Oasis's breathing was ragged, each breath sending a sharp pain through his shoulder where the dagger remained lodged.His once-simple tunic was now soaked and torn, stained with his own blood.The cool breeze that rustled through the bamboo offered some relief, but the agony in his body was undeniable.He gazed up at the sky, trying to focus his mind and calm his racing heart.The blue-cyan aura that had flowed through him during the battle now flickered weakly, barely visible as he fought to maintain consciousness.As he lay on the training field, surrounded by the stillness of this hidden sanctuary, Oasis could feel his body beginning to shut down from the pain and exhaustion.The world around him started to blur, the edges of his vision darkening as he drifted toward unconsciousness.But even as his eyes began to close, his mind clung to a single thought: he had survived, and he would continue to fight.---On the brink of losing consciousness, Oasis summoned every ounce of strength

Oasis's body shimmered with a Blue-cyan hue, his skin glowing as the powerful mana was absorbed.The intensity of the heat grew, and the area around him became a steamy, ethereal landscape.The two ponds, once serene, now churned with raw energy, their waters swirling as they fed the ritual.As the energy continued to flow into Oasis, the final stage of the Phoenix Heart Cultivation Technique began to solidify within him.His heart beat in perfect harmony with the ancestral power within, each pulse resonating with the energy of the phoenix bloodline within.Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Oasis remained motionless, completely absorbed in the process.Over time, his physical form became obscured by a radiating aura of azure flames that enveloped his body.The flames danced and flickered, shaping themselves into a figure that mirrored his form, as if Oasis had transformed into a being of pure fire.The energy was so intense that his body seemed to dissolve into the flames,

Morning had arrived in the valleys, and Rurik was still relentless in his search for Oasis.The sun's first rays filtered through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows on the ground as Rurik moved with the fluidity of a shadow, his frustration mounting with every step.He leaped from one shaded area to the next, his keen eyes scanning for any sign of his elusive target."Damn kid, you've got me overworking," Rurik thought as he propelled himself forward, heading in the direction of Belvan Town.He smirked, his mind whirling with possibilities."But fret not, you're unfamiliar with this place. The only location you know around here is Belvan Town. With those injuries, you'll definitely head there."A sinister grin spread across his face as he considered his advantage."And since you have my dagger, I can track you anywhere."He moved with renewed determination, realizing that scouring the streams and battle sites had been a waste of time.in his mind, Oasis was grievously injured,

From their conversation, Oasis learned that the guard's name was Captain Garven, a seasoned warrior who had served the city lord for many years.The city lord of Belvan Town was Lord 'Valen Belvane'.Captain Garven explained that Lord Valen had requested help from the Bluemoon family which was now the Lunaris Sect.So, the city lord himself is involved, Oasis thought, his curiosity piqued.He had briefly mentioned to Captain Garven his reason for being in the Dawnhail region, though he kept the details vague.As they continued walking, the town of Belvan gradually came into view, its walls bathed in the soft light of morning.The bustling activity at the north gate of Belvan Town was a stark contrast to the intense battle and power that had unfolded just beyond the town's borders.Merchants haggled over prices, children played in the streets, and guards stood vigilant, keeping an eye on the flow of people entering and leaving the town.As Oasis and Captain Garven passed through the gat

Oasis explained,"If we attack one of these camps, what happens to the slaves?""They'll likely return to the towns, and Belvan will become overcrowded with refugees.""We don't know how they'll act, and it could tip off the Crimson Hand."He then pointed to Riffridge, a town nearby."City lord, what's your relationship with Riffridge?"Lord Valen frowned. "It's neutral. We don't have much contact with their city lord.""Then we need to investigate Riffridge.""Two of these camps are near that town, and it would make sense for the refugees to head there instead of Belvan.""We need to find out if their city lord is involved or if he's trustworthy."Oasis continued, "I'll personally investigate Riffridge. If their city lord is honorable, he'll allow the refugees to take shelter in his town.""That will confuse the Crimson Hand a bit about who attacked their camps.""You'll investigate Riffridge?" Lord Valen asked, surprised."Yes," Oasis affirmed. "We'll send a small convoy to Riffridge