Chapter 26: Powerful technique
Ling Yue locked eyes with Bhoumik, her expression stern. "However, mastering the Heavenly Void Palm requires intense spiritual control and endurance. It can drain even the most seasoned cultivators. You must proceed with caution."
Bhoumik nodded resolutely and sat in a lotus position, unrolling the scroll carefully. As his fingers grazed the parchment, a golden glow emanated from the intricate runes etched across its surface.
The Mystical Revelation
The moment the scroll unfurled, the world around Bhoumik shifted. He found himself surrounded by an infinite expanse of darkness, the faint hum of spiritual energy reverberating in his ears. A series of golden letters materialized before him, floating in the void.
The letters glowed with an ethereal light, forming the mantra of the Heavenly Void Palm:
"From the void, I call forth destruction; from the heavens, I summon judgment."
"Ripple, shatter, and tear as the void obeys my will."
Each word carried a profound weight as it resonated through Bhoumik's consciousness. The letters dissolved into streams of light, converging toward him. He instinctively closed his eyes as the light pierced his forehead, merging with his mind.
When he opened his eyes, he was back in the training grounds of Void Lotus Peak.
Demonstration of Power
"Did you comprehend it?" Ling Yue asked, her gaze sharp and inquisitive.
Bhoumik exhaled deeply, nodding. "Yes, Master. I understand the technique now. But it requires a substantial amount of spiritual energy, and I can barely attempt the first stage. Still, I'd like to try it."
Ling Yue's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. But before you attempt it, let me demonstrate the technique's potential. Watch closely."
She stepped onto the training ground, her movements fluid and deliberate. Holding her palm forward, she began to gather her spiritual energy, its color a mesmerizing shade of blue.
"This is the Void Ripple Palm, the first stage of the technique," she explained. "Even at its initial level, it can cause considerable destruction."
The energy swirled around her hand, condensing with an audible hum. A palpable tension filled the air as the spiritual energy became denser, creating an almost visible distortion around her palm.
Ling Yue struck forward with precision.
Unleashing the Void
The moment her palm moved, the air seemed to ripple as if a stone had been dropped into a still pond. A low, vibrating sound filled the atmosphere, and small, fleeting rifts appeared in the space ahead of her, each one flickering like tiny portals to another dimension.
The sheer pressure of her strike created a shockwave that expanded outward. Though the attack hadn't yet touched the ground, cracks began to spread across the earth, and chunks of debris flew into the air.
Finally, her palm landed on the ground with a resounding impact.
A massive crater formed instantly, its edges jagged and uneven. The surrounding terrain looked as if it had been torn apart by an invisible force. Even from his position at a safe distance, Bhoumik was thrown backward, tumbling to the ground.
He pushed himself up, his heart pounding as he surveyed the destruction. "This… this is the first stage?"
Ling Yue turned to face him, her expression calm but slightly amused. "Yes, and I used only a fraction of my strength. Imagine its power at higher stages. This is the potential of the Heavenly Void Palm. Now, it's your turn to begin practicing."
Bhoumik's grip tightened on the scroll. His expression was a mixture of awe and determination. "I'll do my best, Master."
Ling Yue nodded. "Good. Begin by focusing your spiritual energy into your palm. Remember, control is key. Without it, the void will devour you instead."
Bhoumik inhaled deeply, stepping onto the now-ruined training ground. The weight of the technique's power bore down on him, but he was resolute. He had chosen this path, and there was no turning back.
The sun had begun its slow descent behind the towering peaks, casting long shadows over the Void Lotus Peak. Bhoumik stood on the cracked training ground, his face determined as he prepared to attempt the Heavenly Void Palm once more. Ling Yue observed from a distance, her arms crossed, her expression both critical and encouraging.
Bhoumik closed his eyes, reciting the mantra silently in his mind:
"From the void, I call forth destruction; from the heavens, I summon judgment. Ripple, shatter, and tear as the void obeys my will."
As he focused, a swirling aura of dark and golden energy began to form around his palm. The spiritual energy crackled faintly, coalescing into the shape of a large, translucent palm that radiated faint pressure. Though it lacked the destructive force of Ling Yue's demonstration, it was a testament to his growing understanding of the technique.
With a determined shout, Bhoumik released the energy toward the ground. The dark and golden palm surged forward, striking the ground with a dull thud. Dust rose into the air, but as the particles settled, it became evident that the attack had barely left a mark. There were no spatial rifts, no cracks of destruction just a faint scorch mark on the surface.
A Humbling Lesson
Ling Yue stepped forward, her expression a mix of amusement and sternness. "Disciple," she began, her voice calm but firm, "this isn't even the initial stage of the Heavenly Void Palm. Your control and energy output are insufficient."
Bhoumik lay on the ground, his chest rising and falling as he panted heavily. The effort had drained him completely, his body barely able to move. Yet, he wasn't discouraged; instead, he gave a weak smile.
"I know," he replied, his voice hoarse. "At my current level, my spiritual energy isn't nearly enough to execute this technique properly. I expected this outcome."
Ling Yue looked at him thoughtfully. His calm acceptance of his limits was impressive. Most cultivators would be frustrated or demoralized by their inability to perform such a powerful technique.
She approached him, kneeling beside his exhausted form, and handed him a small jade vial. "Take this," she said. "A spiritual recovery pill. It will restore your energy and help you recover faster."
Bhoumik accepted the pill, rolling it between his fingers for a moment. Then, a thought crossed his mind, and his expression turned contemplative. He swallowed the pill and immediately sat in a lotus position, closing his eyes to begin cultivation.
Ling Yue watched in silence, her gaze sharpening as she felt the fluctuations of spiritual energy around him intensify. The spiritual energy in the area surged toward Bhoumik, forming a faint vortex. His body trembled slightly, his aura growing stronger with each passing moment.
A Breakthrough
Suddenly, a resounding boom echoed across the training grounds. A golden ripple of energy emanated from Bhoumik, dispersing into the air. Ling Yue's lips curled into a small smile as she sensed the shift in his cultivation level.
Bhoumik slowly opened his eyes, which now seemed to gleam with a sharper intensity. He stood up, his posture straighter, his presence more commanding. "Master," he said, his voice steady, "I've broken through to the 1st level of the Master Realm."
Ling Yue nodded, her approval evident. "Good. Your progress is swift, but remember, the higher you climb, the greater the challenges will be. Do not let success make you complacent."
Bhoumik bowed slightly. "Understood, Master."
A Curious Request
As the silence settled between them, Bhoumik hesitated before speaking again. "Master," he began cautiously, "there's something I'd like to ask."
Ling Yue raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Speak."
Bhoumik took a deep breath. "Can I learn alchemy skills? I want to refine pills and weapons."
For a moment, Ling Yue was silent, her gaze piercing as she studied him. Then, to his surprise, she smirked.
"Alchemy, hmm?" she mused. "It's rare for a combat-focused cultivator to show interest in such a skill. Do you understand what you're asking for, Bhoumik? Alchemy isn't just about mixing herbs or forging weapons—it's a meticulous art that requires immense patience, precision, and spiritual control. It's also incredibly difficult to master. Are you sure about this?"
Bhoumik met her gaze, his expression resolute. "Yes, Master. I'm sure."
Ling Yue chuckled softly. "Very well. It's good to seek new skills, especially ones as valuable as alchemy. However, I must warn you: this path will demand as much from you as your cultivation does. But since you've made up your mind, I'll take you to the Pill Lotus Peak tomorrow. Gui Xian is the best alchemist in the sect, and she'll be able to teach you what I cannot."
Bhoumik bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master."
Ling Yue waved her hand dismissively, though her smile lingered. "Rest for now. Tomorrow will be another long day."
As Bhoumik turned to leave, Ling Yue watched him thoughtfully. His ambition and determination reminded her of someone from long ago, though she couldn't quite place who. For now, she focused on preparing for the next steps in her disciple's journey.