Chapter 22: Shadow Sword

Crack!

In the grand hall of the Zhang family estate in Novaridge City, a delicate teacup shattered against the floor. The atmosphere in the room grew tense as Grady Zhang's expression darkened.

"Koel and his men failed?" Grady's voice was filled with disbelief and anger. "He was a Formation Master at the Energy Gathering Realm! And he couldn't even kill a mere seventh-level Body Refiner?"

A steward, standing respectfully before him, bowed slightly. "Patriarch, not only did Koel fail—he was killed. His Flying Gun was sold off, and his body was discovered Eight Wonders Mountain."

Grady snorted coldly. "Useless trash!" He took a deep breath, suppressing his rage. "Does anyone else know about this?"

"The Martial Hall hasn't made any moves. It seems the matter has been kept quiet."

Grady's eyes narrowed in thought, but before he could speak, the distant sound of hooves echoed through the city streets.

A yellow-maned horse galloped into Novaridge City.

Dustin Chantar, covered in dust from travel, straightened his robes and made his way toward the Martial Hall. His destination: the Book Collection Pavilion, where he planned to select a third-rank martial technique.

According to the hall's rules, reaching the seventh level of Body Refinement granted students the right to choose a third-rank technique. The same applied upon reaching the eighth and ninth levels.

As he walked through the Martial Hall, whispers followed him.

"Something's different about Dustin Li."

"When he passed by, I actually felt a sense of pressure!"

"Has he reached the eighth level of Body Refinement already? They say that once a martial artist reaches that stage, their energy and blood condense, naturally exuding a suppressive aura."

"Impossible! A month ago, he was only at the seventh level. How could he advance so quickly?"

Indeed, Dustin Li had changed—not just in strength, but in ways few could understand.

Ever since merging with the Life and Death Bead, his physique and bloodline had been subtly altered by its power. His recent breakthroughs, combined with life-and-death battles in Eight Wonders Mountain, had further refined his mind and body. The transformation was profound.

As he approached the Book Collection Pavilion, a figure suddenly appeared before him.

It was an elderly man, dressed in a simple white robe, his white beard flowing gently in the wind. His hands were clasped behind his back, and he bore a calm smile. He looked like an ordinary old man—but Dustin Li saw beyond the surface.

Through his keen perception, he could sense the vast power coursing through the elder's meridians and acupoints. It far surpassed that of any Energy Gathering Realm warrior he had ever encountered.

Innate Realm.

Without a doubt, this man was a Martial Master of the Innate Realm!

And Dustin recognized him—it was the same elder who had tested him at the Hunters Guild.

This man wasn't just a guild examiner. He was also one of the elders of Novaridge Martial Hall.

Dustin immediately clasped his fists and bowed. "Student Dustin Li greets the elder."

There were five elders in the Martial Hall. Dustin had previously met only two—one overseeing the assessments and another guarding the library. The other three remained unfamiliar.

The elder smiled. "Come with me, Dustin Li."

Without another word, he turned and walked away.

Dustin hesitated briefly before following. He had no idea why an elder of the Martial Hall had taken an interest in him.

Inside a secluded courtyard within the Martial Hall, the elder led him into a study on the upper floor of a quiet attic.

"Sit," the old man said with a smile.

Dustin took a seat opposite him.

"I am Jeremy, an elder of the Martial Hall," the old man introduced himself. "We've met before, but today, I'm here for a different reason. I see you've chosen Pure Yang Skill from the Book Collection Pavilion, correct?"

Every martial technique chosen by students was recorded in the hall's registry.

"Yes, Elder."

Jeremy's gaze sharpened. "I can sense your cultivation has already reached the eighth level of Body Refinement. Breaking through again in just one month… That isn't just talent. You must have already started practicing Pure Yang Skill, haven't you?"

Dustin nodded.

Jeremy suddenly laughed. "Excellent! Truly excellent! To cultivate Pure Yang Skill in such a short time—among all the students in this Martial Hall, your talent is unparalleled. Even in all of Xandoria County, you'd rank among the top ten!"

His eyes gleamed as he studied Dustin. "In two months, the Novaridge Martial Hall will host its annual competition. Are you confident?"

Dustin had long known about the tournament.

Every year, the Martial Hall held a ranking competition for elite students at the eighth and ninth levels of Body Refinement. The higher one ranked, the better the rewards.

"Student has only just entered the intermediate class, and this is my first time reaching the eighth level. I may not compare to the senior students in the advanced class," Dustin replied humbly.

Jeremy smiled knowingly. "No need to be modest. With your talent, you are bound to attract the attention of the Martial Hall. However, to receive better martial techniques and more cultivation resources, you must earn them yourself!"

Dustin clenched his fists. The elder was right. Strength was the only path forward. The annual martial competition was his opportunity to rise.

Taking a deep breath, his determination solidified. He would aim for the top.

Leaving the attic, Dustin headed straight to the second floor of the Book Collection Pavilion. After much deliberation, he selected a sword technique—Thunder Swordsmanship.

This martial art focused on speed, embodying the philosophy that in battle, speed is absolute.

With 1,300 low-grade vitality stones stored in his bracer, Dustin's next destination was the weapon shop.

His previous blade had shattered in battle against Koel. Ordinary weapons simply couldn't withstand the power of a Formation Master's magic weapon.

Browsing the shop, he noticed a black long sword forged from tungsten iron.

Unlike other blades, this one lacked any decorative flourishes. The hilt and blade were pure black, exuding a simple, ancient aura. The word "Dark" was engraved on the hilt.

He lifted it—heavier than an ordinary longsword. Solid. Balanced. He channeled his internal energy into the blade and swung it experimentally. It felt right.

"The shopkeeper, how much for this sword?"

The merchant, sensing an opportunity, smiled. "Ah, my young friend, you have good taste! This sword was recovered from an ancient ruin. Even high-ranked weapons cannot damage it."

Dustin raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And yet, you call it a low-grade magic weapon?"

The shopkeeper laughed nervously. "It may lack power, but its durability is unmatched. For you, only 800 low-grade vitality stones."

Dustin scoffed. "That's absurd. I've seen stronger swords at this price."

The shopkeeper hesitated. "Alright, how about 700 stones?"

Dustin turned away. "I'll check another shop."

"Wait! 600! That's the lowest I can go!"

Dustin considered it. The blade was unique. In the end, he paid the 600 stones.

As he sheathed the sword, he whispered its name: Shadow Sword.

His first magic weapon. A step closer to his destiny.

Now, all that remained was preparing for the competition.

Dustin Li was surprised to see Maeve in the store. She was dressed simply in a white plain skirt, yet her presence seemed to draw all attention. The air around her had a gentle, fragrant quality, which lingered in the space even after she spoke.

Maeve, noticing Dustin's gaze, smiled warmly. "Dustin Li, it's a surprise to see you here."

Dustin Li gave a slight bow, still not fully accustomed to the sight of his teacher in such casual settings. "Teacher Maeve, I didn't expect to run into you either. Are you looking for something special?"

Maeve nodded gracefully. "I need an Ice Spirit Pill for a cultivation breakthrough. It's difficult to find one, but I have my hopes here." Her voice carried a hint of expectation.

Dustin Li glanced at the shopkeeper, who was nodding enthusiastically. "Ah, the Ice Spirit Pill, indeed we have a few in stock, but they're quite rare. They're typically used for cultivating in the frigid environments of the Ice Elemental Realm. It's a pill that can help stabilize the energy channels during times of extreme cold cultivation."

"I see," Maeve said softly, her tone thoughtful. She then turned her attention back to Dustin Li. "I've heard of your recent progress. Congratulations on your advancement, Dustin."

"Thank you, Teacher Maeve," Dustin Li replied, his face brightening with a touch of pride. "I've been training hard. It's all thanks to the resources and guidance of the Martial Hall."

Maeve smiled, her eyes glimmering with approval. "That's good to hear. You're truly showing your potential. Your cultivation is progressing faster than I expected. You have a natural gift."

The compliment left Dustin Li a bit flustered, but he appreciated her kind words. "I'm just following the path laid before me, trying to improve as much as I can."

As they spoke, the shopkeeper finally retrieved the Ice Spirit Pills, placing a small wooden box on the counter. He offered the pill with a proud smile. "Here it is, Madam Maeve. As rare as they are, I've kept one aside for a long time. It's yours for the asking price of five hundred low-grade vitality stones."

Maeve raised an eyebrow, inspecting the pill in the box. "Five hundred? Quite expensive, but I suppose it's worth it." She then turned to Dustin. "You've been making progress, haven't you? What are you looking for today?"

"I was just picking up some Energy Blood Pills to help speed up my cultivation," Dustin Li explained, gesturing to the shelves. "I've recently reached the eighth level of body refinement, and I want to solidify my base."

"Impressive," Maeve said, her eyes twinkling with admiration. "Your pace is astounding. But be careful not to push yourself too hard. Even the best cultivation pills can't replace the necessary time for your body to adapt."

Dustin Li nodded, grateful for her wisdom. "I'll keep that in mind, Teacher."

With that, Maeve picked up the Ice Spirit Pill and turned toward the counter. She exchanged the vitality stones with the shopkeeper, then looked back at Dustin Li. "Take care of yourself, and if you ever need advice or assistance, don't hesitate to ask."

Dustin Li watched her leave the store, his thoughts racing. Maeve's presence was always calming, and her words carried a weight of experience that he knew he'd benefit from.

As he turned back to the shelves, Dustin Li made his final selections, determined to continue pushing forward in his cultivation journey, guided by those who believed in his potential.