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..."

closed the lid, pressed the box into her palms, and winked. "Rest now. At dawn-rise, meet me here and we'll

seeped into her fingertips, and a gentle

I don't want to leave. I

possessed- the only way she could thank Jared-was

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

steady fingers she unfastened her robe.

restraint dissolved. He swept her into his arms, lips tracing the

he once protected had become a

enough to send her soul

Flaxseed remained within Sword Sect's compound for

I will depart for Darkwind Gorge today

exhaled as

no longer hold,

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

pushed a lacquered chest forward.

Jared replied with a respectful bow, before turning to Flaxseed.

already been

the balls of his