Chapter 17: Claiming Dominion
Bhoumik's gaze shifted slightly, his thoughts returning to the cryptic words of the protector. The 'Lotus Devouring of Infernal Void Body' was his now, but even that, it seemed, was not the full extent of his potential. A faint flicker of something stirred within him—an ambition, a hunger for more. But he quickly buried it, knowing that there was much yet to learn before he could act on these desires.
And yet... the question of his origin continued to gnaw at him.
His thoughts lingered on his past—the rotten village, the place where he had been discarded like refuse. The faces of those who had wronged him. And above all, the mystery of his parents, who had abandoned him to such a fate. His bloodline was clearly powerful, perhaps even divine in origin. So why had he been left in such a wretched place? Why had he been forsaken?
He would find the answers, Bhoumik vowed silently. He would uncover the truth, no matter how deep he had to dig, no matter how many lives he had to destroy in the process.
For now, however, he had taken his first step toward true power.
Bhoumik stood still, his dark ocean eyes fixed on the protector, yet his mind churned with relentless calculations. He said nothing, he absorbed the protector's revelations. Every piece of information clicked into place, like the final turns of a complex lock. The pain he had endured, the inexplicable reactions from the beasts that once towered over him, the unnatural fear he had seen in their eyes—all of it led back to this. This ancient power now awakening within him.
The protector's presence lingered in the air, its ethereal form more a force than a visible entity. Bhoumik's gaze shifted momentarily to the dimly glowing lotus at the center of the vast hall, its aura still palpable, filling the space with a weight of ancient knowledge and untapped power.
The silence shattered as Bhoumik's voice cut through the thick atmosphere. "What is the Void Lotus Temple's purpose?" His tone was cold and sharp, devoid of any unnecessary emotion, though a subtle edge of curiosity lay beneath the surface. His focus had returned fully to the present. He wasn't one to dwell long on the past or the future—only the now, only what could be gained at this moment.
The protector's voice grew distant, as if remembering something from a time long forgotten. "The Void Lotus Temple holds the knowledge of all things, from creation to destruction, from reincarnation to immortality. It is a repository of secrets that the cosmos itself cannot comprehend. And yet, only those deemed worthy may access it. You, Master Bhoumik, may now begin to explore its depths. But how much of that knowledge you unlock will depend on your own strength and resolve."
Bhoumik's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze flickering once more toward the black lotus. "The lotus at the center of the temple… the one I merged with," he began, his voice quiet but deliberate, "what does it contain? What knowledge?"
"The lotus," the protector answered, "holds fragments of the Void's essence—the void that exists between existence and non-existence, the very force that can devour all that is. By merging with it, you have gained access to that essence, but you will not understand it… not yet."
The protector's voice grew more solemn, almost reverent. "You were chosen by the Void Lotus Temple, Bhoumik Pal, because your soul resonates with the void itself. The temple has waited for eons for the return of one such as you. But be warned—this place will not surrender its secrets easily. You must prove your worth."
Bhoumik stood in silence, absorbing the gravity of the protector's words. His eyes, as cold and fathomless as the abyss, lingered on the still-blooming lotus. He could feel the weight of the protector's gaze, the magnitude of what was being asked of him. The challenge laid before him, the knowledge awaiting his mastery, was no small feat.
But fear was a luxury Bhoumik had never allowed himself. He was never afraid.
With an icy clarity, he spoke again. "So, now that I've been accepted by this Void Lotus Temple, and the 'Lotus Devouring of Infernal Void Body' has awakened within me… does that make me invincible?" His voice carried a calm, dismissive tone, as though the answer didn't matter to him. Yet beneath his words lay a sharp challenge, one directed at the unseen protector.
There was a brief pause, then a low chuckle reverberated through the chamber.
"Hahaha..."
It was a sound filled with both amusement and something darker, an acknowledgment of Bhoumik's hunger for more. "Invincible, you say? Not yet, master ,Not yet."
Bhoumik's brow furrowed, the only outward sign of his growing impatience. He remained silent, waiting for the protector to elaborate.
"The 'Lotus Devouring of the Infernal Void Body' is indeed a power like no other," the protector continued, its voice shifting to a more serious tone. "It is a rare physique, feared even by gods and demons. When cultivated properly, it will grant you strength beyond mortal comprehension—strength that could bring entire realms to their knees."
The protector's voice deepened, now carrying an unmistakable weight. "However, power without control is nothing but a disaster waiting to happen. You have only scratched the surface of this potential. You must cultivate it, learn its nuances, and most importantly—master it. Until then, your power is meaningless. You are not invincible. Not yet. The world is vast, master Bhoumik, and it is filled with beings whose power eclipses anything you've ever imagined."
Bhoumik's hands clenched into fists at his sides, the smooth, cool handle of his spear grounding him. Despite the power now coursing through him, despite the awakening of the Lotus Devouring of Infernal Void Body, ultimate strength still felt as distant as ever. His ambition—his insatiable desire for more—was gnawing at him, a constant reminder of how far he had to go.
And yet, his expression remained impassive. The cold mask he wore betrayed none of the frustration he felt. He knew better than to reveal his hand. Silence was his greatest ally.
The protector's voice softened then, almost as if offering some form of comfort. "But you are more than just a cultivator now, wandering the void in search of power. You are its master. From this moment onward, the Void Battlefield and the Void Lotus Temple belong to you. You alone command them. You alone will unlock their true potential."
Bhoumik's gaze darkened, his cold eyes narrowing as the weight of the protector's words settled over him. "Are you telling me that I am the owner of this desolate place?" he asked, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "This barren land, shrouded in darkness and devoid of life, is mine to command?"
The protector let out another chuckle, deep and resonant, echoing through the vast chamber. "Yes, Master. This place, empty though it may seem, holds more power than you can yet comprehend. Within its depths lie ancient secrets, treasures that even the gods themselves would covet. You hold dominion over them. You have been chosen, Bhoumik Pal, where countless others have failed. The Void Battlefield is yours."
Bhoumik's mind raced, though his expression remained as cold and unreadable as ever. This revelation changed everything. The Void Battlefield and Void Lotus Temple—places steeped in unimaginable power—were now his to command. He could feel the potential thrumming beneath his feet, the darkness of the battlefield stretching endlessly into the void, waiting to be tamed.
And yet… even with this newfound authority, Bhoumik's thoughts drifted back to the beginning of his journey. The faces of those who had wronged him, the villagers who had cast him aside like refuse, the burning question of his parents, and the mystery of his bloodline. There was more at play here—something even darker, something far more powerful than he could yet understand.
But one thing was certain: this was only the beginning.
Silence fell once more, the weight of the Void Battlefield settling into Bhoumik's bones. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, though it never reached his eyes. There was power here—power he would make his own.
As he gazed into the endless abyss of the Void Battlefield, his voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried an unmistakable command. "Then it's time to uncover what lies beneath."