Ashar was genuinely surprised by Ragon's comment.
"It's true that most monks were celibate," Ashar felt irreated as he said, "but that doesn't mean inheriting a monk's legacy requires celibacy. Those are just rumors spread by people who don't understand our ways." His voice grew firmer as he glared at Ragon.
"And who says I don't have other training manuals for individuals of different paths?" Ashar continued,
"I was an abbot—a leader of a monastery with countless disciples under my care when I was alive. Warriors, mages, even practitioners of other paths—they all trained under me. I hold manuals that could equip an entire army for any challenge imaginable."
Ashar huffed, crossing his arms as if to emphasize his point.
Ragon, unfazed by Ashar's outburst, folded his arms and smiled. "You definitely should've mentioned that earlier instead of vaguely talking about your legacy. And I'm glad we've cleared up that whole celibacy thing."
Before Ragon could add anything else, a strange sensation came over him. He froze, feeling subtle changes within his body.
"This… this is the sign of a breakthrough!" Ragon exclaimed, his eyes widening in realization. "I knew the purple aura wouldn't just disappear like that. I need to let it fuse with my divine energy to solidify my spiritual veins."
Without hesitation, Ragon dropped into a cross-legged position, his focus entirely on his cultivation. A radiant white light surrounded him almost instantly, illuminating the chamber which was a bit dark before.
Ashar watched with growing amazement. "He really has an open spiritual vein… This is unlike anything I've seen before. Judging by his energy and frame, he must have more than 100 spiritual veins!"
In the world of cultivation, both mages and warriors relied on spiritual veins to grow stronger. Having more than 100 spiritual veins was considered miraculous—it meant the individual had the potential to ascend to the Immortal Realm. But surpassing 100 veins was almost unheard of. It signified the possibility of reaching Godhood.
Yet here was Ragon, sitting calmly as his spiritual veins surged past the 100-mark, already reaching 150.
"This… is impossible," Ashar muttered, unable to mask his shock. "He's still mortal, but his potential is far beyond anything I've encountered. And with the energy from my puppets, he's using this place as a cultivation chamber. Remarkable!"
Ragon, his eyes shut tight, focused on his internal energy. He could feel his spiritual veins expanding and multiplying, but that wasn't all. There was something else growing inside him.
"My spiritual veins have already surpassed 100," Ragon thought, his brow furrowing in concentration, "but I feel like this isn't my limit. There's something more happening…"
Suddenly, a sharp, searing pain shot through his back.
"Ahhhh!" Ragon cried out, clutching his sides as his body convulsed in agony. "My back!"
The intensity of the pain left him gasping for breath, his body shaking uncontrollably.
Ashar, observing closely, immediately realized what was happening. His spectral form leaned forward, his voice filled with disbelief. "Don't tell me… this young man, not even at the Immortal Stage, is already opening a Spiritual Sea!"
The Spiritual Sea was a milestone typically achieved by those in the Immortal Realm. It was a reservoir of internal energy, essential for sustaining prolonged battles and massive spells. The size and capacity of one's Spiritual Sea directly influenced their endurance and strength in combat.
For mages, the Spiritual Sea was a critical resource. Casting grand spells often required external energy sources, which came with long preparation times. Warriors needed it less often, but for someone like Ragon, who possessed the attributes of both mage and warrior, a vast Spiritual Sea was indispensable.
Ashar's eyes widened as he muttered to himself, "With a Spiritual Sea this early in his cultivation… he's not just a prodigy. He's a walking weapon of war."
"Ahhhhh!" Ragon cried out, his body trembling violently as it felt like it would burst from the overwhelming surge of energy coursing through him.
Ashar, noticing the danger, instantly flew toward Ragon, his spectral form moving with incredible speed.
"If this energy isn't contained, it will kill him," Ashar muttered urgently. Without hesitation, he positioned himself behind Ragon and landed precise strikes on his back.
Despite being a phantom, Ashar's ability to physically interact with Ragon was due to his immense power. If his phantom form were to be categorized, it would undoubtedly rank at the Earth Realm, further showcasing his extraordinary abilities.
As Ashar's hands connected with Ragon's back, golden energy radiated from his palms, wrapping around Ragon's body like a cocoon. The energy began to absorb and stabilize the chaotic purple aura threatening to explode out of Ragon's body. At the same time, the white energy of his divine power was drawn back under control.
Slowly, Ragon's erratic movements began to subside as he regained enough stability to refine the energy within himself.
**************
An hour later, Ragon's energy was fully fused, and a small explosion rippled outward from his body as he sat cross-legged on the floor.
Ashar instinctively moved back, hovering in the air as he watched closely. His form flickered slightly, his energy visibly drained.
"I need to conserve what remains of my energy," Ashar muttered to himself, his expression determined. "I must ensure he reaches the next level. My legacy cannot be lost."
Ragon, still focused on refining his power, seemed oblivious to his surroundings. The blast from his breakthrough had shaken the cave, sending tremors through the walls.
White energy now swirled around Ragon's head, signifying his success. He had broken through to a new level—he was now a five-star warrior-mage, with both paths perfectly balanced due to the formation of his Spiritual Sea.
Opening his eyes, Ragon stood slowly, his expression calm yet triumphant. "Finally… I've broken through to five-star warrior and mage," he said with a satisfied smile.
As he looked up, his smile turned into confusion. There, at the top of the cave's ceiling, was Ashar, clutching a rod embedded in the rock.
"Hey! What's going on?" Ragon asked, startled.
Ashar, noticing Ragon was now fully conscious, released the rod and floated down, his expression a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
"You… you're the only person who has ever pushed me to this point!" Ashar exclaimed, pointing at Ragon accusingly. "If you fail to inherit my legacy, I swear you will beg for death, but you won't find it!"
Ragon blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. He wasn't entirely sure what had just happened.
Breaking the silence, Ashar folded his arms and spoke firmly. "Now, you will move on to the next test."