Chapter 17: Wild Fires and Gentle Flames

The wilderness was silent save for the crunch of boots over dried leaves. Jin's robes fluttered gently behind him as he ventured deeper into the forested hills, seeking spirit beast cores and cultivation insights.

This was day two of the system's dormancy, and with no guidance, Jin relied on instinct and battle-tempered will.

The trees grew thicker. Qi in the air turned aggressive.

He stopped.

From the shadows emerged a group of rogue cultivators—four men, each with wild eyes and loose armor.

  "There he is," one hissed.

"That's the brat the capital's been buzzing about."

  "Catch him. If he lives, he might become a threat to the crown."Jin's eyes narrowed.

  "Come, then."

With a flicker of wind, he moved. The battle was brutal. Though outnumbered, he used refined movement from the Paragon Heaven Manual and raw power from his Tyrant Body. Wind burst, fists collided, and one after another, the rogues dropped.

Blood spilled, and as always the Blood Demon bloodline thrived, absorbing the qi from the slain.

???[Blood Demon Progress: 3% → 4%]

silently and jin count feel it

Back at Camp…

Molana paced in the palace. Her spies had returned empty-handed.

  "Where is he?! That cursed boy!"

Rodgers, bruised but smiling, tried to speak but she waved him off and growled.

  "You're only useful in bed… and even that doesn't help me rule." Her voice was venom.

"I need results."

In the capital, prices surged. Grain hoarded. Merchants argued. The nobles whispered.

An auction was being prepared—an auction of allegiance.

The factions were gathering… and the king, coughing blood in his chamber, said nothing.

  "We must test the princes," he rasped.

"If I fall, only the worthy shall rise."

That Night…

Jin returned to camp exhausted. A fire crackled softly.

He crawled into his tent and, exhausted, lay down. But before sleep took him, he felt a warm presence curl beside him.

Soft breathing. A delicate scent.

Not his mother.

He didn't speak. He simply smiled, turned, and pulled her close.

Sleep claimed them both.

The Next Morning

Lana awoke and stretched. She peeked outside—no Arielle.

Then she turned, only to spot the girl stepping out of Jin's tent with flushed cheeks and slightly tousled hair.

A knowing smile lit Lana's face.

  "Oh?"

Later That Day – Jin's Hunt

Jin ventured out alone again to train. In the deep forest, a bloodthirsty Ironhide Bear charged at him.

He didn't want to kill—but the beast left no choice.

The battle was fierce—earth-shaking roars, splintering trees, and Jin's fists clashing against stone-like fur.

Blood trickled from his mouth, but he stood victorious.

[Spirit Beast Core Acquired]

At the Stream

Jin returned, covered in blood and dirt.

  "I got dinner," he said, tossing the bear over his shoulder.

Lana offered to clean it, but Jin needed a bath.

  "There's a pool not far," Arielle said. "I'll show you."

She led the way, the trees whispering as they passed.

At the pool, Jin removed his robe.

Arielle turned quickly—but not before her eyes widened at the sight of his toned, now fully trained body.

As she turned to leave, a strange pull stopped her.

And without warning… she stumbled forward right into the water with him.

A Rosey Scene in the Pool

Water splashed. Limbs tangled. Breath mingled.

The moment was steamy—raw—and intimate.

They didn't speak. There was no need.

By the time they returned, Arielle's cheeks were red roses, and Lana pretended not to notice.

Evening: Fire, Meat, and Confessions

Jin skewered the bear meat and hung it over the flames. He added herbs and spices he'd found while foraging, remembering his life on Earth.

The aroma wafted through camp.

Lana and Arielle's eyes widened.

  "You can cook?" Lana asked.

  "Where did you learn this?" Arielle added, sitting close.

Jin smiled as he cut pieces for them.

Arielle asked shyly, "Can you teach me how to cook?"

  "Why?" he teased.

She blushed. "F-For my husband… and mother-in-law." Jin raised a brow.

  "So, you agree to be my wife?"

She looked at him, playful and red-faced.

  "Do I have a choice?"

They laughed. The fire crackled.

Then her whisper reached his ears.

  "Besides… you already took my…" Her voice trailed off, coy and sweet.

Lana, holding her bowl, silently wept tears of joy.

Her son… had become a man.