Unveiling Power, A Day of Joy and Discord

Chapter 11: Unveiling Power, A Day of Joy and Discord

Sanjeev, his heart still echoing with the divine melody from his vision, returned to his usual self. He felt a profound shift within him, a newfound connection to his body and the energies that flowed through it. He realized he had gained an innate ability from reaching the Svadhishthana Flow first realm: the power to alter his physical form. He could change his size, his shape, and even mimic the appearance of others. The implications of this ability were staggering, and a thrill of excitement coursed through him.

He found Xiner in the garden, tending to a bed of luminous, multi-hued flowers. The morning sun painted her face with a gentle glow, highlighting the delicate curve of her cheekbone and the soft smile that played on her lips. She looked radiant, a vision of serene beauty.

"Xiner," Sanjeev called out, his voice filled with a quiet excitement.

Xiner turned, her eyes widening as she took in his presence. "Sanjeev! You seem… different. Are you feeling well?"

Sanjeev took a deep breath, deciding how to reveal his breakthrough. "I'm… more than well. I've reached the Svadhishthana Flow first realm."

Xiner's eyes widened further, but then her brow furrowed in confusion. "Svadhishthana Flow? But… I can't sense any spiritual power from you. When you reached the Muladhara Foundation stage, everyone could feel the increase in your energy. It was like a wave, a tangible shift in the atmosphere."

Sanjeev had anticipated this. He had noticed the same phenomenon. His cultivation method, perhaps influenced by his unique connection to the Agni flame and his past-life memories, seemed to operate on a different principle. "I think… I think I cultivate in a different way," he explained, choosing his words carefully. "My energy is… contained, internal. It doesn't radiate outwards in the same way."

Xiner remained skeptical. "Show me," she said, her voice firm but laced with concern.

Sanjeev nodded. He focused his intent, and his body began to shift. He grew taller, his muscles expanding, his features becoming more angular and imposing. Then, he shrank, becoming as small as a child, his voice a high-pitched squeak. Finally, he settled back into his original form.

Xiner gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Her eyes were wide with astonishment and a hint of awe. "You… you can change your form? Like the legendary shapeshifters of old?"

Sanjeev nodded, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "It's a power of the Svadhishthana Flow. I can even… mimic others, to a certain extent."

Xiner stared at him, her mind reeling. "Incredible," she breathed. "You've reached the Svadhishthana Flow first realm in just two months… your talent is heaven-defying! With this power… you could even participate in a sect!"

Sanjeev's ears perked up. "A sect? Which sect should I choose?"

Xiner's face lit up. "You should join the Lotus Blade Sect. It's a powerful and respected sect, known for its discipline and its mastery of energy manipulation. I plan to join it as well."

Sanjeev smiled. "Then I will join the Lotus Blade Sect with you."

Xiner blushed, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. "The sect holds a selection process in the city soon. Anyone who wishes to join must pass the test."

Sanjeev's smile widened. "Then we will take the test together," he said, his voice warm and filled with affection.

As he spoke, a moment of intimacy hung between them, a shared understanding that went beyond words. Their eyes met, and a silent promise passed between them, a promise of shared destiny and unwavering support.

Xiner cleared her throat, breaking the spell. "There's something else," she said, her voice soft. "Our wedding is tomorrow."

Sanjeev's heart leaped. "Yes," he said, his voice filled with anticipation. "I know. And I've been waiting for this moment."

He paused, then added, "There's something I need to tell you. I want to keep my current cultivation level a secret, even from my grandfather, for now. It's… complicated, but trust me, it's for the best."

He looked at Xiner, his eyes searching hers. "And… what would you like as a wedding gift?" he asked, his voice tender.

Xiner's eyes softened, her gaze filled with a love that transcended any material possession. "I want nothing but you, Sanjeev," she whispered.

Sanjeev and Xiner shared a moment of laughter, their hearts intertwined. The day of their wedding arrived, a day filled with joy, celebration, and a hint of underlying tension.

The wedding ceremony was a grand spectacle, a vibrant tapestry of tradition and festivity. The wedding hall, a magnificent structure adorned with red silk banners and intricate lanterns, pulsed with the energy of hundreds of guests. The air was filled with the sweet scent of incense and the lively music of traditional instruments.

Xiner emerged, a vision of breathtaking beauty. She wore a traditional red wedding gown, intricately embroidered with golden threads that shimmered with every step. The gown flowed around her like a crimson waterfall, its long train trailing behind her. Her hair was styled in an elaborate updo, adorned with delicate gold ornaments and strings of pearls. Her face, framed by a sheer veil, radiated happiness, her eyes sparkling with love and excitement.

Sanjeev, dressed in an equally ornate red and gold robe, stood tall and proud, his heart filled with a joy that surpassed any he had ever known. He watched as Xiner walked towards him, her every step a graceful dance, and he felt a surge of love so profound it took his breath away.

The ceremony was a blur of rituals and blessings, a joyous celebration of their union. Family and friends, their faces beaming with happiness, showered the couple with flower petals and offered their heartfelt congratulations. The hall echoed with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses raised in toast to the newlyweds.

As the celebration drew to a close, and the guests began to depart, a sudden commotion erupted near the entrance. A loud, angry voice shattered the festive atmosphere, cutting through the joyous din like a discordant note in a beautiful symphony.

"How dare you! How dare you marry such a useless man!"

Sanjeev and Xiner turned to see a tall, imposing man striding towards them, his face contorted with rage. It was Xiner's grandfather, Lord Baatar, a renowned figure in the city, known for his stern demeanor and his formidable cultivation skills. He had been away for ten years, traveling to distant lands in search of enlightenment, and his sudden return had thrown a wrench into the carefully planned festivities.

Lord Baatar was a man of immense presence. His face, etched with the lines of age and experience, was a mask of thunderous fury. His eyes, sharp and piercing, seemed to bore into Sanjeev, filled with disdain and disapproval. He wore elaborate robes of dark blue, embroidered with silver dragons, and his long, white hair flowed behind him like a stormy cloud.

Xiner's father, trying to mediate, stepped forward, his voice pleading. "Father, please, Sanjeev is a talented young man. He has already reached the fifth stage of the Muladhara Foundation."

Lord Baatar scoffed, his voice dripping with contempt. "Anyone can reach the fifth stage of the Muladhara Foundation. It is a mere stepping stone. How dare you allow my granddaughter to marry someone so… ordinary?" His gaze swept over Sanjeev, his expression filled with undisguised scorn.

Xue Rong, hearing the commotion, stepped forward, his eyes flashing with a cold, dangerous light. He had remained silent until now, allowing the celebration to unfold, but this insult to his grandson was too much to bear. "You are mistaken, Lord Baatar," he said, his voice low and menacing. "You do not know the true extent of Sanjeev's talent."