Revelations and Trials

Chapter 25: Revelations and Trials

The scene shifted back to Sanjeev, the echoes of the battle in the Fighting Hall still ringing in the air. The adrenaline that had coursed through him during the fight began to subside, replaced by a profound sense of exhaustion and a quiet satisfaction. He had avenged Xiner, and he had reclaimed her stolen techniques. The weight of his actions, the sheer brutality he had unleashed, settled upon him, a stark reminder of the darkness that lay within even the most righteous of hearts.

He made his way back to Xiner, his steps heavy but purposeful. He found her resting in his room, Blackie curled protectively at her side. Her face was still pale, but her eyes held a newfound clarity, a sense of peace that had been absent before.

"Xiner," Sanjeev said softly, his voice a low rumble.

Xiner turned to him, her gaze filled with a mixture of gratitude and concern. "Sanjeev," she replied, her voice still weak but steady. "Are you alright? You... you were incredible, but..."

Sanjeev knelt beside her, taking her hand in his. His touch was gentle, reassuring. "I'm fine," he said, though the weariness in his eyes betrayed his words. "I took care of everything. Li Xuan will never hurt anyone again, and I retrieved your techniques."

He summoned the memory crystal, the one containing the record of Xiner's stolen techniques, and placed it in her hand. Xiner looked at the crystal, her fingers tracing its smooth surface. A wave of relief washed over her, followed by a surge of gratitude.

"Thank you, Sanjeev," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "You... you didn't have to do that. You risked so much for me."

Sanjeev smiled, a small, genuine smile that reached his eyes. "You're my wife, Xiner," he said. "I would do anything for you. Your pain is my pain, and your enemies are my enemies."

As they spoke, Arav entered the room, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by a somber expression. He had witnessed the aftermath of the battle, the devastation in the Fighting Hall, and the sheer power that Sanjeev had unleashed. The sight of Li Xuan's mangled body was still fresh in his mind, a gruesome reminder of the depths of Sanjeev's rage.

"Sanjeev," Arav began, his voice hesitant, "what... what happened back there? I've never seen anything like it. That technique... the dragons... it was like something out of a legend."

Arav attempted to lighten the mood, injecting a touch of his characteristic humor into his words, but the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him. "And Li Xuan... well, let's just say he won't be winning any beauty contests anytime soon. You really turned him into a fine paste, my friend. A rather... abstract artwork, you might say."

Sanjeev sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It was... necessary," he said, his voice low. "He left me no choice. He dared to harm Xiner, to steal her very essence. I couldn't let that stand."

He summoned his Divine Disk, the massive disc appearing in his hand with a soft hum. Arav's eyes widened as he beheld the weapon, its dark, imposing form radiating an aura of immense power. He had never seen a spiritual weapon quite like it, one that seemed to defy the very laws of reality.

"What... what is that?" Arav stammered, his voice filled with awe and a hint of trepidation. "I've never seen a weapon like that before. It feels... alive."

Sanjeev tightened his grip on the hilt of the Divine Disk, his gaze softening as he looked at Xiner and Arav. "This is my spiritual weapon," he explained. "It's more than just a... it's a world within itself."

He extended his hand, and a swirling vortex of energy materialized beside him. "Come," he said. "I want to show you something."

Xiner and Arav exchanged curious glances, then hesitantly stepped towards the vortex. Sanjeev reached out and gently took their hands, his touch sending a surge of warmth and reassurance through them.

"Trust me," he said. "You won't believe what's inside."

With a soft pull, he led them into the vortex. The world around them dissolved into a kaleidoscope of colors and swirling energy, then reformed into a breathtaking vista.

Xiner and Arav gasped, their eyes widening in disbelief. They found themselves standing in a vast, verdant realm, bathed in the soft glow of a celestial sun. Towering mountains pierced the sky, their peaks capped with shimmering snow. Crystal-clear rivers flowed through lush valleys, their waters teeming with exotic flora and fauna. The air was alive with a vibrant energy, a sense of boundless potential.

"Where... where are we?" Arav stammered, his voice filled with awe. "This is... this is impossible."

Xiner was equally stunned, her eyes darting around the breathtaking landscape. "It's like... like another world," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Sanjeev smiled, his heart filled with a sense of pride and contentment. "This," he said, "is the inner space of my spiritual weapon, my Divine Disk. It's a self-contained world, governed by its own laws and energies."

He gestured towards the celestial sun hanging in the sky. "Time flows differently here," he explained. "Ten days in here are equivalent to one day in the outside world. It's a place where you can cultivate at an accelerated rate, where you can reach heights you never thought possible."

Xiner and Arav stared at Sanjeev, their faces a mixture of shock and amazement. They had never heard of anything like this before, a weapon that contained an entire world within it, a place where time itself was malleable.

"This... this changes everything," Arav said, his mind racing with possibilities. "We could use this place to train, to prepare for the Inner Sect Competition. We could become so much stronger."

Xiner nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with determination. "Sanjeev, this is incredible," she said. "Thank you for showing us this. We would be honored to cultivate here."

Sanjeev smiled, his heart swelling with warmth. "Then it's settled," he said. "You both are welcome to stay here and train for the competition. I'll help you in any way I can."

With their decision made, Xiner and Arav resolved to make the most of this extraordinary opportunity. They spent the next few days settling into the Divine Disk, exploring its wonders, and beginning their intensive training regimen. Sanjeev, acting as their guide and mentor, shared his knowledge and experience, helping them to refine their techniques and unlock their hidden potential.

After ensuring that Xiner and Arav were well-settled and focused on their training, Sanjeev left the Divine Disk and returned to his room in the outside world. He felt a sense of purpose, a renewed determination to push his own limits. He had helped his friends, and now it was time to focus on his own journey.

He decided to pursue advancement in his Spiritual Food Master journey. The art of Spiritual Food, the creation of dishes that enhanced cultivation and healed the body, was a skill that Sanjeev had always cherished. He had learned much from his mother in his past life, and his innate talent, combined with his unique abilities, had allowed him to progress rapidly in this world.

He made his way to the Spiritual Food Association, a grand, multi-story building that dominated the city skyline. As he approached, he was greeted by a symphony of aromas, a tantalizing blend of exotic spices, rare herbs, and the rich, savory scents of cooked delicacies. The air itself seemed to vibrate with the energy of countless dishes being prepared, a testament to the power and importance of Spiritual Food in this world.

Sanjeev stepped inside, his senses overwhelmed by the sheer scale and vibrancy of the association. The hall was bustling with activity, filled with Spiritual Food Masters of all levels, from novice apprentices to revered elders. The sounds of sizzling ingredients, chopping knives, and the murmur of conversations filled the air, creating a cacophony of culinary energy.

He approached the registration counter, a long, ornate desk manned by a young woman with a stern, efficient demeanor. He presented his Spiritual Food Master badge, a small, intricately carved token that signified his current rank.

"I would like to apply for advancement," Sanjeev said, his voice polite but firm.

The young woman glanced at his badge, her expression softening slightly as she recognized the insignia of a Second-Level Spiritual Food Master. "Very well," she said. "What level of advancement are you seeking?"

Sanjeev took a deep breath, his heart filled with a quiet confidence. He knew his own abilities, the extent of his knowledge and skill. He had already surpassed the level of many seasoned veterans, and he saw no reason to hold back.

"I would like to apply directly for the Fourth-Level Spiritual Food Master examination," Sanjeev declared, his voice clear and unwavering.

The young woman's eyes widened in surprise, and a ripple of murmurs spread through the hall. The Fourth Level was a significant milestone, a rank achieved only by the most talented and experienced Spiritual Food Masters. To attempt to jump directly to that level was considered audacious, even reckless.

The young woman exchanged a skeptical glance with her colleagues before addressing Sanjeev. "Are you aware of the requirements for the Fourth-Level examination?" she asked, her tone laced with a hint of disbelief. "It is extremely challenging. If you fail, not only will you be denied advancement, but your current title as a Spiritual Food Master will also be revoked. You will be barred from applying for any further examinations, and you will be dismissed from the association."

Her words were meant to dissuade him, to make him reconsider his ambitious request. But Sanjeev stood his ground, his expression unwavering.

"I am aware of the risks," he said, his voice firm. "But I am confident in my abilities. I accept the challenge."

The young woman raised an eyebrow, a flicker of grudging respect in her eyes. She had seen many arrogant applicants in her time, but this young man possessed a quiet determination that was both intriguing and unsettling.

"Very well," she said. "If you insist. The examination will be conducted by the elders of the association. They will inform you of the details. There is also a fee for the examination."

Sanjeev nodded, his focus already shifting to the task ahead. He was prepared to face any challenge, to overcome any obstacle. He would prove his worth, not only to the association but also to himself.

"How much is the fee?" Sanjeev asked, his voice calm and composed.

The young woman's expression hardened, her tone regaining its earlier arrogance. "Ten thousand gold coins," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. She assumed that Sanjeev, given his young age and unassuming appearance, came from a poor background and would be unable to afford such a sum.

"We are not a charity," she added, her voice laced with insult. "We cannot afford to waste our resources on every... cheap person who dreams of becoming a Spiritual Food Master."

Sanjeev's eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger flashing within their depths. He had endured insults and challenges before, but this blatant display of arrogance, this assumption of his poverty, struck a nerve. He would not let this woman's prejudice go unchallenged.

"I'll take that bet," Sanjeev said, his voice low and dangerous. "If I fail the examination, you can do whatever you want with me. I will become your slave. But if I pass, you will slap yourself across the face one hundred times."

The young woman's eyes widened in shock, her face turning pale. She had not expected such a bold challenge, such a high-stakes wager. She hesitated for a moment, weighing the risks and the potential humiliation. But her pride, her arrogance, and her belief in her own superiority ultimately prevailed.

"You're on," she sneered, her voice trembling slightly. "But you'll regret this, boy. Mark my words."

"I doubt that," Sanjeev replied, his voice cold and unwavering. "Now, tell me how much I owe you."

The young woman, still reeling from Sanjeev's audacity, repeated the fee, her voice laced with a mixture of arrogance and disbelief. "Ten thousand gold coins," she said, her gaze fixed on Sanjeev, waiting for him to back down.

Sanjeev calmly reached into his inner space and retrieved the card his grandfather had given him, a card that held a vast fortune, accumulated over a lifetime of alchemy and cultivation. He placed the card on the counter and gestured towards the payment device.

"Please process the transaction," he said, his voice polite but firm.

The young woman stared at the card, her jaw dropping open in disbelief. She had never seen a card like it before, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly energy. She hesitantly swiped the card through the device, her fingers trembling slightly.

The machine beeped, and a message appeared on the screen: "Transaction successful."

The young woman's face drained of color. She stared at the screen, then at Sanjeev, her mind struggling to comprehend what had just happened. She had assumed that he was poor, that he was bluffing. But he had paid the exorbitant fee without hesitation, proving her wrong in the most dramatic way possible.

"I... I..." she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "If you have the money, that doesn't necessarily mean you have the talent to pass the examination."

Sanjeev simply raised an eyebrow, a silent challenge in his gaze. He had proven his financial worth; now, it was time to prove his skill.

He turned and walked towards the testing hall, leaving the stunned young woman behind. The other applicants, who had witnessed the entire exchange, watched him go, their expressions a mixture of awe, respect, and a hint of envy.

The testing hall was a vast, circular chamber, filled with an array of exotic ingredients and culinary equipment. Three elders, their faces etched with wisdom and experience, stood at a long table in the center of the hall, their presence commanding respect.

They greeted Sanjeev with a formal nod, their expressions serious and professional. "Welcome, young man," one of the elders said, his voice deep and resonant. "You have requested to take the Fourth-Level Spiritual Food Master examination. Are you certain you understand the gravity of this decision?"

Sanjeev nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I am," he said. "I am ready."

The elders exchanged glances, their expressions inscrutable. They had heard of this young man, the one who had dared to challenge the association's established order. They were curious to see if his talent matched his ambition.

"The examination is divided into three parts," another elder explained. "First, we will test your knowledge of ingredients. Then, we will give you two hours to gather the materials for your dish. Finally, you will have the opportunity to prepare a dish of your choosing, which we will evaluate based on its taste, nutritional value, and spiritual energy."

Sanjeev listened intently, his mind absorbing every detail. He was prepared for any challenge, any obstacle. He would not falter.

The first test began. The elders presented Sanjeev with a hundred different ingredients, each one unique and potent, with its own distinct properties and effects.

"You must identify at least eighty of these ingredients correctly," the elder said, his voice stern. "You have three hours."

Sanjeev stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the array of ingredients. His Divine Eyes activated, granting him an unparalleled level of perception. He could see the name, properties, and spiritual energy of each ingredient with perfect clarity.

He moved with a speed that astonished the elders, his hand flying across the parchment as he wrote down the names and properties of the ingredients. He worked with a focused intensity, his mind a whirlwind of knowledge and precision.

In less than half an hour, Sanjeev set down his quill, his task completed.

"I am finished," he announced, his voice calm and confident.

The elders exchanged incredulous glances. There were still two and a half hours remaining. They had never seen anyone complete this test so quickly.

"Are you certain?" one of the elders asked, his voice filled with disbelief. "Have you written down the names and properties of all the ingredients?"

Sanjeev nodded, his expression unwavering. "Yes," he said. "I have."

The elders, their curiosity piqued, began to check Sanjeev's answers. They were prepared to find errors, to see the arrogance of youth exposed. But as they read, their expressions shifted from disbelief to astonishment.

Sanjeev had identified every single ingredient correctly, without a single mistake. He had even provided details about their properties and uses that were not commonly known, information that only the most experienced Spiritual Food Masters possessed.

The elders, their initial skepticism replaced by a growing sense of wonder, decided to show Sanjeev's answer sheet to the association leader, a venerable figure who had dedicated his entire life to the study of Spiritual Food.

The association leader, initially hesitant to interrupt his busy schedule, reluctantly agreed to take a look. He glanced at the answer sheet, his eyes widening in disbelief.

Not only had Sanjeev identified all the ingredients correctly, but he had also provided information about two materials that were completely unknown to the association. These were rare and elusive ingredients, their existence shrouded in mystery.

The association leader, his curiosity overriding his professional detachment, decided to verify Sanjeev's claims. He consulted ancient texts, cross-referenced his findings with the association's vast database, and even conducted a series of experiments to test the properties of the unknown materials.

To his utter astonishment, Sanjeev's information was correct. He had accurately described the properties, effects, and potential uses of ingredients that were considered mythical by the association's most esteemed experts.

The association leader, his mind reeling from this extraordinary discovery, rushed to Sanjeev, his usual composure replaced by a mixture of awe and excitement.

"Young man," he exclaimed, his voice trembling slightly, "how... how did you know about these ingredients? These materials are virtually unknown to us. Even our most ancient texts provide only vague hints of their existence."

Sanjeev had anticipated this question. He knew that his knowledge of these rare ingredients would raise suspicions. He couldn't reveal the truth about his Divine Eyes; it was a secret he had to protect.

He thought quickly, formulating a plausible explanation. "My master told me about them," he said, his voice calm and steady.

The association leader's eyes widened further. "Your master?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity. "Who is this master? Where can we find them? They must be an extraordinary individual, a true legend in the world of Spiritual Food."

Sanjeev shook his head, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "My master is a mysterious figure," he said. "They are not willing to reveal themselves to anyone except me. They prefer to remain hidden, their knowledge and skills known only to a select few."

He paused, his expression apologetic. "I am sorry," he said. "I cannot tell you more. My master's wishes are paramount."

The association leader stared at Sanjeev, his mind filled with questions and speculations. He sensed that the young man was telling the truth, that his master was indeed a reclusive and enigmatic figure. He also sensed that there was something extraordinary about Sanjeev himself, something that defied easy explanation.

He sighed, accepting the young man's explanation, for now. He knew that he would not easily forget this encounter, this young man who possessed such profound knowledge and skill, a talent that surpassed even the greatest masters of the association.