The older man sat enveloped in deep meditation in the tranquil courtyard of his new family home beneath the sheltering boughs of a large locust tree. Around him, the serene environment stood in stark contrast to the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. Memories and reflections intermingled, painting a complex picture of old and recent upheavals.

The older man found himself inexorably drawn into the aftermath of Lin Jian's demise, a series of events he had never anticipated being a part of. His brief connection with Tyler Reed, characterized by shared stories and tea, had somehow attracted the wrath of the New Sword King. This seemingly minor and innocuous association propelled him into his current situation.

The unprovoked attack by a young soul-shattering Lo Tang, instigated by his mere association with Tyler, was shocking and revelatory. It underscored the fragile nature of relationships in their world, where even the slightest connections could spiral into unforeseen and dangerous consequences.

Despite the fleeting nature of his interaction with Tyler, the older man had found a certain kinship in their brief exchange. However, the repercussions of this encounter had far exceeded any reasonable expectation. He now faced the threat of external conflict and a profound internal struggle.

In his meditation, he grappled with a grave injury – a gaping wound that was a testament to the severity of his recent ordeal. The use of the Transcending Dreams Mirror of Life had exacted a heavy toll on him, draining his vitality and leaving him with a wound that stubbornly refused to heal on the walls of his aperture.

Amidst this personal struggle, the older man maintained a façade of normalcy, concealing his pain and vulnerability from his family. His granddaughter and son remained unaware of the depth of his suffering. He bore his burden silently, choosing to protect his loved ones from the harsh realities of his situation.

Interrupting his contemplations, a solitary messenger bird arrived, delivering a note to the old master. As he read the message, confusion washed over him. A representative of the Thunderpeak family wished to hold a conversation with him. He had yet to interact with the craftsmen in centuries, their last encounter in Europa with one of their ancestors.

After consulting with his son and ascertaining that neither he nor Sakura had any dealings with the craftsmen, the elderly master promptly sent a positive reply. To his astonishment, less than half an hour later, a knock at the courtyard's gates signaled the swift arrival of the Thunderpeak family representative.

"Please, come in," Tanaka's voice echoed through the courtyard as he sat beside the table where he had once shared tea with Tyler. With practiced grace, he initiated the tea-brewing process while observing the approaching Sea Formation cultivator.

The Sea Formation cultivator approached, bowing his head in greeting, "Master Tanaka, we are not acquainted, and I am grateful that you agreed to meet with me. However, I have come here with a specific purpose, and I hope you might be able to shed some light on the matter."

Ryuji waved off the man, recognizing that he posed no threat and had approached respectfully. "Please, have some tea. Before we proceed, may I know who I am speaking with?" he inquired politely, raising his gaze to meet the imposing figure of the man before him.

Ryuji observed Bralok's momentary hesitation as he contemplated sitting on the small chair Ryuji had provided or using his own. Opting to avoid any damage to Master Tanaka's furniture, Bralok chose to use his own. As he settled in, he introduced himself, saying, "My name is Bralok Thunderpeak, and I appreciate your hospitality. I am honored to share a cup of tea with you."

With an eyebrow raised, a hint of curiosity laced his voice, Ryuji inquired further, delving into the connection he had discerned. "Thunderpeak, as in old hag Mina Thunderpeak?" His question was direct yet carried an undercurrent of familiarity with the name he mentioned.

Shocked by the casual mention of his ancestor, Bralok found himself momentarily speechless. Noticing the man's reaction, Master Tanaka realized his guess had been correct and reassured him. "Ah, don't worry about it. Mina and I... well, we go way back."

Intrigued by this revelation, Bralok couldn't resist asking, "You know my ancestor personally? She's been in seclusion for a hundred years..." His words trailed off, filled with curiosity.

Master Tanaka smiled as he noticed several thoughts swirling in Bralok's mind. As a gesture of good faith and respect for the woman, he showed this young cultivator one of his old training blades. "Here, she crafted this for me a long time ago. She owed me a favor for a certain task, and I happened to be passing by at the time. She made this on a whim, and it has proven to be quite useful."

Bralok watched intently as Master Tanaka retrieved a short sword from his storage ring, measuring no longer than 60 centimeters. At first glance, the weapon appeared unremarkable, like an ordinary mortal's blade. However, when Bralok reached out to touch it, he involuntarily sucked in a sharp breath of cold air. The sheer power contained within the seemingly ordinary weapon was staggering.

Master Tanaka continued his explanation, "She gave me this weapon when I was striving to break into the Aperture Strengthening stage all those years ago. At that time, she informed me that only a genuine martial artist dedicated to the way of the sword could effectively wield this weapon. She had a strong aversion to sword spirits and believed that most martial artists would struggle to harness its power without their assistance, which made the weapon quite difficult to handle as it lacked one."

However, Bralok paid little attention to the explanation, as he was utterly overwhelmed by the potent sword Qi emanating from the weapon. Yet, even amidst this overwhelming sensation, he couldn't help but notice the peculiar nature of the blade's forging process and the faint echoes of his family's renowned forging arts. It became evident to him that this was a treasure crafted by an extraordinarily skilled smith with the Völundr bloodline.

Observing quietly for a moment as he took a few sips of tea, Ryuji eventually steered the conversation back to its initial purpose. "So, young Bralok," he inquired, "why have you sought me out?"

Feeling flustered by the heaven-grade Tier 3 sword, Bralok hastily placed the blade back into its container and offered it back to Master Tanaka. However, the older martial artist waved him off, saying, "Keep it. I have a feeling Mina would appreciate it if you could learn all you could from this weapon—how it was forged and evolved since then. Perhaps, if you ever return to Europa, you can request an audience and inquire about it in greater detail directly from her."

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Bralok bowed deeply to the old master. "Thank you, Master Tanaka. I don't know what to say..." he expressed sincerely.

Dismissing Bralok's expression of gratitude with a wave, Master Tanaka redirected their focus back to the matter at hand. He filled Bralok's tea cup and asked, "So, tell me again, what brings you to my doorstep today?"

Bralok, feeling slightly uneasy about approaching Master Tanaka with inquiries after receiving such a valuable gift, knew he had to proceed regardless. He believed it was the only way to find the answers he sought. "I am here to settle an unresolved debt," Bralok explained, "and I was hoping you could help me. My research has led me to believe you have connections with the person involved."

Master Tanaka pondered over Bralok's statement, yet nothing immediately came to mind that could link him or his acquaintances to this unresolved debt. Choosing to remain silent, he patiently waited for Bralok to continue his explanation, casually sipping his tea.

Bralok, observing the composed manner of the Martial Arts Master, continued, "I am indebted to this individual for my advancement into the Sea Formation Stage. Recent events in Veridian Peaks worried me about his safety. But my concerns were eased earlier today."

Ryuji's curiosity was piqued, and he asked, with a slight sigh, "Is this individual Tyler, by any chance?" He paused, noting the recognition in Bralok's eyes. If Bralok hadn't been a descendant of his old friend, Ryuji might have resorted to using a treasure to ascertain his true intentions or even delve into his soul without a second thought. He was unwilling to risk his family's safety over his fleeting interaction with Tyler.

Sensing a fleeting hint of sternness in Master Tanaka's gaze, Bralok quickly confirmed, "Yes, exactly! Tyler helped me achieve a major breakthrough, and he was supposed to meet me after completing his mission to learn the basics of blacksmithing. It was hardly enough to repay him, but his choice was the only compensation he would accept. Stubborn bastard... But after recent developments..." he trailed off with an odd expression.

Pausing, Bralok noticed the icy edge in Master Tanaka's eyes again. "I came here partly because of Tyler and partly because I learned that your recent relocation was due to your association with him. I thought you might want to know that a member of the Thunder Emporium encountered him a day's journey south of here, on the road towards the Heartlands, and I am sending a few people to locate him and make sure he's well and safe."

"Tyler was merely an acquaintance whose presence has brought me undue complications. Why would you think I'd be interested in any of this?" Master Tanaka asked, skillfully masking his true thoughts and intentions behind a veil of indifference.

Bralok's expression was uncertain as he processed Master Tanaka's response. He hesitantly replied, "I thought that, given the circumstances of the attack you suffered—targeted due to positive associations with Tyler—you might be interested to know of his well-being within the York Empire. If my assumption was misguided, I apologize for intruding on your time, Master Tanaka."

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

With his seasoned experience as a martial artist and keen observer of human nature, Ryuji swiftly recognized the sincerity in Bralok's voice and manner. His finely tuned instincts, honed through years of training and encounters, allowed him to discern the genuine care and concern that underscored Bralok's words.

There was no need for any mystical scrutiny or probing into Bralok's soul; the authenticity of his intentions was clear and palpable. Ryuji appreciated this highly valued honesty, especially in a world where motives were often layered and complex.

The sincerity in Bralok's delivery softened Ryuji's demeanor slightly. Ryuji acknowledged the earnestness with which Bralok had brought the news and spoke up. "Don't worry, you're fine. While I cannot help in my current situation, I appreciate the thought and the update. If you do find him, please tell me how he's doing. I'd love to hear why this situation happened. Maximus was extremely vague when he told me that no one should come after me the moment I used my treasure to escape Lo Tang's unprovoked attack."

The conversation took an unexpected turn when Ryuji mentioned the name 'Maximus,' a name unfamiliar to Bralok. This revelation caught Bralok off guard, prompting him to inquire about this mysterious individual. "Who is this Maximus person?" he asked, a blend of curiosity and confusion in his tone.

Upon receiving the information about Maximus and his connection to Tyler, Bralok was visibly stunned. The idea that Tyler, the individual he owed a significant debt to, was involved with Ascendants – beings of immense power and stature – was a revelation that left him momentarily rooted to the spot.

As the realization of Tyler's involvement with someone as legendary as Maximus sank in, both Ryuji and Bralok found themselves enveloped in a cloud of confusion and curiosity. Neither could fathom the connection between this young cultivator and a figure of such renown. This enigmatic link added a new layer of intrigue to their discussion.

As they continued their conversation over the freshly brewed tea, the atmosphere was one of mutual intrigue and contemplation. They began to exchange their respective experiences with Tyler, piecing together the puzzle of his character and journey.

Ryuji shared his brief but memorable interactions with Tyler, highlighting the young man's remarkable talent in martial arts and the depth of his character that had left an impression despite their fleeting acquaintance. Bralok, in turn, delved into the specifics of how Tyler had been instrumental in his breakthrough to the Sea Formation Stage. He recounted the circumstances and methods that had showcased Tyler's exceptional abilities.

Their conversation continued for a few hours until Sakura stepped into the courtyard, covered in sweat, exiting the small training facility within their new home. This caused the old Master to shift his focus and attention to her completely, and shortly after, Bralok departed the domicile with a promise to keep in touch.

***

Along the southern road, Tyler followed behind Daredevil as the cub diligently scoured for traces of the cultivators responsible for the robbery and murders. While Tyler could have easily tracked them down using his divine sense, there was little training value. Divine Sense was indeed an overpowered ability to possess Tyler's thought.

Tyler had explained the situation to Daredevil and assigned the cub the task of searching. Daredevil was less experienced in hunting evil cultivators than Tyler had indicated the location of everyone during their travels within the York Empire. This experience in tracking cultivators instead of beast prey would prove to be a valuable skill for the panther in the future.

In his journey alongside Daredevil, Tyler was not just a companion but also a mentor. He harbored a deep conviction about the kind of spirit beast he hoped Daredevil would grow into – an upright and honorable creature, far removed from those who would resort to theft and murder for mere gain.

This led Tyler to ponder the more profound ethical implications of hunting for sustenance. The act of hunting, a necessity for many creatures, including spirit beasts like Daredevil, raised questions about the morality of killing for one's benefit. This contemplation was not just an abstract exercise for Tyler; it was a crucial part of defining the principles he wished to impart to Daredevil and an actual question to which he didn't have the answer.

As he watched Daredevil sniffing around, skillfully navigating one trail after another in pursuit of the bandits, Tyler's role was more than just physical oversight. He was there to guide and correct Daredevil when needed, mainly as the bandits had cunningly laid false trails to obscure their escape. Tyler's presence as a quiet guardian, following in Daredevil's footsteps, was imbued with a sense of contemplative guardianship.

In this environment, Tyler was not just contemplating the practical aspects of tracking and hunting but also engaging in a deeper reflection on the nature of survival, the ethics of predation, and the responsibilities of a mentor. He should have had this conversation with Big Cat beforehand. The old spirit beast surely would've understood his problem and provided an adequate answer.

Before the cataclysmic event of the Shattering, Tyler's life was significantly different, less entwined with the complexities and moral quandaries he now found himself contemplating. In his previous life, topics like hunting, ethical consumption, and the broader implications of survival in the natural world were mere subjects of casual debate or personal opinion, not pressing concerns that demanded deep introspection.

The shift in Tyler's circumstances post-Shattering had thrust him into a role he had never envisioned for himself – that of a mentor and guide. He had never had children or been in a position where he was responsible for shaping the beliefs and practices of another being. Now, with Daredevil by his side, Tyler found himself in a position where he needed to articulate and impart what he believed to be the "proper" way – a concept he was still defining for himself in this new and complex world where power was the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong.

As they continued their journey, Tyler decided to share his thoughts with Daredevil, also playfully bestowing upon him a new nickname. "Hey, Dman, do you know why I'm having you hunt these cultivators and bandits?" he asked, initiating what he hoped would be a formative conversation for the young spirit beast.

Daredevil, recognizing that Tyler was addressing him, paused and looked back with a hint of confusion. The new nickname 'Dman' was unfamiliar, and the question posed by Tyler added to his puzzlement. As a young spirit beast, Daredevil had a simple understanding of the world around him.

He knew that the individuals they were tracking were considered 'bad' by Tyler, but he hadn't yet developed the capacity to ponder their actions' more profound moral implications. His trust in Tyler's judgment had guided his actions without delving into the nuances of right and wrong.

Seeing that he had the cub's attention, Tyler continued, "You see, everyone you helped me deal with on our way here was using their power to exploit others. They were involved in vile activities, such as taking advantage of others sexually or amassing resources at the expense of people's well-being and safety."

Tyler's words to Daredevil reflected a complex understanding of morality and survival in their world. He explained the nuances of good and bad actions, emphasizing the importance of intention and method. "While doing those things is not inherently bad, it's all about how you do it," Tyler explained. He advocated for fairness and respect in dealings, mainly when it involved people of lower cultivation levels and exploitation of others for one's gain.

However, as he spoke, Tyler recognized his past actions contradicting these ideals. He had used his power to impose his will on others, like making Shin Seok apologize or forcing the Sword Sect to back off.

This realization of hypocrisy led him to a moment of self-reflection and honesty with Daredevil. "But don't take everything I say for gospel either. I am wrong all the time, and honestly, I have no idea what I'm talking about most of the time. This is also a work in progress for me, and I will also make mistakes along the way; I am just as flawed as any other person," he admitted.

Tyler further delved into the morality of dealing with bandits, distinguishing between survival and unnecessary cruelty. "But in my view, bandits like these are bad people who should be dealt with. Even if I were starving, I wouldn't kill merchants for their goods. If you steal to survive, that's one thing, but there's no need to take innocent lives to do it."

Finally, Tyler likened the situation to the natural act of hunting for food, drawing a parallel with the circle of life. "It's like when you hunt other beasts for your meals. You do it because you have to survive, and that's part of nature. You're not hunting because you enjoy killing others but because it's part of the circle of life. Take life to give life. It's a balancing game, in my opinion. You take a bit of nature but also have to give back. Otherwise, if you hunt every last beast in the forest, what will you eat?"

Through this conversation, Tyler not only imparted essential life lessons to Daredevil but also engaged in introspection about his actions and beliefs.

Reaching this point, Tyler detected something at the fringes of his divine sense. Several cultivators were moving, and he signaled for Daredevil to return to his tracking endeavors.

These cultivators had arrived from a direction that led to one of the more discreet and well-concealed trails, and Tyler couldn't ignore the scent of blood that clung to them. They were still quite a distance away, and Tyler didn't mind letting the panther find them on his own to see how the cub would react. He noted that they were all in the late levels of the Qi Gathering stage, with only a few in the Qi Transformation stage.

However, he was doubtful their boss was with them as the strongest within their group was level 12 or 13 at most. There was no way such a small group of weak cultivators would've taken down a merchant caravan so quickly with a few late Qi Transformation cultivators.

Daredevil sniffed about, finding another faint trail, with the smell of blood quite noticeable. As he followed it, he suddenly froze and looked back, realizing that Tyler was no longer with him. This wasn't entirely unusual, as his benefactor often allowed him to roam freely, but he was still determining what to do in this particular situation.

A group of seven cultivators was approaching from a distance, and Daredevil pondered Tyler's words. While he couldn't fully comprehend the nuances, he did understand that these bandits were terrible people and that hunting prey was acceptable as long as he somehow gave back to nature. With these thoughts in mind, he made a decision. Daredevil would track down the bandits and ensure they didn't harm others.

He utilized the mists and jumped up in the trees, hiding his presence as much as possible to follow these cultivators.

Tyler observed Daredevil's actions with a smile. He appreciated the panther's cautious approach, not jumping to conclusions about the approaching cultivators despite the strong scent of blood around them.

He chose a different course of action. Knowing that he couldn't conceal his presence effectively these days, he decided to sit down in plain sight, midway between the site where the caravan had been attacked and the graves of the unfortunate merchants. It was a deliberate move, meant to signal his presence to the approaching cultivators and invite their attention.

Closing his eyes, he started meditating, waiting for the half hour this group would take to reach his location.