After Daredevil had departed with the group of young cultivators from the Dancing Winds Sect, Tyler observed them for a moment before letting out a sigh. He shifted his gaze back to where they had arrived and left the clearing, heading toward the bandit's lair.

Equipped with his keen divine sense, Tyler navigated through the myriad of tracks with ease. The false trails, deliberately laid to mislead, could not fool his discerning perception. Amidst this web of deception, the actual path was glaringly evident to him, standing out like a sore thumb.

Tyler's pace was unhurried as he followed the genuine trail, reflecting a calm and contemplative state of mind. His hands casually tucked in his pockets, he walked with a leisurely gait that belied the depth of his thoughts. He was engrossed in an experiment, an attempt to conceal his cultivation level once again.

The concept of concealing one's true power was a familiar one in the world of cultivation, with various techniques available for purchase in cities and sects. However, the effectiveness of these techniques varied widely depending on one's control and power. Tyler recalled Lin Jian's teachings on this subject.

Initially, he had concealed his cultivation by sealing his acupoints from within his inner world, rendering his body devoid of any significant Qi, which led most people to believe he was a mortal. However, after the backlash from his battle with the Sword Sect, he could no longer employ this method.

He also learned another technique later on, which involved attuning his body's Qi fluctuations with the environment using his divine sense. This allowed him to diffuse his presence into the atmosphere, making it impossible for others with weaker souls to detect him. He had only been able to do this in the past while meditating, but with guidance from Lin Jian, he had become proficient in it and could fool even most soul-shattering cultivators.

However, he found it impossible to conceal his presence, even during meditation these days. His inner world was no longer the serene sea of consciousness it once was, and the constant flow of energy in and out of his body made it challenging to diffuse his aura into the surroundings.

Another method Lin Jian mentioned involved constantly modulating one's energy to align with one's immediate environment. Instead of attempting to conceal one's Qi, you would alter its characteristics to blend in. For instance, one would transform their Qi with wind properties in a windy area. They would adapt their Qi to resemble a rock in a mountainous region. In an oceanic environment, they would become one with the water or become a coral.

This technique allowed cultivators to harmonize their energy with the natural elements, making it challenging for others to discern their true nature. However, it was far more intricate to master than the previously mentioned method. While the former concealed one's presence entirely, the latter made them appear as inconspicuous as an ordinary pebble in a quarry, easily overlooked by those who came across them.

Tyler's attempts to master this technique were met with disappointment. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't consciously alter the signature of his Qi like that. He pondered his failures and recalled the pivotal battle that had led to his current predicament.

During that intense confrontation, his entire being had transformed into a storm of emotions, profoundly impacting the world around him. At that moment, the True Essence coursing through him had shifted, taking on the nature of a powerful storm.

However, without the emotional trigger that had propelled him during that battle, he could not replicate that level of control and manipulation over his Qi. He could only sigh for now as he kept trying to attune himself to his surroundings and replicate past success.

As he walked, Tyler's connection with the world around him was deep and intuitive. His senses effortlessly extended for kilometers, enveloping the forest in a gentle embrace of awareness. He was in a state of harmony with nature, attuned to the subtle ebb and flow of life around him.

He observed the trees soaking up sunlight, each leaf a tiny solar panel fueling the plant's life. He was keenly aware of the myriad microorganisms playing critical roles in the ecosystem – decomposing, recycling, and sustaining. This microscopic world was as vital as any creature in maintaining the balance of nature.

The wildlife, too, was part of this intricate tapestry. Predators and prey enacted their age-old dance – a dynamic, ever-shifting balance of survival, where each played their part. Some animals were on the hunt, using their instincts and skills to sustain themselves, while others employed stealth and cunning to evade detection.

For Tyler, this deep connection with the natural world was not just a demonstration of his cultivation skills but a reflection of his state of being. He was at peace, a part of the world he traversed, attuned to its rhythms and cycles. After all, this was all he could've done in the past few months while on Daredevil's back.

Immersed in the tranquility of his surroundings, Tyler was jolted back to reality by a stark and disturbing discovery. The scent of blood, unmistakable and potent, coupled with the hidden entrances to an underground facility, drew his attention sharply away from his contemplative state.

Compelled to investigate, Tyler extended his divine sense beyond its usual limits, casting a wide net of perception to map out the bandit's lair. This exertion of his abilities was taxing but necessary to grasp the full scope of what lay hidden.

As the details of the lair unfolded within his mind, Tyler's emotions turned dark. The revelation that the bandits enslaved people – and among them, children – ignited deep-seated anger, and what they had the children do made his blood boil with disgust and anger.

His aura began to flare up, a physical manifestation of his outrage. For someone who had experienced the lows of the world before the Shattering, the exploitation and abuse of the innocent, especially children, was a line one should never cross.

Tyler remained composed despite his emotions and the presence of multiple cultivators and their varying levels of power. The strongest among them, a Sea Formation cultivator, appeared to be at level 20 at best, and Tyler suspected that this individual was unlikely to progress much further. Evidently, this cultivator wasn't anything like the Sword Sect's.

He approached without a care in the world. The multiple scouts hidden away in the trees and entrances were silenced before they could detect Tyler's oncoming monstrous aura. A single invisible sword shattered their souls.

With the entire underground facility within his divine sense range, Tyler focused his attention on the leader, sending a single Ten Direction Sword that rode on the winds towards the man, ending his life effortlessly and freeing the young boy from his greasy hands. Clearly, the leader's soul defenses needed much improvement, making it a straightforward task regardless of the man's superior cultivation.

Despite his ability to efficiently eliminate everyone present without raising the alarm, Tyler chose a different approach. He wanted these people to experience the despair and broken spirits that the poor slaves had endured and that he observed in the eyes of the children.

This would serve as an opportunity for him to refine his skills further in the Azure Sword Arts. However, he instantly dealt with the few people currently engaging in... disgusting activities.

A singular focus marked Tyler's entrance into the bandit lair: to protect the slaves and ensure their liberation. His approach was methodical and resolute, shattering the souls of anyone getting close to the innocent while manually dealing with the bandits who came after him.

The moment Tyler breached the perimeter of the lair, his presence was detected, triggering an immediate and violent response from the bandits. The once-hidden lair exploded into chaos as its inhabitants scrambled to confront the intruder. They called on their leader, but no one answered, no matter how hard they called.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Tyler stood firm like an unyielding mountain. His divine sense acted as a cheat code, enabling him to anticipate and evade attacks with ghost-like agility. He moved like a wraith on the battlefield, his actions nearly ethereal as he effortlessly weaved through the onslaught of blows, not allowing anyone to graze the hem of his clothes.

With each step he took, his techniques were unleashed. Powerful rippling waves of Qi severed torso from legs, rains of qi piercing holes into multiple vital organs, and the occasional Mistwalker's step to close the gap. All the while, he effortlessly dodged blades of swirling blood Qi, spears of piercing fire, and various formation traps all around the facility.

Each slash was meticulously controlled, a deadly dance of energy that struck the bandits ruthlessly. Tyler's swordsmanship wasn't just a display of martial skill; it was a breathtaking showcase of what someone with almost precognitive senses could accomplish in combat, along with an overwhelming amount of Qi. The conflict quickly turned into a one-sided massacre. Despite their numbers and cultivation, the bandits were ill-prepared to face an adversary of Tyler's caliber.

The bloodbath that ensued was a grim but necessary act in Tyler's eyes. It was a purge of the corruption and cruelty that had festered within the world, a cleansing of the darkness that had preyed upon the innocent. When he saw the fear and despair in the bandits' eyes shortly before their deaths, his anger subsided a bit every time.

After an hour of relentless combat, not a single bandit remained alive within the lair, and the grounds were soaked in rivers of blood. The slaves, initially petrified by the gruesome battle, feared that they might be the next victims or, at best, sold to another slaver.

As Tyler approached the slaves, his appearance was a stark contrast to the violence and chaos that had just transpired. His dark blue eyes and attire, devoid of any bloodstains, gave him an almost ethereal quality as if he were untouched by the brutalities of battle. His aura, while overwhelming, did not bear down heavily on those around him, offering a sense of safety rather than intimidation and oppression.

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Upon reaching the first cell, Tyler’s actions were swift and efficient. With a mere touch imbued with Qi, he severed the door's hinges, effortlessly opening the path to freedom for the slaves within. His words, simple and direct, "All the slavers are dead. You are free," offered a declaration of liberation, a sudden and unexpected end to their captivity.

But as Tyler prepared to move on, he paused, considering the plight of those he had just freed. "Do any of you have a place to go?" he asked, recognizing that their immediate freedom also presented new challenges and uncertainties.

The slaves, overwhelmed by the rapid events, were stunned into silence. The reality of their liberation, coupled with the presence of their formidable liberator, left them momentarily lost for words. It was a moment of transition from despair to hope, from bondage to freedom.

One of the slaves, quicker to recover, fell to his knees in a gesture of profound gratitude and humility. "I thank Master Cultivator for sparing this useless one. I see that such a mighty person as you wouldn't need any of us, but please, don't leave us here," he implored, his voice echoing the collective fear and uncertainty of the group.

After a short exchange, Tyler sighed. It was just as he thought. None of these people knew where they were and were all mortals, without exception. Recognizing their disorientation and uncertainty, Tyler took charge of the situation.

He instructed the group to gather in the main area of the underground facility, a central location that had once served the bandit leader and where most of the foods and goods were currently gathered. This was also the area with the least amount of corpses.

This place would be a temporary gathering point where all the freed mortals could regroup and receive further guidance. Tyler's clear and decisive directive offered a semblance of order amid chaos.

To assist in communicating with the other captives, the first person who had spoken to Tyler, a young man named Jordan, remained by his side. This individual acted as a liaison, helping to relay Tyler's instructions and reassure the others. His presence was invaluable in facilitating freeing and organizing the remaining slaves.

After half an hour of systematic efforts, Tyler successfully liberated every slave within the facility. Gathering all the freed individuals in the bandit leader's former quarters with Jordan's help, a place that had once symbolized oppression was transformed into a space filled with hope and reassurance.

Addressing the group, Tyler outlined his plan. "If my plan unfolds as intended, someone from the Dancing Winds Sect should be arriving here shortly. If not, I will have my spirit beast guide you to them once he arrives." This statement underscored Tyler's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those he rescued.

As he looked at the faces before him, Tyler couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. The transformation in the children, from fear to smiles, from lifeless eyes to those sparkling with hope, was gratifying. It reaffirmed the impact and significance of his actions.

"I have no need for anything in this place except the bandit leader's storage treasure, so feel free to take whatever you need for yourselves," he declared. After a brief pause, he added, "Actually, I would advise you to loot only the bodies of the deceased bandits and limit yourselves to foodstuff. The other goods here likely belong to various merchant groups who would be grateful to hear that their belongings have been recovered."

Tyler assured the mortals that they were safe in their current location and proceeded to collect four bodies in total: the bandit leader and his storage bag, as well as the three cultivators who had worn the attire of the Dancing Winds Sect. Afterward, he informed the mortals that he would return shortly and made his way to the clearing where he had initially met the group of youngsters.

Examining the sword he had used in the battle, he noticed a few nicks and cracks on it. Tyler used it as a makeshift stake to hold the bandit leader's head in place and attached a note to its hilt. He contemplated the name he should use on the note for a moment but ultimately opted not to reveal his real identity. He had concerns that this sect might have connections to Veridian Peaks, and if that were the case, Lo Tang could potentially cause trouble for the mortals he had just rescued.

After completing his task and returning to the bandit's lair, Tyler was greeted with a hearty meal, a luxury he hadn't experienced since his departure from Sword King Mountain. The reminder of his past brought tears to his eyes as he thought of Annie and Greg, both brutally murdered due to their association with him. The unjust and untimely deaths of this young couple weighed heavily on Tyler's heart.

He quickly composed himself when he noticed that a few mortals in the group were growing uneasy, likely due to his aura momentarily flaring up in response to his emotions. Tyler knew he needed to keep his composure for their sake. He offered an apology, "Sorry. Thank you for the meal. The last people who cooked me a meal... well, I miss them."

Tyler's genuine concern for the well-being of the mortals was evident in his actions and words. He waved away the somber mood and encouraged everyone to enjoy the meal. "Please, you all must be starving. Take as much food as you want from the bandits; eat up!"

Tyler's kindness was particularly pointed at the children in the group. He directed a few of them to search a nearby box filled with tier 1 spiritual herbs and told them to add them to their meals, assuring them that it would help them grow strong. His care for their welfare shone through in his every gesture, even if he wasn't entirely sure about the effects of the spiritual herbs on mortal children.

His generosity towards the children brought immense joy to everyone. They couldn't help but feel ecstatic that this cultivator was giving away some of his spoils to the mortal children, offering them a chance at a better life. For the adults, they understood that their own lives might not hold much promise, having reached their natural limits long ago, with the system even removing the quest for further growth.

However, it was a different story for the children, and the parents couldn't help but hope for a brighter future for their young ones. Tyler's actions had kindled a spark of hope in their hearts, a glimmer of possibilities that they had long thought were out of reach.

Tyler's intervention at the bandit lair had a significant impact. Initially, he had set out to investigate the situation and attempt to reason with the bandits, urging them to cease their murderous activities against merchants. While robbery was not an ideal situation, it was a more acceptable course of action compared to killing innocent people who were simply trying to earn an honest living.

However, upon his arrival at the lair, Tyler's perspective changed. The atrocities committed against children and the senseless violence he witnessed left him with no choice but to take decisive action. He became the judge, jury, and executioner in this situation.

The facility, which had once been a den of oppression and cruelty, now marked a turning point for many lives. Over two hundred bandits had met their end, and almost fifty slaves, who had once faced a bleak future, were now tasting the first moments of freedom in a long time. Tyler's actions had liberated them and disrupted a significant hub of criminal activity in the region.

As night descended, Tyler ensured that the freed mortals were settled in a part of the facility relatively untouched by the conflict. This area was a temporary refuge for them to rest and recuperate from their ordeal. Ensuring their safety was a priority for Tyler right now.

Needing time for reflection and planning for his next steps, Tyler left the facility and ventured into the nearby forest. The tranquility of the natural surroundings provided a stark contrast to the events of the day. The forest, with its quiet and peaceful ambiance, offered him a space to collect his thoughts and consider the broader implications of his actions.

The underground facility itself was a complex network of caves, each serving different functions and connected by an intricate system of passages. The facility layout, with significant openings every few hundred meters, had likely facilitated the bandits' operations, allowing them to move goods and captives relatively quickly. With the bandits gone, this cave system stood as a silent witness to the dramatic shift in power and the liberation of those held captive.

Tyler's time in the forest was a moment for contemplation, a necessary pause to align his intentions with the realities of the world he inhabited. It was also a time to strategize about the future of the formerly enslaved people, the dismantled bandit operation, and his role in the ongoing narrative of the cultivation world. The night's quiet and the forest's solitude provided the perfect backdrop for this introspection, grounding him in the present while preparing him for the challenges ahead.

It was at midday the next day that Daredevil found Tyler again. "Good job, big guy. The cultivators made it home okay?" Tyler asked the panther, receiving a positive nod in response. Daredevil then affectionately nudged Tyler's legs, seeking pats and attention.

After a few minutes of scratching and petting, Tyler explained the situation to Daredevil as they walked around the facility together. The one clear message that Daredevil gleaned from the whole experience was that slavery is wrong, and those who engage in it deserve death. He engraved the gruesome sight of the Bandits piled on top of each other into his heart.

Tyler reassured the mortals that Daredevil was friendly and instructed them to wait until morning. If no one from the Dancing Winds Sect arrived, he would send Daredevil to guide them back to their sect with a subtle message. Leaving a note intended for the Dancing Winds Sect in Jordan's possession, Tyler ventured into the forest, positioning himself over five kilometers away from the facility's entrance.

The following night passed without anyone arriving. However, the next day, Tyler detected the presence of two Sea Formation cultivators and a dozen Qi Transformation cultivators approaching from the direction indicated by Daredevil as the location of the Dancing Winds Sect.

Tyler observed from a distance as the cultivators from the Dancing Winds Sect arrived and took charge of the situation. After reading Tyler's note, the eldest Sea Formation cultivator's solemn nod indicated that he understood the gravity of the events that had transpired at the bandit lair.

It seemed that the cultivators from the sect were not only interested in rescuing the slaves but also in ensuring that the recovered goods were returned to their rightful owners. Tyler admired their commitment to justice and fairness and hoped that his actions had made a positive impression on the sect.

As the sect members began to organize the formerly enslaved people and gather the recovered spoils, Tyler remained patient, eager to see if his words would hold any weight in the sect's actions.

The note he had left was simple.

I have freed these people, and I expect them to stay this way, free. Please take good care of the children. ~A Wandering Cultivator.

As night fell, Tyler observed the organized departure of the Dancing Winds Sect with the freed mortals in tow. He was content with the outcome, particularly as he had overheard the two sect elders discussing how best to integrate these people into their sect.

The Dancing Winds Sect's approach was far from enslavement; instead, they planned to provide these individuals with legitimate employment in exchange for fair compensation. Assigning tasks related to watering plants, tending crops, cleaning sect facilities, and other responsibilities, the sect offered cultivation resources for the children, food, shelter, and even a small allowance of copper coins each week.

Tyler was pleased with this turn of events, demonstrating the sect's commitment to providing a fresh start and a better life for those rescued. He hoped this would serve as a positive example for the younger sect members, encouraging them to follow suit in helping those in need.

With a sense of satisfaction, Tyler watched as the Dancing Winds Sect and the freed mortals departed into the night, and he, too, walked away from this place.