The cave was silent, filled only with the soft sounds of breathing and the occasional flicker of a torch burning dimly on the wall. Uttar sat cross-legged, his back straight, completely immersed in his meditation. His consciousness delved deep into the energy pathways of his body, focusing entirely on the next step of his cultivation journey.
Time lost its meaning.
For the past half month, Uttar had dedicated himself entirely to unlocking his Anahata Chakra—the fourth chakra, representing the air element. Unlike the previous three chakras, this one was far more elusive, demanding greater concentration and control over his inner energy.
The energy within him churned violently, resisting his command, refusing to break through. His body trembled under the immense pressure, sweat dripping down his forehead. But Uttar did not give up. He had endured too much to stop now.
He took a deep breath, steadying his mind, and pushed forward.
Then—
BOOM!
A sudden explosion of energy erupted within his chest. His eyes shot open, and a powerful gust of wind surged outward, causing the torches to flicker wildly. The cave trembled as the air itself seemed to bend to his will.
Uttar gasped, his heart pounding in exhilaration.
Uttar: "I did it… I have unlocked my Anahata Chakra!"
He could feel the difference immediately. His body felt lighter, his reflexes sharper, and his mind clearer. The air around him no longer felt like an external force—it was now an extension of his very being.
Without hesitation, he decided to test his God's Handprint Technique with his newly unlocked chakra.
He closed his eyes, focusing his energy. The power of the air element gathered around his palm. Unlike the previous versions of this technique, which had used solid earth, fluid water, or blazing fire, this time the handprint was nearly invisible—formed entirely from compressed air currents.
Then, with a swift motion—
SWOOSH!
The massive air handprint shot forward, cutting through the air like a blade before smashing into the cave wall. The impact sent shockwaves through the chamber, leaving behind deep marks on the rocky surface.
Uttar's eyes widened in amazement.
Uttar: "It worked! The God's Handprint now carries the power of wind!"
The realization sent excitement coursing through his veins. Wind-based attacks were almost undetectable—silent, fast, and deadly. With this, his combat style would become far more unpredictable.
But he wasn't done yet.
Determined to test the limits of his new strength, he took a deep breath and gathered the energy of all four chakras—
Earth (Muladhara)
Water (Svadhisthana)
Fire (Manipura)
Air (Anahata)
As he merged their powers, his entire body began to tremble. The elements swirled around him like a storm, their raw energies colliding chaotically. It was a struggle to maintain control, but he gritted his teeth and forced them into harmony.
Then—
BOOOOOOM!
He unleashed the attack.
A monstrous, multi-elemental hand projection materialized before him, radiating an overwhelming aura. The moment it struck the ground, the entire cave shook violently, sending dust and debris flying in every direction.
The sheer force of the attack left Uttar gasping for breath. His limbs felt weak, his energy completely drained.
But a grin spread across his face.
Uttar: "I did it… My strength has grown tremendously!"
He took a moment to analyze his progress.
"Right now, I am at the 4th chakra level. My body is naturally stronger than other cultivators at this stage. With just my raw physical strength, I can defeat someone at the 5th chakra level. If I use the power of a single element, I can fight against a 6th chakra cultivator. And if I unleash a full fusion attack, I can even stand against a 7th chakra warrior!"
This was beyond anything he had imagined.
The mysterious golden ring had changed his body in ways that defied normal cultivation rules. Even though he was only at the 4th chakra, he was capable of fighting against opponents far beyond his level.
His expression hardened.
Uttar: "Now, I am finally ready for what's to come."
But he knew that raw power alone wasn't enough. Strength meant nothing if he couldn't move fast enough to dodge attacks or position himself for the perfect strike.
He needed a movement technique.
One that would allow him to evade, reposition, and strike with precision.
Uttar: "I must visit the clan library and select a movement technique."
His determination burned stronger than ever.
Uttar: "With my current strength and the right movement technique… I will become unstoppable!"
With his goal set, he took a deep breath, his body still aching from the intense training. Half a month remained before the tournament. That was enough time.
He had to make the most of it.
And so, with newfound strength and unwavering determination, Uttar took the first step toward claiming his destiny.