Caleb Li couldn't believe his luck. The mission he undertook had not only proven successful but had also showered him with an unexpected fortune of five hundred silver coins.
The weight of the coins in his pouch felt reassuring as he made his way out of the mercenary organization building, determined to stick to the plan he had carefully crafted.
In swift strides, Caleb located an Inn near the village square.
It was strategically close to the mercenary building, making it convenient for him to keep tabs on any potential job opportunities.
Renting a room for a month, he secured not only shelter but also a steady supply of food and other necessities.
With accommodation settled, Caleb wasted no time in putting his newfound wealth to use.
A trip to the local market saw him on a buying spree, acquiring all the necessary items to make his life comfortable.
Within thirty minutes, he returned to his room in the inn, laden with supplies.
The room, though modest, became his sanctuary. Caleb Li indulged in the luxury of a cold bath, washing away the dust and weariness of his recent endeavors.
Shedding his old, worn-out clothes, he adorned himself in new attire. As he stood before a full-length mirror, the transformation was remarkable.
His short black hair glistened with cleanliness, and his deep emerald eyes sparkled with renewed vitality.
The fatigue that had clung to him earlier seemed to have dissipated, replaced by a fresh and vibrant aura. Caleb admired his reflection, taking in the handsome figure that stared back at him.
The muscles that adorned his frame were well-proportioned and hinted at the strength within.
He felt a surge of confidence as he marveled at the image before him.
He realized that, with his new appearance and the substantial wealth at his disposal, he had the means to carve out a different path for himself.
Caleb Li's exhaustion caught up with him as he indulged in a sumptuous meal he ordered from the Inn's kitchen.
The battle in Dark Forest had taken a toll on his body, and he felt the need to relax his pent-up nerves.
The aroma of the food filled the room, and Caleb couldn't help but appreciate the simple pleasures of life in that moment.
Satisfied with his meal, Caleb reclined on the comfortable bed, allowing the fatigue to overtake him.
He closed his eyes and drifted into a deep nap, the events of the day gradually fading away as sleep claimed him.
Five hours later, he awoke feeling rejuvenated. Stretching his limbs, Caleb relished the sensation of full recovery.
He walked to the window and gazed out into the bustling village, now bathed in the soft glow of lantern light. Night had fallen, casting a mysterious charm over the surroundings.
Curiously, Caleb raised his eyes to the sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars.
However, the Dark Mist that had plagued the land obscured the celestial bodies. He shook his head in disappointment, realizing that time was of the essence.
The thickening mist hinted at an impending crisis.
Dismissing the unnecessary thoughts from his mind, Caleb took a seat on the bed and focused his attention inward. With a mental call the system interface appeared before him.
[Ding!]
[Name: Jun Caleb Li]
[Lifespan: 230 days.]
[Spiritual Root: Low Grade-9 Five Elemental Spirit Root.]
[Physique: Ordinary]
[Cultivation: Rank-5 Mortal Realm]
[Cultivation Technique:]
— Common-grade Cloud Breath Meditation (Greater Success)
— Silver-Grade Nine Star Astral Breathing Technique. (Small Success)
[...........]
[Martial Art]
— Basic Military;
— Common-Grade Whispering Wind Arrow(Greater Success)
— Common-Grade Shadow Steps (Small Success)
— Common-Grade Iron Fist Strike (Small Success)
— Common-Grade Wind and Fire Sword Dance (Small Success)
[.........]
Caleb Li, fueled by a newfound determination, returned to his room in the Ancient Realm. As he glanced at his stats, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. The hours spent mastering techniques in that mystical realm had paid off, and he muttered to himself, "I don't need to add any more technique. I should focus on comprehending these ones to the expert stage."
With a decisive nod, he declared, "It's time I return."
In an instant, Caleb Li materialized back in his room. Glancing at the clock, he was surprised to find that only three hours had passed in the real world. He stepped out, careful not to disturb the peaceful sleep of his little sister and Grandma Shu.
The night had descended, and despite the time spent in the Ancient Realm, Caleb Li felt no need for further rest.
Seating himself in a lotus position, he began to cultivate. The Nine Star Astral breathing technique flowed through him at a breathtaking speed.
In the blink of an eye, he completed a full circle. A triumphant grin played on his lips as he marveled at the efficiency of his newfound technique.
While using the common-grade Cloud breathing technique, it would take nearly five minutes for a complete circulation.
Now, in less than 10 seconds, Caleb Li effortlessly completed the process. The progress was undeniable, a testament to his dedication and the extraordinary technique he was cultivating.
As the morning sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, Caleb Li was interrupted by a gentle knock on his door.
He awakened from his cultivation, exhaling the remnants of the turbid air.
Opening the door, he was met with Grandma Shu's warm smile.
"Jun, good morning. When did you come back yesterday?" she inquired, her eyes filled with genuine curiosity.
"Not long ago. I checked on you and Lihua, but you were already asleep," Caleb replied.
"That's true. When you come back from school today, I want to tell you something important," Grandma Shu said, her tone unusually serious.
Caleb furrowed his brow in confusion, studying her face for a moment. "Grandma, can—"
"I will tell you when you come back from school," she interrupted firmly, leaving no room for further debate. "Now, get dressed. You're already late."
"Fine," Caleb grumbled, accepting the directive. He returned to his room, his mind swirling with questions about the mysterious revelation Grandma Shu had alluded to.
Little did he know that his return would mark the beginning of a new chapter, one that held secrets and challenges beyond anything he had encountered.
Caleb Li stepped out of his house, greeted by the unexpected presence of Rose, who was already waiting for him.
Her impatience was evident as she pouted, a light frown on her face. "What took you so long?" she complained.
"I didn't know you were around. Anyway, let's get going," Caleb urged, brushing off her complaint as he started to walk, expecting Rose to follow.
Walking beside him, Rose stole a glance at Caleb, unable to ignore the drastic change she noticed in him.
In the past, Caleb Li lacked confidence and seemed indifferent to the whole school experience.
The only reason he attended school was Amanda, and now that she was no longer a part of his life, Rose anticipated a period of heartbreak and withdrawal.
To her surprise, Caleb appeared full of vitality and boldness she had never seen before. This unexpected transformation puzzled Rose.
Instead of mourning Amanda's betrayal at home, Caleb seemed ready to face the world head-on.
As she pondered over his newfound vigor, Rose bit the corner of her lips, her cheeks flushed with shyness.
As they walked through a desolate alley, the atmosphere shifted. A group of men emerged, blocking their path with malicious grins.
At the front of the group stood four faces that Caleb Li would never forget – the same faces that ones associated with memories he wished to bury.
*****
[AN: Please, support this book with your power stones.
Thanks. ]