Chapter 4: The Forbidden Technique

The scroll in Uttar's hands carried an ancient weight, its pages containing a technique that had been buried in the shadows of history.

"This is an incredibly powerful technique," Uttar whispered to himself as he read its details.

The God's Handprint Technique—a technique so formidable that anyone who mastered it could easily defeat opponents far beyond their level. It wasn't just about raw strength but a mastery over energy itself, channeling immense chakra into the palm to unleash devastating strikes.

A gleam of excitement flashed in Uttar's eyes. "Yes, this is the one. This is the technique I need."

Determined, he walked toward Elder Prashant and presented the scroll.

Uttar: "Elder, I have chosen my technique."

The moment Elder Prashant glanced at the scroll's title, his expression stiffened. A deep frown etched across his face as his fingers trembled slightly.

"What?! This technique…" he muttered under his breath.

A moment of heavy silence passed before the elder looked up at Uttar, his gaze filled with hesitation and concern.

Elder Prashant: "Kid, are you sure about this choice? Since the founding of our clan, no one has ever succeeded in learning this technique. Many tried… but they either lost their hands or—worse—lost their lives."

Uttar: "Yes, of course. I have made my decision."

The elder let out a deep sigh, his face etched with reluctance.

Elder Prashant: "I strongly suggest you reconsider. There are many other great techniques that are safer and more reliable."

Uttar shook his head, his voice unwavering.

Uttar: "No, Elder. This is the one I want. No matter the risk, I will learn it."

Elder Prashant observed the fire in Uttar's eyes. He had seen many cultivators waver, but this boy stood firm in his conviction. There was no room for doubt.

Elder Prashant: "If you have such confidence, who am I to stop you? But remember, you must return the scroll within two months."

With that, the elder handed over the scroll, his mind troubled.

As Uttar bowed in gratitude and walked out of the library, Elder Prashant's thoughts weighed heavily.

A Silent Threat in the Shadows

Uttar stepped outside the library and stretched, realizing how much time had passed. The night had already fallen, and a full moon hung in the sky, casting its glow over the clan grounds.

"I didn't realize I spent so much time inside… I should get some rest."

He made his way to his room, exhausted but content, and soon drifted into a deep sleep.

However, while Uttar rested, the night held secrets of its own.

Deep in a hidden chamber, far from the main estate, a middle-aged man sat in the dim glow of a flickering lantern. His sharp eyes locked onto his kneeling servant, impatience evident in his voice.

???: "What happened to the mission? Where is the assassin? Today, I saw Uttar alive… and even more shocking, I sensed his aura. He is at the 9-star Sadhak rank."

The servant trembled, his forehead damp with sweat.

Servant: "Master… I don't know what happened. I can't even track the assassin's whereabouts."

A deadly silence followed. The master's fingers tapped lightly against the wooden table, his mind racing. Then, his voice dropped to a deadly whisper.

???: "Oho… the last opportunity, and you missed it. Now, we can't take any action."

The servant gulped, his voice barely above a whisper.

Servant: "Why, Master?"

The man's gaze darkened.

???: "Because as per the latest reports, Ayyappa Upadhyay might return to the clan soon. If that happens, we will lose all chances of eliminating Uttar."

The servant's confusion deepened.

Servant: "But, Master… that boy is just a weakling. Why put so much effort into eliminating him?"

The master's expression turned ice-cold.

???: "Because I don't want to take any risks."

The flickering light cast long shadows on the wall, mirroring the darkness brewing in the clan.

And as the night deepened, an unseen storm was beginning to take shape around Uttar Upadhyay.