Ray and Arisa went inside the formation. The moment they entered, they could feel the spiritual energy flowing through the air, even though neither of them had become a cultivator yet. The energy brushed against their skin like a living breeze—warm, ancient, and full of quiet power.
They looked around and saw a breathtaking sight. A vast, magnificent tree stood at the heart of the formation, its colossal roots buried deep in the glowing earth. Its trunk shimmered faintly with runic light, and its crown of emerald leaves swayed though no wind touched them. The tree emanated an ancient aura, dignified yet serene, like an immortal being standing eternal against time.
Ray and Arisa felt their hearts stir—the tree seemed to call to them.
Arisa's eyes widened as she noticed thousands of tiny spirits drifting through the air like glimmering fireflies. Their soft laughter echoed faintly, and they circled around her with affection. Ray, however, only felt waves of unseen energy pressing gently against him, unaware that countless spirits surrounded him in awe.
Arisa turned to Ray, her eyes shining faintly with wonder. "Follow me," she said softly. "The ancient tree spirit has summoned me to go near it."
Ray nodded and began to follow. The closer he walked to the tree, the heavier his steps became, as though invisible weights clung to his body. Each breath felt thick with energy. From the side, Arisa watched in alarm—spirits were swarming around Ray, sitting upon his shoulders and head, even fighting among themselves for a place close to him.
Her shock quickly gave way to amusement. "Pfft—" A laugh escaped her lips before she could stop it.
Ray looked at her, frowning in confusion. "Why are you laughing?"
Arisa could barely speak through her laughter. Tears welled in her eyes as she tried to explain, "You're surrounded by spirits! They truly love you for some reason. Even though I'm also surrounded by them, they're completely focused on you."
She raised her hand, letting a small spirit land gently on her palm. The light from it shimmered across her fingers as she said with a smile, "The spirits near you are afraid that if they're not by your side, they'll miss something very important."
Ray shook his head, still not understanding. The air around him shimmered faintly, the spirits clinging to him like golden motes of dust.
Arisa began walking toward the ancient tree, her expression turning serious again. Ray followed, each step heavier than the last. The closer they got, the denser the spiritual energy became—until, five steps away from the tree, the air itself seemed to hum.
Then, the space before them shimmered.
A figure slowly emerged from within the tree's glowing trunk—a woman of ethereal beauty, her form translucent yet commanding. Only Arisa could see her clearly, but both could feel her presence—an ancient aura, vast and timeless, washing over them like the tide.
The spirit's eyes, deep as starlit wells, swept over them. "Finally, you have come," she said, her voice carrying the echo of centuries. "I waited a long time for this."
Her gaze lingered on Ray. "Who is he? And why is he surrounded by spirits? Strange…"
Arisa nodded her head slightly and spoke in the soft, fluid language of spirits. "He is my friend. He has been surrounded by spirits since the first day I met him. Granny Theresa told him that she wishes for him to come here and awaken his cultivation. She has never seen anyone draw so many spirits before—other than people like me."
Ray blinked, unable to understand. "Who are you speaking with, Arisa?"
Arisa smiled faintly. "The ancient tree spirit in front of me."
A faint sigh echoed through the air, full of gentle reprimand. "Rude! I have a name. Tell him my name is Sophia."
Arisa's eyes widened in surprise. She turned to Ray and said softly, "Her name is Sophia."
Sophia's luminous form drifted toward Ray. The temperature seemed to drop slightly as she raised her hand, her expression unreadable. "Enough," she commanded.
At once, the swarm of spirits around Ray dispersed, though reluctantly. Their tiny voices made faint sulking noises as they drifted away, the air shimmering in protest.
Sophia hovered before him, her gaze sharp and curious. "Let me see why the spirits are so attached to you." She extended a single glowing finger and touched Ray's forehead.
Ray felt the world lighten as the spirits left him—then, suddenly, a vast ancient presence pressed against his soul. His body froze.
Sophia's eyes flickered with surprise as she peered into him. How… vast. His soul, though only at Iron Stage 4, was immense—far beyond what it should be, like an ocean compressed within a vessel. She probed deeper, searching for the reason spirits adored him so much, but found none—until she stumbled upon something extraordinary.
Nature law.
Ray was surrounded by the law of nature itself—its rhythm, its harmony, and its truth. Spirits, beings of nature, were drawn to him instinctively. Yet that wasn't what left Sophia breathless.
Her expression faltered. She checked again, then again. Dozens of laws—each distinct, each alive within him. Impossible. No being below the Silver Soul Stage could comprehend even one, let alone dozens.
For two long minutes, Sophia stood in silence, her eyes wide in disbelief.
Finally, she whispered, "What are you?"
Ray blinked. "What?"
Realizing he didn't understand, Sophia exhaled lightly. "Oh! You don't know our language." She placed her finger to his forehead again, and streams of ancient knowledge flooded into his mind.
Ray gasped. His head throbbed as countless words, symbols, and meanings poured into him. An hour passed before he finally opened his eyes, understanding the spirit tongue as if he'd always known it.
Sophia smiled faintly. "Can you understand me now?"
Ray nodded. "Yes. I can hear you."
Her eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Then tell me—what are you? How can you learn so many laws?"
Ray smirked slightly. "Genius."
Sophia blinked—then burst into laughter, a sound like wind chimes in the rain. "Yes, you are a genius indeed. You survived the laws and lived in harmony with them at the age of eight. Even if you are a reincarnate, none I've known have ever learned that many. Genius is an understatement. You are a monster."
She paused, her tone softening. "Still, since Theresa has chosen you to cultivate here, I will allow it as well. But you must promise me one thing."
Ray tilted his head. "What is it?"
Sophia's expression grew solemn. "Promise me that if Arisa ever falls into danger in the future, you will help her."
Ray smiled faintly, his tone steady and sincere. "I don't need to promise. I would have done it even if you hadn't asked. She is my friend. I have few friends in this life, and she is one of them."
Sophia nodded in satisfaction, her eyes softening. "In this life… hmm. So you admit you are reincarnated."
Ray stiffened, but she only smiled knowingly. "It's fine. There are many reincarnated souls I've seen through the ages. Even so, help Arisa when she needs it."
Ray nodded again. "So, what do we do now?"
Sophia's ethereal form floated back toward the tree. "Both of you—sit cross-legged and eat the pill that Theresa has given you. We will begin your awakening."
The air shimmered as her words echoed through the grove. The leaves of the ancient tree rustled softly, and for a brief moment, the world itself seemed to hold its breath.