After losing to Zhao Liang, Xu Yao lay on his bed, looking at the ceiling.
His body was full of injuries.
But what hurt the most was his heart.
Xu Yao thought, I've relied on the Worm Spirit too much. When it's asleep, I can't do much. I can't keep borrowing someone else's strength. I have to become strong by myself.
He closed his hand into a fist.
The next morning, before sunrise, Xu Yao quietly left the sect.
He carried his old practice sword and a small bag of food.
His destination was the Outer Spirit Beast Forest.
It was a dangerous place where many low-level spirit beasts lived.
Most disciples came here in groups.
Xu Yao came alone.
As he walked deeper into the forest, the air became heavier.
The trees were quiet.
Suddenly, a Low-Rank Spirit Wolf walked out from the bushes.
It showed its sharp teeth and stared at Xu Yao.
Xu Yao held his sword tightly.
This time, the Worm Spirit wasn't there to help him.
He had to fight on his own.
The wolf jumped at him.
Xu Yao quickly moved to the side.
It wasn't a perfect dodge, but it worked.
He swung his sword.
The blade cut the wolf's leg.
The wolf roared and slashed his shoulder with its claws.
Blood ran down his arm.
Xu Yao didn't step back.
He stayed calm.
He watched the wolf carefully.
He waited for the right moment.
Then he attacked again.
Slash!
The wolf fell to the ground.
Xu Yao stood there, breathing heavily.
His whole body hurt.
But he smiled.
Xu Yao: I can fight... even without anyone helping me.
He put his hand on the wolf's body and used his breathing technique.
A small amount of beast essence entered his body.
It hurt immediately.
It felt like fire was moving through his veins.
Xu Yao gritted his teeth and endured the pain.
Inside the Sea of Consciousness
A faint green light appeared.
The Worm Spirit slowly opened its eyes.
It looked surprised.
Worm Spirit: "You fought alone... while I was asleep.
You've really grown.
Xu Yao gave a small nod.
Xu Yao: "I don't want to depend on you forever. I want to become strong with my own strength.
The little worm smiled.
Worm Spirit: "Good."
That's what I wanted to hear.
I never wanted you to depend on me.
I wanted us to grow stronger together.
A glowing scroll appeared in front of Xu Yao.
Worm Spirit: "This is the Devouring Meridian Cultivation Method."
It lets you absorb beast essence and slowly make it your own.
Your foundation will stay strong.
Xu Yao looked at the scroll in surprise.
Xu Yao: Why are you giving this to me now?
The worm smiled gently.
Worm Spirit: Because only someone who is willing to fight...
..to bleed...
..and still keep moving forward...
....deserves true power
Xu Yao quietly knelt before the glowing scroll.
Not because he had to.
But because he respected the little worm from the bottom of his heart.
From that day on...
Xu Yao stepped onto a new path.