LOST CULTIVATION METHODS

The rising sun cast a golden hue over Valeria, a city still young yet pulsing with growing power.

Jin stood atop a half-finished watchtower, his cloak fluttering in the breeze.

The sounds of construction filled the air — hammers ringing against stone, shouts from laborers, and the rhythmic beat of progress.

He had five days left.

Five days before the next beast horde would strike.

And the city walls were still incomplete.

"Move the stone braces in line! Reinforce with iron supports!" he barked, voice sharp but calm.

The people obeyed without hesitation. They trusted him — and from that trust, his power grew.

[System Notification: You have received City Lord Tokens – Total: 23]

From daily labor reports, defense development, and people's gratitude.

Every token counted. Every choice now echoed across the coming storm.

That afternoon, Jin entered the newly built military training grounds.

Rows of recruits stood firm, sweat glistening on brows. Men and women — farmers, refugees, ex-soldiers — all now wore the same uniform stitched in Valeria's growing textile hall.

The general, the battle-hardened father of the rescued girl, snapped a salute. "They've improved, but they still lack unity in motion."

Jin nodded. Then he stepped forward and raised a hand.

[Technique Upload: Acquired – Mountain Tyrant Fist Style]

An ancient martial technique developed by the Tyrant Clan. Physical-based, ideal for those without elemental affinity. Purchased using City Lord Points.

"Listen well!" Jin's voice boomed across the grounds. "This is the Mountain Tyrant Fist Style — born from war, refined by time. It does not need mana. It needs resolve and strength. Train in this, and no beast will break your line."

He demonstrated the technique, his fists whistling through the air. The ground cracked where he stomped, his body flowing like iron guided by will.

The soldiers watched, stunned — then followed. Step by step, fist by fist, they learned.

Jin stayed with them for hours, correcting forms, offering advice. For the first time, the army moved as one.

By evening, he walked to the clinic division, where Sarah and the other healers were tending to wounded trainees and civilians.

"Your Highness," Sarah greeted, wiping her hands.

"I brought something for you all," Jin replied. "A healing technique passed down by the Elven Cloudlight Clan—before they were wiped out."

He projected the method using a system memory shard, the information flowing like mist. The technique was elegant, using internal energy circulation and breath resonance to stimulate regeneration.

Even Sarah was stunned. "This… this could triple our recovery rates."

"It will," Jin said. "You're the first line after every battle. You deserve every advantage."

As night descended, Jin returned to the Valerian Library, its torches flickering against the polished wood shelves.

He scanned through the sections, tracing ancient cultivation texts and smithing manuals. Then the system chimed:

[System Notification: You have gained 120 Contribution Points from the people.]

[System Shop Unlocked – Tier 1 Available]

[You may now purchase crafting blueprints, tools, formations, and relic fragments.]

He didn't hesitate.

With a few quick selections, he unlocked a Beast Forging Technique — one that required beast parts and essence to mold weapons of spiritual resonance.

He brought out the bodies of beasts slain in the previous horde attack — fanged wolves, armored lizards, and the massive ape-beast from the first battle.

[Beast Materials Compatible]

[Forging Skill Unlocked – Title Gained: Blacksmith (Beginner)]

[Crafting Options: Basic Weaponry | Custom Forging | Spirit Infusion – 1% chance]

Jin's hands moved with practiced calm, guided by the system.

He melted bones, ground scales, folded sinew and steel together. Sparks danced under moonlight. The process was laborious, precise — and deeply satisfying.

Then came the boss core — the heart of the giant ape-beast. It radiated aggression.

Forging it took effort. Sweat poured. Jin channeled every ounce of his Tyrant Body into the anvil.

The metal screamed, groaned… then sang.

[Spirit Infusion Successful]

Weapon Created: Ape King's Fangblade (Spiritual Weapon – Grade: Rare)

Effect: Enhances raw strength. Weapon contains a dormant beast spirit. Compatible with Host.

[Title Upgrade: Blacksmith (Intermediate)]

Jin lifted the blade.

It thrummed in his grip, eager for war. Alive.

As dawn neared, he dropped the blade at his feet and fell into a meditative stance. The night had been long, but the results spoke for themselves.

[Tyrant Body: Advancement Complete – Silver Stage → Gold Stage]

New Ability: Muscle Focus – Direct strength into specific body parts (e.g., arm, leg, chest) for temporary invincibility against physical attacks.

He focused on his arm, and the muscle expanded, hardened — veins glowing faintly.

[Dragon Scale Armor (Phase 2): Back Coverage Activated]

He felt it — a layer of scales now formed over his back. They shimmered faintly with silver-blue light, hard as dragonbone, light as mist.

[Base Stats Update]

Strength: 120 (+20)

Vitality: 102

Agility: 96

Speed: 85

Endurance: 110

Control: 71

His body… had transformed.

Jin rose from his seat and opened the wooden doors of his home, staring out across Valeria.

The walls were rising.

The soldiers were training.

The healers were ready.

And he…

He was now a warrior, a blacksmith, a dragon heir — a city lord in truth.

The horde would come soon.

But this time, they would find not a broken camp — but a fortress born in fire and will.