Emperor Defiance had truly begun his cultivation. The Thousand Refinements Scripture, while basic, provided the foundational method for circulating the refined spirit energy from his Spirit-Gathering Jade through his meridians. Every night, in the quiet solitude of his hut, he painstakingly guided the energy, slowly but surely solidifying his Lesser Spirit Meridian – the first critical step in the Spirit Refining Stage. It was a torturously slow process, each minute increment feeling like a monumental effort, but Defiance was patient. His early life of scarcity had taught him the value of persistence.
His progress, though glacial by a true genius's standards, was nonetheless miraculous for someone initially deemed without a spiritual root. After nearly three Great Eras (300,000 mortal years, though for Defiance, it felt like three decades of relentless, isolated effort), he finally reached the First Layer of Spirit Refining. A faint internal glow, almost imperceptible, now resided in his lower dantian, a testament to his sheer will.
Beyond personal cultivation, Defiance diligently practiced Talisman-making. He'd spent endless hours experimenting, meticulously drawing Spirit Runes on rough parchment with rudimentary Talisman Pens and Spirit Inks. He learned to focus his nascent spiritual energy into the delicate strokes, pouring his concentration into each symbol. Most attempts failed, resulting in wasted materials and frustrating bursts of unstable energy. But gradually, his success rate improved. He could now consistently craft Low-grade Fireball Talismans and Basic Strength Talismans, each a precious resource for someone without direct combat spells. He hid a small cache of these, his secret trump cards.
The village, however, was growing restless. The recent minor drought had decimated crops, and tensions were high. Rumors of increasing spirit beast activity in the Blackwood Forest spread like wildfire. These weren't powerful cultivators' spirit beasts, but wild, feral creatures slightly enhanced by sparse spirit energy, capable of tearing a mortal limb from limb.
One evening, a frantic villager burst into Defiance's home. "Emperor Defiance! Quickly! The beasts… they're attacking the outer farms! We need help!"
Defiance's heart tightened. He was no hero, and certainly no warrior. But these were his people, his home. And this was an opportunity, however perilous, to test his meager strength and his carefully hoarded resources. He grabbed his worn leather pouch, securing his Talismans, and unsheathed a crude iron sword.
The scene at the edge of the village was chaotic. A pack of Shadow Wolves, their eyes glowing malevolently in the twilight, were tearing at the makeshift fences. A few brave villagers, armed with pitchforks and crude bows, were already injured. Their local "cultivator," a middle-aged man stuck at the Third Layer of Spirit Refining, was valiantly fending off a larger wolf, his simple Spirit Blade barely holding its own.
Defiance analyzed the situation. The elder was strong, but tiring. The wolves were coordinated. He needed to strike fast and decisively. Hiding behind a large oak tree, he took out a Fireball Talisman. With a deep breath, he activated it, pouring his purified spirit energy into the rune. Fwoosh! A small, but potent, fireball erupted from his hand, streaking towards the largest wolf.
The creature howled as the flames singed its fur, momentarily disorienting it. The elder seized the chance, driving his blade deep. The wolf fell, thrashing. But more were coming.
Defiance quickly drew another Talisman. This time, a Strength Talisman. Activating it, a faint golden glow enveloped his body. He felt a surge of raw, physical power, his muscles tensing. "Everyone, fall back behind the barricade!" he roared, a rare display of authority. Then, he charged, not at the lead wolf, but at a flanking one that was about to ambush a downed villager.
His iron sword, augmented by the Talisman, struck with surprising force. The wolf, caught off guard, yelped as the blow connected. Defiance followed up with a kick, sending it sprawling. He wasn't elegant, but he was effective. The combination of raw strength and the unexpected Talismans caused confusion among the beasts.
The skirmish was short but brutal. By the time the last Shadow Wolf limped away, leaving behind several dead and wounded, the village was exhausted. Defiance stood panting, his iron sword dripping, his spiritual energy almost depleted. He'd barely made it through, but he had made it. And he had used his unique blend of Spirit-Gathering Jade and Talisman Crafting to turn the tide.
News of the wolf attack, and Defiance's unexpected role in it, quickly spread beyond Blackwood Village. While many saw him as a lucky mortal, or perhaps a minor, eccentric cultivator, the tale reached the ears of a low-ranking deacon from the Azuremist Sect, the dominant Phàm Giới Môn Phái in this region.
A few weeks later, a group of cultivators from the Azuremist Sect arrived. They were clad in azure robes, their auras significantly stronger than anyone Defiance had ever encountered. The lead deacon, a stern-faced man at the Third Layer of Foundation Establishment, surveyed the village, his gaze lingering on Defiance.
"We heard of the beast attack, and your… surprising contribution, young one," the deacon said, his voice flat. "Your actions, though reckless for a mortal, saved lives. The Azuremist Sect is always in need of new blood. We offer you an opportunity."
Defiance's mind raced. An opportunity? This was it. A chance to truly step onto the path of cultivation. But he remembered his caution. Sects were never simple. They came with rules, expectations, and often, hidden dangers. He had his secrets – the Spirit-Gathering Jade and his Talisman-making – secrets he wasn't willing to share.
"What kind of opportunity, Elder?" Defiance asked, his voice respectful, yet wary.
The deacon smirked slightly. "We are accepting new disciples. Your current strength is negligible, and your spiritual root… well, let's just say it's barely there. But your courage, and the way you handled yourself, suggests potential. We will test you. If you pass, you will become an Outer Disciple of the Azuremist Sect. A new path, far from this dusty village, awaits."
Defiance suppressed a grin. This was exactly what he needed. A chance to access proper cultivation techniques, more abundant spiritual energy, and perhaps, even better Heaven and Earth Treasures or Spirit Elixirs. He knew it wouldn't be easy. He knew he'd have to hide his true abilities, especially the Spirit-Gathering Jade, from prying eyes. But the risks were worth the rewards. He nodded, his gaze resolute.
"I accept, Elder. I am ready."
The deacon simply grunted, turning to his disciples. "Prepare the transport. We depart for the sect tomorrow."
As the cultivators turned to leave, Defiance glanced back at his small hut, then down at his hidden pouch, where the Spirit-Gathering Jade pulsed ever so faintly. The path ahead was uncertain, fraught with unseen enemies and unspoken rules. But for the first time, Emperor Defiance felt a burgeoning sense of control over his own destiny. The first step into the wider, more dangerous world of cultivation was about to begin.