Two months flew by, and Devor’s transformation was undeniable. The once frail young man, weighed down by setbacks and betrayal, now stood tall, radiating a quiet strength and unshakeable determination. He had shed the bitterness that once clouded his heart, replacing it with a laser focus on self-improvement.

  In the dim cave, the flickering torchlight danced along the rough stone walls, casting shifting shadows that mirrored Devor’s movements. A cold wind whispered through the cracks, carrying the eerie presence of Beastbound Hollow. Yet Devor remained undaunted, his mind locked onto his training.

  Taking a deep breath, he lifted his sword. Spiritual energy coursed through him, seamlessly flowing into the blade as if it were an extension of his own body. Where once his movements had been awkward and unsure, they now flowed with the grace of a seasoned warrior—each swing deliberate, each motion precise. The air seemed to ripple with each arc of his blade, a soft breeze trailing behind.

  The cave softly echoed the rhythmic swish of his practice, a symphony of steel slicing through the air. Devor’s body moved with a newfound fluidity, free of stiffness but tightly controlled. His hands and feet worked in perfect harmony, driven by an internal rhythm only he could feel. Every move was intentional, forging his muscles and bones with strength, flexibility, and precision.

  Devor carefully restrained the surge of his spiritual energy, focusing instead on mastering the basics. He knew raw power alone wouldn’t be enough. Balance was crucial—building strength while staying flexible, ready to adapt to whatever came his way.

  After a flawless series of sword movements, Devor lowered his blade, steadying his breath. The sword emitted a faint hum, as if in tune with his growing mastery. Setting it aside, he shifted his focus to the Body Refining Technique, another pillar of his grueling training.

  Planting his feet firmly on the cold stone, Devor took a solid stance. He clenched his fists, muscles tensing as he began channeling spiritual energy through his body. This energy was different—heavier, denser, and far harder to control. It pressed against his muscles and bones, creating an invisible weight that tested his endurance.

  He started with a simple punch. But as his fist sliced through the air, it felt like he was pushing against an immovable mountain. Each strike sent waves of strain through his body, the pain sharp and relentless. Yet, Devor didn’t waver. He embraced the pain, understanding it was the cost of growth.

  Punch after punch, the weight on his body seemed to increase, his muscles screaming in protest. The spiritual energy coursing through him felt like molten iron, tearing him apart only to forge him anew. The pain, though searing, reminded him that he was pushing past his limits.

  The echoes of his strikes reverberated through the cave, blending with the oppressive energy of Beastbound Hollow. Deep beneath the surface, the faint presence of imprisoned Spiritual Beasts added a subtle, yet palpable pressure to the air. But Devor trained on, oblivious to the lurking dangers. In this moment, his world was consumed by one thing—his relentless pursuit of strength.

  By the end of two months, Devor was almost unrecognizable. His once frail, thin frame had transformed into a lean, muscular build. The hesitation that once clouded his eyes was gone, replaced by a quiet, burning confidence. His transformation wasn’t just physical—it was carved into his very essence.

  Still, Devor refused to grow complacent. He knew the journey ahead would be long and filled with challenges. Each day of training was another step forward, another layer of defense against the brutal realities of the cultivation world.

  As he wrapped up his session, Devor took a deep breath, releasing the tension that had built within him. Sweat streamed down his body, glistening in the dim torchlight. He carefully set his sword aside and walked over to the large stone in the corner of the cave—a makeshift resting place he’d grown to appreciate.

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  Settling onto the stone, Devor leaned back against the cool wall. The flickering torch cast a soft glow across his face, highlighting the determination etched into his features. His eyes lingered on the flame, its gentle dance mirroring the steady resolve burning within him.

  "Step by step," he murmured, his voice low but resolute. "I will grow stronger. Strong enough to protect what matters to me. Strong enough to face whatever lies ahead."

  In the quiet of the cave, surrounded by the echoes of his hard work, Devor felt a rare sense of calm. The path before him was uncertain, but his resolve was unwavering.

  "Two months," he muttered, his voice hoarse with exhaustion. "I’ve finally cleared my debt to Wulin. Thanks to Senior Sister Yulin selling those four Sky-Grade Seeds, everything went according to plan."

  He exhaled deeply, the cool cave air brushing against his skin. The debt had been a heavy burden, but the relief he expected hadn’t come. Instead, a quiet resolve had taken its place.

  “The Sky-Grade Seeds were valuable, sure,” Devor murmured, his eyes resting on his calloused hands. “But their worth doesn’t compare to the weight lifted off my conscience.”

  A faint smile played at the corners of his lips as he remembered his conversation with Yulin. “She tried to refuse her share—the ten Earth-Grade Seeds—but she couldn’t argue with my logic. Senior Sister always puts on a tough front, but deep down, she’s too kind for her own good.”

  He chuckled softly, the memory of Yulin’s reluctant acceptance bringing a rare moment of lightness to his otherwise heavy thoughts. “And Liara, along with the others... I made sure they got their share too—five Earth-Grade Seeds each, as compensation for everything they went through.”

  Devor’s smile faded as he thought about the calamity that had befallen them. No one had openly blamed him, but the guilt still lingered. “They deserved it. It was the least I could do to keep the peace. Even a small gesture can mend a crack before it grows too deep.”

  He could still see their surprised expressions when Yulin handed over the seeds. Despite their initial hesitation, they accepted the gesture, and with it, the tension seemed to melt away.

  His gaze drifted to the spiritual garden tucked in the corner of the cave, its soft glow a testament to his careful nurturing. The plants thrived under the protective barrier he had painstakingly maintained, their energy fueling not just the garden, but his growing ambitions as well.

  "This garden..." Devor murmured, his voice quiet with satisfaction. "The harvest is steady every month. It’s not just a source of income—it’s proof that I’m making progress, even in this confined space."

  His thoughts drifted to Aoyun, his unlikely ally. "With Aoyun’s help, I’ve been able to sell the crops at fair prices. Thirty percent of the profits might sound high, but it keeps him happy—and, more importantly, keeps him on my side."

  A rare grin tugged at the corners of Devor’s lips. Who would have thought that the stern, aloof Aoyun would have warmed up so much? Now, the man even cracked jokes from time to time, treating him like a friend.

  But despite these small victories, Devor knew better than to get comfortable. He leaned back against the cool stone wall, his gaze growing distant. "All of this—paying off debts, mending relationships, building a solid foundation—it’s just the beginning. The suffering, the pain... they’re part of the road to true power. I can’t afford to stop now."

  The weight of his words hung in the air as Devor closed his eyes, allowing himself a brief moment of peace in the stillness of the cave. But his mind was far from quiet.

  "I’ve grown stronger," he admitted softly, barely a whisper. "But strength without experience is worthless. I haven’t faced real combat yet. Without that, my progress is still raw, untested."

  Slowly, Devor stood, his movements steady and purposeful. His gaze sharpened as it fell on the cave’s entrance, where the faint light from outside filtered in, casting long shadows across the stone floor.

  Devor replayed Aoyun’s words from a few days ago. The man had mentioned a special team operating within Beastbound Hollow, tasked with capturing Spiritual Beasts for the sect. It was a dangerous mission, but one that promised real combat experience.

  "That’s exactly what I need," Devor thought, his hand tightening around the hilt of the sword resting by his side. "If I’m going to test the strength I’ve built, there’s no better way than facing the beasts hiding down there."

  But he knew opportunities like this didn’t come without a price. Aoyun had been clear: everything had a cost, and even sharpening his swordsmanship would require something in return.

  Devor’s grip tightened as determination flared in his eyes. "Whatever the price, I’ll pay it. Without power, everything I’ve worked for can be taken away in an instant."

  With his resolve set, Devor stepped forward, leaving behind the warmth of the spiritual garden and the security of his cave. He was ready to face whatever dangers lurked in the depths of Beastbound Hollow.