Dymas rode out of the ravine as the sun climbed higher. The stallion picked its way along the narrow trail that wound east through the hills. The forest had thinned into scattered groves now, with wide patches of open grassland between them. Wildflowers nodded in the breeze. The air carried the scent of warm earth and distant rain. Qi flowed lighter here, but steady. His body absorbed it without effort. The breakthrough to Layer 5 had left him feeling balanced, strong. Every movement felt precise. The spear rested easy across the saddle. The axe stayed at his belt. The cloak hung loose, hiding most of the bloodstains.
He kept Qi Sense active. Small animals moved in the grass. Birds circled overhead. No immediate threats. But the red signature lingered in his mind. It had not followed closely since the cave, but it had not vanished either. Amber eyes somewhere behind him. Watching.
The trail dipped into a shallow basin. A small lake sat at the bottom, water still and dark blue under the midday sun. Reeds grew thick along the edges. A few flat rocks jutted out into the shallows. Qi gathered strongest over the water, rising in faint wisps like steam.
Dymas slowed the horse. The lake looked peaceful. Good place to rest. Drink. Think.
He dismounted near the shore. Tied the reins to a low tree. The stallion lowered its head to graze.
He walked to the water's edge. Knelt. Cupped his hands and drank. The water tasted clean, laced with faint qi. He splashed some on his face. The coolness sharpened his senses.
A ripple broke the surface twenty paces out.
Dymas stood.
Seraphina Voss rose from the reeds on the far side of the lake. She had been kneeling there, hidden by the tall grass. White robe spotless. Silver-platinum hair loose and catching the sun. Blue eyes fixed on him. Sword sheathed at her hip. No frost gathered yet.
She stepped onto the water. Thin ice formed under her boots. She walked across like it was solid ground.
Dymas waited. Spear in hand now. Not raised. Just ready.
She stopped five paces from the shore. On the ice she had made.
"You again," she said.
Dymas nodded once.
"You followed me this time."
Seraphina's expression stayed cool. "I was already here. Cultivating. The lake qi is pure. Good for clearing meridians."
Dymas glanced at the water. Qi Sense confirmed it. Clean. Strong.
She looked him over. The new strength in his stance. The lack of gray curse lines on his skin. The spear that looked sharper than before.
"You broke through again."
It was not a question.
Dymas shrugged. "Forest has been generous."
She stepped off the ice. It cracked and melted behind her. She walked onto the grass.
"I heard about Harlan."
Dymas met her eyes. "He found me."
Seraphina's face did not change. But her voice dropped lower.
"He was family. Distant. Arrogant. Stupid. But family."
Dymas said nothing.
She continued. "The sect knows now. They sent word. Bounties doubled. Frostveil disciples are moving. They want your head. Or your body. Preferably alive so they can study what happened to your curse."
Dymas gripped the spear tighter.
"Let them come."
Seraphina studied him for a long moment.
"You are different. Stronger. Faster. Your qi feels… wrong. But powerful."
Dymas took a step forward. "You came to warn me?"
She shook her head. "I came to see for myself."
She drew her sword slow. Frost qi gathered along the blade. The air chilled.
"One more test. No holding back."
Dymas raised the spear.
She attacked.
Sword slashed in a wide arc. Frost crescent flew toward him.
Dymas Wind Glide. Blurred sideways. The crescent hit the ground. Grass froze solid.
He countered. Spear thrust straight. Basic Sword Intent flared brighter with the qi-infused upgrade.
Seraphina parried. Ice spread along his weapon. Cold burned his hands.
He pulled back. Cursed Burst released. Shockwave rolled out.
She braced. Frost shield formed in front of her. The wave hit it. Cracks appeared in the ice. She slid back three steps.
Dymas closed the distance. Axe swing from the side.
She ducked. Sword came up. Cut across his chest. Shallow. Blood welled.
Damage received: +420 Grind Points
Current points: 39,657 + 420 = 40,077
Cursed Qi Absorber: Frost qi converted +520 Grind Points
Current points: 40,597
The cold fed him. Strength surged from Pain to Power Converter. His movements quickened.
He pressed. Spear jabbed low. She jumped back. He followed with Wind Glide. Appeared at her side. Axe swing.
She blocked. Sword rang against axe. Sparks flew. Ice shattered.
They circled. Strike. Parry. Dodge. The lake water rippled from their qi. Reeds bent flat.
Seraphina breathed harder. A thin cut appeared on her cheek. Blood trickled.
Dymas felt the realm progress tick.
Realm progress: Qi Condensation Layer 5 – 28%
She lowered her sword suddenly.
"Enough."
Dymas stopped. Spear still raised.
She sheathed her blade. Frost faded from the air.
"You win this one."
Dymas lowered the spear.
She touched the cut on her cheek. It sealed slowly with frost qi.
"You saved me from the lynx. I owe you. Consider the debt paid."
Dymas nodded.
She turned to leave.
But paused.
"If you keep growing like this… the sects will fear you. Not just hunt you."
Dymas watched her.
She looked back once.
"Do not die before I see how far you go."
She stepped onto the lake again. Ice formed under her feet. She walked across. Vanished into the reeds on the far side.
Dymas stood alone by the water.
The lake calmed. Sunlight reflected bright.
He felt the red signature again. Closer. On the ridge above the basin.
He stayed still a little bit then mounted the stallion and rode east.