NEW ARC : THE NEW PATHS CHP 1 ;THE WORST PATH

As I listened to the goddess's words, I was shocked and overwhelmed, but before I could pose any questions, a brilliant light enveloped everything, and the surroundings transformed into a dazzling white landscape. To protect my eyes, I instinctively closed them, and when I opened them again, I found myself transported to an unfamiliar location, a place I had never laid eyes on before.

A gentle, ethereal voice resonated within my mind, "I regret that this is happening, but rest assured that it has been ordained by a higher authority, one whose identity we cannot disclose. This transformation will ultimately benefit you and your entire family. You, along with six others, have been relocated to distinct realms within the vast expanse of existence.

Do not worry; when the time is ripe, you will all be reunited. However, be warned: if you fail to apply yourself diligently, you risk losing your way. The cultivation methods prevalent in your world were fundamentally flawed, causing your spiritual essence to wane. I implore you, do not tread that path.

Though this new environment may appear fragile, its cultivation techniques are unparalleled. Seize this opportunity to cultivate your inner self and strive for excellence. As a token of my benevolence, I shall eradicate your existing cultivation, thereby granting you a fresh start.

By my divine intervention, all seven chakras within your being will be activated, empowering you to ascend to the solar level and beyond. Understand that the true potential of these seven chakras can only be unlocked when mastered.

Please note that your previous abilities have been dissolved, but they will be restored as you attain specific levels of growth, amplifying your inherent potential to harness immense power maybe this could be our last ahh...

"I was shocked - what just happened? Am I a plaything, subject to their whims? Can they change my place, my world, and my path at will? Are they controlling everything? Were they the reason for my death? Ahhhhh! I demand answers! Who are you, really? Who are they? Tell me what's happening here!"

Just as I thought this, a light shone, and a voice echoed in my mind, "Tulsi, host, there's something changing within your body."

I screamed as I heard this, jolted out of my thoughts. A searing pain coursed through my body, leaving me breathless. I tried to calm myself, to heal, but nothing worked. The screams from my throat were continuous, my world fading from view.

My mind reeled in agony, and I strained to maintain consciousness, fearing the unknown disaster that might ensue. Summoning all my will, I forced my eyes open, but it was a Herculean task.

That's when I saw him - a boy with a face so captivating, so radiant, that even my brother's beauty paled in comparison. My heart raced, but fear mingled with my attraction. Who was this mysterious figure?

I wanted to push him away, but the shock of seeing him for just a second was enough to make me lose my grip on the pain. I screamed louder, my eyes closing, and all I saw was his emotionless face.

When I opened my eyes again, I felt an energy coursing through me, supporting my body. Wherever it flowed, I felt pain subsiding. Though still struggling to open my eyes fully, I managed to do so, but my vision remained blank. Confused, I wondered if everything was shrouded in darkness, but it didn't feel that way. My eyes weren't covered, nor was I sensing any obstructing energy.

I tried to move my hand to touch my eyes, but it wouldn't budge. Suddenly, my hand began to feel sensation, and a voice spoke, "I know your mind is in chaos. I may not know what truly happened to you, but it seems you were both cursed and blessed. I sense it."

"I'm helping you," the voice continued. "Be silent and let me work. Don't move, or you'll lose your hand forever." Shocked, I remained still, realizing I had no choice.

Helpless, I closed myself off, relaxed my mind, and let the energy flow through me. I had bet my life on this; now, I had to wait and see what the future held. I drifted off to sleep.

When I awoke, I sensed the energy within me. Trying to move, I attempted to open my eyes again, but there was only darkness – a darkness unlike anything I'd ever experienced. Panic set in.

I touched my eyes, feeling nothing obstructing them, yet I saw nothing. Shock gave way to desperation.

As I lay in pain, a boy's gentle voice whispered in my ear, "So, you're awake. I'm sorry, but your eyes can't be healed by anyone except the Healing Goddess. No one else in the universe can help you."

He continued, "Let's move on to the second part. I've healed your entire body, spending my cultivation on you. Your condition was beyond anyone else's ability to heal. You have to stay with me until you repay what I've invested in you."

I bristled at his words, unsure how much truth they held. Yet, I acknowledged that without his help, I might have perished. "I don't know who you are or how I can trust you," I said. "Even if I'm now blind, weak, and helpless, I won't be forced into servitude. I'll repay your kindness, but don't think you can control me."

The boy's laughter echoed in my ear, and he said, "Don't worry, I won't enslave you... yet. But how will you survive? You're currently in a realm where even the strongest dare not tread. You can't leave; I've sealed you to me as my companion."

His words sent shivers down my spine. "What do you mean? I won't be your slave!" I protested.

The boy's tone turned cold. "You can't deny my orders. You're bound to me now."

As I heard his command, "Now, kneel," I felt a surge of defiance. "I ain't gonna kneel," I started to say, but before I could finish, my body betrayed me. I tried to resist, but my legs buckled, and I knelt down.

For a fleeting moment, I was grateful for my blindness, sparing me the humiliation of seeing my own helplessness. But before I could process my emotions, he spoke again.

"Don't worry, I won't force you much... yet. Just do as I say and don't resist." His words dripped with condescension.

"Stand up and take this eye band. Cover your eyes and close them." I seethed with anger, desperate to refuse, to defy him, to kill him. But my body moved of its own accord, following his instructions.

I took the eye band, my hands trembling with rage, and covered my non-seeing eyes. As I closed them, a vivid image flashed before my mind's eye – the boy's captivating face, now twisted in a cruel smile.

Why was my body obeying him? Why was I powerless against his control?