Sernon's eyes locked onto Ryker, his gaze piercing through the cultivator's confidence. With an almost imperceptible smile, Sernon took a deep breath.
Ryker, sensing mockery, charged forward with his sword flashing in the sunlight.
Sernon exhaled, his breathe carrying an unseen force that disrupted Ryker's mana flow. The cultivator's sword halted mid-air, as if stuck in an invisible barrier.
Ryker's eyes widened as Sernon's divine energy washed over him, suppressing his Spirit realm aura.
"A mere breath," Sernon whispered, his voice dripping with nonchalance.
Ryker's sword clattered to the ground, his body frozen in place.
The cultivators watched in awe, their leader's face pale.
"It's over," Sernon declared, his gaze sweeping the group.
The cultivators retreated, abandoning their claim on the Energy Vein.
Vanya approached Sernon, a hint of curiosity in her voice, "That was impressive. How did you do it?"
Sernon says with his chin raised high up to the skies, "A simple manipulation of mana flow. Child's play for someone of my caliber."
Vanya's eyes sparkled with determination. She felt a burning desire to grow stronger!."I need to learn the Myths in Celestial technique."
Sernon nodded. "You're right. I think we'll postpone our journey. It's high time you focus on your growth."
"Yeah, I will have to go back to the house to get some food and other necessities for this secluded training. Plus, I also need to complete today's daily quests" she tells him in silent agreement to his suggestion.
"In that case, I will seal off this Mine so that no one would be able to access it. Not even the air around it" he says. He knew that although she didn't say it, she was worried that some other people would be attracted to the mine. After all, it wasn't just the energy vein that was important, there were other precious stones and ores in there. It was literally a gold mine!
After Sernon had sealed the Mine's entrance and ensured the surrounding area was clear. They left.
As they walked back to Vanya's house, she asked, "How long will it take me to reach the Spirit realm?"
Sernon's expression turned thoughtful. "With dedication and natural talent, perhaps a few months" he says, then continues "But that's the case for normal prodigies, you are a divine prodigy getting to the spirit realm would only be a matter of time, maybe two or three months. Mastering the Myths in Celestial technique will be the true challenge."
Vanya's resolve hardened. "I'll do whatever it takes. I think I need to thank my divine parents. They are helping an awful lot"
'If you know that you were a mistake to them, would you still want to thank them?' Sernon thought silently to himself.
Upon returning home, Vanya stocked up on food and supplies, ensuring she had enough for an extended period.
Next, she focused on completing her daily quests:
[Run for 10 miles: 10/10]
[Perform 200 push-ups: 200/200]
[Increase your stats]
Rewards poured in: 100 XPs, 20 stat points, and a boost to her mana pool.
Vanya's Current Stats:
[User: Vanya Ron Atrysr la Reine]
[Race: Demi-God]
[Realm: Mortal realm]
[Level: 1/3]
[XP: 600/1000]
[Mana: 550/550]
[Strength: 120]
[Agility: 120]
[Stamina: 120]
[Intelligence: 120]
[Skill and techniques: Myths in Celestial]
[Available stat points: 35]
Alas! She ended up buying the potion though it was worth every single XP.
And so, her journey to the Spirit realm had begun. What troubles would she have to overcome to get to the spirit realm?
"Well, let get going Sernon, I have a feeling that we would be encountering trouble soon. Most likely because of the mine and those cultivators who want the mine"
On their way back to the mine, Vanya expresses her bewilderment at the unexpected revelation of cultivators in this continent. "I was surprised to see that many cultivators. Do you think they belong to one of those guardians you spoke of?"
"Most likely. Though I reckon that there wouldn't be more than a thousand cultivators in this desole realm" Sernon expressed his opinion.
"Oh? And why is that?" Vanya asked curiously.