Chapter 23 : Uncontrolled power
The Illusion: A Return to Earth
Bhoumik's vision blurred, and suddenly he was no longer on the platform. He found himself in his old apartment on Earth, lying on his bed. The familiar hum of city life filtered through the window, and the soft warmth of morning light streamed into the room.
As he stirred awake, a sweet voice called from outside his room. "Big brother, wake up! Breakfast is ready!"
Bhoumik blinked, his heart lurching. It was Ubika's voice, clear and full of life. For a moment, the events of the past month felt like a distant dream.
He rose and splashed water on his face in the bathroom, shaking his head to clear the fog. Stepping into the dining room, he saw Ubika setting the table, her radiant smile greeting him.
"You always sleep so much, brother," she teased. "Don't forget you have work today!"
Bhoumik chuckled, taking a seat. "What would I do without you waking me up?"
Ubika paused, her expression turning serious. "But what if one day I'm not here to wake you?"
The words sent a cold shiver through Bhoumik. He frowned, a faint unease stirring in his chest. "What are you talking about? Don't say weird things like that."
As he rose to rinse his plate, something glinted at his neck in the mirror. He froze, staring at the Dark Lotus Pendant.
What? How is this here? His mind raced.
Realization hit him like a thunderbolt. This is an illusion.
He turned, his gaze falling on Ubika, who stood frozen in place, a knife gleaming in her hand. Her smile was gone, replaced by a blank stare.
"Who are you?" Bhoumik demanded, narrowing his eyes.
Ubika's figure blurred, melting into a writhing mass of dark mist. From the shifting smoke emerged a shadowy figure, its voice a low, guttural growl. "So you figured it out," it said. "But it's too late. Surrender to me, and let me devour you!"
The figure lunged, its misty form engulfing the space around Bhoumik. He felt an oppressive force clawing at his soul, trying to drag him into darkness.
Bhoumik clenched his fists. "You want to devour me? Not a chance!"
The oppressive darkness cracked, shattering like glass. The false reality dissolved, leaving Bhoumik standing in a void.
The Lightning Baptism
As the illusion faded, Bhoumik's body on the platform began to glow. The runes on the platform blazed with light as the first pillar of lightning struck him a searing blue bolt that crackled with raw energy.
Bhoumik gritted his teeth as pain coursed through his body, but he held firm, his resolve unshaken.
Then, a second pillar of lightning descended, this one a deep crimson. Its power was heavier, more suffocating, but Bhoumik drew on his inner strength, pushing through the agony.
Ling Yue watched from the edge of the chamber, her expression a mix of awe and concern. "Two pillars... already incredible for a first attempt," she murmured.
But the platform wasn't done.
A third pillar of lightning erupted, this one a shimmering gold. It struck with a force that made the ground tremble, engulfing Bhoumik in a dazzling storm of energy. His body convulsed under the intensity, yet he remained upright, his spirit defying the overwhelming power.
Ling Yue's eyes widened in shock. "Three pillars on his first attempt... This is unheard of."
The lightning storm subsided, leaving the platform scorched and smoldering. Bhoumik's body floated slightly above the ground, encased in a faint aura of energy. Slowly, he descended, his breathing heavy but steady.
Ling Yue approached, her voice softer than usual. "You've surpassed all my expectations, disciple. But remember—this is only the beginning."
Bhoumik opened his eyes, their sharp clarity reflecting his newfound strength. "Thank you, Master," he said simply, his tone cold yet sincere.
As Ling Yue helped him off the platform, she couldn't help but think, 'This boy… could he truly surpass even the ancestors of the sect?'
The Void Lotus Peak shone dimly under the rays of the morning sun as Bhoumik made his way to the training grounds with his master, Ling Yue. While the serenity of the sect was unparalleled, Bhoumik's mind churned with apprehension. The memory of his lightning baptism and the dark energy within him lingered like a shadow over his thoughts.
"Disciple," Ling Yue's commanding voice cut through his musings. "Today, we test your combat ability. You've cultivated well, but there's a vast difference between cultivating alone and using your power in battle."
Bhoumik glanced at the Mystic Halberd secured in his storage ring, unsure of what to expect. "Yes, Master," he said coldly, his face betraying none of his inner doubts.
Arrival at the Arena
The Eternal Void Lotus Sect's main training arena was buzzing with activity. Disciples sparred and practiced techniques under the watchful eyes of elders, their spiritual energy creating a vibrant display of power. As Ling Yue descended with Bhoumik, all eyes turned to them.
Elder Jian, one of the Saint Peak elders, stepped forward, his golden robe gleaming with authority. "Sect Master," he said respectfully, bowing. "What brings you here to the training grounds?"
"I've brought my disciple for a duel," Ling Yue replied, her tone clipped but calm. "He needs practical experience."
Elder Jian's eyes drifted to Bhoumik, his Ethereal beauty drawing momentary fascination. Then his gaze turned skeptical. "Sect Master, your disciple is only at the 9th level of the Mortal Martial Realm. The disciples here are at least in the Grandmaster Realm. Such a disparity could be dangerous."
Ling Yue met his gaze with a smirk. "Don't worry, Elder Jian. If my disciple falters, I will take full responsibility."
With a sigh, Elder Jian nodded and called for his grandson, Jian Fei, a disciple of the Blood Lotus Peak. Jian Fei approached, his red robe bearing intricate designs, and a long sword gleaming at his side.
The Duel Begins
As Bhoumik and Jian Fei stepped onto the platform, the surrounding disciples whispered among themselves.
"Isn't that the Sect Master's new disciple? He doesn't look like much," one murmured.
"But he must have some talent if the Sect Master herself took him in," another countered.
Jian Fei smirked at Bhoumik. "You're weak," he said arrogantly. "I don't know what the Sect Master saw in you, but I'll show everyone that you don't belong here."
Bhoumik said nothing, his cold demeanor unshaken. Inside, however, his grip tightened on the Mystic Halberd as nerves bubbled beneath the surface.
The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"
Jian Fei moved first, his swift movement skill closing the gap between them in an instant. His sword arced in a fluid motion, aiming for Bhoumik's torso.
Bhoumik barely managed to block the strike with his halberd, the impact pushing him back several steps. Gasps rippled through the audience at his successful defense, but Jian Fei was unfazed.
Jian Fei raised his palm, forming a one-handed sign. Fiery blood aura emanated from his body, condensing into countless petals that floated ominously in the air.
"Blood Petal Barrage!" he shouted, pointing at Bhoumik.
The petals shot forward like a storm of arrows. Bhoumik swung his halberd desperately, managing to block some of the attack, but sharp petals grazed his cheek and arms, drawing blood.
He hissed in pain, his breathing heavy. The audience murmured, some predicting his imminent defeat.
Jian Fei sneered. "You're no match for me."
Bhoumik's vision blurred as pain threatened to overwhelm him. But then, something deep within him stirred—a dark, primal energy he couldn't control.
Golden and dark hues swirled in his eyes as the Mystic Halberd seemed to resonate with his power. A surge of energy exploded from him, sending Jian Fei flying backward.
Gasps echoed through the arena as Bhoumik advanced with newfound speed. His halberd glowed with dark energy as he struck down, shattering Jian Fei's defenses.
Jian Fei attempted to counter, but Bhoumik leapt into the air, his halberd aimed like a meteorite. The sheer force of the attack was undeniable, and Jian Fei froze in fear, unable to react.
At the last moment, Ling Yue appeared on the platform, her power stopping the halberd mere inches from Jian Fei's chest. "Enough!" she declared, her voice reverberating with authority.
The match was over. Bhoumik staggered back, the dark energy receding as quickly as it had emerged. Jian Fei lay trembling on the ground, his sword discarded.
Elder Jian rushed to his grandson's side. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice trembling with concern.
Jian Fei shook his head, though his pride was clearly shattered.
Elder Jian stroked his beard, his eyes narrowing. "The Sect Master's disciple… intriguing. This needs to be reported to the Peak Masters."
Back at the Void Lotus Peak, Bhoumik knelt before Ling Yue, his clothes torn and bloodied from the duel.
"You released your body's devouring energy during the spar," Ling Yue said sternly. "That power will attract attention—and danger. Never lose control in public again."
Bhoumik nodded, his face cold but contemplative. "Master, what is this power within me? Why does it feel both foreign and familiar?"
Ling Yue hesitated, her gaze softening slightly. "That is something only time will reveal, disciple. For now, focus on mastering it—or it will master you."
Bhoumik clenched his fists, determination hardening his features. "I understand, Master. I won't fail."
Ling Yue nodded, a rare flicker of pride crossing her face. "Good. Rest for now. Tomorrow, your training intensifies."