Zakai led Jalen through a hidden passage beneath the Light Clan's sanctum. The corridor was narrow at first, carved from pale stone that shimmered faintly with embedded light runes. But as they descended deeper, the air grew denser with qi—so pure and concentrated that even Jalen's Luminal Heart began to pulse involuntarily.
They passed through three more formations, each more complex than the last. Zakai moved with ease, his presence parting the seals like sunlight through mist. Jalen followed silently, his senses heightened. He could feel something waiting below. Something ancient. Something powerful.
Finally, the passage opened into a vast underground chamber.
It was unlike anything Jalen had ever seen.
The space was circular, its walls lined with glowing veins of earth light qi that pulsed like a heartbeat. At the center stood a tree—pure white, its bark smooth and radiant, its leaves translucent like crystal. It glowed with an inner light, casting a soft brilliance across the chamber. The tree was surrounded by a ring of spirit veins, each one channeling light qi from the earth itself.
But the tree wasn't the source.
Jalen's gaze shifted.
Next to the tree sat a boy.
He looked no older than six. Barefoot, dressed in simple robes of woven light silk, his skin glowed faintly with qi. His eyes were closed, his posture meditative. But the moment Jalen stepped into the chamber, the boy's eyes snapped open.
In a flash of light, he appeared before Jalen.
"Luminal Heart," the boy said, his voice clear and resonant despite his age.
Jalen's Luminal Heart stirred violently, pulsing with excitement. His second spirit core trembled. Even the Origin Shard within him vibrated with hunger, as if yearning to devour the child.
But Jalen understood instantly.
This boy wasn't human.
He was like the Luminal Heart. Like the Origin Shard. Like his second spirit core.
An eternal-grade spirit tool.
But unlike the others, this one had attained personhood.
"I see," the boy said telepathically, his voice echoing in Jalen's mind. "No wonder why you chose him."
Jalen's eyes narrowed."Who are you?"
"My name is Light,"the boy replied. "I am an eternal-grade spirit tool. And you… bearer of the Origin Shard… have much hardship ahead."
Jalen remained silent, listening.
"There are many who will seek to destroy you to attain it once they learn it's in your hand," Light continued. "And the cultivator trapped beneath Kanto Ridge in Rouna and left his mark on you is just a drop of water in the well of enemies. Should he be freed, even with your strength, you won't be his match."
Jalen's breath caught. He remembered that awful encounter at the Kanto Ridge. Back then he was just a mere enlightened realm expert. That thing, or rather person, as Light called it, almost devoured him; thankfully, the origin shard stepped in to protect him. but that put him at even more risk. Not only did the person recognize the shard, but it also marked him and threatened to come after him.
"And just so you know, he will be free in ten years," Light said. "That's how long you have to surpass the Sky Limit Realm. But even with your talent and all three of your eternal-grade spirit tools, it will take you at least a thousand years."
Jalen responded telepathically. "Thank you for the heads-up, senior."
"So even after hearing all that, you're not scared."
"I am terrified actually. But that won't solve the issue."
"That's the spirit." Light then turned to Zakai. "Why are you here? I was in the middle of meditating."
Zakai bowed respectfully. "Apologies, Lord Light. But I thought you two would be interested in meeting each other. He carries your other half."
"Luminal Heart and I were once one," Light explained, turning back to Jalen. "Created by the heavens from a great concentration of light. But when I gained true sentience, we separated. Even so, we can't help reacting to each other."
Jalen nodded slowly. The resonance between them was undeniable.
"Anyway," Light said, his tone shifting, "I figure this old monster used me as a bargaining chip to get you to join the clan."
Zakai chuckled nervously. "Of course not."
"You sly bastard," Light said, smirking. "Don't lie to me."
Zakai raised his hands. "Actually, it's Elder Jalen who wants something from you."
Light turned to Jalen, eyes narrowing. "Oh? You want my help to enter the sealed state."
"Well, I did promise him that I'd help him get in three days from now; don't make me out to be a liar."
So this is the reason why he wants me to meet senior light, Jalen thought to himself. To use him to soften this eternal grade spirit tool.
"So let me get this straight. You made a promise without consulting me, you old fart." Light snarled.
"At least show some face to your host, Lord Light."
"How about I break your face?" Light attacked Zakai, who evaded him just as quickly.
"You may have sentience, but you are still a part of me. You are my eternal spirit tool."
"Tsk. I only chose a wimp like you back then because you were the only one strong enough at the time to get my power. Had I waited long enough, like my other half, the luminal heart, I might have found a better master to serve."
"Don't say that," Zakai said. "We've been through a lot together."
"Indeed we have."
"So that means you will help?"
Light pondered for a moment. "Alright, I'll help breach that barrier. After all, there is also a treasure there that I've desired for the longest while to help make us stronger. It might help you step into another realm."
"Are you suggesting that we should go with the kid?" Zakia was taken aback.
"Yes, is there a problem?" Light was only thinking of going because he knew that if that wretched and hungry origin shard got to that treasure before him, he would never attain it, and if his master didn't get stronger, then he would be limited. You see, eternal-grade spirit tools are already powerful tools, but the amount of power that can be used by them is based on the user. Hence why they absorbed powers that synch with themselves, not for their benefit but for their user. Of course there are cases when these tools can tap into greater powers, but it will be at a severe cost to their host and themselves.
"Yes, what if the sect is attacked by a sky-limit realm expert and I'm not around? Not to mention there is no way of leaving that place," Zakai said. "Isn't that the reason you warned me not to enter centuries ago?"
"I don't care about your stupid clan. And as for how we will get out. With this brat, I'm sure there will be a way out." Light is sure that the origin shard, once it gets what it wants there, will not stay trapped in such a place. After all, it's the most versatile since its able to control several elements and classes as the strongest of all the eternal grade spirit tools.
"What do you mean?"
"You'll see."
"Alright," Zakai gives up. "I'll inform the elders about my departure."
"Who cares? Just go." Light scoffed. Then he turned to Jalen. "You may stay here to nourish your light qi." But the real reason was to not only study Jalen's physique and properties but also to see if it can learn more about this mysterious eternal spirit tool pretending to be a second spirit core.
"Thank you, senior," Jalen nodded in gratitude to Light.
As for Zakia, he just left.