A Man Like None Other

Chapter 5328

"Not bad at all. Now, try Rock Pulverizer," Jared said. "Gather every grain of spiritual energy at the point, let it lie dormant, then let it burst like an earth vein snapping open. It might seem peaceful, but it contains lightning."

With that, demonstrated. The branch drifted forward, unhurried, then met the iolite with a subdued tap that detonated inward power. The stone blew apart—and yet no splinter flew; a velvet force drew the debris into fine powder and laid it gently at their feet.

Lyra stared, mouth parted, then nodded slowly as an idea bloomed behind her eyes.

She practiced again and again with her longsword. At first, the forms wobbled, but with each pass, she gathered steadiness in her spiritual energy. Soon, every stroke of her sword technique carried the quiet strength of bedrock flexing but never breaking.

By the time the sun bled into the western rim, fresh sword scars striped Training Cliff-dozens of them, each whispering heavy, reined-in power. Sweat glittered on Lyra's brow, and excitement colored her cheeks. "Mr. Chance, I think... I'm starting to grasp the basics."

A bright flicker crossed Jared's gaze-half pride, half something softer that he chose not to name.

He stepped close and brushed the sweat from her cheek with his fingertips. Warmth sparked where his skin met hers, and a slight shiver swept through her despite the lingering heat of exertion.

"Your sword heart was pure from the start," he said quietly. "Now that the foundation is firm, your progress will only quicken." He produced a jade box from his item pouch and continued, "This is Azure Marrow. Dissolve a sliver in spirit water and soak your hands each day. It'll bind your spiritual energy to your blade like sinew to bone."

Inside the box lay a piece of jade marrow, laced with fine azure markings. Soft spiritual energy pulsed beneath its surface, as if the stone itself were breathing-a magical item rarely seen outside legend.

Lyra's eyes misted as she looked at the jade marrow. "Mr. Chance, you're always..."

there's no need for thanks." Jared closed the lid, pressed the box into her palms, and winked. "Rest

her fingertips, and a gentle warmth

to leave. I want you to

only gift she still possessed- the only way she could thank Jared-was the delicate,

asked, his brow creasing. "You're wincing even while you walk-does

breathed, and with steady fingers she unfastened her

swept her into his arms, lips tracing the curve of her shoulder

realized the shy young lady he once protected

send her soul soaring

within Sword Sect's compound for several quiet days

Morden Mr. Flaxseed and I will depart for Darkwind Gorge

exhaled as if releasing

no

return swiftly. Caution must be your closest companion. Their ways

a lacquered chest forward.

Master Morden," Jared replied with a respectful bow,

had already been

of his feet.