Unsouled

The first book in the Cradle series follows Lindon, a young man from the Sacred Valley who is considered powerless and weak by his clan's standards. When he discovers that his entire valley is actually backward compared to the outside world of powerful sacred artists, he must leave everything behind to pursue strength and save his people. The story focuses on cultivation, martial arts progression, and themes of perseverance, self-improvement, and challenging societal expectations. This is a progression fantasy where the protagonist grows from weakness to strength through determination and training.