master Tanaka, and he had no clear idea of his current location. A significant portion of the journey had transpired while he was entirely unconscious. When his divine sense finally reawakened, they were already on the borders of the Veridian Peaks, where his map ended.

Reigning his emotions, Tyler turned to Daredevil and asked, "Do you know where we are, or did you know where you were leading us?" The panther responded with low growls, then rose to its feet and pointed a paw in the direction of the divine sense that Tyler had sensed. Although there remained a slight language barrier, Tyler grasped the general message.

"We can't head in that direction, at least not for now," Tyler said after a brief pause. "Not until I can completely conceal my cultivation once more. My body is in disrepair, and there's an excessive amount of Qi coursing through it. It would only create more problems. You must have noticed how every cultivator we encountered along the way felt stifled and cautious when you arrived? They all sensed the presence of someone far more powerful than them."

Tyler observed Daredevil as the panther gazed thoughtfully into the skies before nodding in understanding. It had undoubtedly been the case that every cultivator who had been oppressing mortals and faced Daredevil had displayed signs of unease.

Initially, Daredevil hadn't understood its reason, but now it made perfect sense. His benefactor's Qi fluctuations were undeniably imposing. Yet, as both intelligent and formidable, Daredevil had swiftly adapted to this and barely noticed it now.

Tyler continued with a proposal as Daredevil redirected his attention towards him. "So, in the meantime, how about we head in this direction and try to assist some people? Many individuals are grappling with issues we could solve with minimal effort..."

The panther nodded, and Tyler smiled.

Rather than leaping down from this high tree or using his cultivation to descend, Tyler chose a more humble approach, relying primarily on his naturally robust physique to carry him downward rather than burn Qi for no reason. On the other hand, Daredevil paid little heed to such precautions as it leaped from tree to tree, gracefully slowing its descent with each agile step.

Extending his divine sense, Tyler discerned an absence of tier 2 spirit beasts within a 5-kilometer radius. He couldn't help but be impressed by Daredevil's efforts—the panther cub had effectively cleared out any potential threats to Tyler.

However, it was worth noting that tier 2 and 3 spirit beasts were exceptionally rare in proximity to a major city like this. Typically, they were more likely to be found near danger zones, as Tyler had firsthand experience during his venture into the Twelve Ghosts Ridge.

Tyler and Daredevil ventured into the forest, their journey mostly filled with silence as Tyler relished the tranquility of the night. The birds were asleep, their songs silenced. Squirrels and other rodents nestled quietly in their burrows, only slightly disturbed by the presence of Tyler’s passing aura.

Tyler found himself particularly attuned to the subtle yet powerful forces of nature around him. The winds, gentle carriers of change and renewal, drew his focus. These winds, whispering through the forest, carried an almost tangible sense of rejuvenation, marking the awakening of the natural world from its deep winter slumber.

Tyler chose not to delve into these phenomena, seeking deep, hidden meanings or mystical insights. Instead, he allowed himself to simply experience the serene tranquility they offered. The soothing caress of the breeze, the rustling of leaves, and the soft stirrings of the forest floor resonated with a calming effect, grounding him in the present moment as it continuously fed Qi into his body, repairing it slightly.

Tyler and Daredevil, united in their journey, traversed the wilderness for several uneventful hours. It was a tranquil passage marked only by Tyler’s quiet steps.

Five kilometers ahead, on a road that sliced through the wilderness, Tyler discerned a camp set up for the night. It was a merchant caravan, seemingly in the middle of a long rest from their travels, with only a single man keeping watch.

The camp was a diverse assembly. There were six mortals, their auras indicating they were between the 4th and 8th levels, a respectable range. Three Qi Transformation cultivators, likely guards or associates, and a solitary figure who stood out distinctly were accompanying them. This individual was a Sea Formation cultivator. He was adorned in extravagant attire and luxurious jewelry, radiating power and wealth.

Tyler, observing this tableau, turned to Daredevil and communicated his thoughts. "There's a group of cultivators and mortals a few kilometers ahead. Don't overreact. They shouldn't pose any threat to me. That one cultivator is probably much stronger than you, so just follow after me, okay?" His tone was calm, a mix of caution and reassurance. Daredevil, understanding his companion's intent, growled softly in acknowledgment.

Tyler gestured for the panther to stay close as Tyler and Daredevil neared the merchant camp. His approach, though discreet, did not go unnoticed. The Sea Formation cultivator, sensitive to the subtle shifts in the Qi around him, had already detected Tyler's presence. The ripples of Qi in the air acted as a town crier, yelling about their approach, stirring the cultivator from his rest.

One of the sentinels, initially tense and fearful at the unknown presence’s monstrous Qi, visibly relaxed upon sensing his superior's waking. Clearly, the Sea Formation cultivator's awareness gave his subordinate a sense of security. All of this unfurled clearly within Tyler’s divine sense.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Emerging from his cart, where he had been resting, the Sea Formation cultivator faced Tyler and Daredevil with a composed demeanor as they stepped outside the treeline to avoid disturbing the resting mortals. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" he inquired, his voice curious and cautious.

Tyler, who had already gauged the man's level to be in the early 20s, knew he could defend himself if necessary. However, thoughts of conflict were far from his mind. His response was incredibly respectful, a departure from his past behavior. "I apologize for the disturbance, senior. My companion and I were merely passing through the woods and shall be on our way," he replied, conveying deference and a desire for a peaceful passage.

The merchant boss, recognizing Tyler's respectful approach and sensing his considerable power, offered sage advice. "Given your... abundance of Qi, I would suggest finding a technique that enables you to conceal your cultivation to some extent. Wandering through the forest at night like this will likely lead you into trouble sooner or later... or even worse, attract bandits!"

Tyler received this counsel with a grateful smile. Clearly, the merchant boss spoke from experience, and his words held the weight of wisdom. "Thank you for the advice, senior. This is also why I made no attempts of going around your camp, as I feared that it would cause you more trouble than showing you I hold no ill intent," Tyler replied.

His following words were laced with a sense of goodwill, a rare gesture in a world where advice often came at a price. "Before you leave, be careful of the road if you're heading south," he cautioned, his tone earnest. "A group of bandits murdered my last transport of goods, hence why I am here in person."

Tyler, recognizing the genuine care behind the merchant boss's advice, was keen to know the name of the man who had shown him such unexpected kindness. "May I have senior's name?" he inquired respectfully.

The merchant boss, with a hint of modesty, replied, "My name is insignificant, but if you ever find yourself in one of the Thunder Emporiums, feel free to ask for Ern Torval by name, and someone will at least treat you like a valued customer."

The mention of "Thunder Emporium" triggered a memory in Tyler. He recalled a meeting he had scheduled with Bralok before his mission had taken an unforeseen turn. Seizing the opportunity, Tyler cautiously inquired, "Do you happen to know a Bralok Thunderpeak?"

Ern Torval paused briefly to consider the question. "Certainly, I am familiar with Young Master Bralok. It would be a shame if I worked for the Thunder Emporium and did not know of the young master. Why do you ask?"

Tyler weighed his words carefully, aware of the potential implications. He had a promise to keep, and even if circumstances prevented him from fulfilling it, he felt obligated to communicate his situation. "If you happen to have a way to convey a message to Veridian Peaks' Sword King Mountain, could you kindly inform him that Tyler Reed won't be able to make it to our scheduled meeting? I would greatly appreciate it."

Understanding the importance of such messages, especially considering the target of the request, Ern agreed without hesitation. He avoided correcting Tyler's misapprehension about Bralok's location, deeming it irrelevant to the task. "I have taken note of it and shall send word," he affirmed.

Feeling relief and gratitude, Tyler respectfully bowed to the merchant. "Thank you, Senior. I shall take my leave now with little Daredevil here." With those words, he and Daredevil resumed their journey, heading south.

If Tyler sought to assist people, what better way than to investigate a group of murderous bandits and ensure no more merchants met their untimely ends at their avaricious hands?

The brief exchange between the strange man and Boss Torval was conducted with such discretion and calm that it didn't disturb the slumber of the mortals in the camp. However, the cultivators in the group were fully aware of the interaction. They observed with respect and relief, acknowledging the propriety with which both parties conducted themselves.

Boss Torval, a figure of authority and power, probably played a crucial role in ensuring the peaceful resolution of the encounter, as the cultivators couldn't help but note the sheer magnitude of Qi emanating from Tyler.

Once the spirit beast and man duo had ventured out of earshot, Ern retrieved a special communication crystal and swiftly transmitted a hastily drawn portrait of Tyler, along with a message, to the branch head of his small shop in Star Gazing Heights, a city located a few hundred kilometers away. He had no authority to contact a core Thunderpeak family member directly.

As they resumed their journey under the cover of night, Tyler opened up to Daredevil, sharing snippets of his life with the attentive panther. The stillness of the night, punctuated by the rhythmic sounds of their footsteps and the gentle rustling of the forest, created an intimate backdrop for their conversation.

Tyler recognized that while the tranquility of the night was a welcome change from the confinement of his inner world, it wasn't enough to forge a deeper bond with Daredevil. Communication, sharing stories, and expressing thoughts were the only ways he could think of to strengthen their relationship. As he spoke, Tyler felt a sense of release, a catharsis that came from verbalizing his experiences and feelings.

For his part, Daredevil seemed to understand the significance of this moment. The panther, a silent yet perceptive companion, listened intently to Tyler's words, occasionally responding with soft growls or movements that conveyed understanding and empathy.

As Tyler shared his insights and knowledge about the world before the Shattering, Daredevil listened eagerly, transcending the boundaries of their disparate species. The concept of a world vastly different from the one they knew was intriguing to the panther, especially the idea of its existence in that ancient era.

In piecing together history and lore, Tyler speculated about Daredevil's potential form before the Shattering. He mused that Daredevil might have been a small feline, no larger than a couple of feet, a stark contrast to his current size.

While this was merely conjecture on Tyler's part and not entirely accurate, as panthers existed in the pre-Shattering world, the notion sparked a deep appreciation in Daredevil.

For Daredevil, the idea that the Shattering had transformed him into the powerful creature he was now filled him with a sense of gratitude towards the cataclysmic event. It had made him into this majestic and beautiful beast! However, he was conflicted about the event as he heard the following stories over the next few hours.

He sensed the depth of Tyler's longing and sorrow as he spoke of his lost friends and family. He could not ignore the pain it had brought to Tyler, whose life had been irrevocably altered by the loss of everyone he held dear.

The panther's thoughts drifted to a dream he had stumbled upon soon after receiving his name from Tyler, a dream that had revealed glimpses of someone significant in Tyler's past. Daredevil, motivated to understand and perhaps offer comfort, attempted to communicate about this individual through their shared link.

The task was not straightforward for Daredevil, who could not articulate it in human language. However, he persisted, driven by empathy and a deepening bond with his human companion. He conveyed his query by projecting the emotions and sensations he had experienced during that dream, hoping to evoke recognition in Tyler.

Tyler wasn't oblivious to this development, as he sensed Daredevil's gentle tug through their shared bond. While he didn't fully comprehend the significance of the message or the question it carried, he couldn't help but feel happy.

For the first time in an extremely long time, someone had taken the effort to ask about him—his sentiments and emotions regarding his past.

Tyler's response, tinged with longing and gratitude, was heartfelt. "I can't wait for you to learn to speak properly... I...... Thanks," he said, his voice trailing off as he struggled to maintain composure. His eyes, brimming with tears, reflected his emotions and the pain of memories resurfacing.

In their silent understanding and shared emotions and memories, they found a sense of solace and companionship, a beacon of light in a journey filled with uncertainty and the shadows of lost times.

As dawn's light gently unfolded over the horizon, Daredevil set off on his routine hunt, a primal ritual that was both a necessity and an expression of his nature. While respecting the panther's instinctual needs, Tyler chose to follow at a distance, allowing Daredevil the freedom and space to engage in his hunt while offering a layer of silent support.

Tyler was confident in Daredevil's safety. The spirit beast had survived alone while caring for him for half a year. His divine sense, finely tuned and ever vigilant, scanned the vicinity, alert to any potential threats. There were no lurking threats. The morning was ever tranquil.

In the unlikely event of danger, Tyler was prepared to intervene. His mastery of the Ten Direction Sword technique was formidable. It was ready to be unleashed to protect his companion. For this goal, he wouldn't mind disturbing the soothing breeze of spring.

The tranquility persisted, unmarred by any disturbance. Daredevil returned from his hunt, a triumphant air about him, with a fox securely held in his jaws. Contentedly chewing on his catch, he exuded a sense of satisfaction that only a successful hunt could bring. While observing this simple yet profound moment, Tyler settled down with his back against a nearby giant tree, finding comfort in its sturdy presence.

As he leaned against the tree, Tyler began to meditate, immersing himself in the serene ambiance of the forest. He became acutely aware of the wood-qi from the tree flowing into his body during his meditation. This gentle infusion of energy was nourishing; it seemed to resonate with his very being, enhancing his connection to the natural world around him.

The most surprising thing, however, was the wood-Qi slowly entering his liver and gallbladder. He was cultivating without even trying.

This phenomenon had continued since he had woken up, with the forest offering its Qi to Tyler willingly. The energy he received was remarkably rejuvenating, filling him with a sense of vitality and well-being. It was as if the forest recognized Tyler as a part of its intricate tapestry, nurturing him as one of its own.

The peaceful respite Tyler enjoyed was short-lived. As he delved deeper into his meditation, expanding the reach of his divine sense far beyond what he usually did, he detected something amiss at the fringes of his perception.

Tyler's senses honed in on the unmistakable traces of a recent and brutal conflict. He discovered the remnants of a bloody battle, a grim tableau etched into the earth. Hidden beneath the surface lay hastily buried corpses. The ground bore deep skid marks, telltale signs of cargo violently seized and dragged away, likely the work of bandits mentioned by Ern.

As he prepared to investigate further, his resolve hardened. This was a part of the world he could not ignore—a part that needed his attention and intervention. With Daredevil by his side, Tyler stepped forward, ready to face whatever lay ahead, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to make a difference in a world rife with both beauty and brutality.