[A/N - this feels AI to me so I probably used AI in past for this. and I can't really edit it all so endure it please.]
Rey and Jav Kela stood before the closed door of the building.
Rey examined the plaque and read aloud, "Cosmic Valve? What is the meaning of this, Master?"
Jav Kela shrugged, remarking, "I don't know. Perhaps the inhabitants came from another region to settle here. In any case, knock on the door."
Rey nodded, approaching the door. However, his attention was drawn to a button on the door's side, labeled 'press.'
"Press? Should I press this?" Rey didn't ponder much and pressed the button. The moment the button was pressed, an electric current surged from the button to Rey's body, using his hand as a conductor.
Though it didn't cause significant harm, Rey's face darkened, his hair stood on end, and black smoke emanated from his body.
This happened so swiftly that Jav couldn't react in time. Nevertheless, he hastened to Rey, inquiring with concern, "Are you alright, Rey? What just happened?"
"I-I don't know. I just pressed that button," Rey stammered. The electricity hadn't inflicted substantial damage, but he felt numb all over. Swiftly, he retrieved basic Tier-1 Healing pills, ingesting them, and channeled his Profound energy to enhance their effect.
Jav furrowed his brows, studying the button. He became cautious and watchful; he had never encountered anything like it before. "Could it be a Rune Formation? But I should have detected it as soon as it activated."
As he pondered, the closed door swung open, revealing the visage of a young man with silver-white hair.
"Oh, I didn't anticipate having customers so early. Welcome," Aadi greeted, ushering the two inside. Rey's appearance had returned to normal, thus Aadi perceived nothing unusual.
Observing Aadi, Rey's initial thought was to inquire about the strange device. Without waiting for Jav, he pointed at the doorbell and asked, "Um, sir, what's that?"
Aadi followed his gaze and responded, "Oh, that's the doorbell. When you press it, a sound rings inside, and I'm alerted that someone is at the door. Unfortunately, it's malfunctioning now, so it doesn't always work."
'Ah, so this is a bookstore,' Jav mused. Meanwhile, he surveyed the interior, observing rows of books. Yet, a sense of something amiss nagged at him. He refrained from immediate questioning and simply stated, "Yes, we are travelers passing through this town. We thought of acquiring some books for the journey."
"Very well, come and see what interests you," Aadi invited, leading the way as Rey and Jav entered.
Upon entering, a warm current of air enveloped them, purifying their bodies and sharpening their minds. Even their stagnant cultivation seemed invigorated.
Both Rey and Jav were astonished. Profound energy permeated the bookstore in overwhelming density. It was rich yet not stifling; they felt as if they could remain here indefinitely.
Jav found himself even more taken aback, having visited the Energy rooms of the Selero Empire that utilized Profound Energy Gathering Arrays. Still, this room surpassed even those levels.
One residing in such an environment couldn't be ordinary. Jav had already surmised that this individual was a formidable figure seeking solitude from the world.
Rey experienced a minor breakthrough on the spot. His eyes widened, and he was about to voice a question when his master's stern glance silenced him. Rey comprehended the message: speaking could prove fatal.
Jav had formed a hypothesis. It was probable that this expert had settled here for tranquility. However, earlier that Heaven Profound Stage Artist had likely disrupted the expert, who responded by reducing him to ash. The mere thought sent shudders down Jav's spine.
Aadi's voice brought them back. "Why linger at the entrance? Join me inside, and let me know your reading preferences."
Jav guided Rey forward, stating with respect, "Haha, we possess limited knowledge of books. We shall assess them and then make our selection."
Remaining longer in this place was a wise choice. Jav intended to derive maximum benefit, especially for his disciple, who would gain greater advantages due to his lower cultivation level.
Aadi merely shrugged, settling into his chair and resuming his reading of *Battle through the Hell*.
Engrossed in his book, he remarked, "My store mainly offers novels, usually in volumes due to their size. If you decide against a book, kindly return it to its proper volume's location."
"Certainly, we will," Jav agreed, prompting Rey to peruse the books while he selected one from a nearby shelf.
Suddenly, Aadi's eyes widened momentarily, then returned to normal. He murmured, "So 'The Netra' has awakened as well. The universe is in upheaval – first 'The Heart's Desire,' then 'The Ruler's Bloodline,' and now 'The Netra.' Wait, the Ruler's bloodline... Asty, what is she up to? I must investigate."
Standing, Aadi informed Jav Kela, "Take your time. I have an errand to attend to. I'll be absent for a while."
Jav, who had just retrieved a book, responded swiftly, "Certainly, sir. We'll read here."
The opportunity to linger in this place was too enticing to miss.
Departing early would be foolish; Jav planned to spend time here, reaping its benefits. Moreover, his disciple would gain more from the prolonged exposure.
Aadi nodded and proceeded to the backyard where a pond lay.
Stepping into the pond, he submerged himself and reached its bottom. Remarkably, his attire remained dry. A circular hole caught his attention, and he entered.
This portal-like hole transported Aadi to a barren realm. Mountains dominated the landscape, accompanied by an endless desert devoid of sand, featuring only rocks.
He traversed the terrain, discovering Aurora seated on a rock. Blood and wounds marred her form, surrounded by a fifteen-meter radius of lightning. Occasional bolts erupted from her body.
Across from her, Asty sat on another rock, a serene smile on her lips, her tail swaying.
Aadi joined Asty on her rock, questioning, "What have you done, Asty?"
With her gaze fixed on Aurora, Asty replied, "Nothing much. I assisted her in awakening her Bloodline. Why? What happened?"
Aadi sighed, revealing, "Someone has awakened 'The Netra.'"
At first, Asty widened her eyes, then looked away as if guilty of something.
Squinting his eyes, Aadi asked, "Asty, what did you do?"