Ryujin returned to the courtyard and practiced until nightfall. This time, he incorporated both Qi and the Shadow Sword technique into his training. His goal was to maximize his mastery of both Sword Qi and Sword Aura. He executed vertical slashes, spun his body, jumped, and spun forward. The technique was basic, but he infused it with the imagery he had experienced while fighting Durak's Marauders. As he moved, it almost appeared as if he were dancing without ever making contact with the ground. Simultaneously, he noticed that the Qi in his sword was thickening, even though he was using a minimal amount.
His movements were fluid and elegant, a harmonious blend of physical agility and internal energy control. With each swing of his sword, Ryujin felt a connection to his surroundings and a heightened awareness of the Qi coursing through his body. The dance-like practice continued, each motion refined as he focused on integrating his imagination and intention with his swordsmanship.
As the moon rose in the sky, casting a gentle glow over the courtyard, Ryujin's training persisted. The rhythmic sound of his blade cutting through the air echoed through the night. He stopped and sheathed his sword because he had a promise to visit Rian. Ryujin cleaned his body and asked for permission from his master to enter the sect.
With permission granted, Ryujin walked through the sect. The Frost Dragon Sect was a city for cultivator disciples, and it shared a common foundation with other places. Everyone sold food, and even mortals ran businesses, although they were dominated by disciples of the Frost Dragon Sect.
Ryujin walked as usual, holding a grilled dango in his right hand. He strolled and stopped in front of the Mellow Inn, where he entered and took a seat. The inn served not only as a place to stay and rest but also had a bar and food court for disciples to hang out. Ryujin ordered a large glass of Fruit Beer, which was not alcoholic but rather a refreshing juice made from a variety of sour fruits with ice.
Everyone's attention was drawn to Ryujin, who was sitting at the bar of the Mellow Inn, ordering something, just like before. However, Ryujin remained unfazed by all the attention he was getting.
Then, he spotted Rian who was delivering food and drinks to another table. Ryujin called out, "Can I place an order again?"
Upon hearing the voice, Rian froze in place. He recognized the voice immediately. When he turned around, he saw a man wearing a blindfold who seemed to be addressing him. He looked around, but there was no one else calling him, only him. He thought, "Could it be my savior's voice?" With a bit of hesitation, he responded, "Yes, what would you like to order, sir?"
Ryujin then said, "This voice... Rian, is that you?" Ryujin pretended to recognize Rian with a hint of excitement in his tone.
"Yes, my name is Rian, and who might you be, sir?"
"It's me, Ryujin. We were part of the same caravan before we separated in Vensha City." Ryujin then took out a piece of paper and continued, "Remember this note you gave me to find easy missions there?"
Confused, Rian took the paper and read it. "It's me, the masked man. Pretend to know me." Rian realized that the man in front of him was the same Red Mask man he had been expecting to meet today. "Ah, I remember now. You were seeking easy missions. But what brings you here, sir?" Rian asked Ryujin.
"Well, luck was on my side, and I ended up becoming a member of this sect. And you?" Ryujin replied.
"I was actually rescued by someone and fortunately landed a job as a server at this inn, sir."
...
...
They continued their conversation in the usual manner, with Ryujin handing Rian a piece of paper detailing what he wanted to discuss. Since Rian was working, he approached the inn manager to request a break and lead Ryujin to his room.
"Ryujin, let's talk in my room for 15 minutes. I managed to get a break from the manager," Rian said while gesturing towards the manager.
"Alright," Ryujin stood up and followed Rian to the second floor, entering Rian's room.
Once inside the room, Ryujin took a seat while Rian closed the door and greeted Ryujin with respect. "This warrior greets the savior."
"It's alright, be casual and call me Ryujin, as everyone does here."
"Thank you, senior. I mean, Mr. Ryujin."
"Just call me Ryujin. Anyway, I have a deal and a mission for you."
Ryujin poured out his vision for the future to Rian. He described his intention to wipe out the nearby bandit groups, as specified in his mission papers. Beyond that, he aimed to take down dangerous beasts and required someone to manage the sale of their materials in the city or sect. Moreover, he felt a strong desire to provide a haven for the homeless prisoners. His proposal to Rian involved resigning from the inn and launching a merchant shop in Vensha City to fuel these noble endeavors.
Turning to Rian with anticipation, Ryujin inquired, "What are your thoughts, Rian? Could you step into the role of manager, overseeing the sales of the creatures I hunt and aiding those in need?"
"Yes, Sir... I mean, Ryujin, I'm wholeheartedly onboard."
"For our monthly gains, a 7:3 profit split sounds fair,right?. And what sort of wares should our store carry?"
"yes, and the notion of fashioning a merchant shop is splendid. We can blend an inn within and retail goods, establishing it as a pivotal hub in Vensha City."
"Agreed, let's do that idea. then Here's a sum for you. The pouch holds 200,000 Gold. Additionally, within this dimensional pouch are the materials I seized from the bandit leader. Is this ample?"
"Wow, this... exceeds expectations, Ryujin! But what about the merchandise?" Rian's excitement shone through his words.
"Rest assured, I've purged all suspicious items. The pouch contains only the safe contents."
"When should I begin actualizing this plan?"
"Sooner is better. Can you have it operational within a week? Share the location, and I'll furnish you with the materials."
"I can execute within 3-5 days. And regarding recruiting staff?"
"The decision is yours. I entrust it to you. Yet, for the safety of our mission, select trustworthy individuals. Consider those we've rescued before."
"Understood. Thank you once again, savior," Rian expressed gratitude with a profound bow.
Ryujin embarked on the same mission to eliminate the nearby bandits, but this time, he was better prepared. He had asked Rian to purchase several caravans along with horse puppets to assist the imprisoned bandits and saved prisoner. These resources would aid in his endeavor to not only remove the threat posed by the bandits but also offer a chance of redemption for those who had been captive.
As Ryujin set out on his mission, he had a sense of determination and purpose. With the support of Rian and the resources he had provided, he aimed to make a significant impact in his pursuit to bring justice and create a safer environment for the people and the land.
With the pact sealed to aid others, Ryujin and Rian cemented their agreement. Ryujin departed Rian's quarters and returned to the bar to place his food order, while Rian resumed his duties, tending to the patrons with renewed vigor at the bar.
Ryujin continued his routine of morning training, just as he always did. But as the night fell, he would stealthily slip out of the Frost Dragon Sect, venturing into the darkness for a different purpose. His mission at night involved hunting monsters in their nests, meticulously gathering valuable materials that he could both provide for those in need and sell through Rian's efforts.
Under the shroud of night, Ryujin moved with an air of controlled purpose. Each step he took was calculated, each action deliberate, as he navigated the terrain with practiced ease. He approached the nests of dangerous creatures, honing his skills and senses to acquire the essential materials he sought.
The moon's soft light illuminated Ryujin's figure as he moved with a sense of determination. These nightly forays were not only about the materials; they were also a part of his personal growth. Ryujin recognized the importance of becoming stronger, and he hunted to raise his level and mastery in his skills, all in his pursuit of becoming a more formidable warrior.
The contrast between the serene mornings of training within the sect and the purpose-driven nights of monster hunting and skill improvement underscored Ryujin's unwavering dedication. Day and night, he worked tirelessly toward his goal of enhancing his strength, supporting others, and creating a safer world.
"Flap! Flap!" A bird flew towards Ryujin, carrying a small piece of paper in its beak. On the fourth day, Ryujin received a paper from Rian while he was training his skills in the morning. The paper contained the location where Rian had set up a merchant store and a request for Ryujin's confirmation to join him in a mission against the bandits.
"Here you go," Ryujin placed the paper on the bird's leg and then released it to the air. As he watched the bird fly away, he resumed his training.
Suddenly, Ryujin received a notification indicating that he had mastered his Sword Qi and Sword aura. Over the past few days of hunting and training, he had been diligently honing his skills and maintaining the Qi in his sword. After his encounter with the Durak marauders, his mastery of Sword Qi and Sword aura had significantly improved. However, what surprised him today was the appearance of a new skill called Sword Energy.
[Congratulations! You have attained Sword Qi Comprehension Lv.9 >> Lv.Max] [Qi +100, Qi x1]
[Congratulations! You have attained Sword Aura Comprehension Lv.9 >> Lv.Max] [Qi +100, Qi x1]
[Congratulations! You have attained Sword Energy Comprehension Lv.1]
"Hmm, I gained 100+ Qi, but what does 'x1' mean?" Ryujin wondered as he looked at the notifications. He then asked aloud, "And Sword Energy, what is this?" While clicking on the notification, he read the detailed description:
[SWORD ENERGY LV.1]
[Description: Sword Energy is a magical ability that allows the user to condense aura around them and shoot out a dispersed attack. In this initial stage, control over the energy is limited, yet its growth potential is evident. Sword Energy attacks at this level possess the characteristic of spreading energy over a wider area, requiring strategic employment. Through practice and development, users can enhance their ability to direct and amplify the power of Sword Energy]
"Wow, does this mean I can shoot out a beam??" Ryujin exclaimed with excitement, envisioning the possibility of emitting a beam similar to the ones seen in robotic films. After reading the detailed description, he began to realize the potential to create something resembling a beam.
"Status"
"What the..." he findout about the X means in his status.
...
...
..