The Eternal Arms

A Market of Legends

Deep in the Phoenix Cry Empire's Inner City, the trio entered an Eternal Arms Store, a place known for selling rare artifacts forged from the remains of powerful beasts.

Inside, floating relics hummed with dormant power, their origins tied to ancient creatures that once roamed the world. These were not mere weapons but accessories designed to enhance a warrior's base abilities—a subtle yet permanent advantage.

The shopkeeper, an elderly man with crimson eyes and flame-touched robes, regarded them with quiet interest. He did not speak—those worthy of his wares would choose on their own.

Raikai's Choice: The Inferno Fang Belt

Raikai's gaze landed on a black-scaled belt with a central crimson gemstone, pulsing like a heartbeat.

The shopkeeper finally spoke. "The Inferno Fang Belt, forged from the fangs of an Ancient Flame Serpent."

Effects:

Increases base physical strength and reaction speed.

Enhances burst movements, allowing quicker dodges and strikes.

Passively strengthens lightning-based techniques due to fire affinity.

Raikai grinned, wrapping the belt around his waist. "Perfect. My combat style already thrives on aggression—this just makes it even deadlier." He handed over spirit crystals, sealing the deal.

Shinryu's Choice: The Ember Ring Earrings

Shinryu's eyes fell on golden hoop earrings with small, ember-like runes dancing along their surface.

The shopkeeper nodded approvingly. "The Ember Ring Earrings—crafted from the molten scales of a Blazing Sky Roc."

Effects:

Enhances energy circulation, reducing the drain of long battles.

Passively strengthens gravity-based abilities by stabilizing internal energy flow.

Increases overall agility and balance, crucial for high-speed combat.

Shinryu smirked, fastening them to his ears. "This will smooth out my weaknesses... and let me maintain my pressure far longer."

Xue Mor's Disappointment & Her Hidden Treasure

Xue Mor searched the store meticulously, but nothing suited her.

She needed something that enhanced her speed, precision, or venom abilities—yet everything available leaned toward brute force or elemental enhancement.

She exhaled. "Nothing here fits me."

The shopkeeper, watching her, finally spoke. "You already carry something far greater than anything here."

She frowned before instinctively touching the Phoenix Feather tucked in her hair—a gift from her father long ago.

She had always treated it as a sentimental keepsake, yet now she wondered... had it been boosting her abilities all along?

She sighed. "I suppose I'll stick with this... for now."

The trio left the store, their new Eternal Arms secured.

Cultivation & the Road Ahead

As they walked through the lively streets, they spoke of the next stage of their journey—Qi Fusion Refinement.

Raikai crossed his arms.

"Flesh and Bone Fortification just builds the body, but Qi Fusion Refinement… that's where we either break through or destroy ourselves."

Shinryu nodded.

"Gravity control drains too much energy. Even with my earrings, if I don't refine my Qi properly, I'll be wasting too much strength."

Xue Mor sighed.

"Unlike you two, my biggest hurdle isn't raw power. I need to refine my venom further. Right now, it's deadly, but against true powerhouses, it's not lethal enough."

Each of them had their struggles, but they knew the Death Nights training would push them beyond their limits.

With new gear and a clear path ahead, their journey was only beginning.