Chapter 13: Newfound Strength

Reon returned to his abode in the Outer Sect for the first time, the small space now his home after being demoted from the Inner Sect. Though humble in its simplicity, after surviving the deadly encounter with the Glacier Fang Wolf in the Inner Section of Frost Mountain Cave, this modest dwelling now felt like a sanctuary.

The battle had been fierce, a test of both his will and strength, and now, as he stepped inside, the quiet calm of the room wrapped around him like a balm for his worn spirit.

Exhaling deeply, Reon sank to the floor, the weight of his journey still heavy in his limbs. His mind, however, was sharp—eager to understand the results of his hard-fought survival. The room seemed to pulse with the energy of his growth, as if the very air recognized the transformation within him.

With a steady breath, he closed his eyes and summoned the power of "Identify." A faint glow enveloped him as the familiar status window shimmered into existence before his eyes, reflecting his progress and strength.

Lines of spiritual energy danced across the display, showing the fruits of his battle—the increase in his cultivation, the refinement of his Qi, and the hard-won experience gained in the Frost Mountain Cave.

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[Name: Reon (Xue Taiyang)

Age: 17

Level: 0

Profession: None(??)

Cultivation Realm: Stage-5 Qi-Refining Realm (Unknown-Sealed Cultivation).

Contracted Beast: Blazing Vermillion Bird ("Unhatched", Mythical-Rank), Mist Cloud Fox (Demonic Beast Rank).

Goddess Protection: None.

Traits: Resolute.

Strength: 82

Agility: 94

Stamina: 65

Intelligence: 32

Power: 5

Spiritual Qi: 70

Mana: 53

Death Qi: 0

Divine Qi: 0

Skill: Identify, Beast Controlling technique( Unstable Early Stage, Low-Tier Rare-Grade), (Unknown-Sealed Skill).

Items: Iron sword (Common-Grade), A Technique Insight Ticket (Rare-Grade).]

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Reon studied the details with quiet awe, a sense of accomplishment warming his heart. He had not only survived the Glacier Fang Wolf but had emerged stronger, his foundation more stable, his path clearer. This, he realized, was just the beginning.

Now, his cultivation no longer displayed as "Unstable," and his trait had shifted from "Bootlicker" to "Resolute," a change that filled him with satisfaction.

While his power, mana, Divine Qi, and Death Qi remained unchanged, he didn't mind.

However, one thing still puzzled him—his status continued to display "Unknown-Sealed Cultivation" and "Unknown-Sealed Skill." What was the meaning behind this seal, and who had sealed it in the first place? The questions gnawed at him, lingering in the back of his mind.

Reon couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Xue Taiyang than met the eye. As the mysterious "Unknown-Sealed Cultivation" and "Unknown-Sealed Skill" weighed on his mind, he began to wonder if Xue Taiyang held deeper secrets—layers of power and past experiences hidden beneath the surface.

What had truly led to the sealing of his abilities, and what forces had bound him in such a way? The enigma surrounding Xue Taiyang stirred something within Reon, a strange curiosity that refused to fade, as if the answers he sought were entwined with the fate of this enigmatic figure.

However, Reon realized he could do nothing about it for now. Instead, he needed to channel his energy into building his own strength. The mysteries of Xue Taiyang's past could wait; the path ahead was his to forge.

With renewed determination, he shifted his focus to the second reward he had received for completing his mission. The anticipation of uncovering its secrets ignited a spark of excitement within him.

As he prepared to explore this new potential, he felt the thrill of possibility wash over him, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead on his journey toward mastery.

He opened his Inventory to examine the details of his second reward.

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[Technique Insight Ticket]: This is a Low-Tier Rare-Grade item, shimmering with an otherworldly glow. This precious Talisman grants its holder the ability to delve into the depths of a complete Low-Tier Rare-Grade technique, offering a window into its intricate mechanisms and secrets.

However, the true depth of understanding one can extract from it ultimately depends on the host's own capacity for comprehension and practice. Like a key unlocking a hidden door, this ticket holds the promise of enlightenment, waiting to reveal its treasures to those prepared to grasp them.

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Reon's eyes sparkled with excitement as he realized he had acquired yet another invaluable item. This Technique Insight Ticket could grant him a deeper understanding of the Beast Controlling technique, enabling him to tame the Mist Cloud Fox, a Demonic Beast with strength rivaling that of a Peak Stage Qi Solidification Realm cultivator.

The prospect of forging a bond with such a powerful ally thrilled him, igniting his determination to master this technique.

To fully master a technique, every cultivator must progress through several stages: Beginner Stage, Early Stage, Intermediate Stage, Advanced Stage, Master Stage, Grandmaster Stage, and Pinnacle Stage.

If a cultivator could master a Common-Grade technique to the Pinnacle Stage, they would wield a terrifying power far surpassing that of a cultivator who has only reached the Early Stage of a Rare-Grade technique. Ultimately, everything depends on one's ability to comprehend and fully grasp the technique.

And that bastard Xue Taiyang! Despite having a Low Tier Rare-Grade Beast Controlling technique, Soulbound Beast Command, he couldn't even manage to cultivate it to the Early Stage. What the hell was he doing with his life? No cultivation, no practice, just wasting his time messing around! Unbelievable!

He cursed Xue Taiyang in his heart for causing him so much trouble. Frustrated, he activated the talisman and prepared to cultivate the Soulbound Beast Command technique.