MC's POV
My body hovered in the sky as waves of mental energy rippled outward from me.
On the ground, a dragon was pinned beneath a massive wook.
"Having a divine tool is helpful... but I hope that kid shows up soon. Either I defeat him, or I'll need to release him—this mental energy expenditure is getting too high."
I wasn't using my divine weapon to hurt him or knock him unconscious. I was merely keeping him restrained, which required a steady outflow of energy to ensure he stayed contained. I relied solely on my mental power, intending to strengthen my internal reserves and increase my Soul Energy.
Thankfully, Iron Fist arrived shortly.
Immortal!"
When I saw him approaching, I smiled and sent him a telepathic message:
'I'll leave him to you.'
Hearing my command, he accepted and moved to where my weapon held the dragon. Out of courtesy, I lifted the weapon and delivered a light blow to leave the dragon slightly dazed. Without further delay, I headed toward the village, leaving Iron Fist to handle the dragon.
---
Upon arriving at the small village, I felt the gazes of several individuals fix on me—elders radiating strong, ancient auras and a bald young man whose glare conveyed hostility and resentment. His reaction puzzled me, considering he was allied with Iron Fist.
I didn't dwell on it. The first thing I did was recall my pets. The slime returned to my shadow, and I withdrew my wand. Drawing upon some of my Soul Energy, I cast spells to slowly rebuild the structures around me. Bricks, wood, and other materials rearranged themselves into place, restoring the village.
This wasn't time manipulation but rather a combination of repair spells that altered aspects of reality and creation. The magical display drew the attention of everyone nearby, but I paid them no mind.
After reconstructing much of the village, I expended the last of my energy on my elegant little ring.
"Phoenix, heal my allies."
The ring expanded, enveloping my entire right arm like an ornate gauntlet. Activating its partial form allowed me to harness more of its power with less energy consumption.
A giant pink bird with radiant wings appeared behind me, scattering feathers and winds throughout the area. Life seemed to bloom anew as plants regained their vigor. Most notably, the feathers and gentle winds healed those they touched.
Even the gravest injuries were miraculously erased as if they had never occurred. This display was likely even more mystical and awe-inspiring than the earlier reconstruction—restoring not just objects but human lives.
With my work done, I didn't bother with the lingering gazes and retreated to rest.
---
About a day later, Danny finished his fight. He recovered for another day, and, of course, I helped him heal his wounds.
Once my energy was restored, I met some of the elders. They thanked me for my assistance and shared stories about the city and its history. Curiously, one of the leading elders spent hours teaching me about K'un-Lun and its lore.
To my surprise, he revealed something fascinating—the existence of seven celestial cities, hidden in mystical dimensions parallel to Earth. He even mentioned a tournament held every 88 years.
I also sparred with a few elders and young warriors, testing my martial arts in intense and challenging scenarios. Despite the difficulty, the matches were enlightening.
At the end of my visit, the enthusiastic elder gifted me a small jade pendant as a token of gratitude.
He also asked me to remain friends with Danny, to support him in combat and help him master his energy. Since Danny was part of my group, this came naturally, so I didn't mind.
With our business in K'un-Lun concluded, Danny received temporary leave under the pretense of improving himself beyond its closed environment. I noticed the elders' lingering gazes on me as he made his argument but chose not to overthink it.
Kai Kai."
---
Third-Person POV
*In K'un-Lun...
A young martial artist held a small necklace, its energy distinct from the martial arts essence of his dimension. The pendant seemed almost opposed to the realm's mystical energy.
The necklace bore the symbol of a woman.
"If K'un-Lun can't provide me with the power I seek... and no one else sees it. the failure of the corrent iron first.. perhaps I need to change."
His murmur was uncertain but carried a growing determination.
---
On Earth...
An elderly woman, appearing exhausted, stood with two men clad in red garments marked with hand-shaped insignias. She approached a building adorned with a skull and tentacle emblem.
As she neared, armed guards halted her.
"Stop."
The woman looked at them and declared,
"Hail Hydra. I have a meeting with your leader."
The guards scrutinized her and, after verifying her credentials via a small radio, allowed her entry.
One of the red-clad men beside her asked,
"Madame Gao, are you sure about this?"
"For now, yes. Our organization has suffered significant losses, and our revered god seems to have been injured. This alliance could prove useful. After all, Hydra has its hands in many places.
With that, she stepped forward, her words trailing as they followed her inside.
.....
I was in my room meditating, preparing myself to receive a reward. This one seemed to be among the most powerful and system-driven interventions I had encountered. While it wasn't necessarily the greatest I had received—or would receive—it was still of significant magnitude, albeit smaller in scale than the Flame.
I glanced at the reward screen.
The reward made my eyes light up. It would undoubtedly enhance my abilities significantly. Although using sword energy and intent would consume Soul Energy, the system assured me that even at maximum use and intensity, the expenditure would be lower than that of the Flame. Overall, the energy cost was manageable, and the improvement in my martial and swordsmanship arts was more than welcome.
As soon as I accepted the reward, my body was transported.
---
I found myself on a mountain.
Surrounding me were countless swords, some I recognized from familiar worlds—like Zoro's blades or Kenshin's katana from Samurai X.
Many others resembled swords from cultivation worlds, radiating unique and powerful energies and auras. Above me, in the sky, massive swords loomed, their sharp and oppressive auras dwarfing even the mightiest gods I had encountered.
One sword in particular stood out. It was far away, obscured by a unique mist that veiled its existence and presence. Despite the distance, its aura was so overwhelmingly powerful that it felt even more terrifying than the faint trace of Odin's aura I had once encountered.
This place resembled the legendary Sword Graveyard spoken of in cultivation worlds.
I wandered for what felt like hours, following the system's instructions. My reward was hidden here, and I had to find it.
I passed by countless swords. Some exuded beastly auras, others divine or demonic, and a few were so sharp that I could almost feel my soul being sliced apart.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, I reached the location of my reward.
Two swords awaited me.
One was Mihawk's, its golden hilt and black blade radiating an ominous black energy with hints of green.
The other was smaller, refined, and elegant—a weapon befitting nobility. Its craftsmanship was exquisite, and it emanated a silvery Sword Intent that felt both majestic and serene.
---
I followed the system's instructions and approached. With every step, it felt as though my body, mind, and soul were being torn apart. Yet I endured the agony and kept moving forward.
Nothing seemed to alleviate the torment. I let out a sigh upon reaching the swords, realizing that the real challenge had just begun.
I grasped the hilts of both weapons and sat between them. No sooner had I done so than I was attacked relentlessly.