Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic]

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[This story has been plagiarized on amazon under ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CW1BHSDB, this note is my proof of ownership for the investigators, that seller has no rights to this story]

Money and Qi are the keys to power in the Republic of Ardus. Ren has neither.

He had a good life—until debt collectors tore him from his loved ones and threw him out onto the streets.

Life in the dark alleys of Katarn is merciless to the weak, and Ren craves the power to change his fate—like the immortal cultivators of legend and the martial heroes who parade through the streets to fanfare.

Yet he has no teacher, nor master—fated to rot away like the pile of refuse he calls home. Until an encounter with a dying immortal gives him a chance to change everything.

But life is rarely kind, and before he can step onto the path of immortality his spirit is tainted by the venom of a Mythical Beast.

Will the song in his soul and a lost cultivation technique be enough to survive this cruel world?

[Part 1 of the Broken Path series]

What to Expect:

-A Cultivation Tale Written for Fans of Epic Fantasy and Berserk (Golden Age)-

-Lovingly Crafted & Efficient Prose-

-An Intelligent Yet Flawed Main Character-

-An Animal Companion-

-An Unfolding Story That Will Eventually Span the Globe-

-Weak to Strong Progression Fantasy- Grounded in emotion and personal motivation. Progression is a consistent theme, and this story will take the time to ensure it feels meaningful in a broader sense. While Ren will receive a few advantages at several points, the goal is progression that feels earned.

-Gritty, Well Thought Out Combat- Trying to fight against a spear with your sword? Better find a way to compensate for the gap in reach. Take an arrow to the face? You're taking a dirt nap. Fireball? I think you can see where I'm going. Complete with tactical fighting, archery, martial arts, monster battles, and xianxia-inspired magic system.

-A Non-Typical Xianxia Setting- An original world that takes inspiration from the blending of cultures facilitated by the Silk Road at its height. The world is in a constant state of flux and over the course of the story we will see it transform as power changes hands and new technologies shift the balance of civilization. Heavily flavored with middle-eastern influence and dollops of classic fantasy, this is not another clone of ancient china, though eventually we will see some of the classic tropes such as young masters, honor duels, and cultivator sects. Some of these will be deconstructed, some will be played with because they are fun and/or awesome. Don't worry, this is not a harem story.

-Adult Themes and Honest Exploration of Character and the Human Experience- This is a story that will explore the light and the dark. Beauty and horror. While I aim to avoid being needlessly gratuitous, this story does not shy away from the horrors of war and painful psychological challenges that come with a life filled with tribulation. It will also linger in moments of connection, beauty, and peace. This is not Grimdark, though it can be dark at times.

Author's Note:

I drew inspiration for the Broken Path series from countless sources, but the most obvious are: Berserk, The Name of the Wind, Cradle, Dragon Heart, Dawn of Awakening, Beware of Chicken, (1,001)Arabian Nights, a broad smattering of Myths and FolkTales, and my own time spent studying and practicing martial arts and mystical traditions from across the globe (looking at you Hafiz).

I love Cultivation/Xianxia stories, especially when they manage to stay grounded in the plights of mortals and strong character development. This is my own personal spin set in a world of my own design inspired by the concept and mythos of the silk road as a thread that has drawn together stories from many places. I hope you enjoy reading about Ren's journey as much as I enjoy writing it.

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354 d, 20 h ago Probably stalled or dropped!
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  • Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic]
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https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/70471/the-song-of-blood-and-shadow-a-gritty-cultivation

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Latest release - ch. 60.0
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Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 60 Chapter: 60 Blood RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 59 Chapter 59: The Journey Home RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 58 Chapter 58: Questions, Questions RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 57 Chapter 57: Student of Foxes RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 56 Chapter 56: A Meeting of Hunters RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 55 Chapter 55: Monster in the Night RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 54 Chapter 54: The Gift of Legacy RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 53 Chapter 53: No Good Choices RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 52 Chapter 52: Mistake RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 51 Chapter 51: Home is Never True to Memory RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 50 Chapter 50: Farming Complex 34B RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 49 Chapter 49: Lieutenant Kareem RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 48 Chapter 48: A Turn of Fate RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 47 Chapter 47: Cloud Company 7 RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 46 Chapter 46: Meanwhile RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 45 Chapter 45: Deployment RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 44 Chapter 44: Victory of the Meek RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 43 Chapter 43: The Ambush RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 42 Chapter 42: Silver Fox Meditation RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 41 Chapter 41: Interlopers RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 40 Chapter 40: The Law of the Wild RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 39 Chapter 39: Just Rewards RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 38 Chapter 38: The Way Forward RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 37 Chapter 37: Libations RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 36 Chapter 36: Survival Trial RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 35 Chapter 35: Combat Trials RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 34 Chapter 34: Trials Begin RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 33 Chapter 33: Loved Ones Back Home RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 32 Chapter 32: Scorn RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 31 Chapter 31: Loyalty RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 30 Chapter 30: A New Friend RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 29 Chapter 29: A New Man RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 28 Chapter 28: Choosing a New Path (2) RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 27 Chapter 27: Choosing a New Path RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 26 Chapter 26: Private Lessons (2) RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 25 Chapter 25: Private Lessons RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 24 Chapter 24: Dreams and Memories RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 23 Chapter 23: Spirit Fruit RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 22 Chapter 22: The Path Bends RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 21 Chapter 21: How to Hold a Sword RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 20 Chapter 20: Training Begins RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 19 Chapter 19: Welcome, Recruits RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 18 Chapter 18: First Time Camping RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 17 Chapter 17: City of Grey RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 16 Chapter 16: The Dangers of the Road (2) RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 15 Chapter 15: Dangers of the Road RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 14 Chapter 14: The End of the Beginning RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 13 Chapter 13: Bad News RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 12 Chapter 12: Sig, Son of Sig RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 11 Chapter 11: The Power of a Song RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 10 Chapter 10: When the Weak Become Strong RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 9 Chapter 9: Sapling Song of the Autumn Breeze RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 8 Chapter 8: Wind Tickles the Leaves RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 7 Chapter 7: Family RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 6 Chapter 6: Windsong RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 5 Chapter 5: Young Love RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 4 Chapter 4: Garam's Inn RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 3 Chapter 3: Unexpected Guest RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 2 Chapter 2: Street-Rats and Strangers RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] 1 Chapter 1: The Spiteful Wind RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] Update: A Message Long Overdue RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] Happy New Year! RoyalRoadL
Broken Path: The Song of Blood and Shadow [A Gritty Cultivation Epic] Prologue: A Storm That Came Before RoyalRoadL