> Master explained that a realm is not just a level of spiritual or martial prowess but also a milestone that marks one's progress on the path to enlightenment. He mentioned that legends speak of 12 realms, but very few have managed to reach the fourth, and those who have are considered old monsters by master.
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> When asked how to achieve such power, the master advised that it takes dedication, perseverance, and a great deal of effort. He also explained that the path of cultivation is not an easy one but can unlock incredible abilities and powers for those who are willing to undertake it.
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> The first realm, according to the master, is the body refinement realm, which itself is comprised of seven stages. Each stage involves removing impurities from various parts of the body with aether to achieve the apex condition for the mortal body.
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> When asked about the magical powers of the later realms, the master smiled enigmatically and stated that the later realms hold even more complex and mysterious powers that are beyond description. Each realm brings new challenges and knowledge, and those who reach them become legendary figures.
~A scrap of notes from a disciple of Zhong Guanting
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World Location: A Mid-trunk Bough > Bashiri's Inner World
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ENCOUNTER WITH THE TREE OF DESTRUCTION
1138 IF 1731:00
As she turned to look, she saw Niloggver flying towards her, a look of concern on his majestic dragon face. "Elyon, what happened? Are you alright?" Niloggver asked, landing on a nearby rock formation.
Elyon landed beside him, still breathing heavily from the ordeal. "I don't know what happened. I was just flying towards the ice mountain when I sensed something strange. Then I saw this vortex of energy, and it started pulling me in. I couldn't break free until you came," Elyon explained, still shaken.
Niloggver nodded, his expression grim. "I know what that vortex is. It's a manifestation of the tree of destruction's power, and it's getting stronger. I need to do something about it before it causes any more harm," he said, his voice tinged with urgency.
Elyon looked up at him, her eyes wide with concern. "What can we do? I don't have the power to face something like that," she said, feeling helpless.
Niloggver looked down at her with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Elyon. I can handle it. Go back to the Tree of Creation. I will meet you there," he said, before taking off into the sky.
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NILOGGVER TENDS TO THE TREE OF DESTRUCTION
1138 IF > 1641 IF
Realizing that it too is a guardian and protector of Bashiri's world, Niloggver tends to the tree of destruction.
Niloggver sat in his nest, perched atop the world heart at the center of the world. He was content, surveying the endless expanse of primordial water and watching the stars twinkle in the sky. But something caught his eye on the opposite side of his nest. A tree was growing, and it was unlike any tree Niloggver had ever seen before.
The tree was dark and twisted, its branches gnarled and sharp. Its roots dug deep into the primordial waters, spreading out like cancer across the world. As Niloggver approached, he could feel the dark energy emanating from the tree.
But as he got closer, he noticed something strange. Despite its nature of destruction, the tree had a hint of Bashiri's power, and it seemed to be strengthening the world around it. Niloggver was confused. How could something so dark and twisted be good for the world?
Suddenly, a voice boomed in Niloggver's mind, and he knew it was Bashiri. "Do not be afraid, Niloggver," the voice said. "That tree may be a symbol of destruction, but it is also one of protection. Just as you are the devourer of worlds, that tree is a guardian and protector of my world."
Niloggver was stunned. He had never truly thought of himself as a protector or what such a position would entail. But he realized that he, like the tree, was an element of destruction but also one of strength and protection. And he knew what he needed to do.
Instead of devouring the tree, Niloggver began to nurture it. He tended to its roots and watered it, and over time, the tree began to change. Its branches no longer seemed gnarled and twisted but instead became a tangle of beautiful, intricate patterns.
And one day, as Niloggver tended to the tree, he noticed that some of its branches were perfect for his nest. Just like he had done with the tree of creation, he carefully took the branches and added them to his nest, making it even more magnificent.
As he sat in his nest, surrounded by the tree of creation on one side and the tree of destruction on the other, Niloggver knew that he was not just the devourer of worlds but also a protector and nurturer of them. And he was content, watching over the world and the stars, knowing that he was a part of something much greater than himself.
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SUNBATHING
1140 IF 3812:00
Niloggver lay sprawled out in his massive nest on the World Heart, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his scales. His long, slender body was stretched out, his wings half-open as he soaked up the sun's rays. For once, he was taking a break from his duties both as the world's guardian and as Elyon's master. He was relishing the peace and quiet.
As he lay there, he couldn't help but think back to the old days, before he had taken on the responsibilities of being Elyon's master. Back then, he would spend hours upon hours basking in the sun, lounging in his nest and letting his mind wander.
It was a simpler time, he thought. But now, he had a duty to uphold. But for now, he would allow himself this moment of relaxation. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, and the birds sang sweetly in the distance. It was a perfect day, and Niloggver was content.
As he closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh, he couldn't help but think that this was what life was all about - taking a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures, to savour the beauty of the world around him, and to be at peace with himself.
As the sun slowly set on the horizon, Niloggver stretched his wings and took flight, ready to face the challenges of his duties once again. But he would always remember this moment of quiet reflection, and the warmth of the sun on his scales as he basked in the glory of the world he had sworn to protect.
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NEW FOODS
1140 IF 3812:00
Elyon soared through the branches of her Tree of Creation, admiring the lush green foliage and the colourful flowers that dotted its branches. As a world tree spirit, she had the ability to manipulate the growth of the tree, and she loved experimenting with different ways to make it more vibrant and alive.
Today, Elyon was focusing on the tree's ability to produce fruits and herbs. She had been studying different herbs and plants, and she wanted to see if she could use her powers to make the tree produce crops with unique properties.
She flew over to a large branch that was lined with small, shiny apples. She plucked one from the branch and examined it closely. It was crisp and juicy, but she wanted to see if she could make it better. Concentrating, she closed her eyes and focused her aether into the golden apple.
Suddenly, she felt a surge of energy flow through her, and when she opened her eyes, she saw that the apple had grown to twice its original size. She took a bite, and the flavour exploded in her mouth, a burst of sweetness with a hint of tartness.
Excited by her success, Elyon flew to another branch, this one covered in large, round tomatoes. She had read about a rare herb that could enhance the tomatoes' flavour and make them incredibly nutritious. Concentrating her energy once more, she willed the herb to grow, and soon, she saw small sprouts popping up all around the tomatoes.
Days passed, and Elyon watched as the herbs grew and the tomatoes ripened. Finally, the day came when she could harvest them. She plucked one from the branch and bit into it, savouring the juicy, flavorful flesh.
Elyon was thrilled with her success. With her powers, she could make her Tree of Creation produce all sorts of unique and beneficial foods. She made a mental list of all the different fruits and vegetables she wanted to experiment with, eager to see what kind of wonderful creations she could make.
Her fingers ran over the smooth bark, feeling the life force pulsing through it. She could feel the gentle hum of the tree's energy as she explored every inch of its majestic form. The branches rustled in the breeze, and Elyon smiled, feeling a sense of calm wash over her.
As she reached the top of the tree, she closed her eyes and breathed in the sweet scent of the flowers. Her hair flowed in the wind, and she let out a contented sigh. This was her home, her sanctuary. Here, she could connect with the natural world and feel at peace.
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Suddenly, she heard a rustling in the leaves below her. She opened her eyes to see a small bird flitting about the branches. It chirped happily as it flew towards her, and Elyon reached out a hand to stroke its feathers.
The bird landed on her shoulder and nuzzled against her neck. Elyon laughed and petted its head, feeling a warmth spreading through her heart. She knew that the tree was not just a part of nature but a living being, and she felt privileged to be its guardian.
As the sun began to set, Elyon descended from the tree, feeling rejuvenated and at peace. She knew that the tree would continue to thrive and grow, and she was eager to continue her work as its caretaker.
As Elyon flew through the branches of her Tree of Creation, she noticed that Niloggver was waiting for her. He had a serious look on his face, and she could tell that something important was on his mind.
"Elyon, I have a proposition for you," he said as she landed gracefully beside him.
"What is it?" Elyon asked, curious.
Niloggver hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Do you want to help in tending to the Tree of Destruction? The task is dangerous, but I trust that you have the skills and the courage to assist me, however, don't feel like you must."
Elyon's heart raced with excitement at the prospect of helping Niloggver. She had always admired his bravery and determination, and she wanted to prove to him that she was worthy of his trust.
"I'm ready, Niloggver," she said without hesitation. "What do I need to do?"
Niloggver's expression softened, and he placed a gentle claw on her shoulder. "It won't be easy, Elyon. The Tree of Destruction is a powerful force, and its energies can be unpredictable. But if we work together, we can keep it under control and prevent it from causing any harm to our world."
Elyon nodded, determination shining in her eyes. She knew that the task ahead would be dangerous, but she was ready to face whatever challenges came her way.
"Let's get started," she said, her voice filled with confidence. "I won't let you down, Niloggver."
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NEW QUESTS AND NEW WORRIES
1140 IF 3813:00 > 1140 IF 3854:00
The wind whistled past their ears as they flew higher, and Elyon marvelled at the breathtaking views around her. The crystal-clear waters below sparkled in the sunlight, and she could see schools of brightly coloured primordial creatures swimming below. Niloggver's powerful wings beat steadily, and Elyon felt a sense of safety and security in his presence.
Despite the beauty of their surroundings, Elyon knew that they were on a critical mission. The tree of destruction was a force to be reckoned with, and Niloggver's task was not one to be taken lightly. As they drew closer to their destination, Elyon could feel the weight of the responsibility upon her shoulders, and she knew that she had to be ready to assist her companion in any way possible.
Niloggver, on the other hand, seemed utterly confident in his abilities. As a dragon of immense strength and power, he had a natural affinity for the forces of time and destruction, and he was more than capable of handling the task at hand. Still, he was grateful for Elyon's assistance, and he knew that her support would be vital to their success.
As they drew closer to the Tree of Destruction, the air grew heavy with a palpable sense of malevolence. Elyon could feel the weight of the task ahead of them, and her heart began to race with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
But as they drew even closer, Elyon excitement quickly disappeared replaced by a sense of foreboding that slowly crept into her mind. She knew that the tree was a source of immense power, and that they would need to tread carefully if they were to succeed. She could feel the ominous presence of the Tree of Destruction weighing heavily upon her. The air grew thick with the corruptive power emanating from the tree, and her mind became clouded with doubt and fear.
Niloggver seemed unfazed by the dark aura emanating from the tree. He had faced this task many times before, and his formidable strength and wisdom had always allowed him to prevail. Elyon couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for her companion, who seemed to radiate an aura of confidence and power but at the same time, she couldn't help but feel a sense of inadequacy in comparison to her powerful companion.
As they landed at the base of the tree, Elyon could see that the task ahead would not be easy. The tree was surrounded by a horde of fierce beasts, creatures of immense power and cunning that were imbued with the tree's dark magic. Elyon could feel the power of the beasts radiating towards them, and she knew that this would be a true test of her skills.
Niloggver let out a mighty roar, his voice ringing through the air like a thunderclap. The beasts hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether to retreat or attack. But Niloggver was not one to wait for them to make a decision. With a flick of his mighty tail, he charged into battle, his claws extended and his jaws agape.
Elyon summoned all of her strength to create a shimmering protective barrier around them, but the beasts continued to press forward. Niloggver charged into battle with jaws agape and claws extended, determined to defeat their fearsome opponents.
Despite his valiant efforts, the beasts proved to be formidable adversaries, and Elyon could feel herself struggling to hold them back. She knew that Niloggver was relying on her, but she feared that she was holding him back.
As the battle raged on, Niloggver flew to Elyon's side, his shimmering scales a sight to behold. He fought back against their attackers with all his might, but Elyon could feel the weight of his struggles upon her own powers.
The ground shook beneath their feet as the beasts attacked with renewed ferocity. Elyon gritted her teeth, pouring all of her remaining energy into the protective barrier around them. She could feel the strain of the battle taking its toll on her, and she worried that she would not be able to hold out much longer.
Niloggver's powerful wings beat against the air as he soared above, striking down the beasts with his razor-sharp talons. Elyon could sense his frustration as he struggled to take down the creatures, and she knew that he was holding back his full strength to protect her.
Finally, they emerged victorious, and the tree of destruction lay before them, its ominous aura still strong. Niloggver's eyes gleamed with determination as he prepared to face the tree head-on, and Elyon's wings trembled with anticipation as she unleashed her powers.
As they fought back against the tree's destructive power, Niloggver drew upon the power of time itself to counteract its force. Elyon channeled her creation powers to create a counterbalance, and the two companions engaged in a fierce battle with the tree's dark aura.
Their efforts were not in vain, for in time, the tree's destructive power began to wane, and the world was safe once more. As they stepped back, exhausted but victorious, Niloggver and Elyon noticed that the tree's branches had grown even more intricate and beautiful than before, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Despite the success, Elyon couldn't help but feel a twinge of inadequacy. She had tried her best to support Niloggver in their mission, but she couldn't help but compare her own abilities to his. However, she knew that showing her doubts would only dampen the joy of their success, so she tried to hide her feelings.
As they surveyed their work, Niloggver noticed the subtle change in Elyon's demeanour. He knew his companion well and sensed that something was amiss.
Elyon walked slowly, taking in the serene beauty of the Tree of Creation. The lush foliage and vibrant flora surrounding her were a breathtaking sight, and the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze was a soothing melody to her ears. But even the tranquil environment couldn't lift the weight of disappointment that sat heavily on her heart.
As she approached her dwelling, she noticed the soft glow of the setting sun casting a warm, honey-coloured light across the tree's leaves. The Tree of Creation was a sight to behold, its branches spreading wide and tall, bursting with life and colour. But even this breathtaking display of nature's beauty couldn't shake Elyon's sense of defeat.
When she entered her dwelling, the sweet scent of blooming flowers greeted her. The aroma was heady, and Elyon inhaled deeply, savouring the fragrance. She took a moment to bask in the peace and tranquillity of her surroundings, but the feeling of failure still clung to her.
Elyon couldn't help but replay the events of the battle in her mind. The roars of the beasts, the clash of metal against scales, and the fierce heat of magic had all been overwhelming. Despite her best efforts, Elyon had been unable to contribute as much as she had hoped. It was as if her powers had been rendered useless against the ferocity of the enemy.
Elyon pushed open the door to her private chambers and collapsed onto the plush bed, the softness of the leaves and vines enveloping her in a comforting embrace. But even in the peaceful confines of her sanctuary, her mind was consumed by tumultuous thoughts.
As a powerful world tree spirit, Elyon knew that she possessed immense strength and resilience. But she couldn't shake the feeling that it was never enough, that she was never enough. Her Tree of Creation was a verdant haven, teeming with life and vitality, but it had yet to produce any beings as formidable as the mysterious new tree.
Meanwhile, Niloggver paced restlessly in his own dwelling, the weight of Elyon's distress weighing heavily on his heart. He had sensed her troubled thoughts and had given her space, hoping that she would be able to find peace on her own. But his concern for her well-being was too great, and he couldn't resist the urge to seek her out.
Summoning his courage, Niloggver set out towards Elyon's abode, his heart heavy with concern. As he approached the door, he hesitated, unsure whether he was intruding on her solitude. But he couldn't leave Elyon alone in her hour of need.
As Niloggver entered Elyon's dwelling, he couldn't help but notice the silence that filled the air. With a gentle knock, he waited for Elyon's response, but the only sound was the soft rustling of leaves from outside the window. He pushed the door open and stepped inside, and his heart sank at the sight of Elyon's tear-filled eyes.
His heart ached as he saw the pain and sadness etched on her face. As he sat down next to her, he could feel the weight of her emotions, and he knew he had to do something to help her. He spoke softly, trying to ease the burden on her soul. "What's wrong, Elyon?" Niloggver asked gently, his voice filled with concern.
Elyon looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears. She spoke with a voice that was barely above a whisper, as if she was afraid to voice her deepest fears. "I feel like I only held you back during the fight," she said, her words heavy with sadness. "And my Tree of Creation has yet to produce anything strong like the new tree."
Niloggver felt a lump form in his throat as he heard Elyon's words. He knew she had been struggling with doubts for a while, but he didn't know how to help her. He couldn't bear to see her suffer like this. He wrapped his comforting wing around her, hoping to convey the reassurance that he felt inside. "You did great during the fight, Elyon," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "Your powers are essential in their own way, and your Tree of Creation gives life to countless plants and animals that make our world beautiful."
As Niloggver spoke, he could see the doubt and fear in Elyon's eyes slowly starting to fade away. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for any hint of doubt. But all she saw was a steady confidence that made her heart swell with hope.
"Do you really think so?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.
"I know so," Niloggver said firmly, his eyes locking onto hers. "And I think you're ready for something else too."
Elyon's curiosity was piqued. "What's that?" she asked eagerly.
Niloggver's grin was mischievous. "Bashiri gave me a special technique to teach you that I think you're ready to learn," he said, excitement in his voice. "It'll help you control your powers better and increase your strength. Go get ready, and I'll teach it to you."
Elyon's eyes widened with excitement. Learning a new technique from Niloggver was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. She wiped away her tears and stood up, ready to begin her training.
"Thank you, Niloggver. I won't let you down," she said, her voice filled with determination. With Niloggver by her side, she knew that she could overcome any obstacle that lay ahead.