《The Divine Elements [Progression & Beast Transformation]》 Book 5 Stubbing This brings Book 5 to a close. The official edited and polished version of Book 5 will be published on Amazon this March 1st 2024. The book had already been going though the editing process for the past 2 months. This means that chapters of the book will be removed from RR on March 1st to comply with KU rules. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Thank you everyone for reading my series and supporting me thus far. I will be taking a short break before Book 6. Book 6 has already started on my Patreon, but will start on RoyalRoad beginning April 2nd 2024. Till then, Daman Book 6 Chapter 292 - Prologue On a quiet and uneventful night, a gentle cool breeze swept over a motionless lake in the center, creating soft waves on the surface of the water. The bizarre thing was that no creatures were anywhere to be found near the lake. No midnight critters, owls or predators came close to the lake. It was as if all the creatures in the vicinity knew that they should avoid this lake at all costs. From the side, the sound of footsteps on grass could be heard, approaching the still lake. It was a lithe figure dressed in indigo robes. The figure¡¯s hood was covered, preventing one from seeing their facial features. A shoddy spear could be seen latched onto the person¡¯s back. The figure gradually stepped closer to the lake, their movements deliberately slow as if they were unsure of their actions. Inch by inch, their fingers neared the water. *tap* A wave of ripple spread from the surface of the lake to all its corners. The hooded figure stood back up and stared at the lake, awaiting something¡­ or someone. It didn¡¯t take long. Soon, the water at the edge crawled back to reveal a narrow opening. It was a staircase hidden underneath the lake and towards the deeper recessions of the earth. And yet, the figure didn¡¯t move. The person gazed warily at the stairs. ¡°Why are you here?¡± A voice came out from the darkness of the stairs. ¡°I-I finished my coming-of-age mission. Can I return to the clan?¡± The figure stumbled with his words, but got them out eventually. ¡°You made five kills on the battlefield?¡± The voice seemed surprised. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve proven that my path is not a failure for the clan. I can still be an assassin!¡± A surge of confidence swelled within the figure. In the midst of their animated response, their hood fell back, revealing a head of short blond hair and amber eyes. ¡°Kirren¡­¡± A sigh echoed from the staircase as a shadow shot across and arrived right in front of the boy. It was a young woman, sharing features akin to the boy, with a darker shade of long blond hair and light lavender eyes. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°Can I come back? It¡¯s been so long since I last saw mother. Please, I miss her.¡± Kirren saw the tall young woman appear, and immediately burst forth to plead his case. ¡°Clan leader made it clear that you can only return if either you achieve the 4th circle with your Dao or give it up and take the family¡¯s Dao instead. Sorry, little one, the clan leader¡¯s words are final.¡± The young woman¡¯s face softened up when she saw the rips and tears in Kirren¡¯s robes. The biggest difference was in the boy¡¯s irises. They were traces of hardening, like a warrior. It was a stark contrast to when Kirren had been kicked out of the clan by his father. ¡°I can pay father. I have loads of dao stones with me.¡± Kirren patted the ring on his finger. He forgot all about Calron¡¯s warning to not share about his treasure trove of dao stones. ¡°You want to bribe your own father?¡± The young woman cocked her eyebrows with amusement. The clan leader of the Assassin Clan was infamous for being a blackmailer. He often used secret information to get bribes from people he disliked in the council. It was simply ironic that the son was now resorting to bribing his own father. ¡°Hmm, I can give you two dao stones as well.¡± Kirren answered with hesitation as if he was loathed to part with them. ¡°What am I going to do with two dao stones, boy? Buy a few loaves of bread for the week?¡± The young woman let out an exasperated sigh. Even in bribes, the father and son duo were stingy with money. ¡°Look, Kirren, I can¡¯t let you in. You know how the clan leader would react if I broke one of his orders. I can offer to see your mother and let her know you¡¯re well.¡± The young woman patted Kirren on the head and turned around to head back into the lake. ¡°Can you at least tell mother to meet me outside?¡± Kirren reached for the young woman¡¯s hem to stop her from leaving. She tilted her head back to glance at the desperation on the boy¡¯s face. Clicking her tongue, she faced Kirren once again. ¡°You want your father to break his order, then there¡¯s only one way. Give him something he wants.¡± ¡°I cannot give up my Dao, and who knows how long it¡¯ll take me to reach the 4th circle.¡± Kirren started, but was quickly interrupted by the young woman. ¡°Let me finish, boy. That¡¯s something specific your father wants from you. I¡¯m talking about something else your father has recently been occupied with.¡± The woman lowered her voice, looking back to see that no one else was near the staircase. Kirren inched a bit closer. ¡°There have been some rumors passed down the spy networks that a member of the Blood clan had been spotted on the battlefield. The intel is not confirmed as it came from the cultivators side. Some of them claim they witnessed a demonic man with crimson eyes massacre a team of peak Saint stage experts.¡± The young woman continued in a whisper. Hearing the familiar description, Kirren¡¯s heart froze. Were there other cultivators alive when Calron fought on the Rendel Island? That meant that soon everyone will be looking for Calron. The significance of a Blood Walker would not be lost for the Council members. ¡°Hey, are you hearing me, boy?¡± The woman nudged Kirren, seeing he was staring into blank space. ¡°Ah sorry, I was just shocked that a Blood Walker was still alive. I thought they went all extinct with the Blood clan.¡± Kirren awkwardly scratched his head. ¡°The intel is from the cultivators¡¯ side, but it¡¯s most likely true. If it wasn¡¯t, your father wouldn¡¯t have been notified.¡± The woman pushed back a lock of displaced hair behind her ear. ¡°Wait, if father got notified, then that means someone put a ¡®Kill Order¡¯ on the Blood Walker?¡± Kirren¡¯s hand quivered slightly as the realization sank in. His father was one of the best assassins on the continent. There was only one job others paid him to do. To assassinate. ¡°So, if you¡¯re able to get any clues from the outside on the Blood Walker¡¯s whereabouts, relay it to your father, and I¡¯m certain he will rescind your exile.¡± The woman finished and with one final pat on the boy¡¯s head, and she returned back to the staircase which promptly closed behind her. The lake was once again back to its original appearance. However, if the young woman had stayed for a bit longer, she¡¯d have noticed the strangeness about the boy from her clan. Kirren stood there silently, his thoughts a blur. Someone was out there to kill Calron. It was his own father. Kirren unlatched the spear from his back and ran his hand through the metal. It was the same spear Calron had given to him on the island. ¡°Mister¡­¡±
A/N: Hi everyone, this officially starts the beginning of Book 6! If you haven''t grabbed a copy of Book 5, you can get its link on the main page. Enjoy! Book 6 Chapter 293 - Meeting the Titans The world flashed with a bright light. Calron squinted through his eyes until the light dwindled, and eventually, a new scene emerged before him. It resembled the previous meadow, but instead of the silver goblet in the center, there was a looming dead tree in its place. He was still far away from the dead tree¡¯s trunk, but despite the distance, Calron could tell just how gigantic the tree was. He twisted his neck to gauge its height. However, the top of the tree was obscured by the matte clouds, leaving Calron to wonder just how far its branches extended to. He felt a comforting warmth on his cheek. In stark contrast to the dead tree, all life around its vicinity appeared to be blossoming. Calron raised his hands, feeling the pleasant breeze skirt through his fingers. The luscious grass stalks swayed with the wind, its earthy scent filling Calron¡¯s nostrils. ¡°Welcome to our home, Calron.¡± The Blood Titan remained silent this whole time. He watched Calron experience the wonders of the real Dao Geyser. ¡°What is that dead tree?¡± Calron inhaled the air deeply. He could feel his dao circles tingling in response to the tree. ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon. It¡¯s where we¡¯re heading. Let¡¯s go.¡± The Blood Titan smiled as he pointed towards the base of the tree. ¡°More secrets?¡± Calron sighed as he switched to a brisk pace beside the Titan. ¡°No more secrets, young one. I rather the Nature Titan explain it to you, as I¡¯m not the best when it comes to remembering its history.¡± The Blood Titan chuckled as he held up his hands. ¡°Fin-¡° Calron was mid-response when, out of nowhere, a boulder smashed into the back of his calves, eliciting a sharp cry. In reflex, Calron¡¯s leg kicked out with full force at the object. Calron was just about to summon his Blood Kingdom Domain, when he actually saw what had crashed into him. It wasn¡¯t a boulder. ¡°I was only saying hello, you bastard!¡± A squeaky voice complained, followed by a grunt, as the creature gingerly rubbed its snout against the grass where Calron¡¯s kick had landed squarely. It was a small black piglet. ¡°Huh?¡± Calron stared dumbly at the piglet that seemed to be on the verge of tears. The last thing Calron expected was someone else in this dimension. He thought only Titans lived here. On the side, the Blood Titan laughed at seeing the piglet being kicked in its face. ¡°Calron, it¡¯s my great pleasure to introduce my fellow Titan, the Martial Titan.¡± The Blood Titan guffawed, knowing that revealing the identity of the piglet was only bound to further baffle the young man. After all, no one expects the revered Martial Titan to be a piglet. ¡°This piggy is the Martial Titan? I¡¯m not that gullible, old man.¡± Calron shook his head as he observed the piglet¡¯s dark watery eyes, coarse obsidian fur, and its delicate topaz hoofs. No matter how many times Calron scrutinized the piglet with his dao, it was all telling him that it was simply a tiny pig. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°I¡¯m a boar, you bastard.¡± The piglet charged towards Calron¡¯s leg and began gnawing on his heel. The soft teeth didn¡¯t even pierce his skin. ¡°Stop drooling on me.¡± Calron shook his leg once he felt the piglet¡¯s saliva dripping to his soles. ¡°What soap do you use? Also, greet me with respect, you tasty bastard!¡± The piglet held on to Calron¡¯s ankle, mumbling out his words. ¡°Stop your games, Martial. We don¡¯t have much time. Calron will need to exit the Dao Geyser soon or else the town¡¯s guards will become suspicious.¡± The Blood Titan glanced at the sky, as he then turned to face the piglet. His voice was now somber. ¡°Tch, both you and Star are no fun. Still better than Nature though¡­ the grumpy fruit basket.¡± The piglet let go of Calron¡¯s ankle and trotted over to Blood Titan. ¡°He really is the Martial Titan?¡± Calron was stunned. He thought the Blood Titan was joking until now. ¡°You a got a problem with pigs, you bastard?¡± The black piglet grunted reproachfully, glaring at Calron. ¡°I thought you were a boar.¡± Calron blurted out, recalling the piglet taking offense at being called a pig earlier. Of course, this only made the piglet even angrier. Sensing the piglet on the verge of throwing another fit, the Blood Titan picked this moment to answer Calron. ¡°When the Primordials attacked our sector and tampered with the World¡¯s Laws, they tried to destroy our link to the Grand Dao. They failed in part, but succeeded partially, and that¡¯s why the four of us are unable to draw on our complete strength. It doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re completely helpless, but only it¡¯s not time yet to reveal our cards.¡± ¡°How is it that no one has been able to find you all these years?¡± Calron inquired as the Blood Titan resumed on his path toward the dead tree. He joined next to him, while the little piglet hopped up over his back and perched like a bird on Calron¡¯s left shoulder. Surprisingly, the Martial Titan weighed almost nothing, like he was made of air itself. ¡°Can¡¯t you walk on your own?¡± Calron tried to throw off the piglet, but the Martial Titan kept bouncing from one shoulder to another. By now, Calron was sure of one thing. This wasn¡¯t the Martial Titan¡¯s real body, it was more of a spirit form. ¡°It¡¯s an honor that you¡¯re carrying me, you ungrateful bastard!¡± The piglet slapped the back of Calron¡¯s neck with his hooves. ¡°Ignore Martial, Calron. He¡¯s the youngest of the Titans, and now that he¡¯s met someone even younger than him, he having fun goading you on. Coming to your question, the reason why no one can find is simple: we don¡¯t exist.¡± The Blood Titan answered in his deep voice. The Titan was moving faster now, as they got closer to the dead tree. ¡°That doesn¡¯t make any sense. I can see you and hear you. You exist.¡± Calron scratched his head while increasing his speed to match the Titan. ¡°That¡¯s why I wanted Nature to explain everything to you. It¡¯s been a very long time since I had to talk to mortals.¡± The Blood Titan let out a bashful smile. ¡°Or maybe he¡¯s just a stupid bastard?¡± The piglet snickered on top of Calron¡¯s shoulder while enjoying the free ride. ¡°Do you have to call me a bastard every time?¡± Calron gave up trying to shake off the tiny piglet. The Martial Titan was like a cockroach. ¡°Nope, you deserve it. I hated the Lightning Primordial¡¯s guts, and since you¡¯re him, you get the same treatment¡­ you bastard.¡± The piglet harrumphed and threw in the insult towards the end as if it almost forgot. ¡°Lightning Primordial? Why, what did he do to you?¡± Calron temporarily forgot about the piglet¡¯s insults and became curious at the mention of his predecessor. It was his chance to find out more about his original self. ¡°He was a cocky fool, brainless, ugly and told terrible jokes.¡± The piglet complained in a whisper into Calron¡¯s ear. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to him, Calron. The Lightning Primordial beat Martial into a pulp when this idiot challenged him, and he¡¯s been sour ever since.¡± The Blood Titan interjected cheerfully. ¡°He only beat me because I was caught off guard, Blood. Dammit, I¡¯m leaving!¡± The Martial Titan spat, and vanished from Calron¡¯s shoulder. Calron spun his head around, but the little piglet was nowhere to be found. ¡°Leave him. He¡¯ll be back after a while.¡± The Blood Titan nodded at Calron. ¡°That was a strange reaction from him. What happened between him and the Lightning Primordial?¡± Calron had an inkling that there was something amiss with the Martial Titan¡¯s reaction. The little piglet didn¡¯t seem that quick to give up. ¡°While it¡¯s true that the Lightning Primordial beat up Martial when the kid provoked him, but after that, it was also the Lightning Primordial that helped train Martial improve his skills. Just like the Lightning Primordial, Martial¡¯s dao followed a path of pure destruction. The Lightning Primordial mentored him until the final stages of his life.¡± The Blood Titan exhaled softly as he reminisced from his memories. ¡°The Martial Titan was with him when the Lightning Primordial died?¡± Calron grew quiet. ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why it was probably hard for Martial to see you in the flesh. He blames himself for the Lightning Primordial¡¯s death, even though we all knew he would eventually have to die to commence his reincarnation. We¡¯re almost there.¡± The Blood Titan commented as they approached the base of the dead tree. At this point, Calron could begin to make out the hollow entrance near the tree¡¯s roots. ¡°So, that¡¯s why he hates the Lightning Primordial?¡± Calron raised his eyebrow. ¡°No, Calron. Martial never hated the Lightning Primordial. Including the other Titans, there was only one person Martial admired the most: the man who stood against his own kind to protect the innocent people of this sector. Even until the very end, the Lightning Primordial desperately fought both the Light and Dark Primordials to protect another life.¡± The Blood Titan slowed down as they neared the tree. ¡°Who was the Lightning Primordial protecting from the Light and Dark Primordials?¡± Calron asked, although he already had the answer in his heart. ¡°Without the Lightning Primordial intervening that day, there would only be three Titans alive today.¡± The Blood Titan spoke with pride. They were now standing in front of the tree¡¯s entrance. Calron felt a deep emotion swell inside him as he watched the expression on the Blood Titan¡¯s face. It was the same emotion that was reflected in the Blood Titan¡¯s eyes when he first saw Calron. Hope. ¡°That¡¯s why Martial couldn¡¯t wait and had to see you as soon as you entered the Dao Geyser. To him, you¡¯re his savior, Calron.¡± Book 6 Chapter 294 - Through History The dead bark on the tree let out a soft hum, followed by an ethereal door coalescing in the center. ¡°Follow me.¡± The Blood Titan smiled at the complicated expression on Calron¡¯s face and walked through the shimmering door once it opened. Unlike the hard tree¡¯s exterior, the door appeared to be made of magic and not of any physical matter. Calron felt a strange emotion inside his heart. The Blood Titan looked at him like he was the salvation for the world, while the Martial Titan whom he¡¯d never met until today, considered him to be his savior. They all gazed at him like he was someone they already knew. He could sense it within the Blood Titan. It was only now that Calron realized what had been bothering him this whole time. Since the start, the Titan never treated him to be a normal path walker or a cultivator. He looked at Calron like he was someone of the same rank as himself. The rank of a Titan. However, Calron knew it was not him they were looking at whenever they glanced at him. It was the shadow of the Lightning Primordial. Calron shook himself out of his reverie and passed through the translucent barrier. In a few moments, he¡¯d have all his questions answered. His skin tingled slightly at the door¡¯s threshold, but it wasn¡¯t unpleasant. Surprisingly, the inside of the tree wasn¡¯t much different from what normally should be there. Calron expected to be transported to an alternate dimension. Instead, his surroundings were exactly like the inside of a massive tree. Judging from how big the inside of the walls were, Calron estimated it was roughly the same diameter as the dead tree¡¯s trunk on the outside. That meant, they weren¡¯t in a separate dimension. They were literally inside the same tree. ¡°Surprised?¡± The Blood Titan seemed to have guessed Calron¡¯s thoughts. His solemn eyes met Calron¡¯s and the young man could detect there was some game at play here. ¡°Why the magic door at the entrance?¡± Calron scanned the rest of the room. It was very spartan and had a measly few pieces of furniture. The most noticeable thing in the room was the long chain of bookshelves structured to the entirety of the walls. The inside was roughly circular, making it seem as if Calron was surrounded by books from every direction. Upon closer look, Calron traced several green vines embedded into the wood and the books themselves. He could¡¯ve sworn he saw one of the vines move, but the twitching stopped the moment he focused his sight there. ¡°It¡¯s to fool everyone.¡± The Blood Titan chuckled, his deep voice thrumming like the base of a mountain. ¡°So, this is actually the inside of the dead tree?¡± Calron¡¯s suspicions were confirmed. ¡°Yes. We can¡¯t be creating dimensions and expect to be hidden for long, Calron. The mortals might not be able to detect us, but the Gods can definitely sense the disturbances in space. It¡¯s why we hide in plain sight. Only obscured by layers of both reality and illusion.¡± This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. The Blood Titan spoke enthusiastically by pointing at the crude window on the side. ¡°I see¡­¡± Calron understood the beginning of what the Blood Titan was saying, but his last sentence sent him back into confusion. But he didn¡¯t want to interrupt the giant, as the Blood Titan seemed very pleased that they were hiding right under the God¡¯s noses. ¡°Blood was always terrible with explaining himself.¡± A gentle, feminine voice came from behind Calron. He quickly spun around to see who it was. His dao didn¡¯t even alert him to a third person¡¯s presence. Yet, he still couldn¡¯t see anyone. ¡°Sometimes, the answer is right in front of you. Even if you can¡¯t see it at first glance.¡± The woman¡¯s voice said warmly, and then Calron felt the lightest of taps on his feet. Looking down, Calron was startled by the source of the woman¡¯s voice. It was a tiny dove. The dove¡¯s delicate wing stopped tapping Calron once their eyes met. Where Serina¡¯s hazel-green eyes resembled a cheery and youthful field of hops, the dove¡¯s deep green eyes exuded the essence of an ancient forest. There was life in there that encompassed all living creatures. ¡°The Nature Titan.¡± Calron breathed out his words and gave a polite bow to the dove. Despite her tiny frame and her beak only reaching his ankles, Calron¡¯s dao was telling him to pay his respects. If there had to be a single dao that was individually the closest to the Grand Dao, it was the Nature Dao. ¡°You have a lot of unspoken questions, little one. Your eyes reveal the power you hold over blood, but it¡¯s not just blood, is it?¡± The tiny dove flapped her tender wings and flew to Calron¡¯s eye level, her deep green irises piercing his blood-red ones. Calron ignored the irony of the small dove calling him ¡®little one¡¯, and met the Nature Titan¡¯s gaze. ¡°What can you tell me about the azure lightning? How do I get it back?¡± Calron asked in haste. If he could use the azure lightning once again, it will help him face off against his enemies. He doubted the Archaic Council will stay still. Cynthia was bound to get suspicious soon, and Calron had made contact with too many path walkers to go unnoticed by the council. He was a 4th circle path walker now, the same as a Heavenly stage cultivator. However, Calron knew the strength of a Shackle Lord, and the Ancients within the council were known to be a rank even higher than that. The 6th circle. The same as the Gods. Calron didn¡¯t have any delusions of thinking he could contend against an Ancient with his current power. Even the Gods hesitated to fight the Ancients inside the mortal realm. Only the azure lightning could bridge that gap in power for him. ¡°Why do you think you lost it?¡± The dove spun over Calron and flew to one of the bookshelves. On the side, the Blood Titan leaned against the window and silently watched Calron and the Nature Titan interact. Martial was probably lurking in the shadows somewhere, watching just like him. Calron was intelligent, but that intelligence was a detriment to him. The young man still thought like a mortal while trying to face off against immortals. Nature was the best among the Titans when it came to teaching. She was guiding Calron in the only way he¡¯d understand. ¡°When I gave up my cultivation to become a path walker, I knew I¡¯d lose the connection to the azure lightning as well. But I knew I¡¯d get it back someday. And now, I don¡¯t know how to achieve that.¡± Calron answered quietly, clenching his fists. On some level, he knew it was necessary to abandon the Divine Element. He needed to get the Primordials¡¯ eyes away from him. The dove perched on the edge of a shelf and pecked her beak on a specific book¡¯s spine. Calron understood what the Nature Titan was trying to get at and slowly grabbed the book. He turned it in his hands, but there was no title anywhere. Raising his head to the dove, Calron saw her silently staring at him. She was waiting for him. Grasping the thick cover with one hand, Calron opened the book to its first page. ¡°My name is Taranis Seraph. I¡¯m the leader of the Seraph tribe, the immortal warriors of the sky. We have had many names in the past, the Divine Bird clan, the Lightning Wings clan, and many through the history of our old sector. What our name in this new sector would be, I don¡¯t know.¡± Calron continued to read the first paragraph of the book. He could feel the blood in his veins speed up as he read every word. The strokes on the paper were elegant and precise. He could feel the power emanating from the ink itself. They were also familiar. He knew who wrote the book. ¡°I¡¯m afraid the Seraphs will be hunted because of my actions. Yet, I must tread this path. My brothers and sisters have lost their purpose and are willing to trample on innocent lives. Hear my story, stranger, and let the truth live through the vestiges of time.¡± Calron voiced the words, but he felt like they were his own. ¡°You might not know who Taranis Seraph is, stranger. But you¡¯ll know my other name. The name which was also a title given to me when I took one of the seven thrones of eternity. I am the Lightning Primordial.¡± Calron¡¯s hands trembled as he felt the weight of the book. The Nature Titan slowly walked towards Calron. The dove¡¯s deep green eyes looked at Calron sympathetically. She, just like him, knew the contents of that book wouldn¡¯t bring any joy. ¡°You have been asking the wrong question this whole time, little one. Before you learn how to get your lightning back, you need to learn about the owner of that lightning. You need to learn about your own past.¡± Book 6 Chapter 295 - Difficult Choice ¡°It¡¯s not opening.¡± Calron attempted to turn the page over, but it was strangely glued shut. Not even his strength of a 4th circle was able to nudge it. ¡°It will one day. When you¡¯re ready to protect the words contained in that book.¡± The tiny dove gazed morosely at the rough rustic exterior of the book cover. ¡°Why can¡¯t you just tell me?¡± Calron tried once again to pry the pages open, but it was to no avail. Why did Taranis restrict access to the book? If it was just about his life, there should be nothing that would endanger Calron by knowing. Was there something else inside that book? ¡°I will¡­ in part. Before I do that, I wanted you to experience the words of that man. Taranis was quite different from you, Calron. He was quiet, gentle, and spoke with a calm assurance.¡± The Nature Titan prodded over to another window next to the Blood Titan as she spoke. Calron knew the tiny dove didn¡¯t mean for her words to be an insult, but they certainly felt like that. With a sigh, he put the book back in its original place and turned around to listen patiently to the dove. He could hear a muffled snicker in the back, as the black piglet, Martial, propped over on his shoulder. ¡°Hey now, don¡¯t be jealous, you bastard.¡± Calron tried to shove away the piglet¡¯s snout from his ears, but the agile Titan simply darted over to his other shoulder. ¡°You could hear the power thrum in his words, as expected of a Primordial. However, Taranis often liked to travel as a mortal and learn about this sector. It was a stark contrast to the destruction he wielded in his palms. He loved to read books written by mortals and was fascinated by their pursuit of knowledge.¡± The Nature Titan spoke warmly, as if she was reliving those memories. ¡°He believed that the mortals had an inherent limitless potential. Not in their strength, but in their capacity to pass down the knowledge to future generations. This cycle allowed the mortals to constantly improve and grow stronger every few centuries. Taranis wanted to achieve the same.¡± The dove¡¯s deep green eyes held Calron¡¯s gaze. ¡°Is that why he bound his soul to reincarnation?¡± Calron asked while Martial plopped his chin on the young man¡¯s head. ¡°No, he did that because he had no choice. The World¡¯s Law would never let an outsider control the dao of this sector. Despite his terrifying strength as a Primordial, Taranis¡¯ soul was still of someone from an alien sector. Only by reincarnating within this world would he be able to access the dao.¡± The Nature Titan glared angrily at Martial, her eyes indicating for the pig to stop messing around. ¡°But then he¡¯d lose his memories, and the new reincarnated person would have no recollection of what Taranis intended. Is that why he had the Titans to seek out his reincarnations?¡± Calron mused. ¡°Believe it or not, but you¡¯re the first reincarnation of Taranis that we made contact with.¡± You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. The Blood Titan interjected at this moment. ¡°Before you ask why, it¡¯s simply because none of them were willing to abandon their cultivation to become a path walker. Unlike you, some of the previous incarnations had managed to break into the Shackle Lord stage before they became aware of their history.¡± ¡°And Taranis knew he¡¯d lose his memories, so he broke a fragment of his primal essence and formed the azure lightning. He imbued his core memories into it, so every reincarnation would have crucial knowledge of what they had to do. However, something happened to the azure lightning that it stopped influencing the reincarnations and simply let them live their life.¡± The dove briefly glanced at the Blood Titan before continuing. ¡°The azure lightning merely protected the inheritor and let them make the choices they wanted. Even if they were detrimental to Taranis¡¯ plan, it still let them make it.¡± ¡°Do you know why?¡± Calron ignored the drool spilling out of Martial¡¯s snout onto his neck and asked the Nature Titan. ¡°No. Even I think that¡¯s the wrong path to take. If you at least had some knowledge about what you had to do, it might have been an easier journey with fewer complications. Yet, the azure lightning was adamant in this.¡± The dove shook her head softly. ¡°You wanted to know how to get back your lightning, right?¡± The Nature Titan asked Calron, her voice turning a bit somber. Even the Blood Titan subtly adjusted himself. Sensing the change in the atmosphere, Calron nodded his head. ¡°When Taranis split his soul in two, one half of it integrated into this world, while the other half in the azure lightning remained tied to the old sector. On a fundamental level, you can never merge the two, since the moment your half of the soul joined with this sector, the two soul pieces are no longer compatible.¡± Calron¡¯s eyes widened in alarm, but his eyes remained steadfast on the tiny dove. ¡°The only way to get your lightning back is to destroy the azure lightning inside you and have it reborn inside this sector. This way, your souls will once again become compatible and you¡¯ll have complete control over the Divine Element, unlike what you experienced before.¡± The Nature Titan finished, waiting for Calron to respond. ¡°Destroy the azure lightning?¡± Calron muttered to himself. Even Martial appeared to have retreated and let Calron dwell within his thoughts. The young man would have to make a critical decision now. Its impact would decide the fate of this sector. Wouldn¡¯t that kill the electric snake? Calron pondered, as he remembered the first time azure lightning merged with him. He was only a child and was so scared and alone back then. The azure lightning gave him Ezkael, his teacher. Calron was still waiting for the day he¡¯d ascend to the divine realm and reunite with Ezkael, but could he do that after killing the azure lightning? He knew Ezkael also had a bond with the electric snake. The Titans stood still as they silently watched Calron. None of them tried to offer their thoughts. It was a choice Calron had to make on his own. ¡°If I don¡¯t destroy the azure lightning, I¡¯ll never be able to use lightning ever again?¡± Calron spoke the words slowly, his bloodshot eyes gazing at the Titans before him. ¡°No.¡± The Nature Titan confirmed resolutely. ¡°Then I don¡¯t need it. I¡¯ll find another way to face against the Primordials.¡± Calron laughed bitterly. He couldn¡¯t destroy the azure lightning. When he was abandoned by everyone, it was the azure lightning that had protected him. Their souls might have drifted apart, but Calron couldn¡¯t bring himself to kill the electric snake. He didn¡¯t know how much of Taranis was left inside that soul, but it didn¡¯t matter anymore. The azure lightning was his protector. It was his family. ¡°If you don¡¯t destroy it, the Primordials will crush you when they discover that you¡¯re Taranis¡¯ reincarnation.¡± In a rare instance, it was the Martial Titan that spoke this time to Calron. There was no longer a goofy expression on the black pig¡¯s face. There was a dignified solemnity behind that aura. ¡°What use is that power when every time I¡¯d use it, it¡¯ll remind me of the friend I¡¯d killed to obtain it.¡± Calron shook his head vehemently. What was the point of going against the Primordials if he committed the same crime as them? He might never be able to meet the azure lightning ever again, but at least it¡¯ll be alive and join the next reincarnation after him. ¡°I told you he was the one.¡± After a few seconds of silence, the Blood Titan chuckled and turned his head towards the Nature Titan. ¡°It¡¯s not like I wanted to do this as well. It was Taranis¡¯ will.¡± The Nature Titan grumbled, but Calron could feel a trace of joy from the dove¡¯s words. ¡°I knew you were a good bastard!¡± The Martial Titan reverted back to his childish self and landed back on Calron¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Huh?¡± Calron stared at the Titans in confusion. ¡°Nature previously told you that Taranis wanted to achieve what the mortals did: to pass down their knowledge to the future generations. You thought it was his reincarnation. It wasn¡¯t. Taranis wanted to pass down his greatest invention he created as a Primordial.¡± This time, it was the Blood Titan that stood before Calron and explained. ¡°Invention?¡± Calron cocked his eyebrows. ¡°Taranis knew that his reincarnations would be able to access the dao once their soul became a part of this sector. This meant one of the restrictions was solved. The issue was with the elemental cultivation. A path walker could never awaken with an element. They were two completely different systems.¡± The Martial Titan kept patting Calron on the back, but the latter ignored him and focused on what the Blood Titan said next. ¡°Taranis¡¯ invention is something you¡¯ve already come across Calron. It¡¯s the Titan core. And that will let you re-awaken your lightning element once again.¡± Book 6 Chapter 296 - Re-emergence of Thunder Calron was stunned at the revelation. Titan core? Calron recalled his encounter with the Ivy Green Python on Rendel Island. Back then, he¡¯d felt an uncanny familiarity the moment he laid his eyes on that core. Was it because the Lightning Primordial created it? ¡°How is it possible to awaken an element within a path walker¡¯s body?¡± It was impossible for an element to exist inside a path walker. Calron could fathom if it was solely for the Spiritual stage, as the elemental core was still intact then. However, starting from the Vajra stage, the core merged with the physical body and then, during the Saint stage, it assimilated to the soul. None of this could be done if the dao circles had already taken root there. After all, this was the reason why Calron had to abandon his entire cultivation before becoming a path walker. ¡°I don¡¯t know the specific details, only Taranis does. We helped him with his research on how our bodies used the dao circles and our control over the dao. Taranis would then conduct experiments on his own body to eventually develop the Titan cores. If you want more details, then you should ask Taranis¡¯ little helper over there.¡± The tiny dove flew over to Martial and pecked on the curly tail, eliciting a sharp yelp from the latter. ¡°Why should I help that bastard? He smells and I don¡¯t like his dumb face.¡± The black piglet harrumphed and deliberately swiveled his head away from Calron¡¯s direction. ¡°You¡¯re the one who was drooling all over my neck!¡± Calron accused the pig, but Martial paid no heed to him. ¡°Do you really want to be stuck in that spirit form for eternity? Tell the boy.¡± Blood added from the side. His words appeared to have alarmed the pig as Martial quickly faced Calron. ¡°I¡¯m a very generous and benevolent boar. I¡¯ll forgive you, considering the greater picture. Now, come closer if you want to hear the details.¡± Martial underwent a complete shift and spoke to Calron in a kind voice, beckoning him to approach. ¡°Great, now tell me.¡± Calron ignored the babble coming out of the pig¡¯s mouth. He just wanted to hear how the Titan cores worked. The moment Calron was a foot away from Martial, the black pig abruptly smacked Calron on the face and sprinted away. ¡°This little-¡° Calron summoned a volley of Blood Pellets and hurled them at the escaping pig. ¡°That was for kicking me on the snout earlier, bastard!¡± Martial hollered while nimbly dodging every missile targeted at him. Calron¡¯s eyes glowed with a crimson light as he prepared to trigger his Blood Kingdom domain. ¡°Enough.¡± Blood rebuked both Martial and Calron, as a wave of suppression fell over them. Martial quickly brushed it off, but Calron struggled to maintain his lucidity. Blood noticed Calron wincing, and the suppression dissipated right then. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°One more disruption from you and I¡¯m barring you for a three weeks.¡± Nature flew over to Blood¡¯s shoulder and glared at Martial. ¡°Tch, fine.¡± Martial grumbled, but acquiesced once he saw that both Blood and Nature were serious. The black pig then wobbled over to Calron. Martial kept his furry head low, and peeked at Calron to see if the young man would retaliate. However, Calron stood still and waited. He would get his shot at the chubby pig eventually, and he¡¯ll be sure to enjoy that day to the fullest. With both Blood and Nature keeping their eyes on the two of them, it was best not to anger them further. The black pig observed the pleased smirk on Calron¡¯s face and knew their battle of attrition wasn¡¯t over yet. ¡°Taranis found a way to isolate the soul inside a living being and bind that soul to a highly conductive gem. So when that creature would undergo its awakening, the elemental core would form inside that gem. This allowed Taranis to consolidate the whole cultivation system within that single gem, instead of the body.¡± Martial pointedly ignored Calron¡¯s smug expression as he explained. Just like Calron, the black pig was plotting as well. ¡°Those Territory Lords you saw on the island all originated from a group of animals that once volunteered to house the Titan cores inside them. The previously simple creatures gained enhanced intelligence after the core fusion, and it significantly increased their cultivation speed as well.¡± Blood stated, nodding at Martial¡¯s explanation. ¡°Do they die after the Titan core is extracted?¡± Calron remembered the agony etched on the Python¡¯s face when the core on its chest was exposed. ¡°Yes. Since the Titan core essentially contains their very soul, the instant you take the core out of their body, the beast will die as well.¡± Nature spoke in a gentle tone. She seemed to have guessed what Calron was thinking about, so she continued. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we don¡¯t need to kill the Territory Lords to get a Titan core for you. Back when Taranis offered the cores to the animals, he made a contract with them. In return for the power granted to them by the Titan core, the creatures would have to hand over one intact Titan core every hundred years.¡± ¡°If you ask me, those idiots got the better end of the deal. They get access to unimaginable power right when they¡¯re born, and once in a blue moon, they offer the Titan core of an old beast that¡¯s on its deathbed.¡± Martial darted over to the window and stretched his belly while letting out a long yawn. ¡°I find it hard to believe that Taranis cared so much for mere animals?¡± Calron asked, perplexed at the Lightning Primordial¡¯s reasoning. He knew Taranis admired humans, but it was difficult to comprehend a mighty Primordial valuing the lives of beasts. ¡°Whenever it concerns the soul, things are rarely that easy, Calron. If the Titan core was not given with a free will, then if anyone used it, they would find their mind ruptured into bits. The old soul would linger inside the core and detonate itself upon contact with another soul. Taranis knew this. That¡¯s why he made the contract with the beasts to offer an intact core every century.¡± The Blood Titan answered Calron¡¯s question. ¡°Why go through this much effort? Why didn¡¯t Taranis instead create a dao system for cultivators? I wouldn¡¯t have had to destroy my cultivation and could have obtained the dao circles faster.¡± Calron faced the Blood Titan. He could have saved so much time if he¡¯d didn¡¯t waste so much of it trying to figure out how to control the dao. ¡°You know, I asked Taranis the same thing back then. It seems futile forcing his successor to convert to a path walker and then making them restart cultivating once again. Do you know what he said?¡± Blood chuckled as Calron listened eagerly. ¡°He said he didn¡¯t wish to give this power to someone who thought elemental cultivation was superior to the dao. Taranis wanted someone who understood the plights of both the cultivators and the path walkers. As a Primordial himself, he knew that the other Primordials couldn¡¯t be defeated with only the elements or the dao. His successor would need to master both systems.¡± ¡°What an annoying man.¡± Calron sighed as he sat down on the floor. ¡°I agree.¡± The Nature Titan responded laughingly. ¡°Do the other Ancients know about the Titan cores?¡± Calron leaned back on the floor and stared up. He could see a black hole in the ceiling. Just how high was the tree? ¡°Unfortunately, they do. We were in the middle of a war with the Gods then, so we all deeply trusted one another. When Taranis succeeded with his first Titan core prototype, we were all elated by the news. However, we soon discovered that the intel had been leaked to the Gods as well. There was only one possibility of this: we had a traitor within the Ancients.¡± Blood talked in a deep voice, his throat snarling towards the end. ¡°It¡¯s why we hide from other path walkers as well, little one. If news of our location were to spread to the Archaic Council, the Ancients would be sprawling here, trying to discern the whereabouts of the Titan cores. If they ever came to know that it¡¯s hidden in plain sight within the Territory Lords¡¯ bodies, all chaos would follow.¡± The tiny dove brushed her wing gingerly against the Blood Titan¡¯s face. ¡°So it¡¯s just the four of us against a plethora of Gods and six Primordials?¡± Calron chortled, looking at the sight of Martial lying with his belly up in the sun, the delicate tiny dove fluttering her wings, and then the only battle-capable person in the room, the Blood Titan. ¡°Don¡¯t forget Star, you bastard.¡± Martial commented lazily. ¡°I forgot about the fourth Titan! Where is he?¡± Calron jolted upright as he just realized that the 4th Titan had been missing from the start. ¡°Star is¡­ actually, we don¡¯t know exactly where he is. He was supposed to be here when you arrived, but something must¡¯ve delayed him. Unlike the rest of us, Star is capable of hiding within the folds of space and can navigate seamlessly through multiple dimensions. Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯ll probably meet you outside if he can¡¯t make it today.¡± The Blood Titan scuffled through his beard pensively. Calron nodded. He was curious to see what the Star Titan looked like. ¡°So, are you ready?¡± The Blood Titan stopped Calron¡¯s train of thoughts. ¡°For what?¡± Calron cocked his eyebrow in puzzlement. However, his question was quickly answered when the Blood Titan took out something from his pocket and held it out to Calron. The sound of thunder crackled in the vicinity. Sitting regally on the Titan¡¯s palm was a golden Titan core. Book 6 Chapter 297 - Essence Sparks of lightning danced around the golden core on top of the Blood Titan¡¯s palm. The gem had a crystalline structure with numerous glossy facets. Calron could see the chains of lightning condensed within it as they kept ricocheting off the inner walls. The feeling of familiarity returned. The same sensation he¡¯d felt when he first saw the Ivy Green Python¡¯s core. But this time, it was magnitudes stronger. It was almost as if the Titan core was calling for him. ¡°How do I use it?¡± Calron started to reach out for the core, but stopped himself midway. In response to his question, the Blood Titan glanced at Martial who was lounging on the window. ¡°Eat it.¡± The black pig replied with a grin, his curly tail swaying in mischief. The Nature Titan observed Martial for a few seconds before nodding at the Blood Titan. The giant then stepped closer to Calron, urging the young man to take it. ¡°I¡¯m afraid none of us really have the knowledge of how to use the Titan core properly. Martial was the only one with Taranis when he conducted the experiments, so I¡¯ll trust his word on that.¡± Looking at the goofy expression on Martial¡¯s face, Calron nodded and grabbed the Titan core from the giant¡¯s hand. The black pig was annoying, but Calron knew Martial didn¡¯t actually mean him any harm. The instant Calron¡¯s fingers made contact with the glassy surface of the core, he felt a slight tingle in his nerves. And that was it. It didn¡¯t seem any special now that Calron was holding it. ¡°Here it goes.¡± Calron took in a deep breath and, without hesitation, swallowed the Titan core in a single gulp. Sparks of lightning sizzled around his neck, followed by a flash of scalding heat. The gem was turning burning hot inside his body. He could feel the scorching crystal slide down his gullet and then¡­ nothing. ¡°How do you feel?¡± The tiny dove flew over and asked Calron, her curiosity unhidden. ¡°I felt it burning inside my throat for a few seconds, but then it just-¡° Just as Calron was in the midst of talking to the Nature Titan, his heart abruptly shuddered. *thump* Calron¡¯s eyes widen as a wave of lightning unexpectedly discharges from him. The shockwaves momentarily pushed back the three Titans before the Blood Titan swiftly formed a crimson barrier, halting the invisible force in its tracks. Calron could see the Titans saying something to him. However, his ears were ringing with static electricity and all he could hear was the rumbling of thunder. Deep within his stomach, the Titan core began pulsating and started to dissolve into countless golden particles. They rose from his stomach and made their way towards Calron¡¯s heart. The same place where the dao circles resided. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The particles gradually aligned themselves to form a thin membrane around the heart¡¯s valves and commenced enveloping the whole organ. Only now did Calron realize what those yellow-golden particles were. It was essence. Astonishingly, the dao circles remained dormant and let the essence wrap itself around the heart without resistance. Calron took a closer look at what was happening and noticed that the golden membrane molded itself around the edges of the dao circles, keeping them unobstructed and unhindered from any movement. It was like an unspoken understanding had been established between the two systems. Calron was speechless. He thought the Blood Dao would at least attempt to fight back at the foreign intruder, but it calmly accepted the essence. He could sense that the two systems were not truly merged together, only co-existing side by side. If Calron had to explain, it felt like his body was wrapped in two layers. He could use either of the layer as his ¡®skin¡¯, but not together at the same time. How did Taranis achieve this? Calron pondered, but his thoughts were soon interrupted when his heart finally melded with the golden membrane and a new source of energy rushed into his veins. Essence. A tsunami of golden essence poured into his veins. Calron started to laugh, as tears rolled down his cheeks. His long-lost power was once again reunited with him. A part of him had been afraid that he¡¯d never get to be a cultivator again and forever lose his element. With knowledge far surpassing his old self, Calron raised his hand and drew in all the essence in the vicinity. There wasn¡¯t much lightning essence in the surroundings, but that didn¡¯t matter to the current Calron. He was someone with a power equivalent to a Heavenly stage cultivator. A vortex of golden essence rapidly swirled above him as he channeled all the essence towards him. A cacoon of lightning orbited around Calron as his essence storage propelled higher and higher at an alarming rate. 1st rank Spiritual stage¡­ 3rd rank Spiritual stage¡­ 7th rank Spiritual stage¡­ 9th rank Spiritual stage¡­ BOOM! A loud explosion reverberated as the gales of lightning pushed everything away from Calron in the center. The crimson barrier held steadfast with the Titans watching the scene unfold with excitement. Martial¡¯s eyes seemed blurry as he gazed at Calron with emotion. Are you watching this, Taranis? Your dream is becoming a reality today. Yet the tremors didn¡¯t stop there. 1st rank Vajra stage¡­ 5th rank Vajra stage¡­ peak Vajra stage¡­ Calron¡¯s demonic white hair fluttered with the sonic waves as he broke into Saint stage. He tried to force his way into the 2nd rank of Saint stage, but it was at this moment that all the lightning essence had run out. This was an isolated dimension, and there wasn¡¯t much lightning essence to begin with. Despite that, Calron was still satisfied. He¡¯d recover his old cultivation and should easily be able to surge to the peak of Saint stage with enough essence. Calron squeezed his fists together. Long whips of lightning crackled around his knuckles and swirled over his robes. With his lightning back, Calron¡¯s connection to his old partner was once again established. As a 4th circle path walker, Calron could sense traces of the World¡¯s Law around him. It was now that he could finally see the bond that tied the azure lightning to his soul. He couldn¡¯t yet decipher it. However, in the future, he¡¯ll come to its truth. Calron wanted to bring out the azure lightning, but he could see the Divine Element was in a terrible state. Without essence, the element had been under starvation for a long time. It wasn¡¯t even conscious now. Yet, Calron could see the new essence was nourishing the azure lightning, and soon, it¡¯d be awake once again. Meanwhile, the quakes gradually subsided as Calron stood still with his eyes closed. He attempted to use his Blood Dao, and watched as the lightning retreat into his heart as the red energy seeped out of his robes. He tried to bring out the lightning at the same time, but failed unsurprisingly. There should be something that he¡¯s missing. But that was for later. He could now hear the Titans¡¯ yelling in the background. ¡°Are you alright, you bastard?¡± Martial¡¯s hollering buzzed in Calron¡¯s ears. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine. In fact, I¡¯m better than fine.¡± Calron smiled as he slowly opened his eyes and felt the new power thrum within his body. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with his eyes, Blood?¡± Contrary to what Calron expected, the Titans appeared to be taken aback. He heard the Nature Titan mutter to the Blood Titan with a worrying look on her face. ¡°I don¡¯t know. This is the first I¡¯ve seen the Titan core used on a path walker.¡± The Blood Titan whispered, his gaze fixed on Calron. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong? Why are all of you looking at me like that?¡± Calron patted his face to see if something was growing out of his head. There was nothing. His face was the same as before. ¡°Take a look, bastard.¡± Martial then summoned a giant silver tower shield and floated it in front of him. The surface of the shield was pristine enough to reflect light, and on it Calron saw his face. No, more accurately, his eyes. They had changed yet once again. His left eye had the same blood-colored irises. But his right eye was different. ¡°Was this supposed to happen?¡± Calron turned to the Titans as he stared at his reflection. One eye was colored blood-red, and the other¡­ ¡­ golden like the titan core. Book 6 Chapter 298 - First Circle of Immortality ¡°Do you feel any different?¡± The dove flapped her wings and flew over to Calron, hovering and inspecting to see any other changes they missed. ¡°I feel invigorated. I can¡¯t use both the essence and the dao at the same time, but I feel my body is much stronger than before.¡± Calron snapped his fingers, and a bolt of golden lightning crackled over his fingertips. He tried to use his old abilities, but couldn¡¯t transform into the golden bird. Even the azure lightning was deep in slumber. Calron knew it was the Divine Element that made his lightning unique, meaning that he had to wait until the electric snake was out of its comatose state. ¡°You could try wearing an eye-patch if your eyes bother you. Regardless, I think we need a disguise for you. You stand out way too much with your white hair and multi-colored irises.¡± The Blood Titan walked over and bent forward to better look at the changes in Calron¡¯s eyes. ¡°The bastard doesn¡¯t need to hide. He¡¯s still a greenhorn when it comes to combat, and the more enemies he faces from now on, the faster he¡¯ll grow.¡± Martial chimed in from the side, shaking his snout at Blood¡¯s suggestion. ¡°I haven¡¯t had the opportunity to fight many 4th circle path walkers or Heavenly stage cultivators after breaking through, but I doubt they¡¯ll have an easy time in killing me. I¡¯m not that weak.¡± Calron turned his head to the black pig and scoffed at the Titan¡¯s words. ¡°I¡¯m not talking about those 4th circle losers who haven¡¯t even lived to 200 years, bastard. You need to worry about the 6th circle Ancients and Gods who have been in countless wars and trained their combat techniques for millenniums. At that level, those monsters only need the tinniest trace of their energy to kill you from a continent away.¡± The black pig jumped on Calron¡¯s shoulder and smacked him on the cheek before dashing back to the window still. ¡°Combat techniques?¡± Calron scratched his cheek where Martial slapped him. It barely hurt, and he wasn¡¯t in the mood to chase the pig. Calron was more concerned with what Martial said. It made sense. How could a being that had lived for thousands of years be the same as someone who only lived for a few decades? ¡°The techniques are not a special ability or anything. It¡¯s simply your experience in dealing with unforeseen situations in combat and adapting to it. Think of it as an amalgamation of your approach to battle. Do you tend to make the first move or wait patiently for a counter-attack? Do you only use the sharp edge of your blade or hide poison within the hilt of the sword?¡± The Blood Titan explained as he crossed his elbows. Martial made a good point. Calron was not even 30 years old, and he¡¯d soon have to face against those undying monsters. ¡°Well, you¡¯re not a completely hopeless bastard. Luckily, you have this giant¡¯s Blood Siphon ability. That alone should drastically increase your chances of survival. However, surviving won¡¯t be enough. You will need to fight. Fight until you can¡¯t fight anymore. And then, get up, and fight even more.¡± The black pig dashed on top of the Blood Titan¡¯s shoulder and stood on his hind legs as he spoke to Calron. ¡°You sound as if you already have a plan in mind.¡± Calron sighed as he caught the slight twinkle in the black pig¡¯s eyes. On some level, he knew what Martial said wasn¡¯t entirely baseless. The last time he¡¯d learned actual combat techniques was when he was still within the Spiritual stage, and Elias had taught him how to use the Blood Legacy. Since then, he¡¯d used those same principles for all his battles till date. Hearing Calron¡¯s words, the black pig smirks and lifts his furry chest higher. ¡°Announce to the world who you are, and your enemies will come on their own looking for you.¡± ¡°The boy isn¡¯t ready to face the onslaught of the Gods, Martial. They would devour him.¡± The Nature Titan glanced at the pig with a worried look. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to reveal his connection to Taranis. That¡¯s a death wish. I¡¯m talking about his identity as the Blood Walker. This news is bound to alert those rodents in the Divine Realm, but the Gods won¡¯t intervene en mass since they¡¯d already wiped out the Blood clan in the past. Another lone Blood Walker isn¡¯t a threat to them.¡± Martial¡¯s goofy face became serious as he gazed straight at the dove. ¡°It¡¯s not the Gods we should worry about. It¡¯s the Archaic Council. The Ancients won¡¯t stay still at the news of the emergence of a Blood Walker. The traitors among them will definitely aim for Calron through the shadows.¡± Blood frowned as he voiced his thoughts. ¡°That¡¯s the goal, Blood. Let them come. We know for sure none of the Ancients themselves will bother to hunt the boy personally. The World¡¯s Law will impede them. This means only the 5th circle hounds will go after Calron.¡± The pig poked his hoof at the Blood Titan¡¯s neck. ¡°No, Martial is right. If I can¡¯t deal with 5th circle enemies, then I have no business aiming for the Gods and eventually, the Primordials.¡± Calron said calmly, quelling Nature and Blood¡¯s concerns. Strangely, Calron didn¡¯t feel any fear at the prospect of fighting 5th circle path walkers. His old partner, the azure lightning, was with him once again, and it will be his turn to show how much he¡¯d improved since their last meeting. And the day the azure lightning woke up from its slumber, even the Ancients would have a reason to be wary of Calron. There was a reason the Divine Elements were coveted even within the Divine Realm. Seeing the conviction in the young man¡¯s eyes, Martial smiled to himself inwardly. The bastard was more like Taranis than he thought. ¡°Besides, aren¡¯t both of you forgetting that his confrontation with the Archaic Council is inevitable? Calron will need that item from their vault.¡± A look of understanding appeared to pass between the Titans as they nodded at Martial¡¯s words. ¡°What item are you all talking about?¡± Calron inquired curiously. ¡°In the future, after you attain your 5th circle, you¡¯ll come across an insurmountable barrier, little one. The 6th circle, also known as the first circle of immortality.¡± This time, it was the Nature Titan who answered Calron. The dove then continued. ¡°When the Primordials tampered with the World¡¯s Law, they made it impossible for a path walker to ascend to the higher realms. The cultivators could ascend to the Divine Realm, but our path was obstructed. No, it was forcibly broken by them.¡± A tinge of sadness flashed through the Nature Titan¡¯s gentle face, but she continued to speak. ¡°To shatter the chains of mortality and step into the door of immortality, you need to first break off the restrictions imposed by the World¡¯s law. In the past, we could do this by studying the dao and comprehending the secrets of the Law. Sadly, that cannot be done anymore. The World¡¯s Law is corrupted. This left only one other option for the path walkers: to use the dao circles of the past Ancients.¡± Something seemed to pass between the Titans when Nature said the last sentence. It was subtle, but Calron could sense the Titans had exchanged their thoughts telepathically. Was there more to it than what the Nature Titan said? ¡°On the rarest occasion that an Ancient dies, their dao circles assimilate together and form something called the dao fruit. The old Ancients¡¯ circles didn¡¯t have the taint of the corrupted World¡¯s law. Using this dao fruit, the 5th circle path walkers were able to condense their own 6th circle.¡± The Blood Titan finished off the dove¡¯s explanation. ¡°So, this is how the Archaic Council is able to control all the path walkers. Only they have access to the dao fruits.¡± Understanding dawned on Calron. He realized now why the council had such influence over the path walkers. Unlike in the cultivation world, where regional clans and kingdoms ruled over individual territories and not the cultivators, the Archaic Council ruled over the path walkers themselves. This let them exercise their power regardless of how far away the path walker was from their reach. ¡°Can I steal the dao fruit?¡± Calron had a feeling it was impossible, but he had to try at least. ¡°Not even a God can fight on equal terms with an Ancient in the mortal realm, little one. Their divine power would be restricted by the World¡¯s Law while the Ancient would have no such weakness. If not for the existence of Primordials, the Ancients would be the Overlords of this sector.¡± The tiny dove flapped her wings slowly. ¡°The only way to get the dao fruit is to fight for it with the other 5th circle path walkers. To be eligible, you¡¯ll first need the vote of at least one existing council member. Only then would you be able to enter the competition with other nominees.¡± ¡°Seems simple enough. When is the next competition?¡± Calron commented as he cracked his knuckles. ¡°Usually, every 500 years. Most 5th circle path walkers are old monsters who have lived for centuries and are already part of factions under the existing Ancients. The competition is not just amongst the 5th circles, but also between the Ancients. None of them want a new Ancient from a faction that isn¡¯t theirs. Even if you beat all the nominees, the council will still find an excuse to not give you the dao fruit.¡± The Blood Titan spoke unhurriedly. ¡°Then, why do you want me to enter the competition in the first place?¡± Calron scratched his head in confusion. ¡°Is this why you wanted the boy to reveal himself to the world?¡± Instead of responding to Calron, the Blood Titan tilted his head and stared at the smug black pig. Tapping his hooves against the giant¡¯s shoulders, Martial grinned and addressed Calron. ¡°When the news spreads that a Blood Walker is alive, all the clans and the council will focus their attention on the boy. If the brat waltzes into the council and defeats all the nominees, would the Ancients be able to thwart the backlash from the path walkers if they don¡¯t rightfully grant a Blood Walker the dao fruit?¡± ¡°As much as I hate it, that¡¯s the best chance the little one has to obtain a dao fruit.¡± The Nature Titan said softly. ¡°How much time do I have until the next scheduled competition?¡± Calron contemplated how he should approach the council. There was one glaring option in the back of his mind. The red-haired crazy woman, Cynthia. ¡°From my guess, you should have approximately 120 years until the next competition.¡± The Blood Titan replied after thinking for a few seconds. Hearing the Titan¡¯s words, Calron let out a sigh of relief. It was plenty of time to prepare. ¡°For others, that¡¯s enough time to get their 5th circle. However, you had to pick the worst kind of domain for your 4th circle, you idiot.¡± Martial snorted at Calron¡¯s visible relief. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Calron was dumbfounded at the black pig¡¯s words. What was wrong with his domain? ¡°Follow me, brat. It¡¯s time you learn about that incomplete domain you picked.¡±
A/N: Apologies for no chapters last week, everyone. Was busy with the audiobook project. Book 6 Chapter 299 - Failed Path ¡°Is there something wrong with my domain?¡± Calron asked hesitantly as he trailed behind the black pig. It looked like Martial was heading for the door. ¡°I¡¯ll go see what¡¯s the hold-up with Star.¡± The Blood Titan glanced at the tiny dove before leaving the room in a flash of crimson burst. ¡°Heed his words, little one. Martial is the most adept at domain among all the Titans.¡± The Nature Titan addressed Calron before she flew away as well, leaving only Calron with the black pig. ¡°There¡¯s no wrong domain in the universe. Only ill-suited ones. In the vast galaxies, there are multiple iterations of what we call the 4th circle stage. The cultivators have their element at the epicenter of their domain, while we, the path walkers, use the dao. Regardless of what the foundation is, one thing is the same. A domain is the will you exert on the world around you.¡± The tree¡¯s door conformed itself to reveal the outside as Martial calmly trotted past it. The black pig¡¯s demeanor was a stark difference to his earlier attitude. Gone was the silliness from his voice, replaced by a heavy seriousness. ¡°Bastard, hurry up! You think I have all day to sit around and lecture you?¡± That was until the black pig abruptly dashed backward and kicked Calron in the shin. Calron had been dwelling on Martial¡¯s words about his domain, so he¡¯d been walking at a slow pace. ¡°I was listening¡­¡± Calron grumbled as he ran ahead into the open meadow. ¡°Summon your domain, brat.¡± The black pig tapped his left hoof impatiently once there was enough distance between them and the dead tree. It was strange that the sun above remained fixed in the same position as when Calron first entered this dimension. Was time frozen here? ¡°Blood Kingdom.¡± Calron whispered the words. His surroundings thrummed with life as a reddish smog spread within the center, and a hazy pagoda coalesced beside Calron. It was the Armory. ¡°Solid concept, but quite wasteful.¡± Martial teleported right in front of the shimmering pagoda and sniffed at it with indifference. ¡°It lets me materialize any weapon I want.¡± Calron frowned at Martial¡¯s remark. The Armory was an ability that Calron had been striving for so long. He didn¡¯t always have access to a weapon, and the Armory would make sure that this wouldn¡¯t be an issue in the future. ¡°Do you train the Dao of Weapons or the Dao of War like me?¡± Martial dashed on top of Calron¡¯s shoulder and pressed his snout to the young man¡¯s face. ¡°No.¡± Calron nudged the pig¡¯s slimy snout away from him as he responded. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Then why are you obsessed with a weapon? Your weapon is your blood and the lightning inside of you.¡± Martial teleported back to his original spot, his dark eyes boring into Calron. ¡°I didn¡¯t have my lightning until now, and besides, the Blood Dao has its own limitations. A weapon helps me fill that gap.¡± Calron reached out for the Armory and soon a replica of Thunder¡¯s Hand manifested within his hand. ¡°The dao doesn¡¯t have limitations, brat. The only thing limiting it is your mind. If you can¡¯t use your dao to command your will, it¡¯s simply because you¡¯re too weak to do so.¡± Martial grunted and held up his hoof when he saw Calron was about to say something. ¡°But that¡¯s not your biggest issue.¡± The black pig slowly walked within the crimson mist and passed by the various empty spots inside the domain. Only one of those spots was occupied by the pagoda. ¡°It¡¯s your trait.¡± Martial paused and said in an austere tone, his dark eyes meeting Calron. ¡°Trait?¡± Calron asked in confusion as he stood in front of the black pig. ¡°A domain exerts your will on the world around you. However, it needs a medium to do it. You formed his domain with your Blood Dao, but your nature has always been attuned to lightning instead. You were only eligible for the Blood Dao during your selection because of Blood¡¯s interference. It was essential for you to obtain his Blood Siphon ability, but now that same dao will be a detriment to your future path.¡± Martial sighed, his sight spanning to all the empty spots. ¡°You see, the domain works through your inner will and if that soul is constantly clashing with the Blood Dao and lightning, it will eventually rupture your domain.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, Martial. At the start, I always used to question how much influence the Blood Titan had on my dao. After all, he thwarted my attempts so he could make sure I got the Blood Siphon ability. But once I broke into the 4th circle, I felt in control of my mind. Why do I need to follow the Blood Titan¡¯s path? Isn¡¯t the Armory the proof that the dao follows my will now?¡± Calron smiled at the worried expression on the black pig¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯ll never be able to attain your 5th circle if you don¡¯t complete your domain. And if you chose the wrong abilities in the future that are not aligned with the dao, forget about your domain, even your existing circles will be affected.¡± Martial sighed at the confident look on the young man¡¯s face. ¡°I can¡¯t change my trait. I will always think like a lightning cultivator, but that doesn¡¯t mean I cannot pursue the path of blood as well. All roads lead to the Grand Dao.¡± Calron sat down in front of Martial and opened his palm to summon the chains of lightning flashing between his fingers. The blood domain vanished the moment the lightning appeared. ¡°All roads lead to the Grand Dao¡­¡± Martial whispered to himself as he gazed at the lightning. Was this brat thinking of creating a completely new dao? A dao encapsulating the dao of blood and the lightning element? What would the result be? Martial looked into Calron¡¯s blood-red left eye and then his golden right eye. ¡°What if you fail in the process?¡± The black pig asked. ¡°Then I¡¯ll fail. And I¡¯ll keep failing until I succeed. The domain is my will and my path. Even if it¡¯s the wrong one, it¡¯s still mine.¡± Calron shrugged his shoulders with a grin on his face. He could sense what Martial was worried about. His lightning trait would complicate his dao, leading to a domain that would be fragmented. From what he had gleaned out of the Titan, he¡¯d need a completed domain to attain his 5th circle. ¡°They say confidence is a fool¡¯s nourishment.¡± Martial snorted. However, secretly, he admired the display Calron had shown to him today. He took the young man to be an idiot, but he realized that Calron didn¡¯t pretend to be something he wasn¡¯t. The young man was aware that he was still finding his way in life. It didn¡¯t matter to him whether it was the best path or not. Only that it was the path he wished to tread. ¡°Who said that? I never heard it until now.¡± Calron raised his eyebrow. ¡°It was me. I said that.¡± Martial chuckled, but his laugh died down once the pig noticed something was off. ¡°What happened to your domain? Why did it disappear?¡± The Titan mused as he glanced around. ¡°I told you before, I can¡¯t use my dao and element at the same time.¡± Calron stated as he called back the lightning and summoned the Blood Kingdom. The hazy pagoda reappeared along with the reddish mist. ¡°No¡­ Can it be¡­¡± Martial¡¯s dark eyes widened as if a sudden thought struck him. ¡°What are you babbling about?¡± Calron didn¡¯t understand why the black pig was so taken aback. ¡°I think we all missed something. Actually, it was because Taranis refused to tell us everything about the Titan core project he was working on.¡± Martial gathered his thoughts and spoke to Calron. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who was with him during the experiments?¡± Calron asked, calling back the Blood Kingdom. ¡°Yes, but I didn¡¯t really understand how everything worked. Even when I asked him, he¡¯d tell me that calculations could never compete with the will of the mind. He¡¯d then smile and go back to work.¡± Martial sighed at the old memories. ¡°What does any of this have to do with what you were groaning about?¡± Calron scratched his head. ¡°Because¡­ I think we were all wrong about something from the very beginning.¡± Martial whispered. His hooves sank into the ground as the weight of next his words hung in the air. ¡°That Titan core didn¡¯t just give you an element, brat. It could possibly grant you a second lightning domain.¡± Book 6 Chapter 300 - Enflamed Fist + Audiobooks are out! ¡°Possibly? You don¡¯t know for sure?¡± Calron took a moment to think about what Martial said. It made sense. The Titan core was acting as a separate pathway inside his body. It didn¡¯t obstruct the dao circles, but neither were their pathways conjoined. ¡°Well, you¡¯re the first one to use the Titan core, so we don¡¯t really have a lot of information on it. Theoretically, other path walkers should be able to use it as well. However, we don¡¯t know if their bodies would be able to assimilate any of the elements. Keep in mind, Taranis created the Titan core for his successor, not the path walkers.¡± The black pig stared at the still sky above as he pondered. ¡°Maybe we could try giving the Titan core to other path walkers who join our cause?¡± Calron posed the question as he thought of Serina and Kirren. ¡°It likely won¡¯t work. Your body easily accepted the Titan core because you were born with an element. The Titan core was also designed for someone with a more powerful soul in mind. Other path walkers might not be able to handle both the dao and the essence inside their body. Not everyone has a capacity to host two systems inside them. You¡¯re the weird one here, bastard.¡± Martial grunted as he poked Calron¡¯s knee. Now that the Titan thought about it, it was quite strange how Calron¡¯s body absorbed the Titan core without any struggle. It wasn¡¯t like he just ate a juicy fruit. Calron had ingested an entire cultivation system inside his body. ¡°That¡¯s a shame. Do you think I¡¯d be able to merge the two domains?¡± Calron clicked his tongue. He wondered how both Serina and Kirren were faring. His last encounter with the feisty woman hadn¡¯t ended smoothly, but he still cared for her. As for the boy, his thoughts were a bit more complicated. Kirren was a liability, but Calron couldn¡¯t help but like the kid. ¡°Do you know how I became the youngest Titan in this sector¡¯s history? It was all because of my domain. It took me 70 years to reach the 4th circle, but once I got my domain, I quickly got my 5th circle in only 5 years, my 6th circle in another 15 years, my 7th circle after 35 years and my final 8th circle a full 50 years after that. I broke every single record to become the youngest Titan!¡± The black pig spoke with pride as he raised his furry chest and patted Calron¡¯s shins. ¡°What does that have to do with my question of merging the domains?¡± Calron gazed down at the giddy black pig reminiscing about his accomplishments. Calron was curious about the latter circles and how Martial obtained them, but he couldn¡¯t let the pig know or the buffoon would hold that information over his head. ¡°I was trying to tell you that despite my vast and extensive knowledge about the domains, I have no idea about merging them. No one has had to deal with two domains before.¡± Martial answered with a shake of his snout. ¡°So you told me all that to brag about yourself?¡± Calron raised his eyebrow at the blushing pig. ¡°If the domains were similar in nature, I¡¯d have a few ideas we could try. But blood and lightning have too many contrasting attributes to meld together. The only person who could answer your question is Taranis.¡± Martial cleared his throat with embarrassment and diverted the topic away. ¡°You got a secret method to bring him back from the dead?¡± Calron chuckled. ¡°No, and you don¡¯t need to dig his grave, brat. Attain your 6th circle to become one of the immortals, and the book Taranis left will open of its own accord. You¡¯ll find your answers there.¡± Martial darted from his position and climbed back to Calron¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Forget about that now. It¡¯s too far in the future. Let¡¯s focus on your current domain instead. Bring it out again, brat.¡± Raising his arm, Calron brought forth the crimson mist, his Blood Kingdom. ¡°You see those 6 empty spots? You have two options available for you. Since the 7th spot is taken by that pagoda, you could either get 7 unique abilities in total, or you could combine those empty spots for fewer abilities, but with much greater power and potency. If you used the empty spots for your pagoda, you could enhance the Armory by several folds. I don¡¯t know what the result would be, but it¡¯s bound to be imposing.¡± Martial pointed at the noticeably empty spots within Calron¡¯s domain. Should I concentrate the domain into a few abilities or maximize its number? Calron mused at Martial¡¯s words. Having more abilities would give him versatility in combat, but that would also mean that each ability would not be as strong as a single one. Calron expected that there would be limitations to the domain. ¡°I was initially thinking of having the domain cover all aspects of my combat from weapons, attack, defense, healing, and support. But if there¡¯s a possibility of a second lightning domain, I think I need to change my original plans.¡± Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Calron spoke slowly. With the prospect of a second domain, he didn¡¯t need the Blood Kingdom to encompass everything. Besides, lightning was much more ideal for offense, while the Blood Dao excelled in support. ¡°Hmm, not a bad approach. Concentrating the purpose of the domain rather than its individual abilities might be better suited for your present situation.¡± The black pig nodded enthusiastically as he listened to Calron. Hearing Martial¡¯s affirmation, Calron had another idea he wanted to try out. Reaching out for the hazy pagoda, Calron manifested the weapon he wanted the Armory to re-create. A flash of bloody hue flared around Calron¡¯s hands as a small object gradually formed within his palms. Martial peeked curiously at what Calron was doing. Upon seeing what the young man had fabricated, a tinge of confusion was plastered on the black pig¡¯s face. ¡°You want to teach your enemies how to fish?¡± The Titan muttered as Calron displayed the object in his hand. It was a fishing reel. Not the entire rod, but only the part which contained the wires. Calron laughed at Martial¡¯s comment while he leisurely spun the reel on his palm. ¡°My biggest mistake was using the Blood Dao like I¡¯d been using my lightning from before. They¡¯re not the same. I was so focused on trying to extend the reach of my blood attacks or improve its accuracy that I forgot blood doesn¡¯t naturally behave that way. I was forcing against its inherent limitations. Why use blood to chase enemies when I can control their movements instead?¡± Calron then unleashed a wave of blood energy into the reel, causing the wires to unfurl with a burst of cardinal light. The wires snaked around his body as Calron grabbed them and began pulling it apart. The outer fibers of the wire started to erode as the blood energy devoured the external layers. The wire was now even thinner that the breadth of a human hair. Normally, the slimmer the wire was, the easier it should have been to tear it apart. However, Calron was utilizing the blood energy to infuse with the wire, augmenting its fragile bond. The fishing reel itself was created with dao, so it wasn¡¯t difficult to bond them together. The wire was now almost invisible to the naked eye. Meanwhile, Martial was silently watching the scene unfold. The Titan seemed to have already guessed what Calron¡¯s intentions were. Seeing the barely visible wire before him, Calron manipulated the blood energy inside it and whipped it at a blade of grass a few feet away from him. The reel shot ahead, and the wire encased itself around a sharp blade of grass. ¡°By now, I know the Blood Siphon is going to be the most important ability of my Blood Dao. Its only weakness is that can¡¯t leech someone¡¯s blood without an open wound. This means, I need a way to draw blood without my opponents knowing until it¡¯s too late.¡± Calron then willed the wire to slice through the blade of grass. Not even a whisper of a sound leaked when the blood-infused wire cut through the grass. ¡°That might work on weaker enemies, but 4th circles and higher would have their own domain, and it¡¯s impossible to sneak a foreign dao inside their sphere of control.¡± Martial grunted, steam expelling from his snout. ¡°I know. This isn¡¯t meant for 4th and 5th circles. It¡¯s meant for the fodder.¡± Calron¡¯s gaze turns sharp as he wills the wire to slash the entire bed of grass. Torn blades of grass hail through the air as the herbal scent seeps into the wind. In a single reap, the wire severed through countless stalks. One could only imagine if they were replaced by living beings. ¡°Martial, we are thinking of going against the council, path walkers, the cultivators, the gods and the primordials. Everywhere we look, there are more enemies instead of friends. We¡¯ll always be outnumbered. Sometimes, it¡¯s not a single powerful enemy that¡¯s the obstacle, but the volleys of endless insignificant arrows.¡± Calron turned to the black pig and looked into Martial¡¯s dark eyes. The Primordials were a visible threat they knew and could foresee. However, they still needed to worry about the enemies they didn¡¯t know yet or who could appear at any time. They needed to be ready for anything. ¡°Not bad. Maybe you should have picked the Martial Dao like me.¡± Martial grinned and patted Calron on the back, impressed at the young man¡¯s foresight. ¡°Weren¡¯t the Blood Dao and the Star Dao more popular than the Martial Dao? Why would I choose the weaker dao?¡± Calron smirked and playfully goaded the black pig. ¡°You bastard! I didn¡¯t have centuries like those old men to spread my feats. By the time I became a Titan, the dastardly primordials were already pillaging this sector. If not, the Martial Dao would be known as the coolest among the four original daos.¡± Martial snapped his tusks at Calron¡¯s elbow and began angrily gnawing on it. Calron simply chuckled and nudged him away as he asked. ¡°So, how strong were you in your prime?¡± Martial stopped at those words. He lifted his snout to Calron and his dark eyes glinted with mischief. ¡°Brat, the current you is not even qualified to have a spar with me.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t we try?¡± Calron cracked his knuckles. He was itching to test how powerful a Titan was. Martial let out a peal of laughter at Calron¡¯s taunt, his hooves mirthfully stomping on the ground. ¡°You¡¯re too wet behind the ears to challenge a Titan, brat. But you know what? I like your guts! Defeat my weakest minion and then I¡¯ll play with you.¡± Following that, Martial¡¯s eyes glowed with a dark light, and a humanoid figure coalesced beside him. It was a golem construct made entirely of stone. Calron could see faint cracks along the edges of its chest and neck. The stone itself appeared aged with time. The golem shakily took a step ahead, as if it was calibrating its movements after a long period of hibernation. Calron inspected the golem but failed to gauge its circles or cultivation. Seeing the crack widen on its neck, Calron wondered if Martial was playing a joke on him. The golem was falling apart. ¡°Well, what are you waiting for?¡± Martial teleported a few yards away and asked Calron, a half-smile etched on his face. Meanwhile, the golem continued to stutter, its feet unsteady as it rotated its body to get its bearings. Calron sighed and held out his hand to grab the golem before it dropped to the ground. ¡°Huh?¡± The golem abruptly vanished from his sight. It was now standing right next to him. Its arms were twitching, the stone grinding as the golem clenched and unclenched its fists. Calron frowned, his gaze focused on the golem. He couldn¡¯t even detect a trace of dao energy when it moved. His domain was still active, so how did the golem evade his senses? With rapt attention, Calron attempted to grab the golem again. His hands met the cold, empty air. The golem dodged yet again and was now standing behind him. And this time, its feet weren¡¯t so wobbly on the ground. Calron clicked his tongue and dispelled the domain. He then called the lightning into his eyes, enhancing his reflexes. Was the golem using an ability, or was it that incredibly fast? He held his hand towards the golem. Lightning ricocheted within his eyes as time slowed down. His hand was a mere inch away from the golem¡¯s chest. And then he touched something. It was cold. It was the golem¡¯s stony chest. Just as Calron was about to react, he suddenly felt a pang on his head and the world flew around him. No, it wasn¡¯t the world. It was Calron flying away upside down. He landed with a crash around the bed of grass he recently destroyed. His vision distorted as his ears rang with vibrations, but he could make out the golem in the distance. Its fist burned like molten lava, wisps of smoke whistling out of it. When did the golem even attack him? Calron raised himself from his elbows, rubbing his head at the area of impact. It had been a while since someone had pommeled him like this. The fact it was done by an inanimate toy didn¡¯t help either. ¡°It¡¯s not bedtime, brat. Why are you lying down?¡± Martial appeared on top of Calron¡¯s chest and teased him. Calron merely groaned in response. That golem wasn¡¯t a 4th circle. ¡°Oh, I forgot to mention something. When a domain is completed, it¡¯s no longer visible to others. Your body itself becomes an instrument of your will.¡± Martial chortled as he eyed the golem. The construct began gradually walking towards Calron. Its molten fist dripping lava on the grass as it passed through. It seemed it wasn¡¯t done with Calron yet. An explosion of lightning crackled around Calron as he slowly stood up. Bolts of charged electricity danced over his skin. ¡°The best way to train a domain¡­ is to have it beat into you, brat.¡± Martial smiled as he spectated Calron rush to meet the golem¡¯s enflamed fist.