From Shadows to Stars

f old dust. Yet, even with such a humble setting, Silas couldn't calm his heart. Just yesterday, he had still been a dying patient in another world. His body had been frail and broken, and h

start the path

The stone had lit up brightly when he touched it, brighter than any others had during the testing. It even

cused. There was so much he didn't know, and he had to catch up. On the table beside the bed lay a small booklet. He picked it up

through the pages qu

cestors didn't give up. They studied, they fought, and eventually, they developed the first methods of cultivation-ways to strengthen their bodies and minds. Over many years, they slowly gr

had been passed down generation after generation. What began as s

as he read about the

l Arts

te R

le M

e V

ween the major stages. The Martial Arts Realm, the very first

iss anything. After finishing the last page, he rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath. His head was spinning w

titled "Gangl

he would be practicing. The Gangling Technique had ten layers, each one matching a level in the Martial Arts Realm. It was said that when someone rea

breathe, how to guide that energy into the body, and how to use the Gangling Technique to

es, took a deep

g stone. This time felt even more powerful. As he breathed, Silas could feel the spiritual energy around him rushing in

es tightened, and sweat poured down his face. He tried to stop, but he couldn't. He remembered so

lm, even though he felt like

ce inside the room. If the aura had spilled out, it might have alarmed the entire Azurelight

dy was a black hole, and it wanted to drink in

blur. His mind faded

ttle. His body had naturally completed a full circulation-a complete cycle of ene

aked in sweat from head

ered to himself. "If this keeps happ

s something new inside him. He cou

vel of the Gangling Technique. Not just that-his Martial Ar

eone else had also been str

el it in his bones. Usually, when he cultivated at night, he could absorb a decent amount of spiritua

ered. "It's like som

impossible-but only powerful elders had that kind of abil

king hard. "Wait... weren't three

yes. "One of them

a rich family. Maybe he's carrying some kind of treasure th

If he had such a treasure, entering the i

eyes gleaming

He took a deep breath and started walking down a narrow path. Yesterday, Senior Brother Elias had mentioned something call

first day re

re much either way. Their proud attitudes had already annoyed him. Even thou

the Chores Hall, h

rry eight barrels of water?! E

oice. "If you don't finish it, you wo

ed quickly, and a loud thud sounded behind him. A boy

," Silas mutte

r lifted a finger in his life. Now, being forc

disciples were already inside, most of th

ool who offended Robber Hale. Po

That name mad

voice calle

man in black clothes with t

ne," he rep

he said with a thin smile. "Starting today, go to Blackwood Forest and chop firewoo

is eyes, dismissing h

eading north. He remembered hearing about the

cent Hale-opened one eye and st

whispered. "Blackwood Forest is perfect fo

, a flash of dan

made the mistake o

ost!" he barked. "If you don't

ted to rise. The trees stood tall and dark, packed t

ware that someone else might al