Chapter 22: Soul Clone – The Second Flame

A sharp burst of icy mist surged upward as Eren rose from the center of the shimmering Soul-Sprite Lake, his aura rippling with newfound force. A pale blue light clung to his figure, dancing like northern fire over the surface of the water. His robe fluttered gently with the energy waves emanating from his body.

He looked down at his reflection—his eyes had become more piercing, like frozen stars, and his skin glowed faintly with refined spiritual essence. The weight of his sword on his back felt… lighter. Yet, at the same time, the power it carried had never felt so heavy.

He clenched his fist. "This is it… the power of a Soul Sword Practitioner." A smirk formed on his lips as a sudden surge of strength thundered through his limbs like a rising tide.

"I feel… fifty times stronger than before."

His dual elements—ice and water—flowed in perfect harmony through his soul core, a river of energy swirling around the lightning seed granted by the legacy of Warren, the ancient Sword Saint. The fusion within him pulsed like a storm beneath a frozen sea.

But as the excitement settled, so did the weight of reality.

"Now what?" he muttered, stepping out of the lake and onto the stone ledge he'd carved himself.

He needed resources. Cultivation treasures, spirit stones, beast cores—anything to keep rising. Yet, his heart resisted the thought of joining a sect. He had no interest in politics, no patience for rules.

"Let's see what I've got left."

From his dimensional pouch, he summoned the last of his supplies: a few dozen pills, a couple of spirit stones, talismans, and scrolls. As he rifled through them, something caught his attention—an old, faintly glowing skill book bound in cracked leather.

[Soul Clone]

His heartbeat quickened. He brushed the dust from the surface and read the first lines.

"A forbidden soul technique that allows the cultivator to divide a portion of their soul, manifesting a clone with independent consciousness. The clone begins at the Soul Disciple realm, growing separately. When the clone and original reunite, their levels and experiences merge to determine the evolved state."

Eren's breath caught. This was more than just a skill. It was an opportunity.

"A second path…" he whispered, eyes glinting with ambition. "If my real body cultivates here in this sacred lake… and the clone journeys through the world… I can grow in both places at once."

He sat down immediately, gripping the book tightly. The air around him began to hum as he channeled his soul energy into the ancient script. Glowing runes floated into the air, circling him in rings of pale light.

For three days, he sat motionless, absorbing every line of the technique. At last, when the final rune burned into his memory, he stood—eyes glowing with power.

"Time to try it."

His hands moved in intricate patterns, weaving together threads of soul light. A circle of energy formed at his feet. The temperature dropped as his ice and water affinity manifested, while lightning crackled faintly around his fingers.

With a final push of intent, a beam of light burst from his chest—and a second figure emerged beside him. It was him… a perfect mirror, eyes equally cold and sharp.

The clone blinked slowly, its expression thoughtful… aware.

Eren grinned. "You're me. But now, you'll walk the world."

He reached into his pouch, opened the clone's soul paths with a complex sealing technique, and began feeding it pills—one after another. Waves of energy surged into the clone as it broke through levels with shocking speed.

Soul Disciple – Level 2… Level 3… Level 4.

The clone's aura stabilized, matching Eren's younger self—but with one crucial difference: it carried the full potential of ice and water dragon soul sword, and Warren's lightning legacy infused into its weapon. All his knowledge, all his skills—the clone held them.

With a subtle transfer of his soul thread, Eren completed the final connection. The real body sat cross-legged by the lake, entering a deep state of cultivation. The clone opened its eyes, looked around the cave once more, then walked toward the exit.

"Let's see what the world has to offer," the clone muttered, its voice cool and determined.

From the hidden sanctuary beneath the mountain, Eren's clone stepped into the unknown—while the real Eren began absorbing the lake's endless soul essence in silence.

Two versions.

One soul.

Two paths to glory.

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