The room fell into silence after his answer, a quiet so brief yet heavy that it seemed to press against the walls themselves. Ishant exchanged a complicated glance with Aashi — one filled with unspoken concern and restrained questions — while Ashish exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing only slightly. After a moment, Ishant gave a small nod, accepting the explanation for now, whether he fully believed it or not. “Alright,” he said calmly. “Rest for now after eating.” Eklavya nodded obediently, relieved the questioning had ended before he was forced into deeper lies. One by one, his family left the room, the door closing softly behind them. Their footsteps faded down the corridor, and soon only stillness remained. The quiet felt different from earlier — not peaceful, but expectant, like the pause before something unseen stirred awake again.
After finishing his breakfast, Eklavya washed his hands and returned to the centre of his room. He sat cross-legged, spine straight, breath steadying as habit took over. One slow inhale. One measured exhale. His thoughts settled, and his consciousness slipped inward once more.
The physical world dissolved effortlessly, replaced by the familiar vastness of his inner domain. The floating blood-pool island appeared beneath him immediately — immense, ancient, and unsettlingly alive. Mist curled around its edges like drifting spirits, while faint runes glowed along the stone surface, pulsing with quiet rhythm.
Today, something had changed. The surroundings felt heavier, thicker, carrying a subtle pressure that weighed against his senses. It was not hostile, but it was undeniably new, as if the realm itself had noticed his recent breakthrough and was reconsidering who its master truly was. He stood still for several moments, allowing himself to adjust, instincts alert.
Then, without warning, a metallic object materialised before him. The ancient token given by God Emperor Avrah hovered silently in the air. Its surface bore intricate curved engravings forming patterns far beyond modern formations — lines so precise and layered that even imagining their construction made his head ache slightly.
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The metal radiated cold authority, humming faintly with restrained power. Curious and cautious, Eklavya infused a thin thread of ki into it.
Instantly, the token trembled. A scroll emerged from its centre, unfolding slowly in midair as though guided by invisible hands. Words appeared upon it, glowing softly, each character heavy with age and intention.
A voice — distant yet clear — echoed within his mind: “My and Dashirsur’s soul power is sealed within this token. As you break through realms, the seals will open one by one. You may borrow this unsealed soul power for temporary strength. Once borrowed, that layer becomes empty and can only be replenished using soul crystals, soul stones, or soul herbs.”
Eklavya’s heartbeat quickened as awe replaced caution. The voice continued, calm and absolute: “Using this power will not destroy your body nor cause backlash, but it will place a heavy burden upon you.” His expression stiffened slightly. Soul power. Even hearing the term carried weight. Such energy was never meant for ordinary cultivators; touching it recklessly often ended with shattered minds or burned souls. Whatever inheritance he had received was far beyond normal cultivation paths — and far more dangerous.
He lowered his gaze toward the token again. Fifteen thin lines were carved across its surface. The uppermost line glowed faint blue, alive with energy, while the remaining fourteen burned crimson, sealed and dormant.
“So… fourteen more layers,” he murmured, realisation settling in. Only the first seal had opened. Fourteen more waited — each likely stronger, each likely more terrifying. Before he could fully absorb the implication, the token shuddered once again.
Two objects shot outward and hovered before him: a silver storage ring set with four small diamonds that shimmered with refined elegance, and a crimson ring engraved with a long, coiling dragon whose scales seemed almost ready to move.
Eklavya raised an eyebrow, curiosity overtaking caution for a moment. “Well,” he said softly, a hint of excitement slipping into his voice despite everything he had witnessed lately, “let’s see what secrets you’re hiding.”
