“Not bad at all… Now, try Rock Pulverizer,” Jared said. “Gather every grain of spiritual energy at the point, let it lie dormant, then let it burst like an earth vein snapping open. It might seem peaceful, but it contains lightning.”
With that, demonstrated. The branch drifted forward. unhurried, then met the iolite with a subdued tap that detonated inward power. The stone blew apart, and yet no splinter flew; a velvet force drew the debris into fine powder and laid it gently at their feet.
Lyra stared, mouth parted, then nodded slowly as an idea bloomed behind eyes. She practiced again and again with longsword.
At first, the forms wobbled, but with each pass, gathered steadiness in spiritual energy. Soon, every stroke of sword technique carried the quiet strength of bedrock flexing but never breaking.
By the time the sun bled into the western rim, fresh sword scars striped Training Cliff, dozens of them, each whispering heavy, reined-in power.
Sweat glittered on Lyra’s brow, and excitement colored cheeks. “Mr. Chance, I think… I’m starting to grasp the basics.”
A bright flicker crossed Jared’s gaze, half pride, half something softer that chose not to name.
He stepped close and brushed the sweat from cheek with his fingertips. Warmth sparked where his skin met hers, and a slight shiver swept through despite the lingering heat of exertion.
“Your sword heart was pure from the start,” said quietly. “Now that the foundation is firm, your progress will only quicken.”
He produced a jade box from his item pouch and continued, “This is Azure Marrow. Dissolve a sliver in spirit water and soak your hands each day. It’ll bind your spiritual energy to your blade like sinew to bone.”
Inside the box lay a piece of jade marrow, laced with fine azure markings. Soft spiritual energy pulsed beneath its surface, as if the stone itself were breathing-a magical item rarely seen outside legend.
Lyra’s eyes misted as looked at the jade marrow. “Mr. Chance, you’re always…”
“Between us, there’s no need for thanks.” Jared closed the lid, pressed the box into palms, and winked. “Rest now… At dawn-rise, meet me here and we’ll practice together.”
The jade marrow’s cool smoothness seeped into fingertips, and a gentle warmth uncurled inside chest.
“Mr. Chance, I don‘t want to leave. I want you to love me…” Somewhere deep inside, Lyra understood that the only gift still possessed, the only way could thank Jared, was the delicate, trembling sanctuary of own body.
“Are you sure you can endure it?” Jared asked, his brow creasing. “You’re wincing even while you walk, does it still hurt?”
“I’m fine,” breathed, and with steady fingers unfastened robe. Silk whispered to the floor like a sigh. Jared’s restraint dissolved. He swept into his arms, lips tracing the curve of shoulder as though seeking a hidden promise.
He realized the shy young lady once protected had become a woman who had tasted rapture fierce enough to send soul soaring beyond the clouds.
***
Afterward, Jared and Flaxseed remained within Sword Sect’s compound for several quiet days to strengthen their cultivation.
Lifetimes seemed to pass before Jared finally faced Corin. “Master Morden, Mr. Flaxseed and I will depart for Darkwind Gorge today to deal with Malevolent Path Hall’s branch.”
Corin exhaled as If releasing a burden could no longer hold. “Go then, and return swiftly. Caution must be your closest companion. Their ways are treacherous.”
He then pushed a lacquered chest forward. “I’ve prepared pills and resources, take them…”
“Thank you, Master Morden,” Jared replied with a respectful bow, before turning to Flaxseed. “Mr. Flaxseed, shall we?”
Flaxseed had already been bouncing on the balls of his feet. “Let’s move! I’m dying to see where those Demonic Cultivators hid the Flaxseed clan’s stolen divine souls.”
As they were about to step across the threshold, Lyra hurried from Jared’s room, fine sweat still pearling above brow. In hands, carried a small bundle. “Jared, I gathered some rare mystical herbs for you, please take them.”
“Stay here and cultivate,” Jared said to gently. “Don’t worry about us.”
He accepted the bundle; his fingertips brushed the soft heat of skin, and a flutter of tenderness trembled through him.
Lyra bit lip, eyes shimmering. “I… I want to go with you,” whispered, longing battling the wisdom of restraint.
However, the dull ache between thighs reminded that travel would be impossible. The realization drew a faint wince across delicate features.
