After being defeated by Zhao liang , Xu Yao lay in his dorm, staring at the ceiling.
His body ached, but the pain in his heart was stronger.
> Xu Yao (thinking): "I relied too much on the spirit worm… If it sleeps, I become helpless. I cannot walk the path of cultivation on borrowed strength. I must grow… with my own power."
He clenched his fists.
At dawn, without informing anyone, Xu Yao took his rusted practice sword, a small bag of dry rations, and left the sect grounds.
His target:
The Outer Spirit Beast Forest — a dangerous area where low-level beasts roamed.
Most disciples only came here in groups.
Xu Yao came alone.
---
As he walked deeper into the forest, the air grew heavy, filled with wild qi.
Leaves trembled.
Branches snapped.
A Low Rank Spirit Wolf emerged — fangs exposed, eyes hungry.
Xu Yao tightened his grip on the sword.
No worm.
No guidance.
Only himself.
The wolf pounced.
Xu Yao dodged clumsily.
Not perfect, but enough.
He struck back—
A slash to the wolf's leg.
Claw!
The wolf scratched his shoulder.
Blood spilled.
But Xu Yao didn't stop.
Footwork.
Breathing.
Patience.
He waited for an opening and—
Slash!
The wolf collapsed.
His breath was ragged.
His body burned.
But he smiled.
> Xu Yao: "I can fight… even alone."
He placed his hand on the beast's chest and circulated his breathing technique, absorbing a trace of beast essence directly into his body.
It was painful—like fire running through his veins.
He gritted his teeth and endured.
---
Inside His Sea of Consciousness
A faint glow stirred.
A soft voice… sleepy and surprised.
> Worm Spirit: "You… chose to fight alone… even when I slept. Hm. You are growing."
Xu Yao didn't react with joy.
He spoke calmly.
> Xu Yao: "I don't want to depend on you forever. I must be strong on my own."
The little worm floated in the glowing sea, blinking its tiny eyes.
Then… it smiled.
> Worm Spirit: "Good. You finally understand. I do not want you to rely on me… I want you to rise with me."
The space around Xu Yao shifted and a glowing scroll appeared in front of him.
> Worm Spirit: "This is a Devouring Meridian Cultivation Method.
It allows you to convert beast essence directly into your own strength—slowly, steadily, without harming your foundation."
Xu Yao's eyes widened.
> Xu Yao: "Why give it to me now?"
The worm answered softly.
> Worm Spirit: "Because only someone who dares to bleed and stand alone… is worthy of true power."
Xu Yao knelt quietly in the dream-like space.
Not worshiping.
But respecting.
---
Xu Yao's Next Stage Begins