Subham and Ananya stepped through the bustling streets of Arcanis, the capital city of the planet Arathoria in the distant Nevrion Galaxy. Arathoria was renowned for its ancient cultivation arts and artifacts, drawing cultivators from across the universe. The city was a vibrant hub of activity, with stalls selling exotic goods, mystical creatures roaming freely, and towering spires that seemed to touch the sky.
Vidur had explained the significance of this planet before they left. "Arathoria is famous for its auctions of forgotten ancient cultivation arts and artifacts. These artifacts can grant cultivation arts based on one's bloodline. It's a place where fortunes are made, and destinies are altered."
With Vidur's words echoing in his mind, Subham felt a sense of purpose as he navigated through the crowded streets. Ananya, her icy demeanor softened only in Subham's presence, followed closely, her silvery hair flowing like a river of moonlight.
They arrived at a grand building marked by a sign written in an ancient script. This was the shop where the most precious artifacts were sold. As they entered, a bell chimed, and an elderly shopkeeper greeted them with a knowing smile.
"I see you seek something special," the shopkeeper said, his eyes twinkling with ancient wisdom. "Artifacts that can reveal your true potential."
Subham nodded, his golden eyes scanning the shelves filled with mystical items. "Yes, we're looking for an artifact that can grant us a cultivation art based on our bloodline."
The shopkeeper led them to a secluded section of the shop, where an array of gleaming artifacts lay displayed. He handed Subham a small, ornate box. "This artifact is unique. Use a drop of your blood to activate it, and it will reveal a cultivation art suited to your bloodline."
Subham took the box with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He pricked his finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the artifact. Instantly, the air around him crackled with energy, and the artifact began to glow.
A dramatic scene unfolded. The sky outside darkened, and a powerful wind swept through the shop, rattling the windows. Lightning crackled in the sky, casting eerie shadows across the room. Ananya watched in awe as the artifact absorbed Subham's blood and began to transform.
Suddenly, a beam of light shot up from the artifact, piercing the heavens. The ground trembled as a legendary phenomenon took place. Subham's body was enveloped in a radiant aura, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light.
All of Arathoria felt the impact. The inhabitants looked up at the sky, sensing that a legendary cultivation art had been acquired. Alarms sounded throughout the city, alerting everyone to the monumental event.
Subham's vision blurred, and he felt a surge of knowledge flood his mind. The artifact revealed its name: **Third Eye Pain Sutra**. This cultivation art was unlike anything he had ever encountered. It promised to unlock his third eye, enhancing his perception and giving him control over immense spiritual and physical pain, both in himself and others. However, he had yet to harness any of its abilities, and he knew it would require time and dedication to master.
As the light faded, Subham fell to his knees, panting. The artifact lay dormant once more, its purpose fulfilled. Ananya rushed to his side, her normally cold expression showing genuine concern.
"Are you okay, Subham?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.
Subham nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "I'm fine. I need to show this to Master Vidur when we return. This cultivation art... it's incredible."
Just as he was about to instruct Ananya to use the artifact to obtain her own cultivation art, a loud crash echoed through the room. The door burst open, and a group of armed men stormed in, their eyes filled with greed and malice.
Subham's heart sank as he realized what was happening. He had heard of this before—when someone obtained a legendary cultivation art, it often attracted those who would steal it by any means necessary.
The leader of the intruders, a tall man with a scar across his face, pointed his weapon at Subham. "We know you acquired a powerful cultivation art. Hand over whatever you found, and we might let you live."
Subham's mind raced. He couldn't let them take it. Drawing Psychodeus, his soul-bound weapon, he prepared to defend himself and Ananya.
Ananya, still unable to use her powers due to lacking a cultivation art, stood back, her expression one of helpless frustration.
The ensuing battle was chaotic. Subham fought valiantly, relying on his physical prowess and skills with Psychodeus. He parried attacks with precision, his golden eyes sharp and focused. Though he hadn't yet unlocked the abilities of the Third Eye Pain Sutra, his training and determination kept him in the fight.
However, the attackers were relentless, their numbers overwhelming. Subham could feel his energy waning, but he refused to give in. He glanced at Ananya, who stood frozen, unable to assist.
In the midst of the battle, Subham's thoughts drifted to Vidur's words. He had to protect the cultivation art, not just for himself, but for the future battles that lay ahead. With a final surge of determination, he unleashed a powerful wave of energy, forcing the intruders back.
Panting and covered in sweat, Subham stood victorious. The shop lay in ruins, but they had protected the Third Eye Pain Sutra. Subham turned to Ananya, a mixture of relief and gratitude in his eyes.
"Thank you for staying with me, Ananya. We'll find a cultivation art for you next."
Ananya, her cold demeanor melting slightly, nodded. "We should leave before more come."
Subham agreed. They quickly gathered their things and left the shop, blending into the bustling streets of Arcanis. They had a new mission now—to return to Vidur's mansion, learn about the Third Eye Pain Sutra, and prepare for the challenges that awaited them.