The moon hung high in the sky as the night wrapped itself in a cold, lingering silence. Ash remained seated in the training grounds, cross-legged in a deep meditation. The faint whisper of the wind drifted across the open space, rustling the leaves of the nearby trees, but Ash remained completely still, his mind focused inward. His surroundings seemed to melt away as he descended deeper into his inner world, feeling his body and soul in perfect harmony.
But he wasn't alone.
In the shadows, four figures stood, watching intently. Selyra, Ary, Selvira, and Nyssari stood at a distance, observing Ash in silence. Their gazes were a mixture of concern, curiosity, and something deeper—protectiveness, maybe.
"Is he alright?" Nyssari's voice was soft, her words barely disturbing the peace around them.
None of the others responded immediately. The quiet stretched on, each lost in their thoughts, their eyes trained on Ash's still figure. Finally, Selvira spoke, her tone full of confidence.
"Of course he is," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly as she focused on her younger brother. "Look at the bright side of things. He has a perfect foundation—only Ary and Eldest Brother have that."
Ary, the eldest, stood with her arms crossed, her gaze thoughtful but worried. "Right, but he's the youngest, and yet… how could he possibly have just 'elite' talent?"
Selyra stepped forward, her voice calm but tinged with a hint of frustration. "I don't know… but something is definitely wrong. He outpaced all of you during training with Selene. He didn't even need the full four years of training that the rest of you did, and yet here we are." She let out a soft sigh. "He chose to bury himself in the library in the final year, that's how much he surpassed you guys..."
Her eyes softened as she glanced at her daughters. "Give him space. Let him begin his cultivation on his own. Once he's settled, we'll hold a party to mark his progress. Your brothers will return in three years with good news—hopefully. We'll see how his mind is faring then."
With that, the tension in the air seemed to lessen. Ary gave a final glance at her brother before nodding to her mother. Together, they turned and walked away, leaving Ash to his peace.
---
The sun had barely begun to rise when Ash stirred from his sleep, his body waking up before his mind could fully comprehend the morning. The coldness of the early morning breeze brushed against his skin as he stood, stretched, and began packing his belongings. His journey was just beginning, and with it, a new chapter of his life would unfold.
[Good morning, Master] Riya said softly, her voice echoing in his mind.
"Morning," Ash replied, his eyes scanning the contents of his small, hastily packed bag. A few rations, some basic equipment, and his sword—his essentials for the road ahead.
After writing a short note to his family, he tucked it into an envelope, secured it with a seal, and sent it off into the ether. He was determined to begin his own journey—to leave the capital and start cultivating in seclusion. "I'll send a letter home every six months," he had written. "I'm off to explore the world."
With a final glance at the towering city of Neyru, Ash turned, making his way into the wilderness. He didn't know where he was going or what awaited him, but the path was open, and he had only one goal in mind.
"I'll push myself and reach the Body Tempering Realm within a year," he declared, more to himself than anyone else. His resolve was strong. It wasn't just about power—it was about taking control of his destiny.
---
Three months had passed since Ash left the capital. He had found a secluded area in a remote corner of Neyru, far from prying eyes, and had dedicated himself fully to temper his body.
The wind swept through the valley, the air crisp and sharp as Ash, now fully shirtless, took a deep breath. The mountainous region around him provided an ideal setting for his rigorous training. He began his routine before dawn, his body already accustomed to the pressure and weight of his training.
Ash started his day by lifting heavy boulders. At first, he could barely manage to carry 60 pounds, but as time went on, his body adapted—muscle fibers strengthened, his bones grew denser, and his movements became more fluid. The weight increased as the weeks passed, pushing him to the limits of mortal endurance.
Each time the boulders hit the ground with a resounding thud, Ash felt his body shift, his muscles pulling together, his bones settling into their new structure. The process was grueling, but it was also necessary. His body had to withstand the pressure of absorbing mana, and the only way to achieve that was through pain and growth.
As the morning sun rose higher into the sky, Ash shifted to the next phase of his training. He unsheathed his sword, his movements calculated and precise. His footwork had been honed during his time with Selene—a foundation laid that he built upon with every movement. Now, his sword flowed like an extension of his body. He slashed through the air with fluid motions, each strike landing perfectly, without hesitation.
By mid-day, Ash's body was slick with sweat, his chest rising and falling with the steady rhythm of his breath. He paused for a moment, feeling his body and his internal energies aligning. A new sense of awareness had blossomed within him, and it was more than just physical. His internal channels were opening, and he could feel the buildup of energy in his dantian. He was getting closer to the Body Tempering realm, but it was the moment of transformation he sought.
The concept of body tempering wasn't new to him—it was a practice that most cultivators underwent to fortify their physical bodies, preparing them for mana cultivation. But Ash was doing something different. He wasn't using medicinal baths or external aids; his path was one of pure endurance and self-discipline.