The days passed like a dream for Li Xuan. Each one blended into the next as he immersed himself deeper into the teachings of the Nine Heavens Moon Sect. The Moon-Severing Sword Art was no longer just a series of movements—it was becoming an extension of his body, a rhythm that resonated with his very being. Every slash of his sword seemed to draw the moonlight into his body, sharpening his spirit.
His training regimen had become more disciplined. Morning and evening, he would practice the sword art, flowing through its forms as the sun rose and set. By day, he would meditate on the Nine Heavens Moon Inheritance Scripture, drawing upon the power of the moon's essence. His energy was ever-expanding, and with every passing day, the bond between him and the Nine Heavens Moon Sect grew stronger.
Yet, even as his cultivation soared, there was one important aspect of his life that couldn't be ignored—his need to eat.
Li Xuan had always been a man of discipline, and hunger would not stand in his way. He had long since mastered the basics of cooking, and with his Moon-Severing Sword Art, hunting was no challenge. Early each morning, before he began his practice, he would venture out into the forest.
The Starling Phoenix fluttered beside him, its small wings stirring the air as it chirped, excited to accompany its master. Over time, the bond between them grew stronger. It was no longer just a beast or a companion—it was a partner, its intelligence sharpening with each passing day.
Li Xuan would often send the Phoenix out to scout ahead. With its ability to control wind and fire, it had become an invaluable aid, spotting prey from far distances. The forest was full of demon beasts, each more dangerous than the last, but they all fell before Li Xuan's blade.
Today, he had set his sights on a Fire-Bear, a fierce, flame-infused beast that roamed the deeper parts of the forest. He could feel the heat from its massive form long before it came into view, the air around it warping from the intense flames it exuded.
The Phoenix, ever eager, darted ahead to scout, its wings slicing through the air like a blade.
"There it is," Li Xuan murmured, catching sight of the hulking beast. Its eyes burned like coals, and steam rose from its fur. It was a dangerous creature, but to Li Xuan, it was just another challenge to overcome.
He unsheathed his sword, a gleam of silver flashing in the dim light of the forest. The Starling Phoenix perched on a nearby branch, chirping excitedly as Li Xuan took his stance.
He knew the Fire-Bear would be powerful—its flames could burn through metal, but with his Moon-Severing Sword Art and the Phoenix by his side, he felt confident.
The battle was fierce. The Fire-Bear charged at him, its flames lighting up the forest. Li Xuan responded with a swift slash of his sword, sending a wave of energy that collided with the beast's fiery charge. The air sizzled as the two forces collided, the explosion of heat and power sending shockwaves through the forest.
But Li Xuan was not deterred. The Phoenix, sensing his determination, soared into the sky, calling down a storm of fire and wind, pushing the Fire-Bear back. Li Xuan took advantage of the opening, charging forward with a lightning-fast strike.
The blade sang through the air, cutting through the Fire-Bear's defenses, and with one final, decisive blow, the beast fell to the ground with a heavy thud.
Li Xuan stood, panting slightly from the exertion. The Phoenix fluttered down, landing on his shoulder, its eyes glowing with pride.
"Good work," Li Xuan said, smiling at his companion.
He knelt beside the Fire-Bear, gathering its demon beast meat and fire essence, both of which would be valuable for his training and nourishment.
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That evening, after returning to the cave, Li Xuan set to work cooking the meat. The aroma of roasted demon beast filled the cave as he expertly prepared a hearty meal. He had grown accustomed to preparing food with the same precision as his sword techniques, each step taken with care and mindfulness.
The Phoenix chirped in approval as it perched on a nearby stone, watching eagerly as Li Xuan finished. As they ate, Li Xuan's mind wandered.
The world beyond the forest still held many dangers. Cultivators, treasure hunters, and enemies from his past were all out there, waiting. But with the Nine Heavens Moon Sect's techniques and the power of his Starling Phoenix, Li Xuan was no longer just a broken noble. He was a cultivator on the rise—an inheritor of a forgotten legacy.
For now, though, he would enjoy this moment of peace. He would continue to nurture his companion, refine his strength, and keep his cultivation steady. With each passing day, he was drawing closer to his ultimate goal.
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Days passed, and Li Xuan's cultivation inched ever forward. He continued to practice his sword art, deepening his understanding of the Moon-Severing Sword Art, and he found himself getting closer to reaching the limit of 9th Stage of Qi Refinement.
The bond between him and the Phoenix grew, too. As the Phoenix matured, it began to exhibit more abilities—small bursts of fire to aid him in combat, gusts of wind to hasten his movements, and even the ability to scout ahead with greater precision.
Li Xuan smiled as the Phoenix chirped from the edge of the cave one evening, looking at him as if to say, "Let's go again."
He stood, stretching his arms and gathering his thoughts.
"Tomorrow," he said quietly, "we continue. Together."
The future was still uncertain, but for now, Li Xuan had found a rhythm. His path was set, and with each step, the world became a little smaller, his power a little greater.
The legacy of the Nine Heavens Moon Sect was alive, and its new master was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
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