In the days that followed, Seris Velan devoted his daylight hours to honing his spear techniques, eating meals enriched with astral energy, cultivating his internal strength, and spending his evenings studying within the astral space.
During this period, Mistveil Academy experienced several incidents of unidentified individuals infiltrating its grounds, likely drawn by rumors of an Immortal. These intruders were discovered by the Academy's patrol teams and were either captured or neutralized on the spot.
To counter the threat, the Academy increased patrols and vigilance. The patrol teams were composed of students with considerable strength, adept in combat techniques enhanced by the astral formations. These formations made it difficult for ordinary martial artists, even those at the Acquired stage, to contend with them.
Through his studies, Seris gained valuable insight into the various astral herbs growing in the space. He discovered that astral ginseng, mistroot, and the elusive star mushrooms all had properties beneficial for cultivating inner energy.
There were several ways to consume these herbs: brewing them into potent elixirs, making them into astral pills, combining them with food for nourishing astral cuisine, or infusing them into astral-infused wines. Each method offered unique advantages and drawbacks.
On this particular day, Seris was deeply focused on simmering a pot of astral-infused broth. Earlier, his friends Karn Vo and the others had ventured into the Mistveil Mountains, bringing back a large cut of wild boar ribs imbued with faint traces of astral energy. Seris had dug up a forty-year-old astralroot from the space and added it to the pot, alongside the ribs. Astralroot was known for its harmonizing nature, enhancing the flow of energy, strengthening vitality, and restoring inner balance—perfect for an astral-enhanced meal.
The edges of the pot lid emitted a steady stream of white steam as the soup simmered for about an hour. "It should be ready," Seris muttered, lifting the lid.
A rich, milky white broth bubbled beneath, exuding the combined aroma of tender meat and a subtle yet invigorating astral fragrance. The scent of the astralroot didn't overpower the dish but instead enhanced the natural flavors.
Seris Velan selected a rib, gripping it with both hands, and blew on it a few times before taking a hearty bite. "Mmm! The bones are tender, and the meat is succulent," he muttered, savoring the flavors.
He quickly finished the meat and sucked the broth from the bones with a contented sound. Afterward, he crunched the bones to release the marrow, relishing each bite.
Just as Seris was deeply enjoying his meal, a raspy voice interrupted, "Kid, you're dining quite lavishly. How about showing some respect to your elders and sharing a sip with this old man?"
Startled by the voice, Seris turned toward the source and saw a figure dressed in dark night attire, a mask concealing his face, and a gleaming single-edged blade in hand, standing in the doorway.
Seris's heart raced. How had someone managed to sneak into his courtyard? Judging by the masked man's presence and aura, he was likely a trained martial artist at the Acquired stage.
Seris had recently entered the Acquired realm but had no experience in practical combat. His newfound mastery over the spear felt shaky, and confidence eluded him in the face of this threat.
"Kid, relax. I'm not here to hurt you—yet," the masked man said in a hoarse tone, pointing the sword slightly toward Seris. "Just answer a few of my questions truthfully, and everything will go smoothly."
Struggling to keep calm, Seris forced a smile. "Of course, sir. Feel free to ask whatever you want. I'm just a humble student trying to make my way. If you need anything, please tell me, and I'll do my best to comply."
The masked man eyed Seris for a moment, noting the boy's willingness to cooperate. He thought to himself, "Smart kid. Not bad for someone his age—doesn't even look too scared. I'll make his end quick once I get what I need."
Seris Velan noticed the masked man pull up a chair and sit at the doorway. "I've heard that not long ago, an astral being descended here. Is that true?"
Seris nodded and confirmed, "It's true. Thousands of people saw it. The Astral Master could control weapons with his mind, making them grow several meters in size. With just a flick of his hand, he shattered massive rocks. In the end, the Astral Master mounted his sword and shot off into the sky like a flash of light." Seris spoke calmly as he slowly sipped from his bowl of soup.
The masked man's eyes narrowed, revealing a flicker of excitement and worry. "What was the Astral Master's purpose in coming here? Did he leave behind any treasures, like astral pills or ancient techniques?"
After taking another sip, Seris continued, "The Astral Master came to recruit disciples for his sect. He used a magical device to inspect everyone, and eventually, he accepted someone as a disciple. As for astral pills, yes, there were a few." Seris refilled his bowl and casually paced around the room as he spoke.
"The astral pill is truly extraordinary. Just smelling it from an open bottle makes you feel a surge of energy. The old dean took one, and his strength improved dramatically; even his white hair turned black. There's one more astral pill, but unfortunately..."
Seris paused as if building suspense, walking closer to the masked man, who was now only a couple of feet away. Intrigued, the masked man leaned in slightly and asked, "Unfortunately, what?"
"Unfortunately, someone else had it for dinner!" With those words, Seris splashed the soup in his hand toward the masked man's face.
At the same time, an astral spear appeared in Seris's hand, thrusting swiftly toward the masked man's chest. This move—instantly summoning his spear from astral space and attacking in one fluid motion—was something Seris had drilled relentlessly.
Caught off guard, the masked man was still processing Seris's words when hot soup splattered into his face. With his combat instincts kicking in, he quickly raised his arm to block while swinging his sword from below, attempting to defend himself. In his seated position, he could only shift a few inches to the left in a desperate attempt to evade.
Seris's spear, now just an inch from the man's chest, struck with incredible speed. Although the masked man managed to deflect slightly, the spear still punctured more than three inches into the upper right side of his chest with a sickening "thunk."
Seris Velan intended to capitalize on his success, pushing the stardust-infused staff forward. Although the Fox Masked Man, despite his injury, reacted quickly, retreating and swinging the astral blade along the staff's shaft towards Seris Velan's hand.
Helpless, Seris Velan could only rotate the staff's crystal tip in the wound and quickly retract it, pulling out a large chunk of ethereal energy and astral essence.
Seris Velan lunged for another quick attack, seizing the opportunity while the Masked Man was weak, offering no time for recovery, and securing the astral portal to prevent any escape.
Knowing that he hadn't struck the Fox Masked Man's astral core, Seris Velan was aware that his opponent wouldn't dissipate immediately. However, he had undoubtedly pierced the Masked man's astral lungs, allowing the cosmic winds to enter the celestial chamber.
In a maximum of two quarter-hours, the Masked Man would lose his connection to the astral plane. Additionally, with the astral lungs rich in stardust, a significant loss of celestial energy would hasten his demise. Seris Velan only needed to stall him, waiting for him to fade, to claim victory.
Having practiced astral magic for only three lunar cycles, Seris Velan's true power was considerably less than the Masked Man's. Currently, he could only exploit his existing advantage, launching rapid attacks, consistently targeting vital astral nodes and forcing the opponent to defend.
Initially, Seris Velan's swift attacks were fueled by nervousness, as it was his first time engaging in an astral duel, especially against someone with far superior celestial abilities. However, with each passing moment, he became more adept at navigating the astral currents, deepening his comprehension of the "Stellar Surge Technique."
On the other hand, the Masked Man was growing increasingly infuriated, reflecting on his eons of experience as he found himself in a dire situation today.
At first, he didn't take the seemingly novice astral mage across from him seriously. Even if Seris Velan started studying the ancient tomes in the womb, how much mastery could he possibly possess? He had let his guard down just a little, and that slight oversight had cost him dearly.
As the battle raged on, the Masked Man grew weaker, feeling his connection to the astral plane wavering. Exhaling was effortless, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't draw in the cosmic winds.
His limbs grew increasingly feeble, unable to channel the celestial energy. His eyelids became heavy, and all he wanted was to surrender to the void.
Biting down on his tongue, the Masked Man forced himself to focus, determined to take someone down with him even if he dissipated.
Seris Velan's move, the "Stellar Blast," aimed at the Masked Man's astral core. This time, the Masked Man didn't defend. The staff directly pierced his core, the crystal tip emerging from his lower back.
The Masked Man's eyes turned bloodshot, revealing a crazed expression. Gripping the staff with his left hand, he lunged forward, slashing the astral blade towards Seris Velan's neck. He seemed intent on taking both of them down together.
Seris Velan hastily let go, leaping backward, but the blade still left a long gash on his chest.
The Masked Man, using his last reserves of celestial energy, continued pursuing Seris Velan.
The astral portal was too small for a proper escape. After a few steps, Seris Velan suddenly had another stardust-infused staff in his hand. Simultaneously, he executed a move known as the "Astral Reversal."
The Masked Man, caught off guard, was pierced through, feeling an icy chill through his astral heart.
The Masked Man collapsed on the ground, convulsing for a moment before finally succumbing to dissipation. As he lay dying, he couldn't fathom how this staff had appeared out of nowhere.