Transfiguration magic took some time to master but now that he have mastered it, he can finally leave this dirty alley.

Tian Lei's footsteps echoed softly as he left the narrow alley, the fading glow of sunset washing the streets in molten gold. His stomach growled, a sharp reminder that he hadn't eaten properly in days—perhaps weeks.

He rolled his shoulders, still getting used to his new body. The Transfiguration Magic had worked perfectly, but the process had drained him more than expected. His limbs ached faintly, his mana threads sluggish from prolonged dormancy.

"Alright, first things first," he muttered. "Food. Then sleep. Then… money that doesn't come from corpses."

He walked toward the bustling heart of the city. Lanterns flickered to life one by one, painting the streets in warm amber. Vendors shouted over each other, the air thick with the smell of roasted meat, fried dough, and spiced broth. His golden eyes glimmered faintly beneath the hood he'd pulled up, scanning for an inn that didn't look too expensive—or too curious.

Finally, he spotted one: The Silver Fang Inn, a modest two-story building tucked between a blacksmith's forge and a Alchemist shop. A carved wooden sign swung gently in the night breeze, its paint worn but clean.

Inside, the scent of stew and ale was heavenly. The innkeeper, a burly woman with rolled-up sleeves, looked him up and down. "You look like you've been through a storm, boy. Need a room or a meal first?"

"Both," Tian Lei replied with a faint smile, placing a few of the silver coins he'd retrieved earlier on the counter.

The woman's eyes flicked to the coins, then to his youthful face. "Upstairs, second door to the left. I'll have your food sent up."

Moments later, Tian Lei was seated by the window in his small room, the city lights stretching beyond like a sea of fireflies. He tore into the bread and stew the innkeeper's daughter brought him, savoring every bite as warmth slowly returned to his body.

"For the first time in weeks…" he exhaled, leaning back against the chair, "I can finally breathe."

His gaze drifted to his reflection in the window—the faint golden glow of his eyes, the calm confidence that sat easily on his features. He flexed his hand, feeling the faint hum of mana in his veins.

Soon after, the food arrived—a simple dish of boiled chicken paired with a small cup of clear, fragrant alcohol.

Tian Lei nodded at the waiter, tearing a leg off the chicken and sniffing it. "It's just boiled," he muttered, taking a cautious bite. After a moment, his brow relaxed. "Hmm… not bad. Kind of like chicken soup."

He ate quietly for a while, savoring the warmth spreading through his body. The meat was soft and plain, but after months of surviving on scraps, it felt divine. He finished half the meal before sipping the alcohol—it burned slightly, then bloomed into a soothing warmth in his chest.

The inn was lively that night. A few tables away, a group of travelers and beast tamers were laughing and sharing rumors over mugs of ale. Their voices carried easily across the room.

"Did you hear? The Grand Competition is happening soon!" one of them said excitedly. "It's being hosted by the City Lord of Misty Leaf City this year!"

"Misty Leaf?" another asked, raising a brow. "That's one of the frontier cities, isn't it?"

"Frontier, sure—but it's grown fast. I heard powerful young tamers from all the nearby regions are gathering there. Even some from noble clans and great sects."

That caught Tian Lei's attention. He leaned slightly, pretending to focus on his meal while listening closely.

A third man, older and with a scruffy beard, slammed his cup down. "They say the top ten will get personal invitations to join the Great Sects themselves! Can you imagine? One chance to rise above the dust!"

Several heads turned, eyes wide with envy and longing.

"Ha! Not like it matters for us," another laughed bitterly. "Only those under thirty can enter. The rest of us are just washed-up dreamers."

The table erupted in a mix of laughter and sighs.

Tian Lei, however, simply smiled faintly as he took another bite. Under thirty, huh? he thought, glancing down at his youthful hands. Guess I qualify.

He gestured for another cup of the warm drink, then asked the serving boy who brought it, "That competition they mentioned… what's it about?"

The boy blinked, surprised that someone so young—and apparently new—didn't know. "Oh, sir, it's the Beast Tamer's Grand Competition! Happens once every decade! Tamers show their strength, their bond with their beasts, and their mastery over spirit connection. The City Lord himself oversees it."

"Hmm… sounds interesting," Tian Lei murmured, tapping the table thoughtfully. "And Misty Leaf City, you said?"

"Yes, sir! Many have already left for it. It's said opportunities await even those who don't win—traders, sect scouts, and even beast merchants gather there."

Tian Lei smiled faintly. "Good to know. Thank you."

As the boy nodded and scurried off, Tian Lei leaned back, letting the low chatter and laughter fill the room. A public event full of tamers, beasts, and sect representatives…

His golden eyes gleamed faintly in the lantern light. Sounds like the perfect place to begin again.

He finished his meal slowly, savoring the last sip of warmth before standing. "Misty Leaf City, huh?" he whispered, a faint grin curving his lips. "Guess that's my next stop."

After finishing his meal, Tian Lei pushed his chair back and stood, stretching lightly. The warm food had restored his strength, and his mind was already turning to the next step.

He needed a way to reach Misty Leaf City—and fast.

Leaving the inn, he wandered through the quiet streets, lanterns flickering dimly in the cool night breeze. His boots echoed against cobblestones as he made his way toward the city's central plaza, where teleportation arrays were often built.

When he arrived, he found exactly what he expected—an ancient formation circle guarded by two armored men, faintly humming with residual energy. He approached one of the attendants near the platform.

"Excuse me," Tian Lei said politely. "How much for a one-way passage to Misty Leaf City?"

The attendant didn't even look up from his ledger. "Three hundred low-grade spirit coins. Pay first, then we'll key your destination."

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