Chapter 24:Body refinement

Chapter 24: Body refinement

The moon hung high in the sky as Bhoumik knelt before Ling Yue in the main hall of Void Lotus Peak. The cold stone beneath his knees was a sharp contrast to the tension in the air. His robes were torn from the duel, and faint cuts decorated his arms and face, though his expression remained stoic.

"You released your body's devouring energy during the spar," Ling Yue said, her voice calm but firm. She studied him intently, her ethereal features betraying no emotion. "That power will attract attention—and danger. You must never lose control like that again in public."

Bhoumik nodded, his head low. "I understand, Master. It won't happen again."

Ling Yue's eyes softened slightly. "Good. Now, sit. We have much to discuss."

As Bhoumik settled into a seated position, Ling Yue crossed her legs gracefully and folded her hands in her lap.

"Your Infernal Devouring Void Body is both your greatest asset and your greatest threat. It feeds on spiritual energy, yes, but it can also consume your mind and body if left unchecked. Today, you drew upon that power unconsciously. Why?"

Bhoumik hesitated, his hand brushing against the Dark Lotus Pendant beneath his robe. "It… it felt instinctive. Like it wasn't me, but something inside me reacting to the danger."

Ling Yue sighed, her gaze piercing. "That instinct could one day save your life, but it could also destroy you if you do not control it. From now on, you will practice emotional discipline."

"Emotional discipline?" Bhoumik asked, furrowing his brow.

"Yes," Ling Yue replied. "Your power is tied to your emotions. Anger, fear, desperation—all these can trigger it. You must master calmness, even in the heat of battle. Meditation and breathing techniques will help suppress unnecessary activations."

Bhoumik nodded again, committing her words to memory.

Later that night, Bhoumik sat alone in his chambers. The Mystic Halberd rested beside him, its polished surface reflecting the faint glow of the moonlight. He stared at it for a long time, replaying the duel in his mind—the surge of power, the sudden dominance, the dark aura.

"Where is all this coming from?" he muttered to himself, his fingers brushing the pendant. The cold metal felt alive, almost pulsing under his touch.

As if responding to his thoughts, the halberd began to vibrate faintly. Bhoumik frowned, leaning closer. The vibration grew stronger, accompanied by a low hum that seemed to emanate from deep within the weapon.

"Is it... alive?" he whispered.

A knock at the door startled him, breaking the connection. Ling Yue entered, her expression unreadable. She glanced at the halberd before meeting his eyes.

"Your weapon is reacting to you," she said, crossing the room. "Some artifacts possess spiritual consciousness. It appears the Mystic Halberd is beginning to recognize you as its wielder."

"What does that mean?"

"It means the bond between you and the weapon is forming. With time and practice, it may even reveal unique abilities. But for now, focus on mastering its weight and balance. A weapon is only as strong as the one who wields it."

Bhoumik nodded, placing his hand firmly on the halberd's shaft.

Back at the Eternal Void Lotus Sect, the atmosphere was tense among the elders. Elder Jian sat in a dimly lit hall with two others, their faces shadowed by flickering candlelight.

"Did you see the match today?" Elder Jian asked, stroking his long beard.

"We did," another elder replied. "Sect Master Ling Yue's disciple… his power is extraordinary. But it is also dangerous. If word spreads, he will bring enemies to our gates."

"We should focus on cultivating his talent," Elder Jian argued. "Such potential cannot be wasted."

"Perhaps," the third elder interjected, his tone cautious. "But we must tread carefully. The Infernal Devouring Void Body is a double-edged sword. One misstep, and he could bring ruin to the sect."

The elders fell silent, their expressions heavy with contemplation.

The following morning, Ling Yue summoned Bhoumik to the training grounds of Void Lotus Peak. The air was crisp, and the sun cast a golden glow over the mountain.

"You handled the duel well," Ling Yue began, her voice steady. "But you still have much to learn. Your next phase of training will focus on combat meditation. It will teach you to remain calm and focused, even in the midst of chaos."

"How do I begin?" Bhoumik asked, gripping the Mystic Halberd.

Ling Yue gestured to a series of obstacles set up around the training grounds. They ranged from swinging pendulums to fast-moving targets.

"You will navigate this course while maintaining a state of meditation. Feel the flow of your energy, control your breathing, and adapt to your surroundings. Begin."

Bhoumik took a deep breath and stepped onto the course. The challenges were relentless, testing his balance, reflexes, and mental focus. Swinging blades narrowly missed him, and moving platforms forced him to adjust his footing constantly.

Through it all, Ling Yue watched silently, her sharp eyes evaluating every movement.

By the time Bhoumik completed the course, sweat drenched his robes, and his breathing was labored. But his grip on the Mystic Halberd remained steady, and his gaze was determined.

"Good," Ling Yue said, a rare note of approval in her voice. "You're progressing faster than I expected. Rest for now. Tomorrow, we'll push you even further."

Bhoumik nodded, his body aching but his spirit unwavering. He was ready to face whatever came next.

The main hall of Void Lotus Peak was bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, casting long shadows over its ancient walls. Ling Yue sat serenely, exuding an air of quiet dominance, when Gui Xian entered. Dressed in her signature white and gold robes, Gui Xian carried a small jade box that radiated faint spiritual energy.

"Senior Sister," Gui Xian greeted, her tone respectful as she handed the box to Ling Yue. "Here are the elixirs you requested. Tier-4 Spiritual Gathering Elixirs as per your specifications."

Ling Yue accepted the box without a word, opening it slightly to inspect the pills. The faint, herbal aroma filled the hall, and she nodded approvingly.

Gui Xian hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice tinged with concern. "Senior Sister, your disciple… his performance during the duel has caused quite a stir. Mo Chen, the peak master of Saint Lotus Peak, is uncomfortable. I suspect he may take measures to suppress Bhoumik's growth."

Ling Yue's expression remained calm, but a glint of coldness flickered in her eyes. "I expected this. Mo Chen has long coveted control over the sect. Bhoumik's rapid progress threatens his ambitions, but I won't allow him to interfere. My disciple will grow stronger, no matter the obstacles."

Gui Xian hesitated again, her curiosity piqued. "Senior Sister, forgive my intrusion, but… what kind of special constitution does your disciple possess? The movement he caused was extraordinary, yet I cannot pinpoint its nature. It doesn't resemble any known constitutions."

Ling Yue's gaze softened, but her tone remained firm. "Junior Sister, it is not yet time for you to know. When the moment is right, all will be revealed. For now, trust me."

Understanding that further questions would be unwelcome, Gui Xian nodded. "As you wish, Senior Sister."

With a final bow, Gui Xian left Void Lotus Peak, returning to the Pill Lotus Peak. Ling Yue watched her leave before turning her attention back to the elixirs. With a sigh, she rose and made her way to the training grounds where her disciple awaited.

Bhoumik stood in the center of the training grounds, his Mystic Halberd resting against his shoulder. His shirt was damp with sweat from the grueling exercises Ling Yue had assigned him. He turned when he saw her approaching and greeted her with a respectful nod.

Ling Yue came forward, carrying an ancient scroll in her hand. "Disciple," she began, handing the scroll to Bhoumik, "this is the Void Resonance Body Forging Technique. It's a method designed to temper your body using flames and lightning. It will stabilize your Infernal Devouring Void Body and enhance your physical resilience."

Bhoumik accepted the scroll, unrolling it slightly to skim through the contents. His eyes widened as he read the descriptions:

Restructure physical form using vibrational energy

Forge balance within cellular structures

Stabilize unstable constitutions and reduce deviation risks

Enhance mental and physical resilience

Nine levels of progression to achieve ultimate body strength

The words left him stunned. "Master… this requires being subjected to flames and lightning? How do I survive such an ordeal?"

Ling Yue gave him a faint smile. "No power comes without cost, disciple. Your body has extraordinary potential, but without control, it will consume you. To master it, you must endure. Begin now, and do not waver."

Bhoumik hesitated briefly before nodding. "I understand."

Ling Yue led him to a secluded chamber at the back of the peak, where a massive cauldron sat in the center. Its surface was etched with intricate formations, glowing faintly with dormant power.

"Sit inside the cauldron," Ling Yue instructed, her tone calm yet commanding.

Bhoumik gave a wry smile, muttering under his breath, "From sparring to… being cooked alive. What kind of training is this?"

He climbed into the cauldron and sat cross-legged, the cold metal sending a chill up his spine. Ling Yue stepped back, her hands glowing with crimson and blue spiritual energy.

"Brace yourself," she said before unleashing her flames.

A surge of crimson-blue fire erupted from her palms, engulfing the cauldron. The temperature soared instantly, and Bhoumik felt as if his skin were being peeled away layer by layer.

The flames licked at his clothes, reducing them to ash within moments. His exposed skin began to char, darkening as the intense heat burned into him. Sweat poured down his face as he gritted his teeth, suppressing the urge to scream.

"Focus," Ling Yue called out, her voice steady. "This is only the beginning. Your body must adapt to the flames."

Inside the cauldron, Bhoumik's mind raced. The pain was excruciating, his every nerve ablaze. But he refused to yield. "For Ubika… for my friends…" he whispered to himself, clutching onto those memories as his anchor.