Chapter: The Path Forward
Bhoumik's gaze remained fixed on Maya, the massive serpent towering over him with an air of authority and ancient wisdom. Her purple eyes glowed softly in the dim cave, casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. Despite her size and fearsome appearance, her demeanor had shifted from threatening to almost... curious. Bhoumik still couldn't fully relax, but the conversation that had unfolded between them had eased some of his initial fears.
Maya studied him for a moment, her forked tongue flicking out as she assessed the human in front of her. After a pause, she spoke again, her voice low and resonant.
"Well, human, I'll tell you this much: I don't know the intricacies of human cultivation. After all, I haven't gained my human form yet."
Bhoumik blinked in confusion, tilting his head slightly. "Human form? What do you mean by that?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
The serpent's eyes glimmered, and she shifted her massive body slightly as if preparing to explain something long kept within her mind.
"In this world, human cultivators and beasts like me follow different paths of cultivation," she began, her voice carrying a tone of deep knowledge. "The path of human cultivation involves reaching certain realms, each one more difficult and powerful than the last. Here are the realms of human cultivation:
1. Martial mortal realm(1-9stage)
2. Master realm(1-9stage)
3. Grandmaster realm (1-9stage)
4. Spirit realm (1-9stage)
5. Profound sky realm(1-9stage)
6. Manifestation realm(1-9stage)
7. Immortal accession realm (1-9stage)
Each realm has nine sub-levels, or stages, which you must progress through before moving to the next realm. As you advance, your power, longevity, and abilities grow exponentially. However, the path is filled with challenges, dangers, and constant threats."
Bhoumik nodded as he absorbed this information, a part of him still in disbelief that he was standing in front of a talking serpent discussing the intricacies of cultivation. But something else caught his attention. "And what about you? You mentioned you haven't gained your human form yet. What does that mean?"
Maya let out a low, almost amused hiss. "Beasts, like myself, follow a different path of cultivation. We are ranked based on our strength, from Rank 1 to Rank 9. Each rank represents a significant leap in power. However, once a beast like me reaches Rank 6, we gain the ability to take human form, which allows us to cultivate like humans do."
"So, you're telling me that when beasts reach Rank 6, they can take a human form and start cultivating in the same way humans do?" Bhoumik asked, his mind trying to wrap around the concept. The idea of a massive serpent becoming a human seemed bizarre, yet, in this strange world, nothing seemed impossible.
Maya nodded her large head. "Exactly. I'm currently at Rank 5, but once I break through to Rank 6, I'll be able to assume human form. Right now, I'm at a medium level in Rank 5."
Bhoumik's eyes widened. This serpent wasn't just some random creature—it was powerful, far beyond anything he could have imagined. If she was already so intimidating at Rank 5, what would she be like at Rank 6, in human form? And what kind of abilities would she possess then?
"So," Maya continued, her voice calm yet laced with power, "now that you understand the difference between our paths, you should know that my knowledge of human cultivation is limited. I've observed human cultivators, but I don't practice their methods myself. My path as a beast is different."
Bhoumik nodded, understanding. But a sense of helplessness began to creep over him. He had no cultivation techniques, no knowledge of how to begin his journey in this world. He wasn't from here, after all, and he hadn't stumbled into this world with the same advantages the others might have had. His heart sank slightly at the thought.
"How can I cultivate here?" Bhoumik muttered under his breath, though loud enough for Maya to hear. He couldn't help the frustration and sadness that seeped into his voice. His brow furrowed, and he let out a quiet sigh. Was he truly stranded here, without a way to grow stronger? Without any tools to survive in this harsh new world?
Maya's eyes narrowed as she observed him, and after a moment, she let out a sharp hiss that echoed in the cave. "Don't make that face," she said, her tone carrying a hint of amusement. "You're not as hopeless as you think."
Bhoumik blinked, looking up at her with a mixture of surprise and confusion. "What do you mean?"
"There is hope for you," Maya said, her voice now more serious. "To the south of here, beyond the frozen plains, lies an ancient sect that was once a powerful force in this world. It's in ruins now, abandoned and forgotten. But within its depths, there are secrets and treasures waiting to be discovered. If you venture there, you may find something that can help you begin your cultivation journey."
The glimmer of hope in Bhoumik's eyes returned. His heart raced with renewed determination. A chance—finally, a real chance to begin his path to cultivation. "An ancient sect?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity. "Do you think I'll find something there that can help me?"
Maya nodded slowly. "I cannot guarantee what you'll find, but it's your best chance. The sect is filled with old relics, scrolls, and perhaps even cultivation techniques. But beware—the place is dangerous, and many have tried to explore its ruins only to never return."
Bhoumik clenched his fists, excitement coursing through him despite the warning. "Thank you, Maya," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'll go there as soon as I can. I've already disturbed you for long enough, and thank you for saving me when I collapsed here."
He began to move toward the cave's exit, but Maya's voice suddenly stopped him.
"Wait," she hissed, her eyes narrowing with a sly glint. "You've disturbed me while I was resting for nearly a month, and now you want to leave so easily?"
Bhoumik froze, turning slowly to face her, a sheepish expression on his face. "I didn't mean to disturb you... What can I do to make it up to you?"
Maya regarded him thoughtfully for a moment, then a grin spread across her scaled face. "Take me with you."
Bhoumik's eyes widened in shock. "Take you with me?" he repeated, his mind racing at the thought of traveling with a giant serpent.
Maya nodded. "I've been in this frozen wasteland for many years, isolated and alone. I've never ventured beyond these mountains. But now, after hearing that you're from another world, I'm intrigued. Traveling with you sounds... interesting."
Bhoumik glanced at her enormous body, his brows furrowing. "But... you're so big," he said, gesturing to her massive form. "How would you travel with me without drawing attention?"
Maya let out a soft, amused hiss. "Size is not an issue, human. Watch."
Before Bhoumik could respond, Maya's massive form began to shift. Her body shrank rapidly, coiling tighter and tighter until, in a matter of moments, she was no larger than a common snake. She slithered gracefully across the ground, curling around Bhoumik's left arm. Her once fearsome size had been reduced to something almost... cute.
Bhoumik stared in shock at the small serpent wrapped around his arm. "You... you can shrink?"
Maya's voice echoed in his mind, clear and direct despite her small size. "Of course. Now, I won't draw any unwanted attention. And with me at your side, you'll have protection as you venture into that ancient sect."
Bhoumik was quiet for a moment, still trying to process the bizarre turn his life had taken. A talking serpent, now a traveling companion? His life in this new world was nothing like what he'd expected.