Chapter 17: The spiritual Journey Begins
As Bhoumik grasped the wood, a strange sensation coursed through his body. The wood glowed faintly before disintegrating into nothingness. Ling Yue's eyes widened, her composed demeanor breaking.
"Infernal Devouring Void Body," she whispered, her tone a mix of awe and apprehension.
"What does that mean?" Bhoumik asked, uneasy.
"It's a rare constitution," Ling Yue explained. "One that can absorb and devour spiritual energy from anything heaven, earth, or even living beings. But…" Her expression darkened. "The technique required to harness its power has been lost for thousands of years. Without it, this body is both a gift and a curse."
Bhoumik processed her words in silence. But before he could reply, a strange pull drew his attention to the statue.
Unconsciously, his hand reached out and touched its surface. A sudden warmth spread through his palm, and the pendant around his neck began to glow intensely. Ling Yue turned sharply, her eyes locking onto the pendant.
"What's happening?" she demanded.
"I don't know!" Bhoumik shouted as a beam of dark energy erupted from the pendant, striking the statue's forehead. Cracks spread across the stone figure, and with a deafening boom, the statue shattered into pieces.
As the dust settled, two ancient scrolls floated in midair where the statue once stood. They pulsed with dark energy before slowly descending into Bhoumik's hands. Ling Yue, still reeling from the explosion, stared at him with wide eyes.
"That pendant…" she muttered, stepping closer. "It belonged to the founder. How did you come to possess it?"
Bhoumik hesitated but decided to reveal the truth. "An old man gave it to me before I came here. He said it needed to be returned to its original owner. I didn't understand what he meant."
Ling Yue's expression shifted from shock to calculation. "And no one else knows about this pendant?"
"No," Bhoumik said firmly. "Not even my sister or friends."
Ling Yue let out a sigh, shaking her head. "Good. Keep it that way. This pendant and those scrolls are too valuable. If others find out, it will bring disaster to you and the sect."
Bhoumik glanced at the scrolls in his hands. "What are these?"
Ling Yue's gaze softened. "Those are likely the lost techniques of the founder. They contain the methods needed to harness the power of your body constitution. You are truly fated, disciple."
Ling Yue placed a hand on Bhoumik's shoulder, her voice steady. "You have inherited the legacy of the founder. From this moment on, your path will be more dangerous than anyone else's. But if you succeed, you could rise to a position rivaling the gods themselves."
Bhoumik looked at her, determination flashing in his eyes. "I don't care about power. I just want to protect my friends and sister."
Ling Yue smirked. "Then use this power to do so. But for now, keep this secret. Train diligently, and in time, you will understand your role in the grander scheme of things."
As they left the chamber, Bhoumik glanced back at the remnants of the statue. The pendant around his neck pulsed faintly, as if acknowledging the burden he now carried.
For the first time in weeks, a spark of hope ignited within him. His journey had just begun.
The faint morning light illuminated the courtyard of Void Lotus Peak as Bhoumik followed Ling Yue back to his living quarters. The two walked in silence, the tension in the air palpable. Bhoumik's mind raced with thoughts about the revelations in the hidden chamber the scrolls, his body's constitution, and the founder's connection to his dark lotus pendant.
Inside their main hall, Ling Yue gestured for Bhoumik to sit. He obeyed, placing the scrolls beside him, their weight feeling heavier than before. Ling Yue took her seat opposite him, her sharp gaze piercing as she leaned forward.
"Disciple," Ling Yue began, her voice steady yet firm, "from today onward, your journey truly begins. This path is not one for the faint-hearted. Once you step into the world of cultivation, there is no turning back. Enemies will come for you, jealous of your talents or fearful of your potential. You must be prepared to face them."
Bhoumik's gaze didn't waver. "Master, I've already made my choice. I'll do whatever it takes to protect my sister and my friends. If this is the price of power, I'll pay it."
Ling Yue raised an eyebrow at his confidence, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Very well. Let us begin."
Ling Yue raised her hand, and a deep blue sphere of energy materialized above her palm. It pulsated with a strange rhythm, almost as if it were alive. "This," she said, "is spiritual energy the essence that cultivators harness from the heavens and earth. It flows all around us, invisible to ordinary mortals but vital to our survival and growth."
The sphere dissipated into tiny sparks, vanishing into the air. "Each person's spiritual energy is unique in color and intensity. As you grow stronger, you'll learn to manifest it as I just did. But for now, your goal is simpler: feel it, understand it, and draw it into yourself."
Bhoumik nodded, absorbing her words. Ling Yue gestured for him to sit in a lotus position. "Close your eyes," she instructed, "and empty your mind. Discard all thoughts and emotions. Focus on your surroundings and feel the spiritual energy around you. It will take time, but patience is key."
Bhoumik obeyed, sitting cross-legged with his eyes shut. For the first few minutes, his thoughts wandered memories of his sister, his friends, and the strange events that had brought him here. But gradually, he forced his mind to quiet, his breathing steadying.
Time passed, and then, faintly, he felt it a soft, flowing current around him, like a gentle stream brushing against his skin. He focused on it, trying to draw it into himself.
An hour passed. Then two.
Finally, Bhoumik opened his eyes, his expression calm yet resolute. "Master, I felt it. The spiritual energy… it's like a river flowing inside me."
Ling Yue's eyes widened slightly, though she quickly masked her surprise. "Impressive. It takes most beginners weeks, sometimes months, to achieve what you've done in a few hours. Your infernal devouring void body is truly extraordinary."
She stood, her tone turning instructive. "Now that you've grasped the basics, let me explain the cultivation realms."
Ling Yue paced slowly, her hands clasped behind her back. "The journey of cultivation is divided into several stages, each with nine levels. These are:
1. Martial Mortal Realm
2. Master Realm
3. Grandmaster Realm
4. Spirit Realm
5. Profound Sky Realm
6. Nirvana Realm
7. Immortal Ascension Realm
"Each stage represents a significant leap in power, but within each are nine levels you must ascend. The higher you climb, the harder it becomes. Reaching the Immortal Ascension Realm is considered the pinnacle of cultivation."
Bhoumik frowned slightly. "Considered? Does that mean there's more beyond it?"
Ling Yue stopped, turning to him with a faint smile. "Most believe it to be the end. But… you're perceptive. There is indeed more. Realms beyond Immortal Ascension exist, but they are not for you to concern yourself with now. Focus on what's before you. When the time comes, you will understand."
Bhoumik nodded, though a seed of curiosity had been planted in his mind.
Ling Yue extended her hand. "Now, show me the scrolls you retrieved."
Bhoumik handed them over carefully, watching as Ling Yue examined the titles: Primordial Resonance Method and Void Devouring Sutra. She opened the first scroll, her eyes scanning its contents.
As she read, her expression shifted first surprise, then awe, and finally a satisfied smile. She handed the scrolls back to Bhoumik. "These are remarkable. The Primordial Resonance Method is a cultivation technique tailored perfectly for your infernal devouring void body. It will allow you to absorb spiritual energy at an unmatched rate."
She tapped the second scroll. "The Void Devouring Sutra, on the other hand, is a martial technique. It's powerful, but it will take years of practice to master. Keep them safe."
Ling Yue removed a simple silver ring from her finger and handed it to Bhoumik. "This is a spatial storage ring. Store the scrolls inside to protect them. It will also serve you in the future to carry other items."
Bhoumik slipped the ring onto his finger, marveling at its lightweight feel. He placed the scrolls inside, feeling the faint pull of spiritual energy as they disappeared into the ring's hidden space.
Ling Yue's tone softened as she said, "Rest well tonight, disciple. Tomorrow, I will take you to a place better suited for your cultivation. The spiritual energy here is thick, but your body requires far more than the Void Lotus Peak can offer."
Bhoumik bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Master."
As he returned to his room, Bhoumik lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The events of the day replayed in his mind the revelation about his body, the scrolls, and the path now set before him.
His thoughts wandered to his sister and friends. Were they safe? Were they also learning to survive in this strange world?
Clenching his fist, Bhoumik resolved to grow stronger. If this was the path he had to walk to reunite with them, he would see it through to the end.
For now, though, he closed his eyes, preparing for the challenges that awaited him.