The journey to Ethan's homeland was not just a path across land it was a descent into memory, into wounds long sealed but never healed. He and Elena traveled through twilight forests and crumbling villages, each step bringing them closer to the truth behind his bloodline's fall.
As they crossed the Mistvale Woods, a strange pulse in Ethan's dantian made him halt. The Dragon Slayer Sword on his back vibrated faintly, reacting to something unseen.
Wait,
Ethan murmured.
There's something calling.
Elena frowned, her senses sharp,
It's not abyssal energy it feels ancient and Pure.
Following the pulse, they found a hidden glade surrounded by silver-leafed trees, their trunks etched with lunar runes. In the center flowed a glowing pond its water infused with spiritual energy so thick, the air itself shimmered with qi threads.
This is a Moonfire Grove,
Elena whispered in awe.
I've only heard of them in Blue Moon scrolls. These groves are remnants of celestial battles where spiritual energy merged with immortal essence during ancient times.
The grove welcomed Ethan like a long-lost child. The talisman on his neck glowed, and the waters parted slightly, revealing a spiral staircase made of living vines descending into a glowing cavern beneath.
Ethan looked to Elena, She smiled softly,
Go and I'll keep watch.
He descended into the cavern where a massive crystal lotus floated above a small spiritual pool, pulsing in sync with his heartbeat. As he stepped closer, tendrils of radiant energy wrapped around him gently, pulling him into meditation.
Visions flooded his mind battlefields scorched with divine flame, a crimson-armored warrior wielding the Dragon Slayer Sword against shadows, and an immortal gate closing upon a starry battlefield.
Is that me?
he whispered.
The lotus reacted, releasing a surge of qi that pierced through his meridians. His body tensed, blood roared in his ears, and his bones cracked with expanding force.
Above ground, Elena felt the spike in his energy and gasped. A golden aura shot up from the cavern, the trees bowing in reverence. The grove was not just helping him
It was tempering him.
Moments later, Ethan emerged, his eyes glowing faintly with gold, his aura denser and colder than before.
Foundation Phase-Level Eight
he said, breathing heavily. But it's more than that. My qi pathways feel reinforced. Like something was waiting for me in that place.
Elena stepped forward, her hand reaching to brush a strand of his hair back. You're leveling fast. But your eyes still look like the boy who risked his life for herbs in a poison swamp.
Their gazes met, and something unspoken surged between them. In the moon-kissed grove, surrounded by ancient spiritual energy, they embraced. It wasn't rushed or lustful just quiet, breathless warmth between two souls who had fought too many battles and finally found a still moment to hold onto.
As they rested near the glowing pond, Ethan looked up at the stars.
Tomorrow we will reach my village, he said.
If my family's killers still live I'll end them.
If answers wait in the ruins, I'll take them.
Elena gently laid her head on his shoulder and said,
You won't face it alone.
A wind swept the grove, carrying whispers from the ancient lotus below echoes of a time when celestial heroes forged their path through chaos and betrayal.
And now, one of their descendants was ready to reclaim his legacy.