The following morning, as a gentle rain fell, Ethan rose early, washed and stepped outside. Since it was raining, he couldn't chop wood and there was no need to visit Blue Cloud Forge, which he frequented only once a week. Thus, he started his day by practicing his swordsmanship.Diligence and solitude were inseparable from the path of cultivation. To gain, one must first give up. Ethan knew that to exact his revenge and slay his nemesis, Caleb, his current level of skill wouldn't suffice. He must endure the loneliness, bide his time, and lie low until he grew strong enough.With eyes as sharp as blades, Ethan focused on a green caterpillar on the old locust tree before him. With a swoosh, his long sword left its sheath, tracing a brilliant crescent arc in the air as it swiftly descended upon the caterpillar. The blade halted abruptly, just a hair's breadth from the tree. The force of the sword's air split the caterpillar in two, leaving the tree unharmed.This was the realm of master
Ethan's eyes grew sharper, and his right hand naturally rested on the hilt of his blade. The surrounding area seemed to quiet down, with only the occasional conversation of passersby in the distance. In Ethan's eyes, it was as if only the two of them remained in the world.Alexander was undoubtedly the most formidable opponent Ethan had faced since obtaining the Stone Bead. Renowned for many years in Stone Town, he may even have been stronger than Caleb, and Ethan dared not take him lightly. Even in a friendly spar, he had to give his all, not to be underestimated."Ha!"Suddenly, Ethan drew his blade with a flash, like a bolt of lightning, accompanied by a gust of wind, aimed directly at Alexander's waist."Haha, interesting." Alexander's eyes lit up, and at the last moment, he performed an iron bridge maneuver, narrowly avoiding Ethan's gleaming blade as it grazed past his nose."Six strikes in a single breath at such a young age—impressive!" Alexander felt the chilling sensation as
Days passed, and in the blink of an eye, it was spring of the year 1005 in the Chaos Calendar.Ethan's name had quietly spread throughout Stone Town, making him a rising star among the younger generation. Stone Town, comprised of a dozen villages, was a place where even the smallest events became widely known. Most people in Stone Town were aware of the impressive young man who had emerged from Storm Clan's Village.In the verdant month of March, birdsong filled the air near the humble dwelling where Robert resided in Storm Clan's Village.A series of firecrackers erupted outside the hut, their rudimentary construction typical in Stone Town and other parts of the Continent of Chaos. Generally, firecrackers at one's doorstep signified either a funeral or a joyous occasion.With a cry, the door opened, revealing Robert, followed by Victor, Olivia, and Eleanor, all wearing puzzled expressions. They looked at the two approaching figures and the two strong men carrying a pole behind them.
Feeling utterly helpless, Olivia looked around, tears blurring her vision. Her parents' faces were alight with poorly concealed smiles, while her brother, Victor, averted his gaze. For a moment, she felt abandoned by the world."Come, Uncle Robert, let me propose a toast with tea in place of wine," Noah said, filling his and Robert's cups to the brim. His face betrayed his smug satisfaction, for in his eyes, Olivia was as good as his."Pretending to be virtuous? Sooner or later, you'll be mine!" he thought, casting a dark glance towards the upper room.Noah's insatiable lust for women, coupled with his father Caleb's influence in Stone Town, had led to the ruination of countless innocent young girls. He had long coveted Olivia, and now that she was of age, he would not let her slip away."Young Master Noah is too kind. It's my daughter's fortune to be married to you," Robert said obsequiously, draining his cup in one gulp."In that case, Brother Robert, isn't it time to choose an ausp
"What are you waiting for? We must leave now, or it'll be too late! The town is only seven or eight miles away, a swift horse ride there and back would take no more than an hour!""Let's go!" Olivia urged.But where to? There were only one or two paths to the town, and Ethan had no horse. He feared he would be captured by the guards halfway there! Going towards the town at this moment was suicide! Should he head for the mountains? They were filled with wild beasts, and even monsters! Moreover, there were only a few paths down the mountain. Was he supposed to stay there until he grew old?His only option was to find a prominent family in town to hide from the storm.With a plan in mind, Ethan hesitated no more. Glancing at the crowd, he dashed towards Lily's house as if he were flying. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from sight."That speed..." A young man in the crowd stared in awe, "Ethan truly is a hidden gem! That speed might be comparable to a martial artist at the eighth leve
Moments later, the guards retreated like a receding tide, and the chamber was peaceful once more. Clad in only her undergarments and a thin veil, Lily, her face still flushed, stood by the tub until the guards were far enough away. As the water grew colder, she finally exhaled, not daring to turn around. "They're gone, why aren't you coming out?"Silence filled the bright room. "Huh?" Puzzled, Lily turned to find Ethan crouching in the tub, his eyes locked on her chest, blood gushing from his nostrils, staining the clear water. Unaware, he remained still."Ah! Pervert!" Lily, startled, shrieked hysterically, and with a swift kick, her slender leg connected with Ethan's face.Ethan, caught off guard, choked on a mouthful of water. "What? A wolf? Where?" Charles hurried towards the room, his footsteps hurried."Father, it's nothing, I was mistaken," Lily quickly waved her hand."Mistaken?" Charles skeptically scanned the room, noting the orderliness and absence of anything suspicious,
Silently, Ethan accepted the Lock of True Love. Lily smiled and carefully threaded a delicate silken strand through the lock before tenderly fastening it around Ethan's neck. Time seemed to stand still in the quiet room, the only sound the faint crackling of thick red candles.Beneath the flickering candlelight, Lily's blushing face held an unwavering gaze, as if to etch Ethan's visage into her very bones. Overwhelmed by a sudden tenderness, Ethan pulled her into his arms, and as he looked down at the mixture of unease, surprise, and shyness in her eyes, he leaned in and kissed her.Caught off guard, Lily struggled briefly before succumbing to the sensation of their soft, slippery kiss. When their lips finally parted, she recovered first, her face flushed with anger. "You bully!" She pushed Ethan away and yanked on his ear. Unfazed by the pain, Ethan merely grinned at her sheepishly.Silence settled over the room once more, the atmosphere now charged with a newfound tension. "Li
Henry soon returned, holding a white envelope. The wax seal was intact, indicating it hadn't been opened."Ethan, this letter was written by your mother," Henry said, placing the envelope in Ethan's arms. "When you were only a few months old, your parents came to me, left this letter, and repeatedly instructed me to give it to you only after you reached the Meridian Training Realm. Don't think too much about your father's affairs. The more you know, the more dangerous it is for you. Remember, don't open it until you reach the Meridian Training Realm.""A letter from my father? I have to wait until I reach the Meridian Training Realm?" Ethan was bewildered."Yes," Henry confirmed. "While it's still dark, take the letter and flee. Once dawn breaks, the town's exits will likely be sealed, leaving you with no escape!"Ethan took a deep breath to calm himself, then bowed deeply to Henry. "Hurry up, lad," said Henry, a tinge of melancholy in his voice. "If the opportunity arises, come back