Without caring for his injuries, Aurelius desired to test his newfound power and establish a firm foundation. He handled the lion's carcass and found a demon core in its head.
Beasts in the essence gathering realm had a possibility to form a demon core in their heads where all their power was stored. This was undeniably helpful to Aurelius, who used such energies to strengthen himself. Now he was in the essence gathering realm, he needed more energy to advance in his cultivation.
The largest problem the current Aurelius faced was a lack on funds. Without any techniques, no matter how strong his body was, he wouldn't be able to unleash all his potential. Also, things like cores and pills which would increase his cultivation were expensive.
The richest occupation in this world was being a pill concoctor. Unlike Aurelius, normal people couldn't absorb demon cores and used pills to advance quickly in cultivation. Pill concoctors used magical herbs and ingredients to form pills that were full of energy and power. Once in the essence gathering realm, many rich cultivators would employ the use of pills.
Although Aurelius was consumed by a will for revenge, he knew to exact it he must remain focused and keep calm for now. Therefore, he knew that his current strength was insufficient. To quickly increase his cultivation and give retribution to the young master of the Maximus clan. Without his clan's support, he would forge his own path on the way of cultivation by himself and reach the peak of strength. Step by step, he'd make his own legend and reach the peak of cultivation
...
A month passed.
Aurelius had crossed the entire forest whilst fighting and killing demon beasts along the way and was at the entrance to the outer forest area. This wasn't where he originally entered from as he went straight through the forest and out the other side. This was jewel city, a flourishing city that held many powers superior to the Maximus clan and sects that nurtured young talents into maturity.
In a tree, Aurelius scoped out the situation and formulated a plan. First, he needed power and for that, he needed money. His first priority wasn't either of those, though. It was his own safety. From above, he'd overheard a conversation three adventurers had.
"Did you hear about the Maximus boy?"
"Yeah, he raped his own clan member then fled, right. What a disgusting creature." Another replied. "They're hunting him down. 500 silver for someone to hand him in."
The currency in this world was copper coins, silver coins and golden coins. 100 copper was one silver and 100 silver was one gold. Aurelius had never even seen a gold coin before and had only heard of the legendary spirit coins above gold.
However, he had a secret weapon. The mask he obtained from the waterfall had special functions. He could completely change his facial features and even his aura and power. As long it was below his actual strength he could completely mask his power. This allowed him to hide his secret technique and bestial power within him, laughing at the heavens.
Donning the mask, his face warped from the originally dark and childish face into a young adult males face with average features. He shot off the tree and into the city. The change from dark forest to bright city was welcome and the big buildings shocked the young Aurelius.
The streets had shops on either side and many peddlers in makeshift stands selling all sorts of goods. He didn't have much money so the shops weren't possible for him but he enjoyed browsing the many street vendors' items.
One such place piqued Aurelius' curiosity. There was an elderly man there but he had no customers despite the busy streets. Aurelius greeted him warmly and the man replied, "Youngster, you have drive and potential. My gratitude for visiting this old mans humble store . Not to worry, I know what you need young one." He handed Aurelius a black scroll and said, " Take this and you will have a great fortune. I like your character boy ; don't disappoint me."
Confused, Aurelius nodded and accepted the scroll, then safely put it in his inner pocket. The old man signaled him to leave and so he continued down the road. He looked back but the elderly man had disappeared, as well as the stall. Skeptical, Aurelius touched the area where the scroll was and knew there was something special about it.