The revelation of Kael's existence haunted Yuto long after he left the ancient chamber. His steps echoed through the corridors of the Rising Sun Sect as he made his way back to his quarters. The weight of Elder Yu's words pressed on his mind. Mastering the Dao of Unity wasn't just a lofty goal—it was his only chance of surviving the storm that was coming.
As he opened the door to his room, the familiar sight of his simple furnishings brought him little comfort. The usually calming atmosphere felt oppressive. Yuto sank onto his bed, running a hand through his unruly black hair.
Kael. A name he hadn't known until today, but one that now loomed over every thought. The memory of the dark figure from his vision sent a shiver down his spine. The shadowy energy that radiated from Kael was unlike anything he had faced before. Even the combined might of the Black Serpents paled in comparison to that overwhelming presence.
"I've come far, but it's still not enough," Yuto muttered to himself. "I need to grow stronger—fast."
But where to begin? His Saiyan instincts urged him to train his body, to push himself to the brink and beyond. Yet, Elder Yu's words lingered in his mind: You must align your body, soul, and shadow.
The Dao of Unity.
He had heard of cultivators pursuing single Daos, their lives devoted to perfecting one path. But mastering three aspects simultaneously? It sounded impossible. Yet, Yuto couldn't ignore the truth: he was no ordinary cultivator. His Saiyan heritage, combined with his unique connection to this world, gave him a chance—a slim one, but a chance nonetheless.
Yuto stood and moved to the center of his room, sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor. He closed his eyes and began to meditate, focusing on his breathing. His golden ki pulsed faintly around him, a comforting warmth that reminded him of his strength.
Body, soul, shadow.
Each word echoed in his mind like a mantra. He needed to understand what these aspects truly meant before he could master them.
The door to his room creaked open, and Mei stepped inside, carrying a tray of food. Her expression softened when she saw him meditating. "Yuto, you haven't eaten all day. You need to keep up your strength."
He opened one eye and gave her a faint smile. "Thanks, Mei. I'll eat in a bit."
She set the tray down on a small table and sat across from him. "You're thinking about the Dao of Unity, aren't you?"
Yuto nodded. "Elder Yu says it's the key to defeating Kael. But I don't even know where to start. The vision from the orb showed me how far I still have to go."
Mei leaned forward, her eyes filled with determination. "You're not alone in this, Yuto. We're all here to support you. Kaito, Lin, and I—we'll do whatever it takes to help you succeed."
Her words warmed his heart, but Yuto couldn't shake the feeling that this was a path he had to walk alone. "Thanks, Mei. I appreciate it. But this isn't just about me getting stronger. It's about understanding who I am and what I'm fighting for."
Mei smiled softly. "Then start with what you know. Your Saiyan heritage gives you incredible physical strength—that's the aspect of the body. But the soul and shadow… maybe those are tied to your connection to this world."
Yuto considered her words. "The soul could be about cultivating my inner self, aligning my spirit with the energy around me. As for the shadow… it feels different, like a part of me I haven't fully explored yet."
Mei nodded. "Then start there. Focus on one aspect at a time. You've already trained your body to incredible heights. Maybe now it's time to delve into your soul and the shadows that follow you."
Her insight gave Yuto a sense of direction. He would begin by strengthening his soul, delving into meditation and cultivating his spiritual energy. The shadows could wait—he would face them when the time was right.
---
The next morning, Yuto sought out Elder Yu. She was waiting for him in the sect's meditation chamber, a serene space filled with soft light and the scent of incense.
"You've made your decision," she said as he approached.
Yuto nodded. "I want to focus on the soul first. I need to understand my connection to this world and strengthen my spirit."
Elder Yu gestured for him to sit. "Very well. The soul is the foundation of all cultivation. It is your connection to the energy of the world, the source of your inner strength. To cultivate it, you must confront the depths of your mind and spirit. Are you prepared for what you may find?"
Yuto hesitated but nodded. "I am."
Elder Yu placed her hands on his shoulders, guiding him into a meditative state. "Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Let go of the physical world and focus on your inner self."
Yuto obeyed, his breathing slowing as he entered a trance-like state. The world around him faded, replaced by a vast expanse of darkness.
In this void, faint lights flickered—fragments of memories, emotions, and experiences. Yuto reached out, feeling the pull of each light as they danced around him.
Suddenly, a shadow loomed in the distance, its form massive and menacing. It radiated a dark energy that sent a chill through Yuto's soul.
"What is that?" he whispered.
Elder Yu's voice echoed in his mind. "It is a part of you—the shadow you must confront. Only by understanding it can you hope to master it."
The shadow surged forward, its form shifting into a twisted version of Yuto himself. Its golden ki was tainted with darkness, its eyes glowing with malice.
"You think you're strong?" the shadow sneered. "You're nothing but a coward, hiding behind your friends and your power. You'll never defeat Kael. You'll never save this world."
Yuto's heart pounded, but he stood his ground. "You're wrong. I've come this far, and I won't back down now."
The shadow laughed, its voice echoing through the void. "Prove it."
With that, the shadow attacked, its energy crashing into Yuto like a tidal wave.