Having finally returned home and settled in, the three months of adjustment, coupled with the hefty tome, The Fama Chronicle—Book of Sand, were more than enough for me to gather the information I needed.

My name is Ye Xiaoman, and this name carries a certain history. The child named Xiaoman was born precisely on Xiaoman, one of the twenty-four solar terms. In this world, Xiaoman is also a significant festival, and my birth on this day was regarded by the entire Ye family as an excellent omen. Thus, the Family Head directly bestowed upon me the name Xiaoman. Coincidentally, that very year, several major, though entirely joyous, events unfolded for the Ye family. First, the Family Head secured several major business deals externally, which further convinced everyone that I was a lucky star descended to earth, ensuring I enjoyed very good rapport within the household.

Furthermore, the Ginko Village where I currently reside is a small settlement within the jurisdiction of Yin City, in Biqi Province. This village is the Family Head’s domain, covering roughly ten thousand square meters with a population under a thousand—truly quite small. The Family Head is Ye Xiangtian; five thousand years ago, the Ye family was a hereditary nobility enfeoffed by the Imperial Court, rumored to be founding contributors to the Biqi Empire. However, that was five millennia ago; by the Family Head’s generation, they possessed only a village-level territory. Even so, the Family Head remains highly respected. My father disappeared forever when I was born, having left to join the army that same year my mother and he married, his fate unknown to this day. A year later, my mother gave birth to me. Then, when I was four, my mother suffered an accident, poisoning herself with the deadly venom of the Man-Eating Flower. Though her life was saved, she has been unable to speak a single word since. One must say, my mother’s life has been truly bitter. Later, I did manage to learn that a remedy for the Man-Eating Flower’s poison does exist: drinking a mixture of the bile from a Red Moon Demon mixed with the gallbladder of a Red Snake will completely neutralize it. However, Red Snakes only inhabit the Poisonous Snake Valley, a place so perilous that no one dares step foot inside without sufficient strength. The location of the Red Moon Demon is even more terrifying: the Demon Altar, deep within the Red Moon Canyon, far away in Bai Ri Gate. Across the continent, even powerful Tiger-level gangs dare not enter the Red Moon Canyon, let alone the Demon Altar, situated in the deepest part of the canyon, the Land of Extreme Evil. In a way, it seems my mother’s throat is destined never to be healed. Although the Red Snake Gallbladder is rarely seen on the market, my mother had long since acquired one and preserved it through special means. But no one has ever heard of the Red Moon Demon’s bile being sold. Even posting a quest on the Dragon Ranking to acquire it would set the difficulty level to Heavenly Tier. To post a Tiger-level quest, it would cost no less than five hundred million gold coins—an astronomical sum for my mother. Even if the Family Head wished to help, he would be powerless; five hundred million gold coins—even the entirety of the Family Head’s wealth might not cover a fraction of that amount.

My poor mother; no matter what, I must restore her ability to speak. This is not only the greatest wish of the soul that previously inhabited this body but has also become my ultimate goal. The Demon Altar—I swear I will level that place one day. Although at this very moment I possess no strength, I believe that human endeavor can overcome the heavens. Since my body is not strong enough, then I shall study magic.

But not long after, I uncovered a fact that struck me even harder: this body cannot sense any magical fluctuations whatsoever. This is what the continent calls a Demon Devouring Body, rendering it impossible for me, who had loved magic since childhood, to learn it. Of course, I extracted this vital piece of intelligence from Chen Feng’s lips.

Though disheartened for a time, I refused to give up. A frail body can be strengthened through rigorous training to improve physique and power. Having made up my mind, I asked Chen Feng to teach me the cultivation of Warrior skills. Though surprised by my sudden change, Chen Feng reluctantly agreed. The training process was grueling, far exceeding my imagination, but with my naturally strong will, I gritted my teeth and persevered. Three months later, I mastered the basic martial skills—Basic Swordsmanship.

Naturally, I also managed to gather some clues about the other matter weighing on my mind: I desperately wanted to know why I ended up here. I was certain it was connected to the mission Chen Feng had undertaken previously.

It turned out the Family Head discovered a mysterious ruin from a family heirloom treasure map, but opening it required several conditions, one of which called for the Blood of the Demon Devourer—that is, my blood. That is why I was present at the site. However, due to Yuan Jia’s betrayal, the endeavor ultimately failed, and the treasures within the ruin were seized by another powerful faction. Not only that, but Chen Feng, myself, Dong Lun, and nearly fifty other family retainers who participated in the mission nearly perished entirely. Only Feng and I managed to escape. I vaguely suspect that my inexplicable arrival in this world is definitely related to that mysterious ruin. It seems I need to find a suitable opportunity to investigate, but currently, I lack even the basic ability to protect myself, making any long journey unsuitable. One must remember, this is a world overrun by magical beasts; even outside the village, packs of Rake Cats, Multi-Hook Cats, Orcs, Half-Orcs, and Wolf Packs roam. Without sufficient strength, going out is suicide. With my current ability, at best, I can defeat monsters like the Multi-Hook Cat and the Scarecrow. If I encountered more formidable creatures like the Half-Orcs or Wolf Packs, it would be certain death.

There is no other way for now; improving my strength is paramount, then curing my mother’s throat, and finally, finding a way to locate that ruin as soon as possible to investigate thoroughly.

The Ye family is a very traditional noble lineage, possessing many well-established systemic methods for cultivating talent. Warriors like Chen Feng and Dong Lun achieved their formidable strength through systematic training. Chen Feng, for instance, already possesses the strength of an Advanced Warrior, and his most potent Warrior skill is Assassination Swordsmanship. Within the Ye family, besides the Family Head, Chen Feng is the strongest. Consequently, Chen Feng has always been responsible for instructing the Ye family retainers in martial techniques.

Every morning from five until eight is the time Chen Feng teaches the retainers their martial arts, held on the central lawn of Ginko Village. For this reason, rising at cock-crow has become a venerable Ye family tradition, and since I requested to cultivate martial arts, I have become one of its members.

On the expansive lawn, the four cardinal directions—East, South, West, and North—were divided into four neat sections, numbering at least five hundred people in total. Chen Feng, the Chief Instructor, stood precisely in the center, surveying the surroundings with a stern expression.

To the East were warriors of the same age bracket as Chen Feng, numbering one hundred. To the South were those aged sixteen to twenty, numbering one hundred and fifty. To the West was the Youth Group, where I belong, aged thirteen to sixteen, numbering one hundred and twenty. To the North were the children, aged eight to thirteen, numbering one hundred and six.

The other three groups were generally considered relatively outstanding. The Elder Group to the Youth Group usually manage to complete the training. What Chen Feng paid closer attention to was the training status of the Children’s Group; the focus of the daily training was basically targeted at them. However, for the Youth Group, myself, Ada, and Abe were absolute exceptions. Because, frankly, the three of us were far too weak.

“Thrust! Pay attention to your footwork, and don't keep your hands too stiff. Sink your hips!” On the training ground, Feng was an intensely strict man, completely unlike his usual gentle and benevolent self: “You, Ada, I’ve told you, sink your hips! Remember to use your core strength, not just your arms! Understand? Only by coordinating your footwork with the rotation of your hips can you unleash your full body strength!”

“And you! A’Man! Is that a thrust? Where is the power?” Chen Feng glared, his brass-bell eyes seeming filled with gunpowder, putting immense pressure on me. Every morning drill, Chen Feng would relentlessly bark orders at Ada, Abe, and me—no choice, the three of us were just too pathetic, especially me, severely lacking in stamina. Basic Swordsmanship has only five moves: thrust, chop, sweep, parry, and block; each movement requires entirely different force and angles. Currently, I can barely last an hour. After an hour, my movements become severely distorted, and I cannot hold out until the end. This is actually an improvement; a month ago, I couldn’t even last half an hour.

At this moment, my arms were aching and swollen, and my legs felt as if they were filled with lead. Every swing of the Ebony Sword in my hand required every ounce of strength I possessed. Although the Ebony Sword is a type of wooden sword, its weight is practically identical to that of an ordinary iron sword. Moreover, for this frame of mine, the sword was far too heavy, weighing a full fifty jin.

I couldn’t help but silently resent how freakishly strong the people of this world were. The standard practice sword weighs fifty jin. Could such a sword even be used in actual combat?

But Chen Feng paid no mind to that; if your form wasn't up to standard, you were guaranteed a torrent of scolding.

On the lawn, the others were all waiting to watch us make fools of ourselves. It became unbearable. After two hours of routine training, the next phase was practical combat exercises in pairs.

Unfortunately, today I was paired with Jialuo, who was sixteen. This guy didn't look sixteen at all; he towered over me by three full heads, and his build was easily double mine. By my estimation, this fellow stood at least 1.85 meters tall and weighed a hundred kilograms—he was practically a heavy tank. The fifty-jin Ebony Sword rested lightly in his hand, seemingly weightless. That kind of wrist strength made me both envious and terrified. Heavens, what did this guy eat to grow up like this? It was outrageous that someone like him was still kept in the Youth Group.

They were complete extremes: one looked underdeveloped, the other seemed injected with growth hormones.

“Hah!” The bulky Jialuo executed a step-in charge, his Ebony Sword slicing rapidly downwards toward my head.

At this moment, utterly exhausted, I hardly had the strength to parry. I managed to raise the Ebony Sword in my hand just barely.

Clang! After just one exchange, the Ebony Sword flew out of my grasp, soaring far away and landing squarely inside the Elder Group’s section. At that moment, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I, a grown man in my twenties, was utterly defeated by a sixteen-year-old child without putting up a fight—it was completely unjust!

“Hey, little bean sprout, here’s your sword, catch.” The flying Ebony Sword zipped back accurately and embedded itself near my feet. If not for Chen Feng’s severe expression, everyone would have burst out laughing. Without a doubt, watching me embarrass myself during morning drills had become an indispensable seasoning for the day. Although I was resentful as the subject, I was helpless. And every time this happened, Chen Feng would inevitably shake his head with a sigh, his eyes showing disappointment, loss, and heartache. I knew Chen Feng was dissatisfied with the strength I exhibited, and seeing me in such a sorry state pained him, because he clearly understood how difficult it would be for someone with my constitution to become an excellent warrior. Although he once advised me to give up practicing Warrior skills, I refused every time. Of course, Chen Feng was aware of the reason behind my persistence. He had no choice but to harden his heart and keep training me.

Finally, I managed to drag myself through the end of the morning drills and returned home, moving my legs that felt filled with lead. My home was located on the east side of the Ye family compound. About twenty households lived here; they were all Ye family retainers, just like the entire population of Ginko Village. Ada and Abe were my neighbors, and it only took a short walk from their homes to mine. As for Chen Feng, he usually resided in the Ye family mansion, though he visited my home frequently. Only later did I understand why Chen Feng took such good care of me. It turned out that when Chen Feng was young, my father had taught him his skills. Back then, my father was the Chief Instructor for the Ye family, just like Chen Feng is now, teaching everyone combat techniques. Chen Feng was one of my father’s favorite disciples, training alongside Dong Lun, Dong Jue, and over two hundred other young disciples. Though my father is now missing, the Family Head and the other members of the Ye family still treat my mother and me with considerable care. My mother’s usual job is compounding medicine, delivering the prepared herbs to the alchemy room—the workload isn't heavy and it’s simple, yet the income is quite substantial, enough to cover the daily expenses for my mother and me.

Seeing my dejected appearance, Mother knew I must have suffered another setback. But she said nothing. In truth, Mother did not approve of my persistence. Her greatest hope was for me to study alchemy with her and become an outstanding pharmacist, thereby gaining a viable skill for survival later on. But my stubborn nature naturally refused to give up easily. Seeing my resolve, Mother had no choice but to switch to offering her full support. This moved me deeply once again. A mother is a mother; her support for her son is always unconditional.

“The meal is still warm!” Mother looked at my wretched state with a hint of distress, then let out a soft sigh, pointed toward the table in the dining area, and returned to her work. Red and green herbs were carefully sorted by Mother into several piles—the initial steps of herb selection.

Morning drills are very taxing on stamina, leading to a quick hunger. This has resulted in a wind-swept, cloud-sweeping intensity to my eating habits every time. It’s not just me; I imagine every man in the Ye family eats this way.

But I don’t understand why, with eating so much, I haven’t grown at all. This body is unusually weak. Although in my previous world this would be considered the normal physique for a fourteen-year-old boy, in this world, a boy of fourteen looking like this is indeed too delicate, even less developed than most girls. This has genuinely depressed me for quite a while. No wonder both Feng and the others say I’m unsuited for Warrior skills. The most fundamental requirement for a Warrior is a robust physique.

In fact, I have been in this world for three months now, and I’ve come to understand a bit about the martial arts here. They align almost perfectly with the settings in Legend of Mir.

In this world, combat professions are primarily divided into three main categories: Warrior, Taoist, and Mage.

Warriors are further divided into several levels:

Junior Warrior—Mastering Basic Swordsmanship is equivalent to stepping onto the threshold of the Warrior profession. I can barely be considered a Junior Warrior now.

Intermediate Warrior—Achieving Intermediate Warrior strength requires mastering Attack Sword Art. Of course, this must then be certified by the Family Head, who issues an iron sword symbolizing Intermediate Warrior status for the rank to be legitimate. Many noble families possess specialists qualified to appraise Warrior ranks.

Advanced Warrior—After mastering Crescent Blade, and passing the Family Head’s assessment, one is automatically promoted to Advanced Warrior. Advanced Warriors are permitted to wield heavy weaponry such as the Saber of Horse Severing, Asura’s Hellfire, and Moon of the Well. However, some individuals with naturally immense strength can wield heavier weapons beyond their rank even without meeting the Advanced Warrior criteria.

Red Moon Warrior—After mastering Fiery Sword Art and passing the martial arts instructor assessment at the Dragon Map Academy in Biqi, one can automatically advance to Red Moon Warrior. However, reaching this level requires not just effort, but a great deal of innate talent. In civilian circles, the Red Moon Warrior is considered the pinnacle achievable by all Warriors. Their exclusive weapon is the super-heavy-duty Ruling Staff.

Heavenly Demon—It is rumored that ranks above Red Moon Warrior are Heavenly Demon Warriors, but this level of Warrior exists only within the Imperial Family, and only elite Imperial warriors can become Heavenly Demon Warriors. Ordinary people rarely see them. Heavenly Demon Warriors possess the exclusive Dragon Slaying Saber, and their Heavenly Demon Armor is renowned for its incredibly high defense. Some say one Heavenly Demon Warrior can easily wipe out an army composed of a thousand Red Moon Warriors. Imagine how overwhelmingly powerful a Heavenly Demon Warrior must be.

I don't need to dream of becoming a Heavenly Demon Warrior, as I am not a member of the Imperial Family, and even if I had been born into royalty, I might not have the capacity to pass the assessment.

For three months, I have constantly pondered how to improve my strength. Only as of today have I finally begun to understand why my power has been unable to advance further.