A System That Beats Death

With a single swing, it cleanly cleaved through an entire trunk. The tree then fell sideways after it seemingly registered the swift and sudden severance. Da Lan heaved heavily before stating, "This is the extent of strength. The ideal environment would be of life and death but that is not an option"

He then noticed Shen tightly gripping the hilt as if to express determination.

Following Da Lan's guidance, Shen started by merely wielding the sword. If he could not lift a wooden sword, then he should forget about wielding a real one as the weight difference was drastic. Strength C enabled him to lift the weapon as if it were not made of wood but air. Even if the weapon was light, that didn't mean it was easy to use. Due to being unfamiliar with the weapon, when he swung the weapon, it followed his hand rather than going along with it.

To Da Lan's surprise, Shen perfected his affinity with the sword after only a few hundred swings. Not only had he been using his non-dominant hand, but his dexterity allowed him to wield the sword as if he was using the hilt as a substitute for a flute.

This schedule was maintained for quite a while. They would travel, Shen would train, they would eat dinner, and then sleep for around 5 hours.

When Shen perfected the basics, Da Lan ordered him to cut down a tree. With a single swing, the wooden sword swiftly separated the tree's roots from its leaves. Shen then threw the weapon away as it completely splintered from the strength used.

"The material is not the problem. You are still lacking", Da Lan strictly stated.

Atlas nodded in agreement and then began to craft another wooden sword from the log.

Eventually, Da Lan decided to spar with Shen.

"Think of the sword as your resolve. Never allow it to yield and always attack without losing sight"

Leaping into the air, Shen swung downwards. Da Lan countered with an upwards swing and was about to strike when Shen abruptly increased the pressure and then leapt onto Da Lan's sword which snapped it in half.

Da Lan then started taking Shen seriously from that point on and the sparring would get intense. One strike would be parried, another would be deflected, and the two fought until the swords deteriorated to the point that the wood resembled straw.

During one sparring session, a boar suddenly charged at the two of them. Da Lan ceased his attack and was about to take on the boar, but Shen beat him to it. With a swift and powerful swing, he cleaved the boar into perfect sections. He had butchered a wild boar while it was still alive, and the portions of severed flesh were already perfect for cooking.

After months of merry traveling, Da Lan treated Shen like his very own son although he was glad that they weren't related biologically. After all, Shen got him water and food while he would teach him about the world and the way of the soldier. It was a symbiotic relationship.

Finally, at the entrance to the capital, Da Lan and Shen stood together side by side. Da Lan had aged a bit with his hair slightly graying, however his muscles were maintained, and his stern demeanor remained. Shen was fully healed with no more burn scars and to Da Lan's surprise, his right eye regained full functionality. His right arm also worked perfectly, and he could dual wield even if that was an impractical combat style.

When his right arm had healed, Da Lan taught him a bit of archery but not much as Da Lan wasn't a very good archer.

Of course, Shen had also aged. No longer resembling a brat, he could stand tall and dwarf the most handsome youth in the capital. His countenance portrayed an aloof and intelligent individual that naturally intimidated others.

The line to the capital was long and filled with a variety of people. Some were peasants hoping for a better life, some were merchants who had stored a great yield and d.e.s.i.r.ed to make a killing, and some were relatives that wanted to reunite with their long lost family. Da Lan was the last type and he was oddly anxious. He could finally see his Guang-er who he had not seen in nearly 4 years. If only it was under different circ.u.mstances.

When it was their turn, Da Lan merely showed an emblem and stated, "General Lanye has returned"

To Shen's surprise, the people gasped and then began cheering in jubilance. Clearly, Lanye was not just any general.

Shen silently followed as Da Lan made his way through the capital. After all, his quest was not yet complete. Greeting friends, relatives, and even coworkers had taken some time for Da Lan and the afternoon had already turned into dusk.

The Capital was bustling with the news that the Great General Lanye had returned home and there began rumors of a soldier that he believed held great potential. So, the Emperor sent an invitation to the General for a return banquet which Da Lan begrudgingly accepted. Shen stayed behind in the inn to enjoy some peace and quiet.

He was pondering why such a celebrated individual would leave home.

The General returned the next morning with a complicated expression plastered across his face as he had caught a glimpse of his daughter. She had grown well, her cheeks had lost the baby fat and gained a semblance of a maturity, and she was well off. As for his position being reinstated, that news did not even faze him.

"I have no idea how your food is better than the Imperial chefs", Da Lan stated as they headed towards his daughter's residence. He wanted to invite Shen into his former estate as it was probably extremely dusty and decrepit but that would not be very courteous. Even if the fact that places Shen stayed in would become immaculate overnight was considered.

Receiving the notice, Da Guang rushed out to see her father.

His prominent figure still resembled the Great General that she always knew, and she could finally spend some time with him.

Rushing out to greet him, Da Lan recognized her and the two hugged before tears ran down their cheeks. She then cried even harder once she realized that he was still burdened.

Shen had a slight but still noticeable grin. People would have interpreted it as him being happy for the family but in actuality, he was marveling at his reward.

[C-Rank Quest Completed:

Combustion Acquired

3000 Points Added]

To his surprise, a lithe figure then embraced him from behind.