Chapter 25: five continents
Minutes passed, feeling like hours, until suddenly, something deep within him reacted. The Infernal Devouring Void Body activated instinctively, drawing the flames into his body. The fire was no longer an enemy but a source of energy, fueling his quantum meridians.
Ling Yue noticed the shift and quickly withdrew the flames. Her expression turned to one of awe as Bhoumik's body floated out of the cauldron, suspended in the air.
His charred skin began to crack, pieces falling away like a brittle shell. Beneath it, new skin emerged, smooth and radiant like polished jade. His frame, once slender and fragile, now exuded an ethereal strength.
Ling Yue marveled at his transformation but quickly realized an issue. "Disciple," she muttered, her voice tinged with embarrassment. "You're… entirely exposed."
Bhoumik, still groggy from the experience, glanced down and froze, his face turning red. "Master… I…"
Ling Yue sighed, snapping her fingers. A dark robe materialized in her hands, which she tossed to him. "Wear this before you humiliate yourself further."
Once clothed, Bhoumik stood before Ling Yue, his body feeling lighter and stronger than ever. He flexed his fingers, marveling at the newfound power coursing through him.
"You've passed the first level of body forging," Ling Yue said, her tone both proud and stern. "But this is just the beginning. There are eight more levels, each more grueling than the last. Are you prepared to continue?"
Bhoumik met her gaze, his expression firm. "Yes, Master. I will endure whatever it takes."
Ling Yue's lips curled into a faint smile. "Good. Then we proceed to the next stage tomorrow."
The chamber on Void Lotus Peak was quiet except for the faint hum of spiritual energy that permeated the air. Bhoumik sat cross-legged, his eyes closed, testing the changes in his body after undergoing the Void Resonance Body Forging Technique. A sense of newfound power coursed through his veins, and his mind buzzed with clarity.
He flexed his fingers, noting how his reflexes felt sharper, more precise. Rising to his feet, he gripped the Mystic Halberd, its previously overwhelming weight now feeling manageable. With a swift motion, he swung it through the air, its blade cutting cleanly without resistance. Each swing was faster, more controlled, his movements guided by instincts he didn't realize he possessed.
"Master," Bhoumik called, turning toward Ling Yue, who watched him from the edge of the chamber. "My body feels… different. I feel stronger, faster, like I've become one with the energy flowing through me."
Ling Yue nodded, stepping forward. "That is the result of the Void Resonance Body Forging Technique. Your body is now more in harmony with your constitution. This balance will help you withstand the strain of your Infernal Devouring Void Body, but it is only the beginning. Your training has merely scratched the surface."
Bhoumik nodded, his expression resolute. "What's next, Master?"
Before she could answer, a faint glow flickered around Bhoumik's hand. Ling Yue's eyes narrowed as she saw a familiar crimson-blue flame emerge from his palm.
"You've already begun to control the flame you devoured?" she asked, surprise evident in her tone.
Bhoumik glanced at his hand, watching as the flame danced in the air, its warmth radiating but not harming him. "I didn't even try, Master. It just… appeared."
Ling Yue crossed her arms, examining the flame intently. "That is the Sea Spirit Flame, a rank-100 spirit flame. Its essence must have fused with your quantum meridians when you devoured it during your forging process. This is remarkable, but also dangerous."
"Spirit flame?" Bhoumik mumbled, curiosity flashing in his golden-hued eyes.
Ling Yue began to explain, her voice calm but authoritative. "Flames in this world are categorized into three types: Beast Flames, Spirit Flames, and Celestial Flames.
Beast Flames: These are created from the innate fire of beasts, varying in strength depending on the beast's rank. They are common, but their power scales with the beast's level.
Spirit Flames: Rare and potent, these flames are ranked from 1 to 1,000, with their strength determined by their rank. The Sea Spirit Flame you possess is ranked 100, placing it among the stronger flames within this category.
Celestial Flames: The rarest of all. There are only twelve known Celestial Flames in existence, each possessing sentience and unimaginable power. They are said to rival or even surpass divine artifacts in strength."
Bhoumik absorbed this knowledge, his expression thoughtful. "And these flames… they can be used for combat?"
"Indeed," Ling Yue continued. "They are invaluable tools in battle, as well as in refining pills, forging weapons, and even crafting arrays. However, controlling them requires immense skill and discipline. That flame of yours will be a powerful ally, but only if you can fully master it."
The flame flickered in Bhoumik's hand before fading away. He clenched his fist, determination burning in his eyes. "I'll master it, no matter how long it takes."
The Foundations of Martial Techniques
Ling Yue gestured for Bhoumik to follow her to a separate training ground within Void Lotus Peak. The area was vast, with clear skies above and spiritual energy swirling faintly in the air.
"Today," Ling Yue began, "you will learn about martial techniques. Do you remember the move Jian Fei used against you during your duel? The Blood Petal Technique?"
Bhoumik nodded, his grip tightening on the Mystic Halberd. "It was powerful. I couldn't counter it properly."
"That was a mid-grade black-grade martial technique," Ling Yue explained. "Martial techniques are divided into six grades: Yellow, Black, Earth, Saint, Heaven, and Divine. Each grade is further subdivided into lower, middle, and high levels.
Yellow-grade techniques are the most basic, accessible to any cultivator.
Black-grade techniques are common among sect disciples and clans.
Earth-grade techniques are rarer, used by elites.
Saint-grade techniques are extremely rare and prized by first-class sects and powerful clans.
Heaven-grade techniques are almost mythical, with only a few existing across the five continents.
Divine techniques… well, they are said to be creations of the heavens themselves, beyond mortal comprehension."
Ling Yue paused, letting the information sink in. "Your Mystic Halberd and your Infernal Devouring Void Body will require techniques that align with their power. But for now, you must focus on mastering the basics. Only when you reach the Grandmaster Realm will you be ready for advanced techniques."
Bhoumik nodded, his expression serious. "I understand, Master."
The Vast World Beyond
As they sat on a nearby boulder overlooking the training grounds, Bhoumik broke the silence. "Master, you mentioned the five continents of this world before. Can you tell me more about them?"
Ling Yue raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his curiosity. "The world is vast, divided into five continents:
1. Northern Continent (Frozen Continent): A land of eternal ice and snow, home to powerful ice cultivators and ancient mysteries hidden beneath the glaciers.
2. Eastern Continent (Sky-Mist Continent): A realm of lush forests, misty valleys, and spiritual beasts. Known for its strong cultivation clans and deep spiritual energy.
3. Western Continent (Sky-Blue Continent): A diverse land with vast deserts, towering mountains, and sprawling cities. It is rivaling the South in influence.
4. Southern Continent (Ancient Continent): Our home, known for its rich history, powerful sects, and ancient ruins. It is considered the most powerful continent currently.
5. Central Continent (Desolate Continent): A forbidden land filled with ancient beasts and secrets. Few dare to venture there, as it is said to hold remnants of the world's creation."
Bhoumik's eyes widened as he listened, absorbing every detail. "So the Southern Continent is the strongest?"
Ling Yue smirked. "For now. But power shifts like the tides. Even we must remain vigilant."
Bhoumik's thoughts drifted to his sister and friends. "Master… I don't know where they are. They could be on any of these continents. I need to find them."
Ling Yue's expression softened. "You will, disciple. But first, you must grow stronger. Only then can you protect them when the time comes."
Bhoumik nodded, determination blazing in his heart. "I will, Master. No matter how long it takes."
The serene silence of the Void Lotus Peak was momentarily disrupted as Ling Yue sat across from Bhoumik in the training grounds. Her calm yet commanding presence filled the air as she held out a scroll to him, its edges lined with intricate gold patterns that shimmered faintly in the morning sunlight.
"This," she began, her voice smooth but serious, "is the Heavenly Void Palm Technique. A middle-grade earth technique. It is powerful, versatile, and difficult to master, but it aligns well with your potential and your constitution."
Bhoumik took the scroll with reverence, his gaze lingering on its elaborate design. "Middle-grade earth technique…?" he murmured, awe evident in his voice.
Ling Yue nodded. "Techniques at this level are rare and coveted. They strike a balance between destructive power and precision. The Heavenly Void Palm Technique is unique. It uses an immense amount of spiritual energy to distort space itself, creating temporary rifts and unleashing devastating pressure on its target."
Bhoumik's eyes widened. "Distort space?"
"Yes," she continued, gesturing for him to open the scroll. "The technique has three stages:
1. First Stage - Void Ripple Palm: This initial stage allows the user to create ripples in the air with minimal spiritual energy, disrupting the balance of space and destabilizing weaker opponents. It's precise but less destructive.
2. Second Stage - Void Shatter Palm: At this level, the technique generates concentrated energy capable of breaking through powerful defenses, creating small spatial distortions that amplify the impact of the strike.
3. Final Stage - Heaven-Tearing Palm: This is the ultimate level of the technique. The user channels overwhelming spiritual energy into their palm, generating spatial tears that devastate everything in their path. It is said to mimic the heavens splitting apart."