Chapter 7: The Spear and the Map
It had been another month since Bhoumik entered Green Hell Paradise. The forest had become his new world, its dangers lurking at every turn. The spiritual energy here was so rich and potent that Bhoumik had spent the last few weeks in a small cave he had found, cultivating in isolation. His time in the cave allowed him to break through into the 4th level of the Master Realm.
He could feel the power coursing through his body, but even with this breakthrough, he knew there were limitations. Despite his progress, there was something crucial he still lacked—advanced martial arts techniques. His hand-to-hand combat skills and basic arts had carried him far, but they wouldn't be enough against higher-level beasts. Without proper techniques or a weapon suited for higher combat, Bhoumik was aware that his growth would stall.
His cold eyes opened as he completed his meditation. He had grown stronger, but now it was time to test that strength.
Bhoumik left the small cave where he had spent the last month and wandered through the dense forest. He was looking for a 2nd-grade high-level beast to fight. Now, with his cultivation at the 4th level of the Master Realm, he was confident he could handle them. His breath was steady, his senses heightened as he searched the wild terrain.
Yet, time and again, he came across 3rd-grade or even 4th-grade magical beasts, far beyond what he could face head-on. Each time, he would retreat carefully, avoiding their line of sight. Bhoumik's instincts told him that patience was key. There was no point in challenging a fight he couldn't win.
But the further he ventured into Green Hell Paradise, the more dangerous the beasts became. He realized he had unintentionally crossed into the middle region of the Paradise, a place where only powerful cultivators or foolhardy souls dared to go.
And that was when he saw it—the giant ape.
The beast towered over the landscape, its massive frame covered in thick, matted fur. Its muscles rippled as it moved, and Bhoumik could feel the overwhelming aura of its spiritual energy from where he stood. His heart quickened. This was no ordinary beast; it had to be 4th grade or higher. But there was something odd about this ape—it wasn't hostile. The creature seemed disinterested, merely walking through the forest without any intention of attacking him.
Bhoumik remained still, his body tense, but as the ape passed without noticing him, he exhaled slowly. He had been lucky. If the beast had been aggressive, there was no doubt that it could have torn him apart.
With the danger passed, Bhoumik continued his journey, eventually stumbling upon another cave, its entrance half-hidden by vines and overgrown plants.
The cave was eerily silent, and Bhoumik, ever cautious, entered slowly. The moment he stepped inside, the stench of blood hit him. His sharp eyes immediately locked onto the scene before him—two men lay inside. One was already dead, his body crumpled on the floor, a long spear buried deep in his skull. The other man was clinging to life, his body drenched in blood, his hair matted and streaked with red.
Bhoumik's gaze swept over the scene. It was clear that these men had fought each other, possibly over something of value. The dead man's expression was frozen in pain and shock, while the other lay gasping for breath, his eyes wide as he noticed Bhoumik entering the cave.
The dying man's gaze locked onto Bhoumik, and he saw a young cultivator—someone who looked inexperienced, a child, barely more than a boy. The man's voice was weak, but desperation gave it strength. "Help me… help me, and I'll give you… treasure… rewards beyond your dreams…"
He coughed violently, blood splattering on the ground, but his eyes remained fixed on Bhoumik, waiting for a response.
Bhoumik, however, was not moved by the promise of rewards. His expression remained cold, his dark ocean eyes scanning the scene with chilling detachment. His gaze fell on the spear that had killed the dead man—it was a spectacular weapon, with a sleek, black shaft and a single sharp prong that gleamed with deadly precision. Bhoumik could tell immediately that it wasn't just any weapon—this was something special.
His eyes shifted back to the dying man, who was watching him with a mix of fear and hope. "You're already on the brink of death," Bhoumik said, his voice low and emotionless. "Why bother clinging to life? Just find peace in endless sleep."
The dying man's eyes widened, but before he could respond, Bhoumik pulled out his dagger and, with one swift movement, drove it into the man's throat. The man's body convulsed for a moment, his hands clutching at his wound, before the life drained from his eyes. Silence filled the cave once again.
Bhoumik stood over the body, his expression unchanged. Killing came easily to him now. There was no sympathy, no hesitation—only pragmatism. The man had nothing to offer him except lies and false promises.
Bhoumik knelt and carefully examined the bodies. Both men wore storage rings, the faint glow of spiritual energy indicating that they were spatial rings. Without wasting time, Bhoumik removed the rings from both men and slipped them onto his fingers. He had seen spatial rings before, but this was the first time he had come across such valuable items in person.
As he activated the first ring, his mind filled with the contents—spirit stones, several weapons, and, most importantly, martial technique scrolls. His gaze shifted to the second ring, and as he searched its contents, he found much of the same—more spirit stones, a few healing pills, and another set of weapons.
But there was something else.
In each ring, Bhoumik found a half-map. One half was in the first ring, and the second half was in the other. He quickly realized that the two halves fit together to form a complete map, and from the markings, it was clear that this was a treasure map. The two men had likely been fighting over this very map, each one holding half of it.
Bhoumik stared at the map for a moment before folding it and tucking it away in his robes. The map could wait. For now, there was something far more important.
Bhoumik's gaze shifted back to the spear. The weapon's design was impressive, and its sharp prong gleamed under the dim light of the cave. Without hesitation, he gripped the spear and felt its perfect balance in his hand. It was light yet powerful, and he could tell that this weapon was crafted for battle—far superior to anything he had used before.
But his attention soon returned to the martial technique scrolls he had found in the rings. He unrolled one, his eyes scanning the title: Heavenly Palm. It was a high-level martial technique, something that could greatly enhance his combat power.
Bhoumik's lips curled into a faint smile. This was exactly what he needed. With this technique, he could finally refine his combat abilities to a level where he could take on higher-grade magical beasts. He wasn't just relying on raw strength anymore—now he had the tools to grow even stronger.
He gathered the rest of the weapons and supplies from the rings, storing everything in his own storage space. With the spear in hand and the technique scroll in his possession, he was ready to push forward.
Bhoumik left the cave, his new weapon slung over his shoulder and the Heavenly Palm technique ready to be studied. The treasure map was a distant thought for now—his main focus was on refining his new martial technique and solidifying his combat strength.
With a cold, determined gaze, Bhoumik set his sights deeper into Green Hell Paradise, knowing that each step forward would only bring greater challenges.
But that was exactly what he wanted.