MTLNOVEL Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Path to the Northern Frontier
Shuang Yue bid farewell to the bustling city and stepped onto the ancient stone-paved road leading to the Northern Frontier. The path, worn by time, bore uneven stones marked by the passage of countless travelers. A cold wind howled through the distant mountains, whispering tales of the North's desolation and harshness. Gripping the sword at his waist, he pressed forward. Within his Inner Cosmos, specks of deep blue starlight flickered in sync with his footsteps, subtly resonating with the world's spiritual energy. He knew the Northern Frontier was a land filled with trials, where every step could shape his fate.
Before long, he sensed an unusual disturbance in the air around him. Slowing his pace, he scanned the surroundings with wary eyes. A sharp, piercing screech echoed from the distant woods, making his brows furrow. This was no ordinary beast.
The sound grew closer, and moments later, several shadowy figures burst from the darkness between the trees. Their forms were hazy, as if woven from mist, their eyes glowing an eerie crimson. A sinister aura radiated from their bodies—an energy disturbingly similar to that of interdimensional rifts.
Shuang Yue's Inner Cosmos surged to life, and a burst of deep blue energy condensed into a protective shield around him. With a cold snort, he uttered, "Law of Rebound!"
The moment his voice fell, the shield flared with an intense blue light, sending the phantom creatures hurtling backward. They let out agonized wails as their bodies disintegrated into wisps of black mist, eventually fading into nothingness.
Even after the battle ended, Shuang Yue remained on high alert. His gaze was sharp, but a heavy feeling settled in his heart. The presence of these phantoms could only mean one thing—an interdimensional rift was active nearby.
As he surveyed the area, his eyes landed on a crumbling stone monument by the roadside. Its surface was covered in ancient, intricate symbols, eerily similar to those he had once seen on a mysterious crystalline stone. Stepping closer, he brushed his fingers across the cold, weathered carvings.
At that moment, a flood of fragmented memories surged through his mind—visions of an era long past. In those ancient times, interdimensional rifts had frequently appeared, unleashing waves of phantom creatures upon the world. Chaos reigned, and the Devourers had been thrust into an age of endless turmoil. Amidst it all, a figure known as "Silent Extinction" had sought to harness the power of these rifts, attempting to manipulate the very fabric of reality itself.
Shuang Yue's expression darkened. He muttered under his breath, "Silent Extinction… It seems his schemes have left their mark on the Northern Frontier."
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching hooves. Turning swiftly, he spotted a caravan struggling along the dusty road. Their wagons were in poor condition, tilting unsteadily with every movement. The leader, his face etched with exhaustion and worry, hurried toward Shuang Yue and pleaded, "Young warrior, our caravan was lost due to the chaos caused by the interdimensional energy, and we barely survived an attack by phantom creatures. Our goods are on the verge of ruin—please, help us!"
Without hesitation, Shuang Yue extended his hand. Channeling his Inner Cosmos, he conjured a protective barrier of gentle yet unyielding blue light, guiding the caravan safely out of danger.
The leader expressed his gratitude repeatedly but then shared a startling revelation: "Rumors speak of a powerful figure, Silent Extinction, who once sought to control the interdimensional rifts—perhaps even to devour the entire world. Many merchants and cultivators have suffered because of his lingering influence. I fear we are not free from his schemes just yet."
Hearing this, Shuang Yue's expression turned grave. Deep in his heart, he made a silent vow: Strength alone is not enough. If I am to grow in power, I must also protect the innocent.
After ensuring the caravan's safety, he stood alone in the vast wilderness. His gaze fixed on the distant mountains, his thoughts swirling with determination. The echoes of wind, the fading hoofbeats, and the lingering traces of phantom energy all seemed to whisper a single truth—his trials in the Northern Frontier were only beginning.
Clenching his fists, he muttered, "Power and responsibility must go hand in hand. Only through protection can one become truly strong."
At that moment, the blue light of his Inner Cosmos burned brighter, as if responding to his resolve, igniting a beacon of hope within him.
As he continued down the stone-paved road, his eyes caught another monument inscribed with ancient symbols. The worn text chronicled the brutal history of past interdimensional invasions and warned of the dangers posed by Silent Extinction's ambitions.
A wave of contemplation washed over him. He was no longer just chasing personal growth—he bore the burden of safeguarding this world.
Halting for a moment, he whispered to himself, "The path ahead will be filled with trials and choices. I must remain true to myself and never stray toward reckless destruction."
With those words, he pressed on, heading toward the unknown dangers that awaited in the Northern Frontier.
The wind howled across the weathered stones, carrying with it the distant cries of the wilderness. As Shuang Yue's figure faded into the horizon, his heart was already set—no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would never back down. Each step he took was a testament to his growing mastery over his Inner Cosmos and his unwavering sense of duty toward the world.