Undying Heroes! . . .
Cha Eun Xiao experienced a sensation akin to being an ever-inflating balloon. This singular perception dominated his senses, engulfing him entirely. He was acutely aware that he stood at the precipice of his limits, unable to inflate any further, yet the inexorable force behind this expansion continued to intensify.
The relentless surge of power expanded his consciousness, causing Cha Eun Xiao to endure immense suffering. All his skills, knowledge, techniques, and martial arts—everything he had acquired in two lifetimes—had become obsolete in the face of this overwhelming force. It was unstoppable, inexorably pushing the boundaries of his endurance.
This unyielding power simultaneously bolstered his mental resilience, preventing his psyche from fracturing under its pressure. It was a testament to the human spirit's remarkable adaptability, even when subjected to such extreme circumstances.
However, even though his mind remained intact, Cha Eun Xiao was far from unscathed. He writhed on the ground, a prisoner to the agony that twisted his body into grotesque contortions. The pain was unlike anything he had ever endured, eclipsing even the ordeals of death and the torturous training he had faced. This torment was not physical but deeply etched into his soul, making it the most excruciating trial of his life.
In this crucible of suffering, Cha Eun Xiao grappled with the raw, potent soul power surging within him. He recognized its purity and the immense benefits it held for him. This was a gift from the heroes of ancient times, and though the pain was unbearable, he knew he had to endure it.
These heroic figures, whose bodies had vanished, had left behind only minuscule remnants of their power. When these fragments coalesced, they formed a vast reservoir of energy, a formidable burden for Cha Eun Xiao to bear.
With every wave of pain, his soul, mind, and consciousness grew, nurtured by the searing agony. It was a painful transformation, the intensity of which defied his previous understanding of suffering.
Yet, Cha Eun Xiao was resolute. He believed he could endure the pain, even though it was relentless and overwhelming. He knew that cultivators far beyond the eighth level of the Dream Origin Stage would falter in the face of such agony. Even those in the lower echelons of the Dao Origin Stage would likely succumb.
After some time, Cha Eun Xiao began to sense a gradual reduction in the pain. He felt the comfort of relief gradually enveloping him, replacing the unrelenting torment.
"… Oh heavens… My heavens… That…" Cha Eun Xiao lay prostrate on the ground, utterly drained. Every fiber of his being felt as though it had transformed into a formless mass of weakness. He couldn't even muster the energy to blink. However, his perception was acutely attuned to the incredible strength of his mind.
In his current state, Cha Eun Xiao felt that he could extend his spiritual mind to envelop the entire Qing-Yun Realm. It was an intoxicating sensation, even if the actual feat remained beyond reach. Even Wu Fa, the renowned No. 1 cultivator in the realm, could not extend his spiritual mind to such an extent. Cha Eun Xiao was intoxicated by the dramatic enhancement of his mental prowess.
Moreover, his soul had undergone a profound transformation. Cha Eun Xiao was now certain that his soul power surpassed that of his previous life, and it was purer than ever. In terms of both mind and soul, he had become more formidable than his previous self.
The crucible of pain had forged a new, empowered Cha Eun Xiao, a vessel of tremendous potential.
Cha Eun Xiao's soul power continued to evolve with his cultivation level. It was an innate aspect of his being, growing stronger with each advancement. Whether he focused on cultivating his soul power or not, it inevitably improved. However, this natural progression had its limitations. For instance, Cha Monarch's soul power had plateaued, reaching its zenith since he was already at the pinnacle of the Dao Origin Stage within the Qing-Yun Realm. There was simply no room left for further enhancement.
Despite the profound spiritual growth he had experienced in this sacred abyss, Cha Eun Xiao found himself physically debilitated. For hours, he lay incapacitated on the ground, too weak to move. Eventually, as his strength returned in small increments, he initiated an assessment of the immense benefits he had gained. His exhilaration was palpable as he evaluated the magnitude of his newfound power.
The knowledge that he had obtained immense advantages elated Cha Eun Xiao. However, his respect for the fallen heroes deepened as he revisited the task of cleaning the bone ashes. Initially, it had been an act of reverence to ensure they were not left exposed in the wilderness, but now it held an even deeper meaning. His actions reflected not only respect but profound gratitude.
These heroes had not merely fought to slay their foes; they had aspired to secure peace for the entire world by eradicating the demonic threat. Their willingness to sacrifice themselves was a testament to their heroism and the greater good they sought to achieve. They understood that their battle within the precipice was a one-way journey, and their self-sacrifice was a solemn pledge to prevent any demon from escaping and harming innocent lives.
Cha Eun Xiao could not help but hold these brave figures in the highest regard. Their valor was immeasurable, and their actions had earned his deepest respect.
After an entire day of labor, Cha Eun Xiao had successfully laid the fallen heroes to rest, creating a vast expanse of monumental mounds. With meticulous care, he employed the surrounding rocks to fashion a wall, establishing a sacred cemetery. The entrance to this hallowed ground was marked by a towering stone stele, bearing an inscription that conveyed his deepest sentiments:
'In Memory of the Undying Heroes!'
'Set by a humble young man, Cha Eun Xiao, with respect to their glory.'
This monument would forever stand as a testament to the valor and selflessness of those who had given their lives to safeguard the world. Cha Eun Xiao had carried out this solemn task with unwavering respect and profound gratitude, ensuring that the memory of these heroes would endure.