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Eshmund woke up to the gentle rays of the morning sun filtering through the wooden window. The familiar scent of freshly baked bread and herbal tea drifted through the air, wrapping him in the warmth of home. He took a deep breath, imprinting every sensation into his memory – today, he was leaving. In the dining area, his grandmother, Leila, moved around briskly, setting a hearty meal before him. There was a slight hesitation in her movements, a deep reluctance hidden behind her usual efficiency. He had grown up under her care, and now she had to let him go. Ran and Kalen were already seated at the table, enjoying the meal alongside them. The two seniors who had been learning the art of healing with him had rooms at the apothecary for convenience, but they often stayed in the house. Knowing that their junior was leaving, they had specifically slept there the previous night, wanting to spend more time together before he departed. “Eat plenty, dear,” Leila said, placing a bowl of stew in front of him. Her voice was steady, but he could see the emotion behind her eyes. “I’ve packed extra food and other essentials for your journey.”

Eshmund smiled, trying to reassure her. “Grandma, you didn’t have to prepare so much. It’s good that I have a space pouch now, thanks to Muhsan.” He chuckled, “Otherwise, the bundle would be bigger than me.” Leila huffed lightly, but her lips trembled. “The space pouch is empty anyway, so it’s not a trouble. That doesn’t mean you should take things lightly. A well-prepared traveler encounters fewer troubles.” Eshmund took a bite of his meal and sighed softly. “I’m really going to miss your cooking, Grandma.” He smiled, adding with a chuckle, “Luckily, I learned a lot from you. Not as good as you, of course, but at least I won’t starve.” His grandfather, sitting nearby, chuckled, though his usual charismatic tone was subdued. “She’s right. Take everything she gives you, and don’t argue. And remember, this is your journey, but home will always be here.” Eshmund smirked. “I’ll probably need a bigger space pouch so I can store more food every time I come home.” Leila let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “You’re welcome to take as much as you want, my boy.” She then added with a teasing glint in her eyes, “I probably need to exhaust everything in the back garden next time.” Eshmund was a growing boy and indeed needed to eat a lot, but he knew his grandmother was exaggerating. The backyard was full of all kinds of produce, and it would take much more than just him to clear it out. Breakfast passed with unspoken emotions, the weight of farewell heavy in the air. When it was time to leave, Ran and Kalen stood beside him. “We’ll take care of master and master’s wife, so don’t worry,” Ran reassured him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. “You focus on your training and settling in at the sect,” Kalen added. “Remember, discipline and patience will take you far.” Eshmund nodded gratefully. “Thank you. I’ll return as soon as I can to visit.” Before he could take another step, Anise, the blacksmith’s daughter, appeared, her usual teasing grin in place. “So, you’re finally off to be a great cultivator, huh?” she said, arms crossed. “Don’t forget, I’m still a candidate for your future wife!” Eshmund sighed, both amused and embarrassed. “Anise, I’m going to be a martial artist, not a cultivator. I don’t have a spiritual root.” Anise smirked, but her eyes softened. “Fine, fine. A martial artist then. But you’ll still miss me, won’t you?” Eshmund chuckled, his voice tinged with fondness. “Of course, I will.” Then, as if remembering something, he reached into his pouch and pulled out a small, metallic object. It was Cube Part Number 2 – now emptied of the spy nanobots, making it useless to him. But it had a unique, intricate design that made it a fascinating keepsake. He had taken the time to craft it into a necklace, though it was slightly bulky. “Here, Anise. A gift. I figured you’d like something unique.” Anise’s eyes widened as she took the necklace, running her fingers over the intricate patterns. “Whoa… this looks amazing!” She grinned, looping it around her neck. “A bit bulky, but I like it. Now I have something to show off to the other girls. Look, Eshmund gave me this! Must mean something, right?'” she teased. Eshmund rolled his eyes with a chuckle. “Do what you want.” With a playful huff, Anise reached into her pocket and pulled out something wrapped in cloth. “And this is for you.” She unwrapped a bangle, handcrafted from silver and copper. It gleamed under the morning light, simple yet sturdy, shaped to be worn snugly around the wrist like a watch. “I made it myself. Figured you needed something stylish but practical.” Eshmund took it with genuine appreciation, fastening it around his wrist. “This is great, Anise. Thank you.” His grandfather placed a firm hand on his shoulder, his grip warm and steady. “Eshmund, wherever you go, be responsible. Respect others, learn well, and adapt. That is the way to grow.” Eshmund felt the sting of emotions rise in his chest, but he held firm. He took a deep breath and bowed deeply to his grandparents and the gathered well-wishers. “I’ll make you all proud.”

As he stood straight, a sudden gust of wind swept through the village. A shadow passed overhead, and a powerful yet graceful presence descended upon them. Muhsan landed in front of them, seated atop a majestic spirit beast – a creature resembling a fusion of an eagle and a lion. Its feathers shimmered in the morning light, its sharp eyes scanning the surroundings, but despite its imposing appearance, it remained calm and tame. Everyone was captivated by the beast’s sheer strength and elegance. Even Anise, usually full of words, was left speechless. Muhsan dismounted with practiced ease and greeted them. “Eshmund, it’s time. Are you ready?” Eshmund turned to his grandparents one last time, nodding at their encouraging expressions. “Yes.” Muhsan exchanged a few words with Leila and her husband, assuring them that Eshmund would be well taken care of. Then, he gestured for Eshmund to mount the spirit beast. Taking a deep breath, Eshmund climbed up, feeling the firm but smooth surface of the beast’s back beneath him. Muhsan took his place in front, and with a powerful beat of its wings, the creature lifted off the ground. “Hold on thightly, dont fall off” he said jokingly. Eshmund gritted his teeth and hold on to the saddle that has been fastened to the beast. The wind rushed past Eshmund’s face as the massive spirit beast soared through the sky. He gripped the harness tightly, his knuckles turning white, but despite the initial fear clenching his stomach, his fascination far outweighed his anxiety. The beast’s wings flapped powerfully, generating bursts of turbulence that made the flight feel both exhilarating and unpredictable. Mushan, seated comfortably ahead of him, glanced back with an amused smile. “Enjoying the ride?” Eshmund hesitated before nodding. “It’s… amazing. A little terrifying, but still amazing.” Mushan chuckled. “You’ll get used to it. Not everyone gets to ride a spirit beast on their first day.” Eshmund’s eyes remained fixed on the creature, admiring its sleek form and the energy radiating from its body. “How does it work? Having a spirit beast, I mean?”. “Only cultivators can form a bond with a spirit beast companion,” Mushan explained, adjusting his grip on the beast’s reins. “Once bonded, they can store them inside a spirit beast pouch, summoning them when needed.” Eshmund’s heart sank slightly. “So that means I can’t have one?” Mushan seemed to sense his disappointment and, after a pause, continued, “It’s not that simple. The method most cultivators use is more of a forced servitude rather than a true bond. A contract seals the beast’s will, making it submit. But that’s not the only way.” Eshmund looked up, interest rekindled. “There’s another way?” Mushan nodded. “Instead of forcing obedience, you could earn a spirit beast’s trust. Befriend one, and it will follow you willingly. It’s harder, of course. Spirit beasts are intelligent, and they don’t submit easily. But if you succeed, your bond will be much deeper. And there’s another advantage – because they aren’t bound by a master-slave contract, they can cultivate freely, growing stronger without limitations.” “I saved this Leoying from dying. We have been together ever since. It’s a vindictive creature, but it’s also very loyal and knows how to repay kindness. I don’t really need to, but I put a soul imprint on him just for convenience.” Eshmund’s mind raced with possibilities. “So if the beast think I am worthy, It might willingly become my spirit beast companion?” Mushan grinned. “Exactly. You’ll learn more about it once we reach the sect.” Eshmund exhaled slowly and loosened his grip on the harness just a little. The idea of forming a genuine bond with a spirit beast – rather than enforcing submission – felt right.

As they soared through the clouds, the thought stayed with him. The village quickly shrank beneath them as they soared into the sky. About moment later, they landed in a square in town, a designated landing site for cultivators and spirit beasts. Eshmund have informed Muhsan about him needing to make a stop in town before. The town is along their route, so they made a stop Around them, merchants offered temporary care for these creatures. Recognizing Muhsan as a member of the Samang Sect, they greeted him with respectful nods, acknowledging the prestige that came with his presence. They then made their way to “Tistan’s Item Shop,” where Carlan greeted them happily. As Muhsan browsed the shop, Eshmund and Carlan began to chat. “Sorry, bro, I came to your house when you were sick, but you were sleeping,” Carlan said. “You sure you’re okay now?” he asked. Eshmund eased his friend’s worry and replied, “I am okay now, don’t worry about it. I got the books you gave me – thank you very much. They’re great.” Eshmund always bought new books from Carlan’s shop. It was pretty much where he learned about this world. Carlan, knowing his love for reading, always kept some good books aside for him whenever he got his hands on them. People pawned all sorts of things here, including books, and Carlan made sure Eshmund got the best ones. The shop itself was a chaotic mix of the ordinary and the extraordinary. Shelves and display cases lined the walls, holding everything from household items and farming tools to rare trinkets that pulsed with faint energy. There were weapons of different styles, alchemical ingredients in small, well-sealed jars, and even artifacts from cultivators whose origins were unknown. Customers milled about, picking up items with fascination, occasionally glancing toward Carlan, who never missed a chance to engage them. Carlan was a natural-born merchant. With a bright, confident grin, he smoothly pitched items to prospective buyers, weaving compelling stories about their history or usefulness. His father allowed him to mark up prices, and the excess earnings went directly to Carlan himself. It was an arrangement that suited him well – he had already saved a good amount of silver, making him quite successful for his age. This setup also allowed him to hoard select items without incurring losses for the shop, building a private collection of things he found interesting. Carlan crossed his arms and gave Eshmund a scrutinizing look. “You were pretty burned out before. Everyone was worried.” Eshmund scratched his cheek, feeling a little guilty. “Yeah I guess I pushed myself too hard.” Carlan frowned. “How the hell did you get that sick anyway? You’re usually as healthy as an ox! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you sick before.” Eshmund let out a short laugh. “An ox? That’s a weird comparison, but I’ll take it as a compliment.” Carlan smirked. “Well, you’re back on your feet now, so that’s what matters. But seriously, take better care of yourself. Not everyone gets a second chance when they collapse like that.” Eshmund nodded. “I will. And thanks again for the books, Carlan. You always find the best ones.” Carlan waved a hand. “Of course, what kind of brother would I be if I didn’t? Just don’t go getting sick again before you even start your new journey.” Eshmund grinned. “No promises, but I’ll try my best.” Carlan continued, his eyes glinting with curiosity. “I heard you’re going to the Samang Sect.” Eshmund hesitated, a little embarrassed, before shaking his head. “Not exactly. I don’t have a spiritual root, so I can’t cultivate like the others. I’ll be training as a martial artist instead.” Carlan raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Well, that’s still impressive. Not everyone has the guts to step into that world. You better come back stronger.” Eshmund chuckled. “That’s the plan.” Eshmund was a little puzzled that Carlan knew he was going to the Samang Sect. “How did you find out about that?” he asked. Carlan brushed it off with a proud grin. “To be a great merchant someday, of course, I have my ways.” Eshmund shook his head with a small laugh. Carlan was always full of surprises. “Well, in that case, you might be in for some business dealings in the future. Keep saving books for me.” Carlan gave him a thumbs-up. “Consider it done! Now, do you need anything else before you head off?” Eshmund nodded and started browsing the shop. He picked up a few things he thought might be useful for his experiments – copper wires, metal plates, paper and ink, acidic and alkaline solutions, and even some magnetic lodestones. Carlan, already used to Eshmund’s odd purchases, simply grinned and rang up the items. “You always buy the weirdest stuff, but hey, as long as you pay, I’m happy to sell.” Eshmund laughed. “That’s why I like shopping here. You never ask too many questions.” Carlan smirked. “A good merchant knows when to stay curious and when to just take the money.” He packed up the items neatly. Eshmund took the package and, with a slight grin, decided to show off a little. With a flick of his wrist, the package disappeared into his space pouch. Carlan’s eyes widened. “Damn, you have one of those?” he said, clearly envious. Eshmund smirked. “Convenient, isn’t it? It was given to me by my teacher, Mr Muhsan. That gentlemen over there” Eshmund said , pointing to Muhsan. Carlan groaned. “Not that I can’t afford one, but I just can’t use them. What a waste.” He crossed his arms, looking at Eshmund in mock dissatisfaction. “Maybe you should make one that everyone can use, bro. Imagine the things I could store in there! A merchant like me equipped with that thing – I’d be like a tiger with wings!” Eshmund laughed. “I’ll see what I can do. No promises.” Carlan shook his head, still grinning. “Yeah, yeah, just don’t forget about me when you make it big.” Eshmund smirked. “Wouldn’t dream of it. See you next time, Carlan.” After exchanging goodbyes, Eshmund promised he would return. Muhsan made sure they hadn’t forgotten anything before they headed to the landing site. Once everything was confirmed, they continued their journey. The flight on the spirit beast was smooth and fast. Now that Eshmund had gotten used to the sensation of flying, most of his fear had faded, replaced by fascination. The beast soared through the sky with powerful wing-beats, covering vast distances in a fraction of the time it would take by foot. The view was breathtaking – rolling green hills stretched far below them, rivers winding like silver veins, and forests sprawling endlessly toward the horizon. The wind rushed past, crisp and invigorating, making the whole experience feel exhilarating rather than terrifying. As they drew closer to the Samang Sect, Eshmund could feel a distinct change in the air. The magical energy in the surroundings grew denser, humming faintly against his skin. The landscape beneath them became more vibrant – trees stood taller, their leaves a richer shade of green, and the very earth seemed to pulse with vitality. When they crossed into the sect’s energy boundary, the shift became even more pronounced. The protective magical formation that enclosed the sect clearly nourished the land within, making it noticeably different from the outer world. The jorney only took about an hour. The Samang Sect was located straight north of Packabee Country, nestled within towering mountains that seemed to pierce the heavens. As they approached, Eshmund could make out the sect’s structures – grand buildings with sloping roofs, massive courtyards, and training grounds stretching across the landscape. Waterfalls cascaded down rocky cliffs, feeding into mist-covered lakes that shimmered under the sunlight. The moment they neared the sect, Muhsan guided the beast into a gradual descent, landing in a designated area where several other spirit beasts were resting. Eshmund took a deep breath as he dismounted, feeling the weight of this new chapter settling in. He had arrived at the Samang Sect, and his journey was truly beginning.