LOST CULTIVATION METHODS

The undead army stood like statues, facing the city gates. Thousands of skeletal soldiers, armored ghouls, and spirit-bound wraiths.

And at their center, Jin stood barefoot in a robe, his hair tousled, his expression unreadable.

A week ago, he had fought for his life.

Now… the city waited on his word.

Valeria was silent—but not dead. Its people had survived, hidden behind barred doors, whispering prayers and rumors.

And now, as the sun rose behind the skeletal army, those same people began to step cautiously outside.

Guards approached the gates with shaky weapons. Merchants peeked through cracked shutters. Children clung to their parents.

And then—

Jin raised his hand.

The entire undead army knelt.

A thunderous sound echoed as bones and blades hit the ground in unison. Banners woven from cursed flesh unfurled and drooped low. The skeletal warhorses lowered their skulls.

He whispered, more to himself than anyone:

"Follow me."

The dead obeyed.

Behind the walls, cheers didn't erupt. Only silence. Shock. And a strange, unsettling respect.

The City of the Sleeping Tyrant had just been awakened.

Inside the Mansion

Later that day, Jin stood inside the hall. His expression was solemn as he looked at the four women seated before him: Lana, Arielle, Selene, and Sarah.

"I owe you all an apology," Jin began. His voice was soft but steady. "What happened... what I did... I wasn't in control. But that doesn't mean I'm free of responsibility."

None of the girls spoke.

"I was drowning in the Blood Demon state. The yang energy was overflowing. I didn't even recognize faces. I only knew... instinct."

Arielle folded her arms. "You don't need to explain the bloodline. We knew. But... do you even know what you did?"

Jin hesitated. Then nodded slowly. "Some of it. Flashes. Feelings. Afterwards, the system showed me enough. And even if I didn't remember, your faces tell me the rest."

He bowed his head deeply. "I hurt you. All of you. In ways I never should have. And I will make it right. No matter what that means."

Selene looked away, expression unreadable.

Sarah clenched her skirt. "We're alive. And you saved us. But Jin... it can't happen again. We need boundaries. A plan. Control."

Lana finally stood, walking forward. Her voice was calm, but powerful.

"You were lost. But you came back," she said, placing her hand gently on his cheek. "And we... we're not blaming you. But you must never run from it. You must face it. Every part."

Jin looked up at her.

"I don't want to lose myself again."

"You won't," she said. "Because this time... we'll pull you back. Together."

He nodded.

"No more hiding. From the world. From myself. Or from you."

A long silence followed, then Selene whispered, "We believe in you, Jin. But from now on... no more secrets."

"Agreed," Sarah added.

"Always," said Arielle, her voice softening.

Jin finally smiled, tired but genuine.

Valeria's Recovery

In the days that followed, Jin worked tirelessly.

The undead built walls, dug wells, patrolled borders. Fear turned into awe. Awe into a strange new peace.

Valeria was no longer the same city. And neither was its ruler.

Arrival of the Reclusive Sects

They came not with armies, but veils of mist and flying ships. Each faction, a whisper from legend, now appeared at Valeria's gates.

Cold Yin Valley

Women dressed in frost-spun robes, accompanied by glacial beasts. Their presence chilled the air. Masters of yin essence and ice-cursed cultivation.

"Your balance is shattered, Jin. Let us temper it. Or break it."

Tai Buddha Sect

Golden-robed monks with radiant halos and iron prayer wheels. Practitioners of the Thousandfold Flame Meditation, they radiated oppressive calm.

"You rule the dead. But have you faced your karma? The heavens demand penance."

Thousand Blood Sect

Dripping in red veils and tattoos of blood contract runes. They walked barefoot through cursed land, trailing whispers. Known to feast on war and plague.

"You wear death well. Join us, and become more. Or fall beneath our trial."

They came not to beg, but to test. And if worthy, to recruit.

Back in the Watchtower

Jin watched them from above. The sects had formed camps beyond the city. Even now, envoys delivered riddled challenges, demands, offerings.

"I didn't ask for this," Jin muttered.

[System: You didn't. But power listens only to those who survive.]

"They'll test me, won't they?"

[System: They already are. A monk tried to dispel your undead general. He vanished two hours ago.]

Jin exhaled. "So much for peace."

A footstep behind him.

"You've been avoiding us," Lana said.

He turned, facing her.

"Not anymore," Jin replied. "I'll face them. Face myself. Whatever comes."

She looked into his eyes, then nodded.

Below them, the undead army waited.

An Unknown Visitor

Far beyond the city gates, an old man in tattered grey stood silently beside the path.

He carried no emblem. His aura was sealed.

No one knew his name.

No one knew his purpose.

He smiled faintly as he looked at Valeria's new banners fluttering above undead soldiers.

"Interesting," he said.

Was he a shadow of fate?

Or a harbinger of ruin?

Only time would tell.

[System Notice: Hidden Quest Unlocked – "Thrones of the Reclusive"]

→ Objective: Survive the challenge of the Forbidden Sects

→ Reward: ??? (Includes: Bloodline Insight, Legacy Skill, Artifact Evolution)

Jin clenched his fists.

Let them come.

He was done hiding.