Tyler found solace in the tranquility of nature as he walked through the forest. Despite the challenges he had faced, from wolf attacks to betrayal within his sect and encounters with slavers, the soothing presence of the forest remained a constant source of comfort and peace.

Nature's calming aura was a reminder that amidst the chaos and hardships of the world, there was always a place where he could find serenity and renewal. Here, the natural world followed its own laws, its rhythms of growth and balance unaffected by the turmoil of human affairs. It was a sanctuary where Tyler could connect with life's pure and unchanging essence.

Even before he had developed divine sense, he had always appreciated the intricate dance of nature with its environment. Now that Xianxia World had come knocking, he saw it through a slightly different lens. This interplay was the plants cultivating the Dao in their own way, a pure and unaltered representation of the Laws of Nature.

All this, paired with his feline companion, Daredevil, hunting for every meal, was a constant reminder of the intricate laws of the natural world at play. Their journey together had been a testament to the balance and harmony of nature.

Tyler was mindful of the road they traveled parallel to, keeping a respectful distance to avoid causing issues with traveling merchants and mortals. He knew his aura was overwhelming, and he didn't want to disturb those he encountered on their path. His connection to the natural world and his understanding of its laws deepened as he walked, serving as a source of guidance and serenity in his tumultuous journey.

Tyler and Daredevil arrived on the outskirts of a mortal village after several days of aimless wandering. As much as Tyler longed for human contact and the simplicity of mortal life, he understood that his overwhelming aura would only cause discomfort and fear among the villagers. Reluctantly, he decided against entering the village.

Instead, he sought solace in the nearby mountains. Unable to find a suitable cave, Tyler created one by using his cultivation and even absorbed the falling rocks into his inner world for... research. What was once considered a reckless act, reserved for foolish individuals or martial artists looking to toughen their bodies, became a simple task for him. With each punch, he chipped away at the mountain, creating a sanctuary where he could be alone with his thoughts and the natural world.

Carving a cave into the mountain was challenging, even for someone as powerful as Tyler. His initial approach involved using his incredible strength to punch large holes into the rock to create usable space. However, he soon realized that this method was consuming his Qi rapidly, and by the time he reached the halfway point of what he considered acceptable space, he decided to pause the work for the day.

Daredevil had offered to help, but the cub's punches lacked the power to impact this digging endeavor significantly. Tyler recognized this limitation and sent Daredevil away to explore and become familiar with the new environment. He knew that he would need the cub's assistance later when he required finer cuts and shaping of the stone to create a livable space. His Qi-infused claws were fine when it would come time to make precise cuts.

Over the past few days, while they were traveling here, Tyler had dedicated his time to meticulously inspecting the contents of the storage treasures he had acquired from both the Slaver and the Sea Formation cultivators of the Sword Sect. Initially, he had casually stowed these treasures away in a corner of his warehouse.

However, a sense of curiosity had prompted him to delve deeper into each item. With only a panther as his companion, who couldn't yet engage in language-based conversations, mealtimes had grown rather dull. Thus, while Tyler continued to share anecdotes from his life with Daredevil, he also multitasked by conducting inventory management within his inner world.

The Sword Sect's storage treasure proved to be a treasure trove of abundance, boasting a diverse array of valuable items. Within its confines, Tyler discovered coins, cultivation resources and methods, spiritual herbs, weapons, furniture, clothing, and other objects whose purposes eluded him. The storage treasure also contained many unlabelled formation disks, further deepening Tyler's intrigue and curiosity about their specific functions.

On the other hand, the contents of the Slaver's storage treasure were... Sickening. Upon discovering a cultivation method known as "The Blood Drinker's Art," he began to grasp the disturbing nature of the items within the treasure. Everything the man had done, even the slaves and what he was doing to them, was with this cultivation method in mind.

When he grabbed the man's storage bag, he hadn't even looked into it and wished he now wished he never had. Body parts, pills refined from the blood of men, entire corpses, and a few dozen alchemy crafting items specifically made to prepare such atrocities. Had he known this man was even worse than he had initially thought, he would've...

Tyler paused at that point, realizing that the Slaver was no more and he shouldn't wish torture for anyone, regardless of their actions. Death was enough, even if such a merciful end wasn't deserved. His slaves were now free from captivity, and his followers had met their fate, having associated themselves with such a dreadful demonic cultivator. Indeed, there was no other label more fitting for such an individual.

He couldn't bear to look at the contents of this storage treasure any longer, and besides keeping the cultivation method and the spiritual herbs he found, he tossed the rest back into the storage bag. He wouldn't have that shit inside his inner world. Along the way, he had dug a small hole in the middle of the forest and shoved the bag, covering it back up.

Despite the grim events he had recently faced, Tyler found solace in his current situation. He sifted through the various books and treasures he had acquired from the Sword Sect's storage treasure and began to explore their contents. While he had yet to complete a single book, he was engrossed in his current read, "The Culinary Arts." As he delved into its pages, he discovered that cooking was considered a legitimate profession with dedicated techniques and practices, just like he had read from Edge City's library.

Tyler had always appreciated good food but wasn't particularly fond of cooking. Nevertheless, with a growing panther to feed and plenty of time on his hands, he saw an opportunity to develop his culinary skills. After all, he had nothing better to do these days, and cooking could be a rewarding endeavor as well as satisfy his growing hatred for unflavored meats.

With his newfound desire to explore the culinary arts and create a more comfortable living space, Tyler began to transform his makeshift cave dwelling. He retrieved several pieces of furniture he had acquired recently, including a table, chairs, a bed, a bookshelf, a couch, a few rugs, and even a unique creation he had fashioned using the remnants of Tier 3 Heartwood from his inner world: a massive, sturdy door.

As Tyler continued to make improvements to his cave dwelling, he took the time to set up a campfire outside and laid out his newly acquired cooking tools. His efforts were evident in the growing sense of comfort and coziness that enveloped his secluded space. With the giant door firmly sealing off the entrance, he had successfully created a secure and private living area.

Later in the day, as Daredevil returned with the deer-like creature he had hunted, the panther was pleasantly surprised to discover the rapid developments that had taken place in their living conditions. He placed the prey near the unlit campfire and, with curiosity piqued, pushed open the giant door to find Tyler inside the cave. The dim light of a crystal hanging from the ceiling illuminated the scene as Tyler sat comfortably, engrossed in a book.

Tyler rose to give Daredevil a tour of their improved living space. He pointed out the various sleeping options available to the panther, including a bed, a rug, or a couch. Tyler made it clear that Daredevil was free to choose where he wanted to rest, even mentioning the option of sleeping in the trees outside if the cub preferred it. It was essential to Tyler that Daredevil felt comfortable and content in their new home.

Tyler skillfully prepared the deer-like creature that Daredevil had brought, demonstrating his newly acquired culinary skills. While initially challenging, controlling the fire's temperature with his Qi became more manageable as his heart had already been tempered, offering him insight into the energy's signature and uses.

He realized that manipulating Fire Qi was a delicate task, so he focused on regulating the energy he supplied to the fire, allowing it to maintain its natural state. This approach proved effective, and soon, a delicious meal was ready for them to enjoy as he splurged no small amount of spiritual herbs into the meal, even using his Qi-water as a base for what turned out to be a delightful sauce.

As they sat down to enjoy the meal, Tyler couldn't help but appreciate the skills of professional chefs in this world. The meat was much more challenging to cook and even required him to spend some of his Qi for the fire to reach a usable temperature to cook this tier 2 deer.

After the delicious meal, Daredevil went to the only available bed to take a well-deserved nap and drifted off to sleep almost instantly. The poor cub was exhausted and had used tons of energy today hunting this very deer as the battle had been quite something. At least it seemed extraordinary from Tyler's divine sense. While also starting to get tired, he was curious about something and dove back into the cooking book.

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Using the methods described in the book, Tyler also found a way to preserve meats to last him and Daredevil more than a few days before spoiling, resulting in tons of saved waste from both. One could, apparently, set up a formation that would do just that for you, and according to the book's description, Tyler had one in his warehouse.

With little knowledge of using formations, Tyler ventured outside and extended his divine sense into the ground. Using a bit of Qi, he absorbed soil directly into his inner world, creating a cubical hole where he placed the formation disk. This task was much easier to do with soil than with rock, he had recently found out. It probably had something to do with how much denser rock was than soil, making this method ineffective at carving out a cave for himself at this particular moment.

By infusing it with Qi, he activated the formation, causing the ley lines within to shimmer with energy. However, when he stopped, the formation dimmed.

Tyler began to study the formation, analyzing its intricate design. He noticed that energy pooled in certain areas before being distributed throughout the diagram. He tossed a couple of silver condensates at those specific positions to test a theory, and the entire formation disk sprang to life. A 10-meter by 10-meter area within the formation glowed with magical energy.

As he explored the area within, Tyler realized that the formation maintained a cool temperature and kept the air clean and dry. A controlled airflow also pushed moisture out towards the sky, maintaining a balanced environment. Additionally, an almost vacuum-like area prevented outside air from disturbing the formation. In essence, it functioned as a giant Magitech refrigerator.

Tyler wasted no time in taking advantage of the newly activated formation. He placed the remains of the deer carcass within it and covered the hole using the very last log of heartwood. Tyler estimated that the formation would keep the food preserved for a few months with two silver condensates as an energy source. It might have been a relatively costly method for preserving food for mortals, but for Tyler's current wealth, it was a cost-effective solution to ensure a steady supply of fresh food.

Hours turned into days and weeks, and the duo settled into a routine, adjusting to their different schedules. Tyler preferred to be awake during the day and sleep at night, while Daredevil was a nocturnal hunter. However, being spirit beasts and cultivators, they required less sleep than mortals, allowing them to spend considerable time together despite their differing schedules.

Each morning, he would wake up, cultivate, stretch his body, have a meal, and, if he had replenished enough Qi, continue carving out his cave. When his reserves would reach the halfway point, he would stop and spend the rest of the day reading the various books he had accumulated in his inner world and meditating to restore his Qi. These books covered a range of professions and practices of multiple cultivators, and in retrospect, he realized he had learned a lot from them.

Tyler continued exploring the books he had acquired in his inner world. The topics covered a broad spectrum, from the basics of Herbology to an entire book titled "Alchemy and Cultivation: A Road Paved with Pills." He also came across an advanced guide to formation crafting, which he understood absolutely nothing of. However, what truly caught his attention was the surprising abundance of erotica.

It became apparent that many cultivators had a profound interest in dual cultivation, and they had meticulously documented their experiences and techniques in explicit detail. Tyler couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected diversity of knowledge he had stumbled upon.

Of particular note were the actual dual cultivation methods he had discovered. These texts delved into the exchange of yin and yang energies during intimate moments, emphasizing the fluid energy exchange between consenting partners. These practices were intriguing and offered insights into how they could, without failure, lead to the creation of offspring if both parties wanted it to.

During these few weeks, Tyler had only encountered a single mortal who ventured close to his cave, though "close" was a generous description. The hunter had been approximately four kilometers away and returned repeatedly over a week, setting traps in the vicinity. After finally catching something, the man hadn't returned since. Tyler's isolated cave was doing an excellent job of deterring unwanted visitors.

That was until he felt a sweeping divine sense lock onto his little corner of paradise. It wasn't hostile, however, and even though he had made some progress in being able to hide his cultivation a bit, this couldn't escape someone else's divine sense. Neither could the fact that he too, possessed it.

Tyler chose to exercise caution and patience, refraining from immediately revealing himself, as he anticipated that he would not be left undisturbed, regardless. This expectation proved accurate, given the intruder's detection of Tyler's divine sense extending over a five-kilometer radius. At the outskirts of his divine sense's reach, a tall figure garbed in green and brown robes materialized, offering a slight bow and pulling out an intriguing item from his storage ring.

The item in question was a book that Tyler recognized. The man's subsequent words aligned with Tyler's suspicions. "May I approach? I represent the Keepers of the Red Dust from the York Empire. My associate in the Veridian Peaks informed me that you possess questions and insights that may interest us."

Tyler found it surprising that the organization had taken such a keen interest in him. He had been brought here by Daredevil over a few months, and the fact that they cared enough to send a Soul Shattering cultivator to locate him was not something he expected.

Using a technique he had been refining recently after his interaction with Maximus, he projected his words to the edge of his divine sense using his Soul Avatar and a small amount of Qi. "Please, come in. I indeed have a few questions I'd love to have the answers to."

This technique was different from the direct transmission of messages to one's mind, a skill he had yet to master or even to understand. The idea had come to him when he experienced Maximus' voice resonating within the dancing trees. As he used this new technique, he noticed the Soul Shattering cultivator's eyes widen in horror, suggesting that it might not be a standard or well-known method among cultivators.

The man walked forward despite his apparent surprise at using the communication method. Thinking about it for a short amount of time, Tyler realized where his error lay. Soul Shattering cultivators had their souls confined within their aperture, and while they could sense the world around them, they couldn't explore it with their souls.

This particular thing was a characteristic of a soul palace. He hadn't been told this specifically by anyone, but it made sense after putting two and two together. Perhaps that was why everything he attacked the Soul Shattering cultivator's divine senses with his avatar had they reacted so strongly. Something Tyler would have to explore in the future or ask Maximus if he ever got the chance.

After about 15 minutes, the man in green robes approached the cave entrance, and Tyler got up to open the door for him. "Good day, sir. Please, come on in and have a seat," Tyler said, gesturing to the table near the cave entrance. "Oh, and I apologize; I would offer tea but lack a teapot and leaves."

The man smiled and pulled out the necessary instruments from his storage ring. "Then, as a gesture of appreciation for allowing me into your residence, let me."

Tyler observed Mister Orleander as he manipulated the teapot, creating flames to boil the tea for their enjoyment. He couldn't help but ask, "May I know your name, senior? I'm Tyler, as you probably already know," he said as politely as he could.

The man smiled. "I am Mister Orleander. I used to go by Leo Randerson. Feel free to use either name, Tyler Reed." With the casual answer, Tyler relaxed as he saw Leo pour two cups of tea.

Mister Orleander spoke up. "This tea is a simple brew of tier 2 medicinal herbs called Soothing Spring. Seeing as you are in the Qi Transformation realm, this should do just fine."

Tyler accepted the cup of tea from Mister Orleander, intrigued by the mention of a 'tier 2 medicinal herb' brew. As he brought the cup to his lips, the aroma of the Soothing Spring tea wafted up, a delicate blend of fragrances that hinted at tranquility and a hidden depth.

"Thank you, Mister Orleander," Tyler said, taking a careful sip. The tea's flavor was a revelation – it was smooth and had a subtly complex taste, with layers that seemed to unfold with each sip. It was soothing, as the name suggested, but Tyler also felt a gentle surge of energy, a testament to its medicinal properties.

He couldn't help but comment, "This is remarkable. I've had little experience with teas, but Soothing Spring has a unique character. It's both calming and rejuvenating." Tyler set the cup down and looked at Mister Orleander with renewed interest. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you come across such a blend?"

Mister Orleander's eyes twinkled with delight as he replied, "Soothing Spring is a rare find. It's a blend I came across during my travels in the Europa. The herbs are cultivated in a secluded area where the spring water is infused with natural Qi. It's known for aiding cultivators in the Qi Transformation realm, enhancing focus and clarity."

Tyler nodded, appreciating the information. The tea tasted exquisite and had properties that reminded him of something. "Is this secluded area by chance producing Serene Dew?" he asked, taking another sip, savoring the taste and the subtle energy it brought.

The Cultivator's eyes sparked with a glint of interest as Tyler spoke the words 'Serene Dew'. "You are very knowledgeable for someone at such an early stage of cultivation. I expect nothing less of someone engaging in regular conversation with Ascendant Cultivators and Soul Shatterers. But yes, the herbs were grown next to a pond of Serene Dew. That's all I will say on the matter, however."

Smiling, Tyler was happy his guess was correct, just as he was sad as to why he knew this. The feeling he got from this tea was similar to the soup he had Annie make before he departed for the breakthrough mission. After a small moment of reminiscence, Tyler continued the conversation. "It happened on a small amount of Serene Dew a little while ago, so I know of it, nothing much."

He paused, attacking the second portion of Leo's statement. "While that is correct, I used to have constant conversations with Lin Jian and conversed briefly with Maximus. That is not the norm... Some situations sometimes require the attention of others more powerful than yourself. Now. Seeing we're both here, how about we get on with the question we want to ask each other?"

Mister Orleander smiled, sipping his tea, and asked, "Are you devoid of the System altogether or only partly?"

Tyler spat out his tea.