The Erlang Axe rested heavily in my hands, sign of a promise. I could feel its potential, its latent power waiting to be unleashed.
But I also understood the weight of responsibility that came with it. This was no ordinary weapon—it was a relic of the heavens, a tool of balance and justice.
I resolved to train harder than ever, to master both the axe and my air elemental core.
The path ahead would not be easy, but I was determined to walk it. With the Erlang Axe at my side, I felt a connection to something far greater than myself.
As I prepared to continue my journey, I looked at the Master, who watched me with quiet pride.
"Thank you," I said simply, my voice filled with resolve.
He nodded, a faint smile gracing his stern face.
"Do not thank me, Yin. Prove yourself worthy. That is all I ask. After all, it is a master's duty to look after his juniors."
I swung the axe with both hands, sweat pouring down my face as I pushed myself to the brink.
The weapon was mercilessly heavy, and every swing drained my mana and sapped my energy. Yet, I didn't stop.
My muscles burned, my breaths came ragged, but I continued, driven by sheer determination.
The roar of the river surrounded me as I stood under the waterfall, shirtless and bare-chested. The water crashed down with unrelenting force, a perfect metaphor for my training.
I used the axe to block the cascading current, testing its resilience against nature's wrath.
Between swings, I practiced the Eagle Claw Smash, focusing my strength into devastating bursts.
Though my body ached, I reminded myself—I was only fifteen, and I had much to prove. My resolve was my armor, my hope, my shield.
When I wasn't training, I meditated.
The stillness brought me clarity and growth, though it also revealed mysteries. One such moment came as I held a rare herb in my seal storage, its blue petals shimmering like sunlight on water.
"Master," I asked, holding it up
"What about this herb, Azure Blossom?"
Master nodded in approval.
"Keep it. We will need it in the future. If we refine this herb, it may help you withstand any poisonous contact."
"...Umm, okay," I replied, tucking it away carefully.
Later, during another deep meditation, I felt something stir within me.
In the spiritual realm of my soul, the dragon's egg—resting within the nebulous expanse of my inner galaxy—shifted slightly.
Its surface shimmered faintly, a pulse of life within its shell. The movement startled me, and I immediately sought my master.
"Master," I asked, curiosity lighting up my face,
"How did the dragon egg end up here?"
Master stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze distant.
"Perhaps the air elemental core you absorbed is nourishing it. The core is rich with celestial energy, after all.
It would seem that the egg has chosen you as its guardian, Yin. The bond you share with it will grow stronger with time."
The thought sent a thrill through me. A dragon as my guardian—it felt like a dream, yet the egg's gentle pulse reminded me that this was my reality.
One afternoon, as I swung the axe again and again, honing my technique under the golden glow of the setting sun, I heard the soft rustle of footsteps behind me.
I paused, wiping sweat from my brow, and turned to see Bao approaching.
She wore a sleek, crimson dress that caught the sunlight, its fabric hugging her figure in a way that left me momentarily breathless.
My face heated instantly, and I quickly looked away, my mind racing.
"Bao!" I exclaimed, trying to sound casual as I adjusted my grip on the axe.
"What are you doing here?"
She smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"I came to see how your training is going. But I didn't expect to find you working so hard."
Her gaze flicked to the axe, and then back to me, a playful glint in her eye.
"And shirtless, no less."
Bao- "You look good" with her blushed face.
I coughed, trying to compose myself.
Bao walked closer, standing at the edge of the water. Her dress swayed gently in the breeze, and her presence seemed to calm the chaos of the river around us.
"The annual arena is important, Yin. I know how much it means to you. But..."
She hesitated, looking away for a moment before meeting my gaze again.
"If you win, you will be selected to study at the academy."
"After the arena. After the academy."
She smiled, a touch of sadness in her eyes.
"I want to travel, Yin. To see the heavens and the earth, to explore everything this world has to offer. And... I want to do it with you."
The words caught me off guard, and I felt my face flush again.
"With...with me?" I stammered, unsure of how to respond.
Bao chuckled softly, the sound light and melodic.
"Yes, with you. Who else would I want to share such an adventure with?"
She stepped closer, her feet barely touching the water as she joined me on the shore.
"But first, you need to win the arena. You need to show everyone how strong you've become."
Her words stirred something in me—a mixture of determination and something deeper, something I couldn't quite name.
"I will," I said, my voice firm.
"I'll make it through the arena. And after that, if you still want me by your side, I'll go with you. To the heavens and the earth if I become strong. "
Bao's smile brightened, and she clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head slightly as she studied me.
"I'll count this on you to that, Yin. Don't forget."
The two of us stood there for a while, the river's gentle flow and the golden hues of the setting sun painting a moment of peace amidst the chaos of my training.
Though the path ahead was uncertain, for the first time, I felt a glimmer of hope for a future beyond the trials to come.
Arena is only a week after. It's coming near.
I will prove that Bohang brat, just because he is rich and has a strong background doesn't mean he is strong.