As the adrenaline began to fade, a mixture of relief and exhilaration took hold. "
I have to survive this"
I thought, feeling the raw energy of the elemental core simmer within me.
I have to harness this power if I want to make it out alive.
I could feel the energy build up in my veins, burning and expanding, like a storm ready to erupt.
I clenched my fists, sensing that I was close to losing control. The power was nearly overwhelming, a wild, volatile force swelling up within me, and in one quick motion, I clapped my hands together with everything I had.
The result was cataclysmic.
A massive wave of energy exploded outward in the form of a colossal cloud, so powerful that even the wolves stalking me were blasted off their feet, tossed aside like leaves in a windstorm.
The ground shook, and the sound resonated through the forest, deafeningly loud.
I stumbled back, almost disbelieving the devastation I had unleashed.
"Is it because of this elemental core?"
I muttered. A realization dawned on me, a small smile pulling at my lips as I examined my trembling hands.
Wow, this is also a skill.
I decided then and there to name it
"Divine Clap."
As the intensity subsided, I felt my breathing steady and my strength gradually returning.
The core's energy was still thrumming inside, but it was settling now, slowly merging with my spiritual realm.
Every breath I took pulled a little more of its power into my soul, filling me with a strange new vitality.
"It is giving me energy?"
I wondered aloud, still in awe.
Without wasting a moment, I turned and started to make my way back home. But as I walked, I noticed something strange.
My body felt warm, unnaturally, unbalanced, and fine wisps of vapor began to rise from my skin, swirling into the cold air.
What does it mean?
I wondered, unnerved. A sense of unease crept in.
My body, soul, and spiritual realm felt out of sync.
I could feel it—a discord, a strange imbalance in the stars within my soul, as if the constellation inside me was shifting in chaotic disarray.
I knew I needed to regain control, to bring myself back into harmony, or risk everything. Quickly, I found a secluded cave, hidden among the trees and shrouded in shadow.
I sank to the ground, folding my legs beneath me, and closed my eyes, pushing everything else from my mind as I entered a state of meditation.
Am I cultivating or just trying to steady myself?
I asked silently, seeking guidance from the quiet spaces within.
I meditated.
My inner vision grew clearer, and I could see the formation of my star soul, like a tiny galaxy spinning within me. Slowly but surely, the movement increased, my spirit settling into a rhythmic, ordered pattern.
Days passed, five in total, as I sat in that cave, my mind and soul focused solely on restoring balance.
And then, at last, I felt it—a sudden rush, a new point of light within me.
A new star was born.
I opened my eyes, feeling both peace and power coursing through me.
Releasing a deep, cleansing breath, I felt the burden of chaos lift.
I am now a first-level three-star
I realized, marveling at the transformation.
Does it mean that the air elemental core helps me to increase my strength?
I didn't have much time to ponder this new development, though, as I felt a familiar presence stir in my mind.
Master had awoken from his deep meditation, his spirit presence touching mine with a warmth I hadn't felt in so long.
"...Wow…"
his voice echoed softly, but the pride in it was unmistakable.
"Congratulations… You are now a first-level three-star."
There was a moment of silence as he regarded me, then his tone turned curious.
"Where is the elemental core?"
"Consumed… in a rush," I admitted, bracing myself.
There was a pause, and then, in a voice layered with astonishment, Master exclaimed,
"What?! How did you handle…?"
He composed himself, but the shock was still there.
"Consuming a core takes strong spiritual strength. If one is not able to absorb it properly, they may suffer backlash—or worse."
Master's voice softened, the warmth returning.
"Fortunate for you… I am proud to be your master."
I felt a surge of gratitude at his words, and I lowered my head in respect.
"Was it an air element?"
He asked, more to himself than to me. He seemed to be thinking deeply, then added,
"If you can master this core, your strength will increase substantially. Some say that the descendant of the god Huang Di—if I recall, his name was Bazhu—used the air element to great effect
He was able to master the air core.
He was renowned as the first God-descendant among his peers, a force of nature in his generation.
With a single blow, he could almost sweep away the heavens themselves, wielding his air elemental skills."
I felt a thrill at hearing this tale. To have access to even a fraction of that kind of power… it felt beyond belief.
Master gave me a knowing look.
"With this core, you can accomplish much—if you learn how to use it well."
I nodded, fully determined to do just that. But time was not on my side.
Only one month remains until the annual arena.
I had to prepare, to prove myself worthy. If I was selected, I would have the chance to study at Quinzhi Academy in the southwest region, a place renowned for its ancient techniques and rigorous training.
The very thought of it was enough to spur me on.
So, I threw myself into my training, practicing tirelessly day and night.
Every moment was spent refining my control, testing the limits of my new power, and pushing my strength further.
The strain was intense, but with each day, I felt the Divine Clap growing more potent, the energy coiling more fluidly within me.
Meanwhile, I often found myself gazing at my family, watching their daily struggles.
Their tired faces, the constant hardships… It was painful to see them like this.
But it also strengthened my resolve.
One day, I vowed, I will make all of you proud, with heads held high. We won't have to suffer anymore.
This thought became my fuel, a fire that burned brightly even in the darkest hours of my training.
When exhaustion threatened to overwhelm me, I held onto it, a promise that propelled me forward.