Dymas rode away from the ambush site without looking back. The three bodies stayed where they fell, blood soaking into the dirt of the cart trail. Harlan Voss's corpse leaned against the tree, eyes still open, frozen in shock. The forest swallowed the scene as the path curved and the trees closed in again.
The stallion moved at a steady canter now. Dymas kept one hand on the reins, the other resting on the spear across the saddle. His black hair stuck to his forehead with sweat from the fight. His gray eyes stayed fixed ahead, scanning for movement. The cloak flapped behind him, stained darker with fresh blood.
The qi from the kills settled deep in his core. It felt heavier than before. Cleaner. The breakthrough to Layer 4 had left his body humming. Every breath pulled more ambient qi in. The Auto-Cultivation Module ran constant, like a second heartbeat.
He checked the screen.
Current realm progress: Qi Condensation Layer 4 – 98%
Current points: 39,657
One more solid kill or a good absorption and he would hit Layer 5.
The trail narrowed again. The air cooled. Qi thickened until it pressed against his skin.
A notification flashed.
Milestone reached: 10 confirmed kills (human cultivators).
Infinite Shop fully unlocked. Advanced categories available.
New tab: Combat Skills, Weapons, Consumables, Passive Upgrades.
Dymas slowed the horse to a walk. He opened the Shop window fully for the first time.
The grid expanded. Rows upon rows of options. Grayed-out items at the bottom said "Locked – Higher Realm Required." But plenty glowed active.
He scrolled slow.
Basic Sword Intent Lv.1 – Already owned.
Shadow Step Lv.1 – Owned.
Cursed Burst – Owned and upgraded.
New entries:
Mid-Grade Spirit Sword – 4,500 points. Sharpness +30%, qi conduction bonus.
Pain to Power Converter Lv.1 – 3,200 points. Convert received damage into temporary stat boost (stacks with absorber).
Qi Gathering Formation (Portable) – 2,800 points. Set up a small array for 5x ambient qi absorption (one-time use).
Meridian Reinforcement Pill (x3) – 1,800 points. Boost breakthrough success by 40%.
Basic Stealth Cloak – 2,000 points. Reduces detection chance by 25% in low-light.
And more. Techniques. Armor pieces. Even a category for "Companion Bonds" that was still locked.
Dymas stopped the horse beside a fallen log. He dismounted and sat on the wood. The stallion grazed nearby.
He focused on the Shop.
First priority: combat edge. He selected Pain to Power Converter Lv.1.
Purchase confirmed. Points deducted: 3,200
Remaining points: 36,457
A warm pulse ran through his body. The skill settled in. Description updated: Any damage taken now generated a short burst of strength and speed (duration 30 seconds, cooldown 10 minutes). Stacked with absorber for extra points.
Good.
Next, a weapon upgrade. The spear was solid but basic. He looked at Mid-Grade Spirit Sword.
Too expensive for now. He settled on Qi-Infused Spear Upgrade – 1,800 points. Adds qi channel for better Intent flow.
Purchase confirmed.
Remaining points: 34,657
The spear in his hand warmed. Faint blue lines appeared along the shaft. The blade gleamed sharper. Basic Sword Intent felt stronger when he tested a swing.
He stood. Swung once. Air hissed. The cut left a faint qi trail.
Better.
He scrolled further. Found Basic Movement Technique: Wind Glide Lv.1 – 2,500 points. Short bursts of speed without Shadow Step cooldown. Good for evasion.
Purchase confirmed.
Remaining points: 32,157
The skill integrated. He felt lighter on his feet. Tested it: a quick step forward blurred him three meters without using Shadow Step.
Useful.
He saved the rest. No need to burn everything at once.
The forest stayed quiet. No beasts yet. No patrols.
He mounted again. Rode on.
The trail climbed a gentle slope. At the top, the trees parted. A wide view opened: rolling hills to the east, distant mountains blue with haze. A small village nestled in the valley below. Smoke rose from chimneys. Roofs thatched. Walls low stone.
Qi Sense picked up signatures: ordinary people, a few low-realm cultivators. No big sects. Safe enough for now.
Dymas guided the horse down the slope. The village grew closer. Wooden gate. Two guards at the entrance. Spears. No armor. Body Tempering at best.
One raised a hand.
"Halt. State your business."
Dymas stopped ten paces out.
"Passing through. Need supplies. Rest."
The guards looked him over. The torn cloak. The bloodstains. The spear.
"You look like trouble."
Dymas met their eyes.
"I'm not looking for it. Just food and water. Maybe a room."
The second guard shrugged.
"Five silver for entry. No fighting inside."
Dymas tossed a pouch from Harlan's things. Coins clinked.
The guard caught it. Counted. Nodded.
"Keep your weapons sheathed. Head to the inn at the center. Old man runs it. Name's Garrick."
Dymas rode through the gate.
The village street was dirt-packed. Houses on both sides. A blacksmith hammered in a side yard. Women carried baskets. Children ran between legs. Eyes followed him. Whispers started.
He ignored them. Rode to the inn. Two-story building. Sign creaked: "River's Rest."
He dismounted. Tied the horse to a post. Stepped inside.
Dim light. Wooden tables. A few patrons drinking. An old man behind the counter. Gray hair. Scarred hands. Qi Condensation Layer 2.
Garrick looked up.
"Stranger. Room's ten silver a night. Food extra."
Dymas placed coins on the counter.
"Room. Meal. And information."
Garrick pocketed the silver. Poured a mug of ale.
"What kind?"
"News from the capital. Any sects moving in the area?"
Garrick leaned in. Voice low.
"Rumors. Prince exiled. Then escaped. Killed guards. Bounties posted. Five hundred gold for his head. Alive preferred."
Dymas drank from the mug. Ale bitter.
"Anyone come looking?"
"Not yet. But Frostveil disciples passed through yesterday. Asking questions. They looked angry."
Dymas set the mug down.
"Thanks."
Garrick nodded.
"Room upstairs. Second door. Keep quiet."
Dymas climbed the stairs. Small room. Bed. Table. Window overlooking the street.
He barred the door. Sat on the bed.
Opened the Shop again. Scrolled to consumables.
Meridian Reinforcement Pill (x3) – Still available.
He bought them. Swallowed one.
Qi gained: +1,200
Realm progress: Qi Condensation Layer 4 – 99%
Almost.
He lay back. Closed his eyes.
The village sounds drifted up. Laughter. Horses. A child singing.