The Sword, the River, and a Promise to Nature

That night, Tianze and Arthur stayed with the elderly, sharing stories, food, and laughter. The warmth of companionship made the cold night feel distant.

At dawn, they bid their farewells. The elderly showered them with blessings, and Tianze left with his heart full.

The Namgoong Heiress by the River

As they made their way home through the morning mist, a rhythmic sound echoed in the air—the sharp whistle of a blade cutting through wind.

Near the riverbank, a lone figure moved with elegant precision, her sword a blur of silver.

It was Namgoong Xue, the young heiress of the Namgoong Clan.

Her movements were graceful, controlled, yet fierce—like a celestial dance, noble yet lethal.

Tianze stood frozen, utterly mesmerized.

Every strike carried both beauty and danger. Every step exuded confidence.

Arthur sighed. "Tianze, what are you staring at? Do you want to get into trouble?"

Tianze snapped out of his trance, only to realize she had already noticed them.

Her gaze was cold but indifferent, as if they were mere passersby unworthy of her concern.

Yet, that single glance sent a thrill down Tianze’s spine.

A Question That Changed Everything

As they continued their journey, Tianze couldn't hold back his curiosity.

"Father, what was she doing?"

Arthur smiled. "She was practicing sword arts."

Tianze’s eyes gleamed. "I want to do that too!"

Arthur’s expression darkened. "No, we can’t."

"Why?"

Arthur sighed. "To wield a sword like that, one must cultivate inner energy. And cultivation techniques are treasures—tightly controlled by the great clans and sects."

Tianze frowned. "Then I’ll just learn it!"

Arthur chuckled at his son’s stubbornness. "It’s not that simple. Cultivation methods cost a fortune to acquire. The other way is to join a reputable clan or sect, but…"

He hesitated.

"But what?"

Arthur’s voice turned serious. "The world of clans is not for people like us. Power comes with its own burdens, its own dangers. The strong live in constant struggle. The weak get swallowed whole."

Tianze scowled. "I don’t care about all that! Just tell me—how can I learn? Who can teach me?"

Arthur was growing frustrated. He knew Tianze wouldn't drop the matter unless given an answer.

So, he spoke on a whim. "Tianze, the greatest cultivation techniques, the strongest sword arts—all of them were created by geniuses who studied nature. If you truly want to be strong, then learn from the world itself."

Tianze fell silent.

Arthur thought the matter was settled. He had no idea that his casual remark would shape Tianze’s entire path.

The Next Hunt Begins

By evening, they finally reached home.

Arthur stretched, enjoying the comfort of his familiar surroundings. "Ah, nothing beats home."

Tianze, however, was still deep in thought.

Then, suddenly—

"Father, tomorrow I will hunt a boar. You will gather the herbs."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "As you wish."

Little did he know, a spark for power had already ignited within the child .

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End of Chapter 5