Reborn with the SSS-Rank Creator System-Chapter 40: Muscle Forging

The sun rose over the Heavenly Star Sect, casting golden light across the towering jade structures of the South Wing. Morning mist lingered between the trees as birdsong echoed faintly through the quiet courtyards. Inside one of the shared dormitories, Theos stirred awake, stretching and rubbing his eyes before splashing water on his face. Meanwhile, in a neighboring corridor, Xiphos stood finishing his morning meditation, tying his blindfold with practiced ease.

Shortly after, a bell chimed throughout the South Wing, signaling Heaven-grade disciples to gather in the central training ground. Theos and Xiphos each stepped out from their dorms and made their way to the open courtyard where other disciples were already assembling.

Once gathered, an instructor addressed them from the raised platform at the front of the ground. "Good morning. For the duration of the week, you will attend two combat classes and two cultivation classes. These will focus on refining both physical skills and internal energy control."

He paused before adding, "You are granted two days of rest starting today. Your first combat class will be held the day after tomorrow in Training Ground Number Two. Arrive on time and prepared."

After the announcement, Theos and Xiphos regrouped near the edge of the field.

"Instructor said we've got two rest days," Theos said, adjusting the collar of his robe. "Then combat class in Ground Number Two."

Xiphos nodded. "Two combat sessions and two cultivation classes a week. Pretty standard."

Theos glanced toward the distant training grounds. "Still, I'm curious about how they teach combat here. Should be different from what we've done so far."

Xiphos smirked slightly. "Let's hope it's not all theory lectures."

With a curt nod, he turned and left, his footsteps fading down the hallway.

Theos looked to Xiphos. "No reason to waste time, right?"

Xiphos nodded. "Let's get that courtyard."

After a quick wash and a shared meal in the dormitory canteen, they made their way to the administrative pavilion. Inside, disciples queued to submit various requests, from weapon allocation to housing upgrades. Theos and Xiphos approached a registrar seated behind a glowing jade desk.

"We'd like to apply for a private courtyard," Theos said.

The registrar, a young woman with sharp eyes, inspected their uniforms and nodded. "South Wing, Heaven grade? You qualify. Fill these forms, and place your thumbprint at the bottom. You'll be deducted fifty stones for the first month from your account."

Once the paperwork was complete, the registrar handed them a scroll. "This contains your access token and coordinates. Your courtyard is located in the upper forest region, near Spirit Peak."

"Thank you," Xiphos said with a nod.

Following the directions, they trekked uphill through the lush, vine-covered pathways. Finally, a circular gate carved from spirit jade appeared. As the token in Theos's hand glowed, the gate slid open silently, revealing their new home.

The courtyard was impressive. A wide stone pathway led to two small pavilions, one for each of them. Between them stretched a vast, flat clearing perfect for training, flanked by towering trees that shielded the area from prying eyes. At the far end, a small pond shimmered with spirit-rich water.

Theos took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "There's a formation here," he muttered. "The spirit energy... it's denser. Stronger."

Xiphos stepped into the center of the courtyard. "This is ideal for cultivation and sparring."

They took a few minutes to explore the interior—spacious rooms, reinforced walls for impact training, and a sealed meditation chamber.

Sitting beneath a flowering tree, Theos looked toward the sky. "Our first goal has to be breaking through to Muscle Forging."

Xiphos nodded. "We're at the edge. No distractions. No delays."

They each selected a chamber and entered. Theos sat cross-legged on a stone platform, channeling his spirit energy slowly through his bones. His breathing evened out, and the room filled with a faint golden glow.

The next morning, the courtyard trembled.

A deep, contained boom echoed from Xiphos's side of the compound. Birds scattered from the treetops, and spirit energy surged briefly before settling.

A muffled boom echoed from the opposite side of the courtyard, drawing Theos from his meditation. He stepped outside, narrowing his eyes toward Xiphos's pavilion.

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Moments later, Xiphos emerged from his training chamber, his breathing calm but heavy. A faint shimmer of spirit energy clung to his skin.

Theos, standing under the awning of his own room, gave a nod of recognition. Xiphos returned it with a short one of his own.

Though no words were exchanged, the acknowledgment was clear.

Muscle Forging—first stage.

That evening, the stillness of the courtyard was shattered by a thunderous explosion.

A burst of energy blasted outward from Theos's training chamber, cracking the stone tiles and sending dust into the air. The door swung open violently as raw pressure poured out.

Inside, Theos stood shirtless, surrounded by rippling air and scattered debris. His eyes were glowing red, brilliant and pulsing with contained power.

He slowly spread his arms wide, as if embracing the dense spirit energy swirling around him. Then, with deliberate motion, he brought his arms forward and formed a tight fist in front of him.

The moment his fists clenched, an explosive shockwave burst outward—BOOM—tearing through the surrounding air with a thunderous force. Dust swirled and cracked tiles spread beneath his feet.

Across the courtyard, Xiphos stood with his arms crossed, unmoving. A faint smile crept onto his face.

"Welcome to the Muscle Forging Realm," he said.

Theos exhaled, lowering his hands. His body still vibrated faintly with lingering power. "let's begin"

Without a word, Xiphos stepped forward, unsheathing the slender training sword strapped to his back. Its edge shimmered slightly under the waning evening light.

Theos raised a brow, pulling a dagger from his belt. "Couldn't resist, huh?"

"You said 'Let's begin,'" Xiphos replied coolly, his stance settling into a low guard.

Theos chuckled and mirrored the stance with his own weapon.

In the next instant, the silence of the courtyard shattered as Xiphos lunged forward with incredible speed. His sword slashed diagonally, a clean, elegant motion that aimed for Theos's shoulder.

But Theos was already gone.

With a blur of motion, he slipped to the side, letting the sword pass harmlessly by. His dagger flicked up in a counterattack, grazing Xiphos's robe before the latter twisted away.

Steel clashed briefly as Xiphos tried to turn the momentum in his favor, feinting low then striking high. Theos blocked, then pivoted smoothly, striking Xiphos's wrist and forcing the sword to fly from his grasp.

Before Xiphos could retrieve it, Theos stepped in and tapped the dagger lightly to his throat.

Xiphos froze.

"Yield?" Theos asked, smirking.

Xiphos sighed, then stepped back and nodded. "You've gotten really strong."

Theos twirled his dagger once and sheathed it. "Sword cultivators like you rely more on technique and instinct. Your blade is your core. Your path values sword mastery over pure cultivation. But my strength..." He looked at Xiphos "It's tied directly to my cultivation"

Xiphos picked up his sword and gave a faint chuckle. "I know all of that. It won't be that easy next time."