Chapter 21 – The Path Forward
Jin sat beneath the shade of an ancient tree, the thick canopy above rustling gently in the wind. It had been two days since he first opened his eyes again—two days of solitude, silent practice, and deep reflection. His body was still healing, but the new strength that surged within him left no doubt: he was no longer the same youth who entered Aegis Sect with hopeful eyes.
The forest, once a prison of pain and recovery, now felt too small for him.
He stared at the flickering flame hovering above his palm—a high-grade fire essence, vibrant and obedient. Around it, traces of water, wind, and earth essence shimmered faintly, like wolves circling a familiar alpha. Four elements—each one at high-grade talent. The realization still unsettled him.
He should've been ecstatic. But power alone wasn't enough.
Not in this world.
The scars on his body reminded him of that truth every time he moved.
His thoughts turned inward, examining the threads of his future. Returning to Aegis Sect is suicide. Elder Varek likely believed he was long dead. If Jin showed up again, Varek would waste no time finishing what his assassins started.
He needed to disappear—but not aimlessly. He needed resources. He needed cultivation manuals, advanced techniques, combat experience, and perhaps most importantly, someone strong enough to shield him until he could stand on his own.
A master. A true one.
Jin opened his eyes and stood, dusting off his tattered robe. The Aegis insignia on his chest was a cruel reminder of what he had lost. He took a small dagger from a fallen bandit's corpse he'd found nearby and sliced through the fabric, cutting the insignia away.
It fluttered to the ground like a dead leaf.
He turned south.
South of Detrox was home to Crimson Phoenix Territory, a region dominated by larger sects with ancient legacies and powerful elders. Among them were names whispered even in Aegis—sects like Skyreach Pavilion, Burning Moon Hall, and the feared Black Veil Tower. These sects accepted rogue cultivators, provided they passed grueling tests. But if he made it… the benefits would be worth the blood spilled.
If I can enter a major sect, I'll gain access to real cultivation techniques. I'll be able to advance my body and soul paths—not just elements. And if I find the right master… someone strong, feared, respected… maybe I can secure a backing powerful enough to protect me.
The journey wouldn't be easy. The path south crossed wild forests, outlaw-controlled valleys, and rogue beast territories. But Jin no longer felt like prey.
He clenched his fists. The orb within him still slept, pulsing faintly when he reached for it. It hadn't spoken or stirred, but its power was undeniable. He didn't trust it. Not yet. But as long as it helped him survive and grow stronger, he'd use it.
One day, I'll find out what you are.
Jin pulled a rough map from a satchel he'd stolen from a traveler's corpse. The parchment was torn and faded, but he could make out a route: through the Ashen Pine Valley, past the ruins of Old Seran Fortress, then southwest until he hit the Tarnok Trade Roads. From there, he could reach the outskirts of Crimson Phoenix Territory.
He traced the path with his finger, memorizing every detail.
Three months, maybe four, if I avoid trouble. Less if I can find a caravan or travel with mercenaries. But even alone… I can make it.
His stomach growled. He glanced at the dwindling pile of dried meat he'd scavenged and sighed. Food would become a problem soon. He'd need to hunt, maybe raid a few bandit camps for supplies.
And then there was his identity.
He'd have to change his name. "Jin of Aegis" was a target now, not a title.
I'll keep my first name… but the rest? Dead.
He gathered his things—what little he had—and looked at the sun beginning its descent into the horizon. He'd leave at dawn. Tonight, he would rest for the final time in the forest that had both cursed and blessed him.
He sat cross-legged, forming the first proper cultivation pose he'd attempted in years. He focused on his core, guiding elemental essence through his meridians with smooth, precise intent. It flowed easily—eagerly—as if the elements recognized their new master.
He breathed slowly, his heart steady.
Power. Patience. Planning.
This was the formula for survival. He couldn't afford reckless vengeance. Not yet. Elder Varek was strong, deeply rooted in the Aegis Sect's hierarchy. Killing him now would be suicide. But one day… one day Jin would return, not as a student—but as the executioner.
He would walk into Aegis with a name that echoed across Detrox, backed by power that could not be denied.
He would not knock on the door.
He would tear it down.
And he would watch Varek kneel before him.
Jin opened his eyes as the stars lit the night sky. His hands were calm, but his heart burned like a silent inferno.
Tomorrow, he would begin the journey south.
Tomorrow, the real story would begin.