From that day on, Xu Yao trained even harder.
Every day, he went into the mountains to hunt spirit beasts.
After each hunt, he absorbed the spiritual energy from the beasts to improve his cultivation.
This time, the strength he gained was truly his own.
Day by day, he became stronger.
His body grew tougher.
His breathing became calmer.
His sword skills improved with every battle.
Three weeks later...
Xu Yao reached the Late Stage of the Mortal Foundation Realm.
But he didn't tell anyone.
There was no need.
He wanted to become stronger quietly.
One day, everyone would see the results for themselves.
A New Sword
A year passed in the blink of an eye.
Xu Yao had now reached the Peak Stage of the Mortal Foundation Realm, only one step away from the Qi Foundation Realm.
He was no longer the weak disciple everyone used to bully.
He had become stronger through hard work and determination.
Still, there was one problem.
The old practice sword he had been using was badly worn out.
It wouldn't last in the upcoming Inner Sect Competition.
Inside his Sea of Consciousness, the little worm spoke.
I can give you a drop of my Ice Essence.
But only to help forge your sword.
"A cultivator shouldn't depend on someone else's power in battle. Your strength must come from yourself."
Xu Yao nodded.
"I understand."
He left his room and headed to the Armory Pavilion.
The armory was filled with all kinds of weapons.
There were swords, spears, sabers, halberds, and many others.
Xu Yao looked at each one carefully.
He picked up several swords, but none of them felt right.
Just then, someone called his name.
"Xu Yao?"
He turned around.
It was Lan Xuan.
Xu Yao greeted him with a respectful bow.
"Senior Brother Lan Xuan"
I never got the chance to thank you for helping me that day.
Lan Xuan smiled.
You don't have to thank me.
I only did what any fellow disciple should do.
He noticed the swords in Xu Yao's hands.
Looking for a weapon?
Xu Yao nodded.
"Yes."
My old sword is too damaged, and the competition is coming soon.
Lan Xuan smiled.
Come with me.
He led Xu Yao to a quiet corner of the armory where almost no one ever went.
In the corner lay an old sword covered in dust.
Its blade had several chips.
Its hilt looked old and worn.
Most people wouldn't even give it a second glance.
Lan Xuan picked it up.
"This sword is called Frostbound Edge". It was once forged with Ice Essence.
But after many years, its power faded away.
Xu Yao's eyes widened.
Ice Essence...
The same thing the little worm had talked about.
Lan Xuan held the sword out to him.
Most people only care about shiny, powerful weapons.They would ignore this sword.
But I think it suits you.
Maybe you'll be the one to restore it.
Xu Yao accepted the sword with both hands.
The moment he touched it, he felt a cool feeling spread through his hand.
It wasn't cold enough to hurt.
Instead, it felt... familiar.
Almost as if the sword had been waiting for him.
Xu Yao bowed once again.
"Thank you, Senior Brother."
Lan Xuan smiled.
You've worked hard for an entire year.
Now go and show everyone what you've become.
Xu Yao held the sword tightly.
"I will."
Inside the Sea of Consciousness
The little worm looked at the old sword and smiled.
So...
We finally found the right one.
Its eyes shone with excitement.
Come on, Host.
"Let's bring this sword back to life."
And with that...
A new chapter in Xu Yao's journey began.