Forged in Blood and Shadow

The bodyguards thanked John for protecting the young lady. "No need to be so grateful," he replied. "I'm just doing my job. You hired me to protect your young lady, and that's what I did. I'm going to protect her until we reach the Joe Dynasty."

The cart door opened, and a beautiful girl stepped out. She clasped her hands together, bowed her head, and said, "Young warrior, thank you for protecting me." John couldn't help but blush. She's so beautiful, he thought. "I'm just doing my job," he replied.

"My name is Zoe Karen," the young lady said. "I'm from the Zoe family in the Joe Dynasty. May I know the name of the young warrior?"

The Zoe family? John thought. They're one of the richest families in the Joe Dynasty. This isn't my real appearance… what should I call myself? Jacob? Adam? Chris? He shook his head. No, those are all English names. I'm in a cultivation world. I should just call myself Jo Lee, the name of that Skyfall Sect disciple. "My name is Jo Lee," he said.

Zoe Karen smiled. "Mr. Jo Lee, you must be going to the Joe Dynasty for the secret realm that is about to open." She gestured towards the cart. "Come inside so we can talk more about it."

They entered the cart. "Ms. Zoe Karen," John began, "can you tell me more about this secret realm?"

"It's near the Demon Lands," she explained. "It opens in six days. Only Foundation Forging cultivators and below can enter. Golden Core cultivators will be guarding it, so only children from big families and sect disciples can get in. If you're not part of a big family or sect and try to enter, you'll be killed." She added, "I can help you get in as thanks for saving me."

"I was just doing my job," John said. "And no worries, I have my own way." I'll just hide in the shadows of someone entering, he thought.

They continued traveling for three more days before reaching the Joe Dynasty and the Zoe family estate. Once they arrived, John said to her, "My job ends here. I'll be leaving now."

"Why don't you stay at my house until the secret realm opens?" she offered.

"I wouldn't want to trouble you," he replied.

"It's no problem at all," she insisted. "I haven't repaid you for saving me anyway."

They walked inside the estate together. I can't refuse, John thought. She's the only person who has been kind to me since I came to this world.

Inside the estate, two men were present. One was sitting down, and the other was standing. The standing man said to the other, "The young lady has returned."

The sitting man slammed his hand on the armrest of his chair. "The assassination failed," he said.