Chapter 3: The Path of the Blade
Elton sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor of his cave, eyes closed in deep meditation. The stillness of the forest outside was interrupted only by the distant cries of wild beasts and the whispering of the wind through the trees. For three long days, he had remained secluded here, completely absorbed in his training. The days blended together as he pushed himself further into his cultivation journey, tempering his body and mind with a singular purpose.
Having recently broken through to Silver-Tier First Rank, Elton's internal energy, his Ki, had grown immeasurably. He could feel it coursing through his veins like a river of raw power, swirling in a harmonious dance with the natural energies of the world. His muscles had been tempered to absorb Ki more effectively, and his bones had become more resilient, capable of withstanding the intense flow of power. Yet even as the Silver energy flowed through him, Elton knew that his journey was far from over.
As he opened his eyes, he allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. Reaching the Silver-Tier was no small feat, especially for someone who had only recently lost everything in the war. It had taken an immense amount of training, willpower, and perseverance to get here. And yet, his heart remained as empty as the moment he lost his parents to the chaos of battle. The Inner Voice—that part of him that had taken on a life of its own—was quiet, almost too quiet. Elton knew that it was biding its time, waiting for him to push even further.
With a final breath, Elton stood up, the weight of his power steady in his limbs. The forest around him felt small, insignificant in the wake of his growth. But still, he wasn't ready to move on just yet. His training was incomplete, and his ultimate goal still loomed far ahead.
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The Mortal Body Realms: Bronze, Silver, and Beyond
To fully understand Elton's journey, one must first understand the nature of the mortal body realms in the world of Terraplane. These realms are the foundation upon which the vast majority of living beings, from humans and demons to beasts and even angels, ascend toward greater power. While magic and cultivation techniques vary from race to race, the basic principles of body tempering remain universal.
Bronze-Tier is the starting point, the initial phase of a warrior or magician's journey. Those who reach this stage have tempered their muscles to hold and absorb Ki or Arcane energy, enhancing their physical abilities and gaining a baseline strength that is beyond the normal person. A Bronze-Tier warrior can lift tremendous weights, while a magician can unleash elemental magic in its rawest form. However, the power they wield is still crude and unrefined. They are just beginning their journey, still mortal and fragile, with plenty of room for growth.
Silver-Tier represents the next step, where the bones are tempered in the same way that muscles are in the Bronze stage. This is the point where the differences between magicians and warriors become apparent. Magicians use Arcane energy to wield more refined, higher-level magic, often relying on elemental forces to create projectile attacks and devastating spells. Meanwhile, warriors draw Ki through their bones, fortifying their physical capabilities to enhance speed, strength, and attack power. At the higher levels of the Silver-Tier, warriors can move with incredible speed and precision, while magicians can manipulate the elements with more control and sophistication.
The Silver-Tier Fifth Stage is where the most refined and powerful warriors or magicians emerge, capable of feats that defy ordinary comprehension. However, it is also at this stage that the gap between tiers becomes significantly larger. A Bronze-Tier Fifth Stage warrior might be strong and capable, but they would be no match for a Silver-Tier First Stage—the difference in power is immense.
The Gold-Tier marks the final stage of the mortal realms, where the body is refined to its fullest extent. At this level, the blood within a person's veins is tempered and refined, unlocking a peak of their potential. Gold-Tier warriors possess incredible physical power, able to wield Ki to devastating effect in close-range combat. Magicians can cast powerful, middle-tier magics capable of leveling entire buildings or even shifting the elements themselves. However, even within the Gold-Tier, the gap between the first and fifth stages is monumental. A Gold-Tier First Stage magician may wield powerful magic, but a Gold-Tier Fifth Stage warrior can crush them in a battle of strength, relying on Ki-powered martial arts techniques.
Even though the Gold-Tier represents the pinnacle of mortal strength, it is still a limitation in comparison to the higher realms of cultivation, such as the Mortal Shedding Realm. But for most people, achieving the Gold-Tier is as close to immortality as they will ever get.
After spending days honing his skills, Elton made his way toward New Brawl City, hoping to resupply and find some new information about the world outside his isolated training grounds. His path took him through dense forests, across quiet rivers, and eventually onto the well-worn roads that led to the bustling city.
The city itself, while not large by the standards of great metropolises like Omerico or Vast City, still held a sense of opportunity. Traders, mercenaries, and wandering cultivators all passed through New Brawl City, offering their wares, services, and stories. The city stood at the border between the war-torn Brawlmanica and the equally scarred Garffle Country, remnants of the long-standing conflict that had ravaged both nations.
As Elton entered the city, he passed by a group of mercenaries who were speaking in hushed tones, their eyes darting around as they gathered near the tavern entrance. His sharp ears caught snippets of their conversation, and one word stood out.
"Competition."
At first, Elton dismissed it as the usual idle talk, but then another mercenary spoke up.
"I hear the Bright Blade Sub-Sect is hosting a martial arts competition. Top 20 prospects get the chance to join, or at least get noticed by the Bright Blade Sect. You've got to be good to get in, but I heard the rewards are worth it."
This piqued Elton's interest. The Bright Blade Sect was a minor sect in the world, but its umbrella connection to the much larger Bright Brilliant Blade Sect made it a tempting target for those looking to gain recognition and prestige. If he could make a name for himself there, it could open up many opportunities—especially if he managed to show his true power.
Another mercenary added, his tone almost taunting, "I doubt any of us have what it takes. It's supposed to be held in 40 days, so if you've got the guts, you better get training. The winners will be given access to the sect's resources, which is worth more than any gold you could steal on the road."
Elton considered the conversation for a moment. The competition sounded like the perfect chance to test his strength, and perhaps even attract some attention from influential figures. He had been in hiding for too long, and a challenge like this might be just the thing he needed to push himself further.
He continued on his way to the tavern, where a large wooden board near the entrance displayed various announcements. Among them, one caught his eye—a brightly painted notice detailing the Martial Arts Competition being held in 40 days. The prize was indeed the chance to join the Bright Blade Sub-Sect, and the top 20 participants would receive exclusive training and resources.
It was exactly as the mercenaries had said.
After gathering the necessary supplies, Elton made his way back to his cave, his mind racing with possibilities. The competition was just the kind of challenge he needed to break through his limitations. He had never been one to shy away from a fight, but this was different. This competition was an opportunity, a stepping stone toward greater things.
Over the next few days, Elton trained relentlessly, pushing himself harder than ever before. He focused on refining his Star Lightning Arts, honing his Silver-Tier Ki techniques, and perfecting his speed and precision. His body was still adjusting to the new power he had attained, but with each passing day, he felt more in control, more certain of his abilities.
At night, he would meditate, allowing the power to settle within him, feeling it flow through his veins like liquid fire. The feeling of growth, of becoming stronger, was addictive.
Yet, in the back of his mind, the Inner Voice whispered, urging him to push beyond his limits.
"You're still holding back," it said, its voice laced with cold confidence. "The Bright Blade Sect won't be enough. You need more—much more."
Elton shook his head, but deep down, he knew the voice was right. He couldn't remain a hidden gem forever. The time for stepping out of the shadows had come.
With 40 days remaining before the competition, Elton made his way back to the city once again. The streets were teeming with hopeful warriors and magicians, each one eager to prove themselves. The competition had stirred a sense of excitement in the city, and soon, a large crowd gathered in front of the Bright Blade Sub-Sect's headquarters to watch the trials begin.
Elton stood at the outskirts, watching the others as they prepared for the tournament. He had no doubts about his abilities, but he couldn't help but feel a twinge of anticipation. This was only the beginning. The real challenge lay ahead.
As he watched the other competitors, his gaze hardened. His path was set. The Bright Blade Sub-Sect would be his first step—just the first in a long and dangerous journey to greater power. And he would let nothing stand in his way.