Path to the Unknown  

Chapter 48: Path to the Unknown 

The darkness of the cave was absolute, broken only by the faint glow of the greenish crystals embedded in the walls. Han Feng, sitting in a lotus position on a smooth rock, controlled his breathing while analyzing his progress. His body was filled with latent energy, a clear sign that the transition to Rank 3 was near. However, he knew he had to be extremely careful. Any wrong fluctuation of energy could attract unwanted attention. The Enigma of the Cave The underground cave where Han Feng had taken refuge was more peculiar than it appeared. The Qi inside seemed to have a dense and primitive quality, something different from what he had ever experienced. While investigating the walls, he found ancestral marks carved in spiral patterns. There was a hidden meaning there, but deciphering it would take time. Amidst the absolute silence, a faint noise caught his attention. His sharp senses detected a slight fluctuation in the flow of Qi around him. Someone or something was there with him. His instinct screamed that he was not alone. The Hidden Creature Without making any sudden movements, Han Feng activated the Art of the Celestial Veil, minimizing his presence to the utmost. He slid through the shadows of the cave, slowly approaching the place where he had felt the oscillation. As he approached a crack between the rocks, he saw a faint glow pulsing rhythmically. With a subtle touch of his Qi, he illuminated the narrow space and froze upon realizing what was before him. A cocoon of pure Qi lay there, enveloped by layers of crystalline webs. In the center of the structure, an unknown Gu lay, emitting an ancient and powerful energy. It seemed to be in a state of dormancy, but its presence was oppressive. Han Feng felt his blood quicken. His instinct told him that that Gu was something extremely rare, possibly a perfect catalyst for his advancement. However, taking it by force could result in unpredictable consequences. The Careful Advance Sitting near the cocoon, he resumed his meditation position. His priority was still to stabilize his foundation before attempting any impulsive action. Taking a deep breath, he began to gather the Qi around him and direct it towards his Dual Chaos Larva. The process was slow and meticulous. His body trembled as the energy pulsed within his meridians, expanding beyond previous limits. The piercing pain threatened to break his concentration, but Han Feng forced himself to continue. With each breath, he refined and consolidated his strength. The Celestial Mark on his forehead glowed faintly, aiding in the purification of Qi. Little by little, the barriers to Rank 3 began to break. He was close to advancing, but he needed one last push. An Unexpected Link It was then that the cocoon beside him began to react. The Gu inside it pulsed, as if tuning into its energy. A tenuous connection formed between them. Han Feng seized the opportunity and extended his consciousness to the mysterious Gu. Time seemed to slow down when his mind touched the essence of the Gu. Glimpses of ancient memories, fragments of forgotten knowledge, and an unfathomable presence passed through his mind. He understood that this Gu was not a mere catalyst. It was an entity that possessed its own will. The energy within Han Feng resonated with the Gu, and in a moment of absolute clarity, a roar echoed within the cave. His body was enveloped in a vortex of Qi as his cultivation finally took the last step. The strength of Rank 3 flooded every fiber of his being, completely transforming him. When the process was over, Han Feng opened his eyes. The cocoon before him had vanished, and in his hand lay the mysterious Gu, now fully refined and part of his arsenal. Continua...