Chapter 7: Awakening of the Soul
The cave was silent, the sound of wind echoing softly through its walls.
Ashen sat cross-legged, his body steady and calm. Pale light floated around him — mana (Qi or energy) — slowly sinking into his skin like streams of mist.
His control was sharp, every bit of energy moving exactly where he wanted. The pain was still there, but it was something he had long learned to endure.
> "Still too weak," he muttered. "But I can take it."
His vision started to blur, the cave fading away as light swallowed everything.
---
The Cliff of Stars
Ashen found himself standing on a tall cliff under a sky full of stars.
The wind was calm. The air felt real.
At the edge of the cliff stood a man — calm, strong, familiar. When he turned around, Ashen froze.
It was himself.
The older version smiled gently.
> "You're finally free… from all that burden."
Ashen looked at him, realizing this was not a dream. This was what remained of his past self — the one who had carried the weight of worlds.
The older version looked up at the stars and spoke one last time before fading.
> "Live without chains this time."
As his figure disappeared, Ashen felt something stir inside him. The energy around him grew warm. His soul accepted it completely, and though he didn't fully heal, the pain inside him lessened — just a little.
---
The Awakening
Ashen woke up gasping for air, sweat dripping down his face. His Qi had finally settled — his foundation was solid. He had reached the Martial Apprentice Realm, Peak Stage.
He slowly stood, his golden eyes calm but heavy with old memories.
When he exhaled, the air around him rippled with pressure — strong enough to match a Martial Master's presence.
Then he noticed a faint, dark mark on his wrist. The pattern curved like smoke.
Ashen stared at it quietly, confused.
> "What is this…?"
He stood and brushed off the dust on his clothes. As the light of dawn filled the cave, he looked toward the forest.
> "Let's see what this strength can do now."
---
The Hunter's Trial
After a few days, Ashen left the cave. The forest air was cool and filled with life. Birds sang, rivers flowed — everything felt alive again.
He walked through the trees, testing how his energy moved. Every breath felt smoother. Every step carried strength.
Then he felt it — a strong presence nearby.
Through the mist, a Spirit Beast appeared, glowing faintly with energy. Its eyes shone like crystal, its body rippling like living wind.
The beast growled, lowering its stance. Ashen stepped forward slowly, his eyes sharp.
For a moment, they just stared at each other — both waiting for the other to move.
Then, at the same time, they attacked.
The Spirit Beast charged, its claws glowing with force.
Ashen's instincts took over. Without thinking, he drew his sword — his body moving as if it remembered something ancient.
> "Eclipse Divine Slash!"
He used it out of habit — one of his signature sword techniques from the past, now reborn with a new name.
His blade shone with pure white light, his aura bursting forth like a wave. The air cracked as the slash collided with the Spirit Beast's charge. The ground trembled, trees bent, and the blast sent a rush of wind throughout the forest.
Weaker beasts fled instantly, while stronger ones turned their heads, sensing the shockwave of power spreading through the woods.
Ashen stood firm, lowering his sword as white mist swirled around him.
The Spirit Beast stumbled back, panting, then stopped. It raised its head and looked at him — not with anger, but with respect.
Ashen smiled faintly, his chest rising and falling.
> "I almost forgot… what it felt like to be alive."
The tension faded, and the forest slowly grew quiet again.
From far away, someone felt the wave of power and paused.
The presence was faint but undeniable — someone strong had awakened deep within the wilds.
For Ashen, it was only the beginning of his return to strength.