The clearing was drenched in tension, and Tianyu's heart pounded as he stood between the injured serpent and the wolf-like spirit beast. He could feel the oppressive aura of his opponent—a presence one realm above him, unmistakably in **Qi Coalescence Low Stage**. The serpent, though weak and bleeding, hissed softly as it coiled protectively around the glowing pearl-like egg.
Tianyu's resolve hardened. His breathing steadied as he tightened his grip on his worn weapon. The serpent's defiant eyes met his gaze, and for a moment, it seemed as though they understood each other.
"You've fought hard," Tianyu murmured softly, addressing the serpent. "I'll protect what you're guarding—this pearl. Don't worry… I won't back down."
The serpent hissed, its stance relaxing slightly despite its injuries. Perhaps it wasn't merely guarding the pearl; perhaps it recognized something in Tianyu—a quiet determination that mirrored its own.
The wolf spirit beast snarled, its glowing eyes fixed on Tianyu. "It's watching me," Tianyu thought, his muscles tensing. "It's waiting for an opening, waiting for me to falter."
The beast lunged, moving with speed and precision that made Tianyu's breath hitch. He barely managed to dodge, the claws grazing his shoulder and leaving a faint trail of blood. "Its power... it's overwhelming," he thought, grimacing at the sting. "One wrong move, and I'm done."
The wolf circled him, its growls low and menacing. Tianyu steadied his breathing, his thoughts racing. *"I can't rely on brute strength—I need technique. Adapt. Think."*
His memories drifted to the martial skills of his past life—the fluid movements, the calculated strikes—but his current body wasn't capable of replicating them exactly. *"No, this body isn't like before,"* he realized, his gaze sharp. *"I have to fight differently. Adapt my old moves for this mortal frame. Use what I have."*
The wolf lunged again, and this time, Tianyu ducked low, channeling his limited Qi into his legs for agility. He pivoted sharply, his weapon tracing an arc as he slashed at the beast's side. The strike landed, leaving a shallow wound that caused the wolf to howl in anger.
Each clash pushed Tianyu to his limits. His movements became more fluid, his strikes more precise, as he began to weave the techniques of his past life into new forms. Amidst the chaos, inspiration struck—a move that combined speed and unpredictability.
With a burst of Qi, Tianyu darted to the left, feigning an attack, then spun sharply to the right, his weapon trailing a spiraling arc of light. He struck the wolf's exposed flank with force, the blade cutting deeper than before. The wolf stumbled, its growl turning into a snarl of frustration.
Tianyu's lips curled into a determined smirk despite the pain that shot through his body. "I'll call this move **Coiling Flash**—swift, unpredictable, like the coils of a serpent."
Bruised and bloodied, Tianyu pressed on, his mind focused solely on the fight. Every strike, every dodge was a gamble, his body crying out in protest as his injuries accumulated.
*"I can't give up,"* he thought, gritting his teeth as the wolf charged again. *"For the serpent, for the pearl—for myself. I'll endure this."*
His attacks began wearing down the wolf, its movements growing sluggish. Just as the beast faltered, the serpent stirred behind Tianyu. With what remained of its strength, it lunged forward, its jaws snapping around the wolf's neck. The wolf howled in agony, thrashing wildly before collapsing in a heap.
Tianyu staggered, his breath ragged as he turned to the serpent. "You… you finished it," he said softly, his voice filled with awe and relief.
The serpent, its body trembling, slithered back to the pearl-like egg and nudged it gently with its snout. Its eyes met Tianyu's once more, and though no words were exchanged, he felt the weight of its intention.
"You… want me to keep it safe," Tianyu murmured, kneeling beside the creature. "I understand."
The serpent hissed softly, its breath weakening. Before it collapsed entirely, it opened its maw and spat out a radiant orb—the **beast core**, shimmering with vitality. It nudged the core toward Tianyu, who hesitated before taking it.
"You're giving me this?" Tianyu whispered. "I'll… I'll make sure it's used to protect the egg."
The serpent's gaze softened, and with one last hiss, it fell still. Tianyu bowed his head in respect, his heart heavy. "Thank you," he said quietly. "I'll honor your sacrifice."
Tianyu knew the wolf's beast core was also valuable. Grimacing at the mess, he used his knife to extract it, the act filling him with equal parts discomfort and resolve. "Every step forward costs something," he muttered to himself. "I'll remember that."
Using the herbs and fruits he had gathered during his travels, Tianyu tended to his injuries. Though the wounds were still raw, the natural remedies soothed his pain enough for him to stand.
His attention turned to the pearl-like egg. As he reached out to touch it, the ring on his finger pulsed faintly. Suddenly, the egg vanished, sucked into the depths of the Dragon God's ring.
"What?!" Tianyu exclaimed, staring at the ring in disbelief. "Where did it go? How—how am I supposed to get it back?!"
Within the ring, Ao Shun's spirit stirred, his voice tinged with amusement. *"So curious, this boy. The pearl you found is… intriguing. It holds potential, though it is but a lowly being for now. I'll nurture it with what strength I have left. It may serve him well one day."*
Outside the ring, Tianyu tried desperately to summon the egg, his thoughts spiraling into frustration. "Come on… work! Spatial rings are supposed to be easy, right? Why won't it listen?! Ugh, forget it—I'll figure it out later!"
Resigned, he let out a heavy sigh and muttered, "Fine, fine. Keep your secrets, ring. I'll deal with you once I'm stronger."
Tianyu's body ached as he knelt by the riverbank, the cool water soothing his injuries. The herbs and fruits he had gathered during his journey worked to mend his wounds, but his mind was restless. The battle replayed in his head—the fierce wolf spirit beast, the defiant serpent, and the pearl-like egg now held within the depths of the Dragon God's ring.
He sighed, staring at his reflection in the river's surface. His bruised face stared back at him, youthful yet weary. "I won," he murmured softly, his voice tinged with both relief and frustration. "But barely. I'm still not strong enough."
The ring on his finger pulsed faintly, and Tianyu frowned, his thoughts drifting to the mysterious pearl-like egg. "I don't even know what's inside it," he muttered. "And the ring… It has power, but I can't control it yet. I need more strength—not just for myself, but for the people I care about."
Tianyu's gaze hardened as he splashed water on his face, the chill sharpening his focus. He closed his eyes, letting his breathing steady. Memories of his past life began to surface, fragmented but vivid.
------
Images flashed through his mind—the celestial halls of the **9th Heavenly Realm**, the faces of those who had betrayed him, and the woman he had left behind. Her name escaped him, lost in the fractures of his memory, but her face was clear—kind eyes filled with warmth and unwavering loyalty.
"She's still there," Tianyu whispered, his voice trembling. "And she could be in danger. The people who betrayed me… they're still out there. I can't waste time. I need to get stronger—fast."
His fists clenched, the realization sinking in. Despite his youth, despite his mortal body, he needed to command power that matched the legacy of his past life. The ring pulsed again, its silent presence a reminder of what lay ahead.
As the river flowed, Tianyu began to move—slow, deliberate motions that mimicked the martial techniques of his past life. His mortal body, while weaker than his celestial form, responded better than he expected. He adjusted his stance, his strikes blending the fluidity of his old skills with the strength and precision of his current self.
"The key," he murmured, "is balance. My old moves were designed for celestial power, but this body is different. I need to meld them—create something new."
Each step, each strike felt more natural as he adapted. His movements were sharp and controlled, his Qi flowing steadily through his limbs. By the time the sun began to set, Tianyu felt the foundation of something new—a style that harmonized his mortal limitations with the ingenuity of his past life.
"I'll call it **Heaven's Rebirth**," he said quietly, a faint smile breaking through his fatigue. "A reminder that I've been given a second chance—to rise again."
The journey to the nearest town took Tianyu another week, the road winding through treacherous valleys and dense forests. When he finally arrived, the sight before him was unlike anything he had seen.
The town, known as **Emberleaf**, was bustling with life. Its name stemmed from the vibrant orange glow of the lanterns that lit its streets at dusk, casting a warm, fiery hue reminiscent of autumn leaves. Shops lined the cobblestone roads, their owners calling out to passersby, while children ran laughing through the crowds.
Tianyu felt a pang of longing as he took in the lively scene. "It's so different from Jade Creek," he thought, his steps slow as he wandered through the streets. "But… it feels welcoming."
He found a market stall selling spirit beast materials and carefully exchanged the hides, claws, and essence stones he had collected during his travels. The merchant raised an eyebrow at his haul but said nothing, handing over a modest pouch of gold. Tianyu kept the beast cores hidden, knowing they would draw unwanted attention.
By the time he reached an inn, the fatigue of his journey weighed heavily on him. The innkeeper, a kindly older woman, offered him a room with a small smile. "You've traveled far, haven't you?" she said, her tone gentle.
"Farther than I thought," Tianyu admitted, handing over the gold.
The room was modest but clean, with a sturdy bed and a window that looked out onto the bustling streets. Tianyu collapsed onto the bed, his body aching but his mind surprisingly clear.
"Silverleaf is still far," he murmured, staring at the wooden beams of the ceiling. "But I'll get there—and I'll prove myself."
As exhaustion claimed him, Tianyu drifted into a deep sleep, his dreams filled with flickering images of the **9th Heavenly Realm**, the pearl-like egg, and the path that lay ahead.