LOST CULTIVATION METHODS

Five days had passed since the survivors of Valeria returned under Jin's protection.

During that time, the once-ruined city began to breathe again. Walls had been reinforced. Roofs were patched.

A small field had been cleared for crops, and rudimentary homes were being restored by Earth and Wood affinity cultivators.

Jin worked tirelessly—his strength unmatched, his authority unquestioned.

With the City Lord's token hanging visibly from his belt, he stood at the center of it all, organizing the people based on their elemental affinities.

"Wood element users," he said, standing atop a stone block,

"you're in charge of gathering timber and regrowing the fallen trees around the perimeter.

Earth types, I want water channels reinforced and temporary wells dug.

Fire and metal users?

Forge tools, reinforce structure supports. Wind users—aid movement and transport between work zones. Everyone else, follow the task board and report to Lana for shifts."

The people listened. Some were young and new to magic, others older and worn. But hope returned to their eyes. Progress was slow, but it was progress.

Meanwhile, in the capital, the palace had turned into a battlefield.

Two princes—both legitimate sons of the king—clashed within the Grand Council Hall.

The First Prince, armored in gold and red, stood with blood streaked across his cheek. His blade was drawn, and his guards had already overpowered two of the Second Prince's attendants.

"You always hid behind books and politics, coward!" the First Prince roared. "Now you dare raise a blade to me?"

The Second Prince, leaner and clad in violet robes, raised his hand, crackling with lightning.

"Better than hiding behind Mother's skirt like you always have. Or is Molana too busy poisoning the court to hold your hand?"

"Insult my mother again, and I'll cut your tongue out!"

"Go ahead," the Second Prince spat. "You'll have to catch me first, you half-wit bastard!"

Steel met magic in a cacophony. Guards were forced to intervene, but many chose sides, fanning the flames of civil war.

From a high balcony, Queen Molana watched with cold, seething rage. Her gloved fingers crushed the edge of her teacup.

"So they want to ruin my plans… in front of the entire court?" she muttered. "Fine."

She stood, her silk robes swirling around her. "Time to fix things myself."

Within the royal harem, the atmosphere was different. Peaceful.

A room full of girls sat on fine cushions, quietly embroidering mythical beasts onto rich silk tapestries. T

his was the Princesses' Education Hall, where the daughters of the royal family were taught etiquette, crafts, and 'non-political grace.'

Several young girls murmured while they worked.

"I think the First Prince will win. He's stronger."

"But he's cruel," one countered. "The Second Prince is smarter. I heard he tamed a phoenix once."

"And what about that forgotten prince?" another said suddenly.

"The one who left years ago with his mother. Prince Jin, wasn't it? At least he's not stuck in this power struggle."

Molana's favored daughter, sitting nearby, snapped her thread.

"Don't speak of that lowborn. He abandoned his birthright. He's no better than a runaway slave."

Another girl glared. "He might've escaped something worse."

Before the argument could escalate, the room's door opened with a creak.

The matron entered.

Though a servant by status, she was feared more than most nobles. Her stare silenced the entire room.

"Too much chatter," she said coolly.

"Today's lesson: the Phoenix Embroidery must be completed by dusk. Speak again, and your hands will bleed from extra practice."

Everyone fell silent.

Back in Valeria, Jin had taken a rare break from command.

He wandered through the outer forest to scout the land.

That's when he discovered it—a naturally heated spring nestled between rocks, steam curling lazily into the sky.

After careful inspection, and a system scan to confirm no hidden threats, he stripped down and sank into the soothing waters.

"Finally," he murmured. "A moment of peace."

The warmth seeped into his dense muscles, helping to ease the lingering pressure of his newly evolved body.

Steam cloaked the area, giving him privacy.

Until he heard it.

"…Where did he go? I'm sure I saw him this way…"

It was Lila.

She was dressed in newly-forged light armor—practical but accentuating her curves—and her golden hair was tied back in a warrior's tail.

Jin perked up slightly, but the mist was thick.

Lila narrowed her eyes. "Huh. Can't sense anything inside…"

She approached the spring.

Jin felt the system flicker.

[Disaster Level: Moderate. Hormonal distraction imminent.]

She stood at the edge, smirking. "Hmm. Guess I'll just bathe anyway."

She began to undress.

Jin stiffened.

At first, she turned her back, expecting Jin to flee or panic.

He didn't.

In fact, his gaze didn't even flinch.

Her towel dropped.

When she turned, she caught him staring—not in lust, but in challenge. He was calm. Steady. Unshaken.

"…You're hard-boned," she said, both impressed and amused.

"I train a lot," Jin replied dryly.

She stepped forward, entering the pool. "Most men would've run away."

"I'm not most men."

She chuckled, but the heat wasn't from the spring anymore.

"Well, now I want to see what else you're made of," she teased.

"I already know what you're made of," he replied, eyes briefly flicking to her curves.

"Don't think I didn't notice how well your body matches my mother's."

"Ohhh," she smirked. "So you have been looking."

Jin blushed, caught off guard. "Y-Yeah, I guess."

"Well then, maybe I'll borrow her clothes."

She turned and left the pool with casual grace.

Jin, trying to control himself, returned to his seat…

but his curiosity betrayed him.