Cain awoke to a distorted scene, his vision clouded with dark wisps that seemed to pulse in rhythm with the throb along his meridians. The Eclipse Devouring Art's side effects were worsening, each night bringing with it more vivid hallucinations and moments of disorientation. The strain on his meridians, stretched to their limits by his cultivation methods, felt sharper, as if the technique was taking root in his very essence.
Two techniques had propelled him to this point: the Eclipse Devouring Art, a forbidden cultivation method that absorbed essence with brutal efficiency, and the Shadow Meridian Bind, a stabilizing technique that allowed him to contain the chaotic Qi, albeit at a cost. The bind strained his meridians severely; overuse left him weak and vulnerable to sudden power surges, as the absorbed essences often twisted unpredictably within him.
The familiar thought of seeking medical intervention crossed his mind, but he immediately dismissed it. He couldn't risk a visit to Physician Kiro, the sect's sharp-eyed healer. Kiro was known for his perceptive nature, a trait that had already made Cain wary of him during a prior visit for an unrelated injury. Lean and wiry with quick, keen eyes and an unsettling ability to read one's body and spirit, Kiro would easily pick up on the signs of Cain's forbidden cultivation. Even the slightest misstep could reveal the techniques he used, techniques he had stolen and ones that would inevitably mark him as a target within the sect.
No, the risk was too high. Cain needed a subtler solution—something that wouldn't expose him further to the sect's scrutiny.
--
Cain moved through the sect quarters, his expression carefully controlled to mask any signs of discomfort. As he passed through the dim corridor, he caught sight of Finn, who gave him a once-over, concern flickering across his face.
"Kael, you look... different. Are you sure you're alright?" Finn's voice was tinged with suspicion, though tempered by a hint of genuine concern.
"I'm fine," Cain replied shortly, maintaining his stoic front. Internally, he noted Finn's curiosity—an element he would have to keep in check. Finn's loyalty had proven useful, but Cain couldn't afford unwarranted scrutiny. Relationships were always temporary, a means to an end.
As he continued, Cain felt another, sharper gaze on him. He turned subtly, meeting the intense, discerning eyes of Elder Ren. The elder's expression was unreadable, but his penetrating gaze lingered a beat too long. Ren's insight was legendary within the sect; it was said he could sense disturbances in Qi and detect deviations in even the most disciplined minds. Cain's exterior remained calm, but he marked the elder's interest as a potential risk. If his rapid advancement continued to draw Ren's attention, it could complicate his plans.
--
Just as Cain prepared to head toward the gardens, a figure stepped in front of him—a disciplined enforcer named Liang, who commanded respect within the sect.
"Kael," Liang said, his voice unyielding. "All disciples of your rank are required for today's Trial of Withstanding. You are no exception."
Cain's mind processed the situation swiftly. The trial's timing was inconvenient, but it was also a chance to gauge his tolerance. His current state, strained by his cultivation techniques, would make this a test of both his resilience and his control.
The trial grounds were set in a secluded area where the sect conducted internal tests. Elder Ren watched from a distance, his gaze occasionally sweeping over the assembled disciples with a quiet authority. As Cain prepared to enter the trial chamber, he glanced briefly in Ren's direction, sensing the elder's unwavering scrutiny. If he succeeded, it might quell some suspicions; if he failed, it would only confirm them.
The Trial of Withstanding was deceptively simple: each disciple would endure a concentrated assault of spiritual pressure, designed to destabilize Qi and disrupt focus. The goal was to endure, to demonstrate one's control under extreme strain. For Cain, with his forbidden techniques already taxing his meridians, this would be a more severe test.
--
Cain stepped into the chamber, the door closing behind him with a heavy echo. The silence felt dense, pressing upon him as he centered his focus. Then, the pressure hit—a force that crashed into him, its waves pulsing through his meridians, targeting the delicate balance he'd achieved through the Shadow Meridian Bind.
The spiritual energy pushed against his internal structure, each surge threatening to unravel his Qi flow. His vision blurred, hallucinations merging with memories of the twisted figures he'd seen in the library, and the fractured remnants of the essences he'd absorbed. His control wavered, his Qi attempting to break free.
Clenching his jaw, Cain activated the Shadow Meridian Bind in short, controlled bursts, forcing the chaotic Qi into submission. The pain was sharp, burning through his meridians as he kept each wave contained. Every pulse of the bind brought a temporary calm, giving him just enough clarity to push forward.
The trial's pressure grew, magnifying the hallucinations. Ghostly figures seemed to claw at him, their faces contorted with silent screams. He could feel the essences' imprints attempting to override his focus, a byproduct of the Eclipse Art's power. He grit his teeth, forcing himself to remain grounded. Gradually, his vision cleared, and the phantoms faded, leaving him with the dull, familiar ache in his meridians.
As the pressure subsided, he opened his eyes, steady and controlled, noting Elder Ren's gaze tracking his every movement. Cain met the elder's eyes, reading a hint of intrigue in Ren's expression—a sign that his resilience had made an impression. However, the elder's scrutiny also served as a warning. Cain knew he would have to monitor his own progress carefully if he was to avoid Ren's probing eyes.
--
As Cain exited the trial grounds, his endurance had drawn the attention of nearby disciples, including Tarin, whose animosity had only grown since their previous confrontation.
"Still pushing yourself, Kael?" Tarin's voice was laced with bitterness, his eyes dark with resentment. "It won't last, relying on forbidden tricks."
Cain turned to face him, offering a faint, calculated smile. "Discipline often outlasts jealousy, Tarin. You might want to remember that."
Cain sensed the shift among the onlookers as whispers and subdued laughter circulated through the group. Tarin's face reddened, a simmering hatred brewing in his expression. Cain considered the potential risk Tarin posed. Openly antagonizing him wasn't wise, but he calculated that a clear show of strength would help solidify his position. Letting Tarin's bitterness fester might be useful for now.
In the distance, Cain noticed Finn observing the exchange, his expression thoughtful. Cain made a mental note—Finn's interest was becoming more evident, and while it had proven valuable, he would need to maintain his guard.
--
With the trial completed, Cain slipped away, his focus returning to the herbs he needed. The secluded garden lay within the lower sect grounds, guarded but accessible if approached with care. Activating Shadow Step, he maneuvered through the shaded pathways, each step precise and silent.
Upon reaching the garden, he paused, surveying the carefully cultivated plants. His gaze fell on a small cluster of Serene Root, a rare herb known for its Qi-stabilizing properties but infamous for its side effect—brief but intense hallucinations if improperly prepared. Cain carefully selected a few leaves, mindful of their potency, and moved to a patch of Ashvine, a plant with mild sedative qualities ideal for soothing mental strain.
Cain gathered only what he needed, feeling a brief sense of relief. The herbs were only a temporary solution, a way to mitigate the symptoms of his cultivation. While they would help stabilize his Qi and ease the burden on his meridians, he knew the Eclipse Art's toll would continue to grow.
--
Back in his quarters, Cain combined the herbs, preparing a Qi-stabilizing concoction. The bitterness was sharp as he drank, but he felt its effects immediately. His mind cleared, and his Qi settled into a stable flow. The herbs dulled the hallucinations, bringing a brief but welcome reprieve from the strain.
Yet, as he felt the balance returning, a faint, unexpected pull resonated within his mind. It was subtle, almost elusive, but it matched the unique frequency of the Eclipse Devouring Art—a distant call, as though a hidden relic within the sect grounds was attuned to his power.
The sensation faded almost as quickly as it had come, but it left Cain with a sense of intrigue—and caution. If the relic was connected to his path, it could either be a tool for greater strength or a deadly trap left by those who had practiced the art before him.
As the night deepened, he allowed himself a rare moment of reflection. Elder Ren's interest, Finn's curiosity, Tarin's resentment—all were factors in his calculation. If Tarin's animosity persisted, Cain knew he would need to preemptively neutralize it, either by exploiting Tarin's weaknesses or manipulating others within the sect. Finn, for now, was manageable, but Ren's interest posed a deeper threat. Cain would need to exercise subtlety in his advancement to keep the elder's suspicions at bay.