Sacred Arts

4. Retrieving Herbs and Lillies

Amon departed from his academy and embarked on a journey to find the medical herbs necessary for his first mission. Uncertain of the exact location, he wondered, "I know what I need, but where do I go?" Amon decided on a path and sought guidance along the way. As time passed, Amon left the city's boundaries and eventually stumbled upon an inn where he could rest for the night. The inn was a small, quiet place that didn't really stand out from the other buildings next to it.

After paying for a room, he settled in and took a moment to relax. Amon sat cross-legged and began his cultivation. The next morning, Amon tidied up his things and left his room to continue his journey. He approached the innkeeper and asked about the whereabouts of the medicinal herbs. "You'll have to venture into the withering forest for those herbs," the innkeeper warned.

"It's a dangerous place, especially for someone like you." Undeterred, Amon confidently replied, "I'll be fine, no need to worry about me sir." Curious about the forest's location, he asked the innkeeper for directions. "Your generation is fearless", the innkeeper said chuckling. Pointing southwards, he added, "The Withering Forest lies in that direction." "If you leave now, you should reach it within a few hours."

Expressing gratitude, Amon bid farewell to the innkeeper and set off towards the suggested path. Time had passed, and the forest appeared in Amon's sight. As he approached the forest, an ominous aura surrounded him, causing his senses to heighten. The vibe he was getting from the forest made every hair on his body stand and every part of his body want to flee far away. Despite the eerie feeling, he resolved not to retreat.

Determined, Amon entered the forest, but the sound of screeches echoed in the distance, intensifying his unease. With each step further into the forest, Amon couldn't shake the sensation of being watched. Standing still, he closed his eyes and unleashed his divine consciousness, surveying his surroundings. Countless wild beasts lurked nearby, their hunger evident. "You can all come out now," Amon boldly declared, as he assumed a fighting stance.

In response, several ferocious black beasts with red eyes emerged from the shadows, charging towards Amon. These swift creatures ran on all fours, giving him little time to react. Evading the sharp teeth of one beast, Amon swiftly struck its skull with his elbow, shattering it instantly. Enraged, two of the remaining beasts lunged at Amon simultaneously, claws ready to strike. With a quick backward movement, Amon created distance between himself and the beasts.

Though he managed to block one blow with his arm, the creature's claws tore through his flesh, sending him flying backwards. Undeterred, Amon resumed his stance as the beasts cautiously approached, one circling him. Seizing an opportunity, Amon leaped over the charging beast, catching its tail and swinging it into the other creature, causing a powerful collision. Channeling his energy, he released a blast that struck the beasts, leaving them lifeless on the ground. After seeing what was left of two of their companions, all the other creatures fled the area Amon was in.

"It's probably a good idea for me to salvage the valuable parts of these two beasts" Amon said out loud to himself. Amon wondered about the parts he took from the animals and their potential use in crafting weapons, armor, or even spells. Satisfied, he continued deeper into the forest, encountering similar beasts and collecting their valuable remains. Many beasts were sought after because their parts held great value due to their unique characteristics, being able to increase or decrease effects on equipment used by martial artists. Finally, after some time, Amon found the medical herbs he was looking for and stored them in his divine dimension.

The herbs were dark green with a faint green aura coming from them. "I should probably grab some extra for myself just in case", Amon thought happily. With his mission accomplished, he fought and salvaged every beast encountered as he ventured out of the forest. "Finally I'm out, that took forever", Amon sighed, feeling overwhelmed with relief. "I think I could use a little break," Amon said, smiling as he decided to take a moment to rest and cultivate his abilities.

Returning to the Inn, Amon sat cross-legged and rested for two whole days. Feeling rejuvenated, Amon ended his cultivation and set his sights on completing the final task so he could return home. "I can't wait to see what I'm capable of," Amon thought eagerly. He left the Inn and embarked on his journey to obtain the Fire Lillies. The long trip lasted four days, during which he confronted various beasts, honing his combat skills and further cultivating his power.

As Amon continued his journey towards the Fire Lillie's, he encountered a multitude of challenges along the way. Just like the Withering Forest, this final task proved to be a treacherous one with an unforgiving environment, filled with unpredictable beasts and dangerous terrain. Amon's determination and unwavering resolve pushed him forward, driving him to overcome every obstacle in his path. With each encounter, Amon grew more adept at handling the ferocious beasts. His combat skills sharpened, allowing him to anticipate their movements and strike with precision.

As he battled these creatures, he salvaged their bodies for valuable materials, recognizing the potential they held for enhancing his weapons and armor. The Fire Lillies that grow in the Flaming Meadows, known for their potent and mystical properties, were rumored to possess the ability to amplify one's powers. Amon's desire to harness this extraordinary energy motivated him to press on despite the trials he faced. He could feel his strength and abilities growing, inching closer and closer to a new level of power. Throughout his journey, Amon dedicated time to cultivating his inner strength.

When he had time to rest he delved deep into meditation, honing his spiritual connection and refining his control over his aura. Every area he passed with beasts became his training ground, its challenges serving as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. As days passed, Amon's determination never wavered. He fought tirelessly against beasts that crossed his path, using each encounter as a chance to push himself beyond his limits. Finally, after enduring countless battles and overcoming formidable creatures, Amon stood before a radiant field of blazing red Fire Lillies.

Their vibrant colors danced in the sunlight, casting a mesmerizing glow. With reverence and gratitude, he carefully collected the precious flowers, their essence pulsating with untapped energy. "The amount of power coming from mere flowers is unbelievable," Amon muttered under his breath as he fell onto his back exhausted. With the Fire Lillies in his possession, Amon knew that he had accomplished his final task. The sense of fulfillment and triumph surged through him, fueling his determination to return home and share his newfound power with his friends. Leaving the Flaming Meadows behind, Amon started on his journey back to his academy.

Along the way, he reflected on all the challenges he had faced and the growth he had experienced. The trials had tested his resilience, but they had shaped him into a more formidable warrior, ready to face whatever lay ahead. A few days had passed and Amon started to see his academy within view. As Amon reached the familiar grounds of his academy, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had ventured into the unknown, faced his fears, and emerged stronger than ever before. The Journey as a whole had transformed him, instilling within him a deep sense of confidence and an unwavering belief in his abilities.