After the body fortification was complete, the old man took the duo to the entrance of a cave filled with mist that made it's interior mysterious and hidden.
" Children, rests within, my old acquaintance, the nine headed divine hydra that lost it's physical body in a fight and currently exists as a spirit. He will guide you in my place to the Buddha's monastery intermediate realm to complete the integration of your body with your consciousness as my technique may sometimes breed dissonance between body and consciousness which may cost you your lives in a pinch. He is an exceptionally generous spirit beast, " explained the old man while leading them into the cave.
After a while, they saw the huge see through i.e., translucent nine headed beast resting in a corner. It woke up at the sound of their arrival and glanced at them warily before rejoicing upon seeing the old man.
" Took you long enough to come to me huh, oldie, " it spoke. " These are the first ones to complete my nine coloured exquisite body fortification, they need to travel to Buddha's monastery intermediate realm to make sure there is no dissonance between their bodies and consciousness. "
" Interesting, a void natured cultivator and a grade 3 lightning user, hmm, it wouldn't be bad to serve them. " " You mean? " " Young lady, would you like to accept me as your power, as your totem? " " Totem? "
" Yes, there are few spirit beasts like me that can shed their material bodies and completely live as some one's power and of course die along their side, hence, we totemic beasts choose only persons fate dictates to follow as totem bearers. You caused a ripple in my heart the moment I faced you. So, will you bear my totem? "
" Sarah, there are no more than 3 spirit beasts currently existing that can become someone's totem, it grants you enormous power with no problems, a totemic beast cannot harm the bearer at all and can only choose one person as the bearer in it's lifetime. Once rejected by the person who caused ripples in their heart, they can only remain beasts and die without having a chance to become totemic beasts ever. You must be exceptionally lucky to be a bearer. " the old man instructed.
" What do I get by having you? " " An intelligent advisor, a friend to talk, power to manipulate all the elements except void, a guide to most intermediate and lower realms, an increase in fighting prowess so on " the hydra shrugged it's shoulders and answered.
" Umm, Dastan, what should I do? " " I suppose taking him is fine, I believe what teacher said, he may not harm you. " " I guess so. Mr. Hydra, I accept your preposition. " " Haah, to think my luck has finally reached me. " the hydra rejoiced and vanished in a puff of smoke which burned off Sarah's shirt revealing a nine headed hydra tattoo on her back. Out of his dignity, her undergarment was left intact.
" The tattoo on your back is the totem. It shall show up as a halo that shines on your back when ever you fight with it's powers. It can also speak to you from the totem as well. " " YES, MASTER AND MISTRESS "
" Whoa, he can really speak from the tatt..... I mean totem. " Dastan spoke amazed. Sarah, who was long lost in her thoughts regarding totems woke from them and smiled.
" He can lead you to the intermediate realm, go tomorrow, you can rest for today. I can be relaxed leaving you in his capable hands as well. " the old man relaxed and led them back to their room.