LOST CULTIVATION METHODS

The days after Jin's return were filled with activity.

The 200 former slaves were immediately integrated into Valeria's growing army. Training routines were established, and each new recruit was assessed and given a role.

Some were physically gifted, others had a knack for magic. They all carried the fire of survival.

Jin stood before them on the training grounds, his voice sharp.

"This city gave you a second chance. You will become the sword and shield of Valeria. From today onward, you train like soldiers. You fight like warriors."

Cheers erupted.

Their military strength expanded, and so did their reputation. That made enemies uneasy.

Within a week, a large delegation of carriages and horsemen arrived from Kavan's Gate City.

Among them were familiar faces: Lord Maelis, Lady Velessa, High Monk Fen... and the arrogant noble son Jin had encountered at the inn.

They stood in the central square of Valeria, armored and proud.

"Lord Jin," Maelis began coldly, "we come to request—nay, demand—you relinquish control over the eastern trade routes. It is only fair compensation for your aggressive recruitment and seizure of regional assets."

Jin stood before them, expression unreadable.

"And if I don't?"

"You risk war."

Jin turned, his cloak billowing. "Then you already lost."

He raised a hand.

From the sides, Valeria's army marched in, organized, armored, and glistening in the sun. Formations snapped into place.

Archers, mages, infantry, and beast-riding scouts surrounded the courtyard.

The alliance leaders paled. The arrogant noble boy sputtered, "Th-this is intimidation!"

Jin walked forward slowly. "You brought war to my door, and now you flinch?"

His voice rang clear across the square.

"This... is a declaration. From this day forth, we are enemies. Leave my city. Now."

They fled.

Back in Kavan's Gate City, the City Lord slammed his cup down, the porcelain shattering.

"You what?!" he roared at his son.

The youth trembled. "I-I didn't think he'd go that far..."

"You provoked the one man who defeated a beast horde with a fraction of your resources?! He has a standing army now! You want war with a man who builds weapons from monsters?!"

The City Lord paced furiously before finally calming. "Send him a peace offer. I won't have this city burn because of your arrogance."

He scribbled a letter with his own hand and attached it to an ornate gift box filled with wedding offerings.

"A proposal of marriage. Let's see if peace can still be bought."

Two days later, a grand sedan arrived at Valeria's gates, guarded by elite knights and bearing silken banners. Jin was waiting, flanked by Lila, Arielle, Lana, and Sarah.

Riven nudged Jin. "If she looks like her father, I say we politely decline and send her back with two carrots and a note."

Jin smirked.

But when the sedan door opened, silence fell.

She stepped out.

Golden eyes, a serene face, silky hair that cascaded like moonlight. Her dress glowed faintly, and even the wind seemed to pause.

Lila and Arielle blinked.

"...She's gorgeous," Sarah whispered.

Even Jin had to admit—this wasn't what he expected.

He put on his calmest face. "I'll take her inside to talk."

In a quiet room lit by a low lantern, Jin sat across from the girl.

She was composed, polite. But her hands trembled slightly in her lap.

"You know why you're here?" Jin asked.

She nodded. "A pawn. A gift. A trap. Depends on how you see it."

Jin leaned in, testing. "Would you rather be with me, or married off to a fifty-year-old man with five wives?"

She leaned forward too, surprising him, and kissed him on the lips.

"I'd rather choose my own cage."

Jin blinked.

"You're bold," he said.

"This world trades women like tokens. Marriage is currency," she said. "I can't stop that. But I can choose where I end up."

He studied her. "If I attack your city, what will you do?"

She hesitated. Then, softly, "Rescue my mother. The rest can burn."

Jin's eyes narrowed in thought. That answer was... real.

[System Notification: Scanning Subject...]

[Constitution Detected: Divine Dual Spirit Body - Extremely Rare]

[Compatibility with Host: 97%]

Jin almost choked.

'This... this girl's body constitution is unheard of. Even I've never seen this in the manuals.'

It made sense. In this backward world, no one had knowledge of ancient physiques or cultivation bloodlines unless passed down through rare sects.

She had no idea how valuable she truly was.

And Jin wasn't about to tell her.

Not yet.

Far away in the capital, the emperor lay in bed, frail and cold.

The throne room outside his chamber was calm, but tension lingered like smoke.

Queen Molana sat beside her father in a hidden chamber.

"The time has come. The emperor is a breath away from death. If we push now, the crown prince will be crowned immediately."

Her father nodded. "Assassination tonight. No mistakes."

But even as they whispered, the emperor received a scroll.

It came from a spy.

He read it silently.

Tears fell.

He whispered, "I can die in peace now."

He called for his closest aide. "Fetch me the box."

Inside was the golden imperial seal.

He wrapped it carefully with a letter, filled with all the feelings he had never voiced. Of regret. Of love. Of hope.

"For Jin. The boy who was forgotten... and who now stands above princes."

He closed his eyes.

And rested.

In Valeria, Jin stood on a balcony, the new girl beside him. Her name was Selene.

She stared at the sky, her voice low. "You're not like them."

Jin chuckled. "No. I'm worse."

She looked at him with a smile. "Then maybe worse is what this world needs."

He smiled.

Below, the city bustled. Warriors trained. Walls were reinforced. New banners were raised.

War was on the horizon.

But Valeria would not kneel.

Not now.

Not ever.