Chapter 21: The Trial of the Barren Lizard
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of fiery red and deep purple as the forest grew eerily silent. A low rumble broke the stillness. Emerging from the shadows was a monstrous beast its body like a hulking lizard, nearly two meters long, with jagged scales as hard as rock. Its wide mouth bristled with fangs that glistened like polished daggers, and its crimson eyes gleamed with a predatory hunger.
Ling Yue, calm and composed as always, glanced at Bhoumik. "Disciple," she began, her voice steady but commanding, "it's time to put your training to the test. That's a Barren Lizard, a 2nd-grade low-level beast. Its scales are durable, and its attacks rely heavily on manipulating the earth. It's an easy target for someone of your progress. Go and face it."
Bhoumik's grip tightened on the Mystic Halberd as he stood, the weight of the weapon grounding him. His eyes remained fixed on the beast, his expression unflinching. "Yes, Master," he said firmly, before stepping forward.
The Barren Lizard growled, its massive claws tearing into the ground as it lunged forward. The earth trembled under its sheer weight. Bhoumik barely had time to react as jagged spikes of rock erupted from the ground, rushing toward him like spears. He leapt to the side, the heavy Mystic Halberd slowing his movements.
"Stay alert!" Ling Yue called. "Its speed and control over the terrain make it dangerous. Watch its movements closely."
Bhoumik nodded, repositioning himself. He steadied his breathing, his grip on the halberd firm. With a burst of spiritual energy, he surged forward, the weapon trailing behind him like an extension of his will. As he closed the distance, he swung the halberd in a wide arc, striking the Barren Lizard's flank with immense force.
The beast stumbled backward, letting out a deafening roar of pain. But its thick scales absorbed much of the blow. It shook off the attack, its crimson eyes blazing with rage.
The Barren Lizard roared, its voice resonating through the forest like a thunderclap. Boulders and stones rose into the air, hovering ominously before shooting toward Bhoumik like a barrage of arrows.
Gritting his teeth, Bhoumik planted his feet and raised the Mystic Halberd, spinning it to deflect the onslaught. The stones shattered upon impact, sending shards flying in all directions. A stray fragment grazed his cheek, drawing blood, while another slammed into his shoulder, leaving a deep bruise.
Ignoring the pain, Bhoumik advanced again. He channeled spiritual energy into his legs, enhancing his speed, and surged toward the beast. As he closed in, the lizard stomped the ground, summoning a thick wall of rock to shield itself.
Bhoumik's halberd crashed against the barrier, the impact reverberating through his arms. The wall cracked but didn't break. He stepped back, breathing heavily, sweat dripping from his brow.
Ling Yue's voice rang out. "Think, disciple! Its defense is strong, but no shield is impenetrable. Find its weakness!"
Bhoumik exhaled deeply, analyzing the Barren Lizard's movements. Its rock wall was formidable, but it seemed to require a moment of concentration to summon it. An idea sparked in his mind.
Repositioning himself, Bhoumik crouched low before launching himself toward the beast with a burst of speed. As he neared the creature, he leapt high into the air, his halberd glowing with concentrated spiritual energy. The Barren Lizard screeched, sensing danger, and hastily conjured another rock wall.
But Bhoumik was ready. Instead of swinging the halberd, he hurled it with all his strength, the weapon spinning like a deadly comet. The halberd's prongs glowed with spiritual energy as it smashed through the rock wall, shattering it into rubble, and pierced deep into the Barren Lizard's skull.
The beast let out a final, anguished roar before collapsing to the ground, its massive body twitching once before going still.
Panting heavily, Bhoumik approached the lifeless beast, blood trickling from a gash on his arm and a cut above his brow. His muscles ached, and every breath felt labored, but a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He had won.
Ling Yue descended gracefully from her vantage point, her expression a mix of pride and caution. "Well done, disciple," she said. "Even though you were less powerful than this beast, you used your wits and perseverance to claim victory. You've made significant progress."
She knelt by the beast, her fingers glowing faintly with spiritual energy as she extracted a crystalline object from its chest. Holding it up, she revealed it to be a Spiritual Beast Core, the size of a plum and shimmering with an earthy hue.
"This is your reward," Ling Yue said, handing the core to Bhoumik. "The core of a Barren Lizard has valuable medicinal properties and can enhance certain pills. Keep it safe; it's a testament to your hard work."
Bhoumik accepted the core, placing it carefully in his storage ring. "Thank you, Master," he said quietly.
Ling Yue glanced at him, noticing the blood staining his robe. With a sigh, she produced a Tier 4 Spiritual Gathering Pill from her sleeve. "Take this," she instructed, handing it to him. "It will accelerate your recovery and strengthen your cultivation base."
Bhoumik nodded, swallowing the pill. A warm energy coursed through his body, mending his wounds and revitalizing his spirit.
As the night deepened, master and disciple made their way back to the cave. The cool air was a welcome relief after the intense battle. Ling Yue sealed the cave's entrance with her spiritual energy, ensuring their safety.
"Rest well tonight, disciple," she said, her voice softer than usual. "Tomorrow, we'll continue your training. There's still much for you to learn."
Bhoumik sat in the quiet of the cave, the Mystic Halberd resting beside him. Despite his exhaustion, he felt a sense of accomplishment. As he closed his eyes to meditate, the image of his sister, Ubika, and his friends flashed in his mind. Their safety was his ultimate goal, and he vowed to keep growing stronger for their sake.
The first rays of dawn illuminated the cave as Bhoumik slowly opened his eyes, feeling the surge of spiritual energy coursing through him. The world seemed sharper colors more vibrant, sounds more distinct, and even the faintest shifts in the air detectable. His Infernal Devouring Void Body had worked tirelessly throughout the night, absorbing the ambient spiritual energy and converting it with unparalleled efficiency.
Ling Yue, sitting in quiet meditation nearby, opened her eyes and studied her disciple. Her gaze was both impressed and concerned. "Disciple," she began, "you've broken through to the 9th level of the Mortal Martial Realm in a single night. This speed… it's extraordinary, but also dangerous."
Bhoumik looked at her, confused. "Dangerous, Master?"
Ling Yue nodded, her expression grave. "Your Infernal Devouring Void Body grants you immense power and speed in cultivation, but it comes with a cost. The more energy you absorb, the harder it becomes to maintain control. If your soul falters or your emotions sway, you could lose yourself to the power. Cultivation isn't just about strength it's about balance."
Bhoumik's face hardened as he absorbed her words. "I understand, Master. I'll ensure I keep control. My goal isn't just to become strong it's to protect the people I care about."
Ling Yue's expression softened, and she gave a small smile. "Good. That determination will serve you well. Now, let's continue your training."
Bhoumik stood and stretched, his muscles aching slightly from the previous day's intense battle and physical training. He retrieved the Void Devouring Sutra scroll from his storage ring, holding it up. "Master," he said, "when can I learn this technique? It seems to resonate with my body constitution."
Ling Yue glanced at the scroll, her eyes narrowing. "You're correct it was created for someone with a body like yours. However, the Void Devouring Sutra is an advanced martial technique. It's not something you can handle at your current stage. Until you reach at least the Grandmaster Realm, you must not attempt to cultivate it. Your current body and soul would shatter under its demands."
Bhoumik frowned but nodded, placing the scroll back in his ring. "Understood, Master."
Ling Yue stood and motioned for him to follow. "Come. It's time to return to the sect. There's more for you to learn and many tools within the Eternal Void Lotus Sect that will aid your journey."
The journey back to the Void Lotus Peak was swift, with Ling Yue carrying Bhoumik through the air. The landscape below passed in a blur endless forests, towering mountains, and rivers that shimmered in the morning light.
As they approached the sect, Bhoumik could once again appreciate its grandeur. The Eternal Void Lotus Sect was a marvel of architectural beauty and natural harmony. Countless peaks stretched into the sky, each adorned with intricate buildings that seemed to grow out of the mountains themselves. Disciples in various robes bustled about, some practicing martial arts in open courtyards, others meditating in serene gardens.
Ling Yue landed gracefully on the Void Lotus Peak, her disciple following clumsily behind her, weighed down by his Mystic Halberd. She glanced at him and smiled faintly. "Disciple, you've grown stronger, but you still have much to learn. For now, rest and reflect on what you've accomplished. Tomorrow, we'll continue."