Chapter 20: Training start's
A laugh echoed through the air, soft and sultry. Turning, both men saw a woman clad in a fiery red robe. Her every movement was deliberate, sensual, and filled with latent power.
"Save your arguments," the woman, Hua Li, said with a smirk. "Whoever it was, they're likely far from here by now. And if they belong to the Eternal Void Lotus Sect…" Her smirk deepened, taking on a dangerous edge. "…you'll think twice before even approaching them, won't you, Old Ma?"
Ma Zhong's face darkened, but he didn't reply. Instead, he turned and began scanning the ruins below. Hua Li and Sword Master Jing exchanged a knowing glance before vanishing into the air, each silently vowing to uncover the source of the disturbance.
Hours later, in the silent cave, Bhoumik stirred. His eyes fluttered open, greeted by the faint glow of Ling Yue's protective barrier at the cave entrance. As his vision focused, he was hit by the vivid memory of his vision the man who looked exactly like him, yet radiated an otherworldly aura of authority and power.
"Who… was that?" Bhoumik murmured to himself.
"Disciple, you're awake," Ling Yue's voice cut through his thoughts.
He turned his head to see his master sitting calmly beside him, her expression soft but tinged with concern. "You've worked hard today. The power of your Infernal Devouring Void Body was far greater than I anticipated. The phenomenon you caused... the entire continent may have noticed."
Bhoumik sat up slowly, his body aching from the strain of cultivation. "I didn't mean to draw attention," he said quietly. "It just… happened."
Ling Yue nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "Your body's constitution is unique, but it is also a curse."
"A curse?" Bhoumik repeated, his voice cold.
She hesitated before continuing. "The Infernal Devouring Void Body is not just a source of immense power. It's a constant hunger, always seeking energy to devour. It demands perfect control over your emotions and your power. Even the slightest imbalance can lead to deviation, driving you into madness or death. And the pain… the pain will be your eternal companion."
Ling Yue watched his face closely, expecting hesitation or fear. Instead, Bhoumik's expression remained stoic, his gaze unwavering.
"Master," he said, his voice steady. "I cannot blame you for not telling me this earlier. Even if I had known, I would have chosen this path. Great obstacles only mean the path is worth taking."
His words carried a weight born from experience. Memories of his struggles flashed in his mind the loneliness of his childhood, the countless challenges he had faced, and the responsibility he now bore to protect his sister and friends.
Ling Yue's chest tightened at his calm yet resolute demeanor. She reached out and embraced him, pulling him close. "Disciple, I didn't realize how brave you are. But don't worry. I won't let you face this alone. Whatever burdens your path holds, I will carry them with you."
As she held him, Ling Yue's mind raced. He doesn't yet realize the magnitude of his potential, she thought. But if even half of the signs I've seen are true, Bhoumik may be the one to reshape the very foundations of this world.
Releasing him, she stood and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Rest for now, disciple. There's still much to learn, but for today, you've done more than enough."
Bhoumik nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Thank you, Master."
As he lay back on the cold stone floor, his thoughts drifted to his sister Ubika and the others. Wherever you are, I'll find you. And when I do, I'll be strong enough to protect all of us.
Ling Yue watched him for a moment longer before turning to guard the entrance. Her eyes flickered with determination as she thought of the cultivators who had likely witnessed the earlier phenomena.
"They won't touch you, disciple. Not while I'm here."
With that, the cave fell into a quiet stillness, both master and disciple preparing for the challenges yet to come.
The dawn of a new day brought a serene glow to the secluded cave as Bhoumik sat cross-legged, deep in meditation. His breathing was steady, his spiritual energy flowing harmoniously through his meridians. After weeks of rigorous cultivation, he had reached the 5th Level of Martial Mortal Realm, a feat that left even Ling Yue astonished.
As she observed him, her expression softened with pride. "Incredible, disciple," she said, her voice carrying both approval and a hint of challenge. "You've progressed faster than most, but raw power is nothing without control. Today, your true training begins."
Bhoumik opened his eyes, their renewed brilliance reflecting a quiet confidence. He stood, adjusting his dark robe, the Dark Lotus Pendant hanging securely beneath it. "What kind of training, Master?" he asked, his voice steady but curious.
Ling Yue gestured for him to follow. They walked in silence, leaving the cave and heading toward a dense, mist-shrouded forest that seemed alive with faint whispers of spiritual energy. As they approached a clearing, Ling Yue extended her hand, summoning a weapon that shimmered into existence.
The weapon was breathtaking. Its multiple prongs curved elegantly, radiating both artistry and deadly precision. Ornate patterns adorned the shaft and head, speaking of ancient craftsmanship. It was a mythical-grade weapon, something Bhoumik knew was far beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators.
"This is the Mystic Halberd," Ling Yue announced. "A weapon forged in the fires of chaos, imbued with enough power to crush mountains. It will be your training partner and your burden."
Bhoumik hesitated, reaching out to take the halberd. As soon as his fingers wrapped around its sleek shaft, an immense weight pulled it toward the ground. Despite his efforts, the halberd slammed into the earth with a loud thud.
Ling Yue chuckled lightly, folding her arms. "It's heavy for a reason, disciple. Your first task is simple: master this weapon. Keep it with you at all times. You'll carry it, train with it, and fight with it. You're forbidden to store it in your spatial ring until it becomes an extension of your own body."
Bhoumik clenched his jaw, determined. He tried again, gripping the halberd with both hands and summoning every ounce of strength. Slowly, he lifted it a few inches before it slipped from his grasp and hit the ground once more.
Ling Yue sighed, shaking her head. "Infernal Devouring Void Body might grant you unparalleled spiritual energy, but it also comes with a significant physical disadvantage. Without a strong physique, your body will crumble under the strain of your own power. This training will change that."
Bhoumik nodded, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. "I'll do it," he said, his voice firm.
Seeing his struggle, Ling Yue led him to another part of the forest, where a tranquil waterfall cascaded into a crystal-clear pool. The area was littered with boulders of various sizes, their surfaces smoothed by centuries of erosion.
"We'll start small," she said, pointing to a boulder roughly half his size. "Lift it without using spiritual energy. It might seem easier than the halberd, but don't underestimate the work it will take to build your foundation."
Bhoumik stepped forward, crouching beside the boulder. His muscles strained as he wrapped his arms around it, lifting it with a grunt. Though it was lighter than the halberd, the task was still arduous. He held it steady for a moment before setting it down.
Ling Yue nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, practice your martial arts forms while carrying it. Punches, kicks, stances everything."
Without complaint, Bhoumik began his regimen. He moved through the basic martial arts forms Ling Yue had taught him, the weight of the boulder forcing him to perfect his balance and technique. Sweat dripped from his brow as he repeated the forms over and over, the strain in his arms and legs growing unbearable.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Bhoumik's training continued without respite. As time passed, his once-slender frame grew more defined, his muscles lean and powerful. Though he remained wiry, his strength had transformed dramatically.
Ling Yue observed his progress with satisfaction. By the end of the third month, Bhoumik could lift the smaller boulders with ease and had moved on to the larger ones. Each day, he pushed himself further, driven by memories of his sister and friends.
Finally, the day came when Ling Yue deemed him ready. She summoned the Mystic Halberd once more, its weighty presence filling the air. "Disciple, it's time. Show me how far you've come."
Bhoumik stepped forward, his expression calm but resolute. He gripped the halberd, and with a deep breath, he lifted it from the ground. This time, it didn't slip from his grasp. He held it steady, even managing a few tentative swings.
Ling Yue's eyes gleamed with approval. "Excellent. But you're not finished yet. This halberd is more than just a weapon it's a test of your will and endurance. You'll continue to carry it, train with it, and live with it until it feels like a part of you. Only then will you be ready for the next phase of your training."
Bhoumik nodded, sweat beading on his brow as he adjusted his grip. The halberd still felt heavy, but it no longer overwhelmed him.
As the sun set over the forest, Bhoumik sat by the waterfall, the Mystic Halberd resting beside him. Despite his exhaustion, a small smile played on his lips. For the first time, he felt the beginnings of true strength not just in his body, but in his resolve.
Ling Yue watched him from a distance, her expression thoughtful. He's growing faster than I expected, she mused. But his journey is only beginning. If he's to master his body, his power, and his destiny, he must endure far greater trials than this.
In the quiet of the evening, Bhoumik gripped the halberd once more, practicing slow, deliberate swings as the moon rose above the treetops.