Deep within the swirling mists of Shadow Valley, something ancient stirred. The entity that had reached out to strike Shiv (Yang Kai) from the shadows remained hidden, its presence barely detectable even to the most powerful beings. It had slumbered for eons, forgotten by the universe itself. Bound by powerful restraints, it remained unseen, unheard, its true strength locked away to prevent annihilation by the forces that governed the cosmos.
This ancient being was more than just a spirit or a creature of shadows. It was a remnant of an era that predated everything known to the world. Its name, once whispered in fear across galaxies, had long been erased from the annals of history. Its power, once capable of obliterating entire realms, was now a faint echo, diminished and hidden. But it waited, biding its time, sensing that the moment for its return was drawing closer.
Shiv's arrival in Shadow Valley had triggered something within the entity. The Eternal Life ability that Shiv possessed—a power so rare and potent—had called out to the ancient being like a beacon. It could feel the immortal energy pulsing within Shiv, and though its restraints prevented it from unleashing its full strength, it had tested Shiv with a strike—a mere fragment of its power.
But even that had left Shiv gravely injured.
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Shiv's Growing Urgency
As Shiv and Yang Kang moved through the winding paths of Shadow Valley, the weight of his new power sat heavily on Shiv's mind. The injury had shaken him—both in body and spirit. The entity that had attacked him was no ordinary threat, and its presence lingered like a shadow over his soul. He didn't know what it was, but he could sense that it was something far beyond what he had ever faced.
He had to grow stronger. There was no other option.
Shiv clenched his fists as they walked, the pulsating hunger from his Eternal Life ability thrumming within him. The power to absorb life force, to rapidly heal and enhance his cultivation, had awakened in him a new path to power—one that he would need to rely on if he hoped to survive not just the Inheritance War, but the looming threat of the ancient entity.
But with every use of the ability, the side effects became more pronounced. His body craved not just power, but the presence of women—powerful women, whose energy could feed his growing hunger. Every time he drew on the life force of others, his desire grew stronger, pulling at the edges of his self-control.
For now, he could suppress it. But Shiv knew that if he kept using the ability, there would come a time when his desires would overpower his will. That moment was not here yet, but it was coming.
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Racing Against Time
As Shiv continued deeper into the valley, he could feel the urgency growing within him. The threat from the shadows was real, and the Inheritance War was pushing every heir to their limits. Yang Kang walked beside him, silent and calculating, but Shiv could sense the gears turning in his brother's mind. He knew Yang Kang was planning something, though for now, Shiv let him play his games. There were bigger threats to deal with.
In the distance, Shiv could sense a gathering of energy—a convergence point within the valley. His instincts told him that this would be where the next conflict would occur, and where his next opportunity for growth would arise.
But there was something else—an unsettling feeling that prickled the back of his mind. The shadowy presence that had attacked him was still there, lurking, watching. It was as if the entire valley was its domain, and Shiv was trespassing.
"I need to push my cultivation," Shiv muttered to himself, his thoughts racing. He could feel his current level at the Sixth Stage of the True Element Boundary teetering on the edge of a breakthrough. But it wasn't enough. He needed more power, more strength—he needed to be ready for whatever was coming next.
And if that meant using his new ability, then so be it.
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Feeding the Hunger
Stopping at a secluded grove, Shiv allowed Yang Kang to scout ahead under the pretense of watching their backs. Alone, Shiv reached out with his newfound ability, feeling the life force of the world around him. The energy of the forest—trees, plants, and small creatures—surged toward him, flowing into his core.
As the life force entered his body, his cultivation surged. He could feel the Seventh Stage of the True Element Boundary within reach, just a heartbeat away. But with the power came the familiar surge of heat, the insatiable hunger that gnawed at his mind. His thoughts drifted to Shen Qing Luo, to Bi Luo, to every woman he had encountered whose energy had drawn him in.
He gritted his teeth, fighting back the rising desire. Not now, he told himself. He couldn't afford to lose control yet. There was too much at stake.
But even as he suppressed the urge, he knew it was only a matter of time before the hunger became too much. Every time he used the ability, the desire would grow stronger. And one day, he wouldn't be able to stop it.
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Yang Kang's Plan
When Yang Kang returned, he was more subdued than usual, his eyes glinting with suspicion. He had sensed the surge in Shiv's aura, though he couldn't quite place what had happened.
"You seem stronger," Yang Kang remarked, his voice neutral but probing.
"Don't worry about me," Shiv replied coolly. "Focus on surviving."
Yang Kang's smirk returned, but there was tension behind his smile. He had seen Shiv injured before—seen him on the brink of collapse—and yet, here he was, stronger than before. There was something more to Shiv, something he hadn't accounted for.
But Yang Kang had no intention of confronting his brother directly. Not yet. He would wait, bide his time, and strike when the moment was right.
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The Ancient Presence Stirs
In the deepest, darkest recesses of Shadow Valley, the ancient entity stirred once more. It could feel Shiv's energy growing, the power of Eternal Life calling out to it like a beacon. The restraints that bound the entity pulsed with a faint glow, holding it back, keeping it hidden from the universe's gaze. But the entity knew that its time was coming.
It watched from the shadows, its form shifting in and out of existence, unseen and unknown. Shiv's rise in power was a signal, a sign that the old forces were awakening. But the entity couldn't reveal itself—not yet. If it did, the universe itself would notice, and the consequences would be catastrophic.
For now, it would wait. But it wouldn't wait forever.
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Shiv's Next Move
As Shiv and Yang Kang reached the convergence point within Shadow Valley, they found themselves at the center of a massive battle. Other heirs had already begun fighting, their auras clashing in a chaotic storm of energy. Yang Zhao was there, his alliance holding strong, while Yang Wei stood alone, his raw power driving back any challengers who dared approach him.
But Shiv wasn't here just to watch. He was here to seize an opportunity.
With his new ability pushing him closer to a breakthrough, Shiv could feel the potential for rapid growth. The Seventh Stage of the True Element Boundary was within his grasp, and he would do whatever it took to achieve it.
Drawing on the life force around him once again, Shiv stepped into the fray, his eyes locked on the nearest combatant. He wasn't just here to fight—he was here to absorb, to grow, to push himself beyond the limits of his current cultivation.
But as he waded into battle, the hunger gnawed at him, stronger than ever before. His thoughts clouded with desire, the faces of the women he knew flashing before his eyes.
Not yet, he told himself again, pushing back the overwhelming urge.
But deep down, he knew that he was running out of time. The hunger was growing stronger, and soon, he wouldn't be able to control it.
For now, he would fight, absorb, and rise. But the day of reckoning was coming.
And so was the ancient entity.
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