Inside Azrael's room in the luxurious manor, the room was enveloped in a shroud of silent magic, ensuring that the events unfolding within remained concealed from prying ears.
This precaution, specifically designed for Luna's peace of mind, allowed her to rest without worrying about him. In the midst of this arcane silence, Azrael prepared for what was to come.
Dressed in a simple shirt and shorts, Azrael sat on the plush and comfortable carpet in his room, his eyes reflecting a sense of determination and apprehension. He knew that what he was about to undertake would not be an easy feat.
Jing Qiáng's voice resonated directly within Azrael's mind, devoid of any comforting words, stark in its honesty. "The process will be painful. Prepare yourself."
As Azrael mentally braced himself for the imminent test, he couldn't help but harbor doubts and uncertainties about Jing Qiáng. The heavenly demon's presence was a constant reminder of the uncertainty surrounding their partnership.
Azrael didn't fully trust him, and he remained wary of Jing Qiáng's hidden motives. Yet, their interests were somehow aligned, and for now, that was all Azrael could rely upon.
Jing Qiáng, ever observant, sensed Azrael's lingering doubts. His tone shifted into a more philosophical and instructive manner, attempting to address Azrael's concerns.
"Trust is earned, Azrael, and it is only natural to question those who wield more power than you. However, our paths have intertwined for a reason. I will not deceive you, nor will I lead you astray. We share a common goal."
Azrael's inner turmoil was apparent, his brow furrowed with uncertainty.
He knew he had already come too far to turn back now, and the undeniable connection between himself and the heavenly demon, Jing Qiáng, was a testament to that fact. Reluctantly, he nodded, acknowledging the truth in Jing Qiáng's words.
Taking a deep breath, Azrael steeled himself for the trials that lay ahead. "I'm ready."
The atmosphere inside Azrael's luxury room was steeped in an air of solemnity and determination. The preparations were in place, and the time had come to embark on the daunting journey of learning the 'Dark Power Container' technique.
Jing Qiáng began the session by speaking in a calm and instructive tone, "Since you're ready, we'll start by transforming your heart. The heart is the organ that distributes life-giving blood to every part of your body, and it must be transformed first to allow the flow of mana. Mana will soon course through it, supplying energy to every part of your body and serving as the basis for the technique."
Azrael nodded, his determination evident in his eyes. He knew that this was a crucial step in harnessing the power within him.
Jing Qiáng continued his guidance. "Now, I want you to envision your heart in your mind's eye. Feel its steady pulsations within your chest."
Azrael closed his eyes, focusing on his breath, each inhalation and exhalation deliberate and measured. In his mind's eye, he visualized his heart, a powerful and vital organ beating rhythmically within his chest.
In the realm of magic, the heart represented more than just a physical entity; it was the seat of one's essence and the source of vitality.
Jing Qiáng's guidance continued, his voice resonating directly within Azrael's mind, soothing and clear as he gave further instructions. "From your abdomen, materialize your mana. Call forth its vivid color, let it surge and flare, but maintain the control over it. Make it submit to your will."
Azrael followed Jing Qiáng's instructions meticulously.
Within the depths of his abdomen, he visualized his mana—a brilliant blue tinged with a potent shade of purple. With skillful precision, he took command of the mana, asserting his dominance over the arcane energy.
Then Jing Qiáng extended his hand, raising it slowly.
An otherworldly dark energy began to emanate from Azrael's abdomen. It was the dark power that resided within him, an enigmatic force that had become intertwined with his very being.
As the two energies—Azrael's mana and dark power—converged, they merged seamlessly. Azrael could sense their harmonious blend, transforming the mana into a mesmerizing deep shade of dark purple.
In that moment, a surge of energy coursed through Azrael's body. It was as if the room itself responded to the mystical phenomenon, bathed in an eerie, ethereal glow.
The transformation had begun, and Azrael was at the precipice of a profound metamorphosis.
Jing Qiáng's enigmatic voice continued its guidance, cutting through the silence like a whisper of destiny. "Move the mana to your heart, Azrael. Envelop your heart with the mana, and then slowly push it inside, allowing it to seep in, refining your heart step by step."
Azrael complied with Jing Qiáng's instructions. He began to envelop his heart with his vivid, dark-purple mana. Yet, as he pushed the mana within, a sharp, searing pain erupted within his chest. Azrael clenched his teeth, desperate to stifle any cry of agony, his face contorting with the intense agony that surged through him.
The pain was unlike anything he had ever endured. It felt as though his heart was being pierced by countless needles, and as if the organ itself were forcibly torn from his chest.
The mana surged relentlessly, causing his body to tremble uncontrollably. Azrael's struggle was evident as he involuntarily coughed up dark, viscous blood from his mouth and nose.
Jing Qiáng's voice remained a steady anchor in Azrael's mind amidst the tempest of pain. "This is the first step in transforming your heart into a vessel for dark power. Embrace the pain and maintain your focus on the process."
Azrael held his position, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. His face mirrored the turmoil within—doubt, fear, and uncertainty threatened to overwhelm him. But beneath it all, his determination blazed like an unquenchable flame. He refused to yield, refused to let the excruciating pain break him.
Hours passed in profound silence, broken only by Azrael's labored breaths and the occasional shudder that coursed through his body. His clothes clung to his drenched form, soaked with sweat. Every muscle in his body ached, and his mind felt like a whirlwind of torment. Still, he clung to his resolve, enduring the pain with unwavering determination.
Azrael could sense the excruciating transformation occurring within him—the melding of his flesh and mana, the fusion of dark power with the very core of his being.
With each inhale, his heart seemed to grow larger, the pain intensifying with every passing moment.
It was relentless, and Azrael's consciousness began to wane and the world blurred around him as he teetered on the precipice of his endurance. But Jing Qiáng's voice persisted in his mind, a constant reminder to maintain his focus.
As the night stretched on, Azrael's determination remained unbroken. With each passing moment, time started to lose its meaning, as he drew closer to completing the first step of the 'Dark Power Container' technique. It was a journey marked by agony and hardship, but it was a path he had already chosen.
Finally, as the pain reached its zenith, a blinding flash of light illuminated the room.
Azrael's body arched, and he let out a primal scream that echoed through the manor. "Aarggghhh!"
It felt as though a dam had burst, and an overwhelming surge of power flowed into him, mingling with his core.
Jing Qiáng observed Azrael's progress, still in his calmness. "You're doing well," he reassured, his voice a soothing presence amidst the torment. "Maintain your focus, Azrael. It's almost over."
Time lost all meaning as Azrael continued the grueling process.
His mind became a haze, Jing Qiáng's voice fading into obscurity. The only semblance of reality that remained was a small, dimly glowing orb of dark purple—a flickering spark that he clung to for his dear life.
He couldn't discern the passage of time anymore. It might have been a night, several days, weeks, months, years—it all felt like an eternity.
Then, as the first rays of dawn pierced through the window, Azrael collapsed, unconscious. In the hushed aftermath, faint, indistinct murmurs from Jing Qiáng could be heard briefly before dissipating into silence.
The room, which had been the battleground for this excruciating transformation, fell into stillness once more.