The morning sun barely pierced through the thick canopy of the Moonlit Forest as Makoto, Kazu, and Hiro continued their journey. The tension in the air was palpable. Each step carried them closer to the heart of the forest, where rumors spoke of treasures that could tip the scales for any cultivator daring enough to claim them.
As they moved, the faint echoes of distant battles reminded them that other disciples were still locked in fierce struggles. Makoto remained silent, his focus unwavering, while Kazu and Hiro exchanged uneasy glances.
Hours later, the trio came across an abandoned camp. Scattered belongings and signs of a recent battle were evident—burned trees, scorched earth, and discarded weapons.
Hiro knelt by a torn scroll lying in the dirt, his brow furrowing as he read. "Makoto," he called, holding the scroll up. "You'll want to see this."
Makoto took the scroll and skimmed through its contents. As his eyes scanned the text, his expression darkened.
The scroll detailed a rare treasure hidden deep within the Moonlit Forest: the Heart of Lumina. It was said to be a crystalized fragment of a primordial flame, capable of refining a Foundation Establishment cultivator's core.
"The Heart of Lumina," Makoto murmured, handing the scroll back to Hiro.
"What's so special about it?" Kazu asked.
Makoto's tone was steady as he explained, "When forming a core, the quality of your Foundation determines your future potential. There are five known grades of core: Low-Grade, Mid-Grade, High-Grade, Peak-Grade, and the legendary Supreme-Grade. Most cultivators settle for Mid-Grade or High-Grade cores, but treasures like the Heart of Lumina can elevate your core to Peak-Grade or even Supreme-Grade if used correctly."
Hiro's eyes widened. "A Supreme-Grade core? That's… unheard of. Even most sect elders only possess Peak-Grade cores!"
Makoto nodded. "That's why treasures like these are so rare—and dangerous to seek. The Heart of Lumina won't just improve your cultivation; it could make you a target for anyone who knows its value."
Kazu folded his arms, his expression skeptical. "But doesn't forming a higher-grade core depend on more than just a treasure? Don't you need perfect alignment of your qi and a flawless breakthrough?"
Makoto smirked faintly. "True. The treasure alone won't guarantee success. But it can significantly improve your chances by purifying your qi and stabilizing your foundation during the breakthrough process."
"Still," Hiro interjected, "why would someone leave a scroll like this lying around? It feels like a trap."
Makoto's gaze swept the area, his senses heightened. "It might be. Or it could mean that whoever left it behind didn't survive."
The trio pressed onward, their path now guided by the coordinates written on the scroll. Along the way, Makoto continued to educate the brothers on the significance of core grades.
"A Low-Grade core is unstable, prone to shattering under pressure. Most who form these never rise beyond Core Formation. Mid-Grade cores are standard—solid but unremarkable. High-Grade cores allow for smoother qi circulation, improving cultivation speed and combat ability."
"And Peak-Grade?" Kazu asked.
Makoto's voice grew more serious. "Peak-Grade cores are incredibly rare. They grant unmatched stability and explosive power, allowing cultivators to dominate their realm. As for Supreme-Grade…" He paused, his gaze distant. "They're almost mythical. A Supreme-Grade core is said to grant enlightenment, elevating a cultivator's comprehension of laws to an entirely new level."
Hiro whistled. "No wonder everyone would kill for something like the Heart of Lumina."
The oppressive heat of the Moonlit Forest pressed down on Makoto, Kazu, and Hiro as they approached the source of the commotion. The faint hum of powerful techniques echoed through the trees, accompanied by the crackling of flames and the metallic clash of weapons.
As they neared the coordinates, the sounds of battle grew louder. The unmistakable clash of qi-infused weapons and the roar of unleashed techniques filled the air.
"It seems we're not the only ones after it," Makoto remarked, his eyes narrowing.
When they reached the clearing, their eyes were drawn to the towering Golden Ember Dracowl, its body a tempest of molten feathers and golden flames. At the center of the clearing, glowing like a miniature sun, was the Heart of Lumina.
The scene before them was chaos. Riku and Arata were locked in a fierce battle with the dracowl, their synchronized techniques carving paths of destruction across the clearing. Nearby, Shen Wei and Li Zhang entered the fray, their auras now far more potent than Makoto remembered.
Makoto's eyes narrowed as he sensed their cultivation levels. "Shen Wei… He's broken through to the first stage of Core Formation. And Li Zhang… peak first stage core formation realm, It seems they've had their fair share of fortuitous encounters."
Kazu looked at Makoto in surprise. "Shen Wei is Core Formation now? That's insane. How did he manage that so quickly?"
Makoto didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the battlefield. "Both of them have likely stumbled upon treasures or inheritances to make such leaps in power. This explains their confidence in seeking the Heart of Lumina."
Shen Wei stepped forward, his aura flaring like a wildfire. His hands moved in an intricate pattern, forming a series of seals. With a roar, he activated "Flame Serpent Ascension," his signature technique now amplified by his breakthrough to Core Formation.
A massive serpent formed from crimson and gold flames burst forth, coiling around the dracowl with terrifying speed. The serpent hissed and tightened its grip, its heat rivaling the dracowl's fiery aura.
Makoto's eyes narrowed. "Impressive. That technique wasn't nearly this refined the last time I saw it. Breaking through to Core Formation has taken it to an entirely new level."
The dracowl roared, its molten feathers flaring brighter. With a mighty flap of its wings, it shattered the serpent, sending embers flying. But Shen Wei didn't flinch. He was already preparing another strike, his movements fluid and commanding.
Not far from Shen Wei, Li Zhang's aura surged. His qi swirled with a dark, menacing energy as he activated the "Blood Shadow Palm," a fearsome technique from the Li family.
Makoto recognized the technique instantly. "The Blood Shadow Palm… A technique that sacrifices the user's vitality to create devastating power. He's really going all out."
Li Zhang's palms glowed with a sinister crimson light, and with a roar, he unleashed a flurry of attacks. Each strike created a spectral shadow of his palm that tore through the dracowl's defenses, leaving faint scorch marks on its golden feathers.
The dracowl faltered, momentarily overwhelmed by the combined assault.
Makoto remained at the sidelines, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the unfolding battle. While he could have intervened, he chose not to—for now.
"Shen Wei and Li Zhang are strong," he muttered, half to himself. "But their methods carry risk. Shen Wei's Flame Serpent drains his core qi rapidly, and Li Zhang's Blood Shadow Palm damages his vitality with every strike. Neither of them can sustain this for long."
Hiro looked at Makoto, wide-eyed. "Then why aren't you stepping in?"
Makoto smirked faintly. "Because the dracowl isn't finished yet."
The dracowl, wounded and enraged, unleashed its most powerful attack yet. Golden flames erupted from its body, forming a massive storm of fire that engulfed the battlefield.
Shen Wei leapt back, narrowly avoiding the flames, while Li Zhang used his Blood Shadow Palm to create a barrier of dark qi. Even Riku and Arata were forced to retreat, their earlier confidence now replaced with caution.
"Damn it!" Riku growled, his glaive glowing as he prepared another attack. "This thing won't go down!"
As the flames receded, Makoto finally stepped forward, his presence drawing the dracowl's fiery gaze.
Shen Wei, panting from the strain of his technique, glared at Makoto. "You're just going to stand there? Or are you here to pick up the scraps after we've done the hard work?"
Makoto's gaze remained calm, his tone even. "You've done well to weaken it. Now step aside before you waste your lives."
Shen Wei's fists clenched, but before he could retort, the dracowl lunged at Makoto, its talons igniting with golden flames.
Makoto sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a concentrated burst of qi toward the dracowl's chest.
"Crimson Heart Crush."
The impact was immediate. The dracowl's fiery aura flickered and dimmed, and it stumbled back, roaring in pain.
Riku and Arata, recognizing the opening, launched their own attacks. Riku's "Blazing Sky Tempest" collided with the dracowl's wing, severing part of it, while Arata's "Heavenly Blade Resonance" struck its flank, leaving a deep gash.
Shen Wei and Li Zhang joined the fray. Shen Wei summoned another Flame Serpent, its fangs sinking into the dracowl's neck, while Li Zhang unleashed the full force of his Blood Shadow Palm, striking the dracowl's core.
With a final, earth-shaking roar, the dracowl collapsed, its golden flames extinguished.
As the dust settled, the Heart of Lumina pulsed brighter than ever, its allure undeniable.
Makoto approached the pedestal, his expression unreadable. Shen Wei and Li Zhang exchanged wary glances, their exhaustion evident but their determination undiminished.
"You've had your opportunities and encounters," Makoto said softly, his gaze flicking to Shen Wei and Li Zhang. "But this treasure… belongs to those who survive."
The tension in the clearing rose once more as the fight for the Heart of Lumina threatened to shift from the beast to the cultivators themselves.