Reborn with the SSS-Rank Creator System-Chapter 21: Azure Mountain Range

Theos and Xiphos rested in the village for ten days. During that time, they didn't just relax—they cultivated with dedication.

Each morning, Theos would sit cross-legged near a quiet stream outside the inn, the rising sun warming his face. He would close his eyes and begin channeling spirit energy into each individual cell of his bones. The energy moved like water flowing steadily into the marrow, saturating the very core of each cell until it trembled at the brink of rupture. Just as the pressure peaked, Theos would guide the energy forward, moving it cell by cell, reinforcing the already forged structure.

He had become more refined with each passing day, tracing the internal map of his physique with increased precision. He would circulate his energy in rhythm, sharpening the toughness and resonance of his bones. Each breath he took was slow and deliberate, syncing his will with every movement of spirit energy.

By the tenth day, he had nearly completed the 9th stage of Bone Forging. His body often pulsed with quiet strength, his muscles twitching under the weight of the energy, almost ready to evolve further. Just a few more days and he would step into the Muscle Forging Realm.

But they couldn't afford to wait.

Their time had run out. They had one and a half months remaining to reach the Heavenly Star Sect—and nearly 20,000 kilometers still to cover. While the distance itself wasn't impossible, the terrain ahead was riddled with obstacles. Mountains, ravines, dense forests, and possibly even roaming beasts or hostile sects would slow their journey. It wasn't just about speed—it was about survival and navigation.

And so, with his foundation solid and mind resolute, Theos rose to his feet. The cultivation would have to wait. The road called once again.

Theos and Xiphos quietly gathered their belongings and made their way to the inn's reception. Without making any noise, Xiphos took out a small pouch of gold coins—coins he had received from his master—and left it on the counter. Though the villagers hadn't asked for anything in return, Theos and Xiphos still decided to leave a generous amount.

Once everything was in order, they stepped out of the inn, the cool morning air brushing against their faces as they silently left the village behind.

The next few days of their journey were filled with a mix of excitement and challenges. They moved swiftly, covering great distances each day. The landscape shifted from rolling plains, where the grass swayed gently in the breeze, to dense forests filled with towering trees that blocked out the sun. Eventually, the terrain turned rocky, with steep cliffs and uneven paths that made their progress slower. They encountered a small pack of wolves one evening, their eyes glinting in the darkness as they circled, but Theos and Xiphos managed to scare them off without much trouble. The nights were cold, and they often had to take turns keeping watch, the crackling of the campfire the only sound in the stillness.

They also ran into a couple of curious travelers along the way—merchants with carts of goods—who seemed too interested in their destination, making Theos wary. Xiphos, always cautious, kept his senses heightened, but thankfully, they managed to avoid any unnecessary trouble. Despite the obstacles, Theos and Xiphos pressed on, determined to reach their goal. They walked through sunrises and sunsets, the sky shifting from a brilliant blue to shades of orange and pink, each day bringing them closer to their destination. Though the journey was tiring, the sense of purpose they shared pushed them forward.

After a month and ten days, they finally arrived in front of the Azure Mountain Range. The sight before them was breathtaking. Towering peaks stretched high into the sky, their tips covered in a thick blanket of snow. The mountains seemed endless, their majestic forms shrouded in mist that made them look almost ethereal. The air was crisp, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of pine and earth. In the distance, waterfalls cascaded down the mountainsides, their waters sparkling in the sunlight.

Theos took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the horizon. "There it is. The Azure Mountain Range... we made it."

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Xiphos nodded, his head tilting slightly as he listened to the sounds around them. "It's quiet... but it feels powerful. I can almost sense the vastness of it all."

Theos smiled, determination filling his eyes. "Let's go."

Theos and Xiphos moved forward, their hearts pounding with anticipation as they stepped into the vast Azure Mountain Range.

The name "Azure" came from the ethereal blue hue that seemed to envelop the entire region, a glow that lingered even in the harshest conditions. This unique coloration stemmed from a rare mineral found in the rocks and soil, which emitted a faint, luminous blue light.

At night, the mountains seemed to shimmer under the stars, as though they were cloaked in a celestial veil. During the day, the sunlight reflected off the mineral-rich peaks, casting a dazzling azure glow that gave the range its name.

This phenomenon was both mesmerizing and mysterious, adding to the range's reputation as a place of wonder and danger.

The mountain range itself was a natural marvel, its structure forming a near-perfect circle. At the heart of this vast ring of peaks lay the Heavenly Star Sect, a sprawling stronghold that served as both a sanctuary and a fortress.

The sect's location was strategic, with the surrounding mountains acting as an impenetrable barrier to intruders. The range's harsh weather further bolstered its defenses—snow blanketed the higher altitudes, while poisonous plants thrived in the lower, more humid regions. The air was thin and biting, carrying the tang of pine and frost in some areas, while elsewhere it was heavy with the sickly-sweet scent of venomous flora.

From where Theos and Xiphos stood, deep within the mountain range, they could see the faint outline of an energy circle far in the distance. The shimmering barrier rose high into the sky, a beacon marking the location of the sect. The energy circle was more than just a protective shield; it was a symbol of the sect's immense power and a constant reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

From where Theos and Xiphos stood, the circle's pulsating energy seemed to ripple outward, faintly humming in the air around them, as if the mountains themselves resonated with its power.

The path Theos and Xiphos chose was not the easiest, but it was best considering their options. From their vantage point, they studied the surrounding cliffs and ridges, noting the harshness of the terrain. "The northern slope," Theos began, squinting at the terrain, "has natural windbreaks, but those ice patches will be deadly." He gestured to Xiphos, whose heightened senses attuned him to vibrations.

"The southern trail," Xiphos said, "has less snow, but there are faint rustling sounds—likely creatures or plants. Better avoid it."

Theos nodded and pointed to a middle route. "It's narrow and steep but avoids the worst hazards. Let's take this one."

The trail demanded their full attention. Though it spiraled around cliffs, it often hugged sheer drops. The biting cold seeped through their clothes, and loose stones constantly shifted beneath their feet. Thorny plants with poisonous sap blocked their way, forcing Theos to clear paths with his daggers, while Xiphos guided them around areas where the ground felt wrong using the vibration.

Midway, the path abruptly ended at the edge of a sheer drop. Across a 50-foot gap lay the continuation of the trail on another mountain. Theos crouched at the edge, calculating the distance and the landing. "It's far, but doable," he muttered.

Xiphos hesitated, sensing the depth of the chasm and the faint wind rushing through it. "We could use one of those vines we passed earlier to swing across," he suggested, his voice calm but practical.

Theos turned his head slightly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. His voice dropped to a faint, almost eerie tone. "He he he, Where's the fun in that?" he said, his red eyes gleaming in the dim light.

A chill ran down Xiphos's spine, and for a moment, he felt a hint of unease at Theos's words. But before he could say more, Theos suddenly grabbed Xiphos by the arm, his grip firm and unwavering. Before Xiphos could react, Theos tightened his grip and rotated his spirit energy in his hand. "Hold on," Theos muttered, his tone laced with mischief. Without warning, he launched Xiphos into the air with immense power. "Make sure you grab whatever you can on the other side!" he shouted, his voice ringing through the chasm.

Xiphos, shocked and momentarily disoriented, felt the rush of wind against his face as he soared across the gap. His instincts kicked in as he neared the other side, and he quickly channeled spirit energy into his arms and fingers. Stretching out, he grasped the edge of the cliff, his fingers digging into the rocky surface.

"Theos! You always do something insane like this!" Xiphos called out, his voice a mix of frustration and disbelief. Using his enhanced grip and strength, Xiphos hauled himself up to the pathway, his movements efficient despite the sudden ordeal.

Theos, still on the other side, gave a loud shout. "Here I come!" Xiphos stood still, his other senses heightened as he anticipated Theos's move. Placing both hands firmly on the ground and bracing his legs against the cliff, Theos rotated spirit energy through his limbs and launched himself forward with incredible force. The sheer power of his leap caused the cliff behind him to crack, sending shards of rock tumbling into the abyss.

Theos's body hurtled through the air at astonishing speed, but it quickly became clear he hadn't planned for a proper landing. He collided with the cliff face on Xiphos's side with a resounding crash, shaking the entire mountain. The impact sent a cloud of dust and debris billowing out, and Xiphos instinctively braced himself, feeling the ground tremble under his feet as the vibrations reverberated through the rock.

From within the newly-formed crater in the cliffside, Theos emerged, coughing slightly but grinning ear to ear. "Cough, Cough .....That was fun," he said smiling, brushing dust off his clothes. His red eyes gleamed with mischief as he looked at Xiphos.

Xiphos exhaled a long breath of relief, his earlier frustration fading. "Only you would think of doing something that reckless," he said, a reluctant smile creeping onto his face. Outwardly, he acted annoyed, as if exasperated by Theos's antics. Yet, deep down, he was glad Theos was like this—bold, unpredictable, and unwaveringly confident. Xiphos couldn't deny the strange sense of comfort Theos's recklessness brought, a stark contrast to his own nature that always consider all factors. Theos shrugged nonchalantly, the grin never leaving his face, as if he knew exactly how Xiphos felt.

As they climbed down the next set of slopes, a dense fog rolled in, reducing visibility to almost nothing. The narrow passage beneath their feet was treacherous, with crumbling rock edges that left no room for error. Xiphos steadied himself, his blindfolded gaze focused forward, while Theos scanned their surroundings for any signs of danger.

The silence was broken by a low, guttural growl that sent a chill through the air. "Something's ahead," Xiphos whispered, his tone tense but controlled. Theos, already gripping his daggers tightly, nodded. Moments later, the silhouette of a massive beast emerged from the mist—a level 2 Steelhide Terrorclaw.

---- Some info from author-------

As you can see they can now use spirit energy to enhance their bodies.

they have discovered it during their travels but the downside is that because body naturally did not have that much spirit energy so it runs out quickly.

It is not possible to use it in a long fight.

I am thinking of adding some extra details like this if I dont find any suitable place in the Chapter.

Let me know if you like it or not.