Over the ages, hundreds of overconfident Cultivators had attempted, and inevitably succumbed to the perils of the ancestor's labyrinthian trial. The domineering nature of the Celestial Essence of the Soul Wright made it impossible to claim its remains. It was understood by all that failure meant becoming nourishment for the spiritual guardians left behind to guard the ancestors Essence.
Despite the nervous twitch in his eye, Kuldar felt that his motivation surpassed that of the others. His path had never been one of greed, nor was he some overconfident young master. No, his entire purpose in this life was saving his ailing brother Haidar. To accomplish this task, he would endure whatever hardships were necessary.
Even if everything went to plan, inheriting the Celestial Essence and acquiring the Path of the Soul Wright were only the start of the grueling task he'd sworn to accomplish. Taking the first step on this path would allow him to separate his brother's living soul from the confines of his failing body. However, until he could acclimate to this path, which could take countless years, Haidar would be made to exist as an unhoused soul inhabiting a clone formed through the energy of the Heavens.
While this solution was less than optimal, Haidar would once again be able to move of his own will. He would regain the ability to speak. The endless pain he was forced to endure, and his crushing guilt over soiled bedclothes would become a thing of the past.
“So this is where you have been hiding... You do realize you missed the banquet, correct?“
Lost in thought, Kuldar nearly leapt out of his skin when a raspy voice that resonated with the weight of centuries brought his thoughts grinding to a halt. “Forgive me!“ Kuldar winced and bowed so deeply he could smell his own feet. He winced again. It was getting about time to requisition some new boots.
“This one greets the esteemed patriarch!“ Eyes widened with embarrassment, Kuldar flicked a nervous look to his left. His grandfather, Erasmus Lotus, patriarch of the esteemed Lotus sect, a figure weathered by the passage of time and marked with the scars of countless battles, towered before Kuldar.
The wisdom earned through lifetimes of struggle left deep furrows etched on his brow. A wide scar bisected his wrinkled face diagonally, revealing the burdens he had suffered weren't simply those of governance. This was a man of unwavering resolve and dedication to his sect. Strands of silver cascaded from his head, flowing down past his shoulders like a river of moonlight, and wisps of gray threaded through a beard that had once been as black as pitch. All were testaments to ages spent in the pursuit of walking his path to the pinnacle.
Although he smiled, his fiery eyes, like twin orbs of molten ore, held a solemn gaze that pierced through Kuldar's very soul. They shimmered with a profound understanding of the trials and tribulations that awaited the young Cultivator as they casually scanned the depths of his newly-formed Realm Seed. The lines engraved around his eyes and mouth deepened as he scrunched his face up in contemplation of his studious grandchild.
Some of the younger Lotus sect heads whispered that the patriarch had grown too old for the position, that it would be best for all involved if he were to step down and make way for someone more inclined to taking the fight to the System-empowered Humans. Kuldar shook his head angrily, the sudden action eliciting a worried look from his grandfather.
No! On those rare occasions that he heard such underhanded comments being uttered aloud, it took everything Kuldar had to not speak up. Seniority be damned! If given his way, Kuldar would flay the tongues from their ungrateful mouths. Tongues were unnecessary for observation. Anyone with eyes, and a functional brain could see that those creases were not signs of weariness, but rather badges earned through resilience and an unwavering determination to see his sect thrive.
Erasmus Lotus was clothed in flowing robes of faded blue hues, each thread whispering tales of battles fought and adversaries overcome. The fabric, once vibrant, had over time become aged and worn, mirroring the passage of the ages etched upon his features. A small golden lotus pendant was fastened upon its breast.
Despite the physical toll of his long journey, Erasmus's posture remained erect. His aura, akin to a boundless ocean, radiated authority and inner strength.
"Kuldar, my grandson," the patriarch stifled a laugh and said, his expression a mixture of relief and concern. He raised his arm and plucked a loose hair from the sleeve of his robes. "Do not indulge in daydreams on such a momentous occasion. This trial you are about to embark upon is but one of the many hardships you will endure. It is a test of your resilience, your determination, and your commitment to honing your Cultivation base." He said, casually levitating a leg of roasted hog from behind his back that was nearly as big as he was.
“And I would be unfit to call myself your grandfather if I allowed you to do so on an empty stomach.“ His tone carried notes of sternness that made the amused look on his face quite confusing to behold.
Erasmus's piercing gaze bore into Kuldar's eyes, imparting a profound feeling of understanding towards the perils that he would soon face. "Eat boy. And listen well.“ Kuldar raised his head and obliged, savoring mouthfuls of gamey meat. Juice dropped from his chin as he listened intently to the words his grandfather offered.
“Although I am confident you will master the labyrinth, there are sure to be many temptations when you return, my boy. I have no doubt you have heard some of them already. Those instigators that whisper promises of exchanged power and vengeance against the System-empowered mortals. But heed my words, for I have witnessed the true nature of that conflict. Joining the war against those confused children will lead you down a treacherous path, one that may consume you and will unquestionably obscure your true purpose."
The old man's words carried the weight of his experience, a lifetime lived and battles fought. They were laced with the knowledge and love he sought to impart upon his grandson. While Erasmus wished it wasn't so, he quietly feared this would be the last time he would get the chance. The trials were unforgiving.
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Kuldar realized he had been so focused on listening that at some point he'd stopped chewing. "Stay focused, Kuldar. Your destiny lies beyond the realm of petty wars and power struggles. The path you would walk is that of the Soul Wright, a path known only by those few who comprehend its magnitude. It is a path forged by the essence of spiritual enlightenment, of the pursuit of harmony with the Celestial Realms.“ He huffed out a breath, “and the mastery of Soul manipulation; the ability to manipulate, restore, and create new souls. This is a responsibility that must be wielded with great care and wisdom. The power it bestows is both a blessing and a burden, for the fate of countless lives rests in the hands of he who walks this path. Yet, it is only through this path that you will find the means to save Haidar, to bring him back to the realm of the living."
As Kuldar absorbed his grandfather's words, a mixture of reverence and uncertainty filled his heart. The weight of his ancestor's guidance pressed upon his young shoulders. The strain threatened buckle his knees and purge the contents of his bladder, yet he used it as fuel to ignite a fire within his chest. I will follow through on this promise.
The gravity his choices held and the responsibility that would come with cultivating his ancestor's path loomed ominously, yet his face was a mask of silent resolve. The conflict against the system-empowered mortals would reveal its true nature in due time, but for now, he would trust in his grandfather's wisdom and forge his own path towards the pinnacle of what a Soul Wright could become.
Soon the time for words came to a close, and Kuldar bowed deeply to his grandfather. “This incompetent one thanks the patriarch for his kindness and guidance.“ He lifted his head and grinned, brushing silver strands out of his face “I will see you soon grandfather.“ With determination and trepidation warring in his heart he stepped forward and brushed his fingers across the ancient labyrinth door. The obsidian surfaced released a pulse of energy from within.
In that instant, the world around him shattered, reality dissolving into a disorientating kaleidoscope of alien colors as he was transported into a series of unimaginable trials.
The scenery around Alan—who had somehow merged with Kuldar—slowly came back into focus, revealing that Kuldar was standing at the crest of a stairway leading up to a circular plateau surrounded by a glittering lake somewhere deep in the bowels of planet Cerath.
He had successfully conquered the trials within the Labyrinth, but his journey had taken a toll on his once-vigorous body. Emaciated and weak, his robes hung in loose tattered folds, revealing wide patches of worn and scarred skin, a byproduct of the hardships he had willingly endured. Despite his physical depletion, Kuldar stood with an undeniable pride, triumph glimmering in his eyes.
Stunned at the surreal environment, he paused and looked around with confusion plastered across his face. Athough he knew he was far below the surface, his surroundings failed to impress this fact. The grandeur of the cavernous space was awe-inspiring. Above him, a masterfully crafted series of arrays and enchantments on the ceiling simulated a cloudless blue sky. It stretched endlessly, creating an illusion of an expansive world bathed in natural light.
Within this captivating environment, an imitation sun radiated a warm and gentle glow, casting its golden rays upon the choppy surface of the underground lake. The shimmering water reflected the serene azure of the simulated sky, creating a soothing display. The ripples danced and played, as if waltzing to an invisible tune that only they could hear.
In the distance, Kuldar's eyes were drawn to a verdant green landmass that emerged from the waters. It was a testament to the intricate craftsmanship of this hidden sanctuary, a haven nestled deep within the depths of Planet Cerath. The lush greenery formed a picturesque landscape, inviting him to explore its hidden wonders and secrets. Had he the strength, he would've indulged the urge.
The scenery was wondrous to behold, but Kuldar felt himself drawn towards the center of the plateau. He resisted the urge to shout out, instead staggering forward, eyes fixed on the bewildering sight before him—a multicolored statue that gleamed like polished jade.
Standing before the glorious object, Kuldar began to have doubts. The intricate patterns carved into its form seemed to mirror the serene posture of his grandfather during meditation, as if capturing a fragment of his wisdom and resilience in stone. What was most worrisome; its smooth surface somehow radiated the very essence of his grandfather. No! It can't be!
The sculpture glowed softly with an inner light, casting gentle hues of green, blue, and silver upon his feet and the worn stone floor. It held an undeniable presence, radiating a gentle yet profound energy that resonated with Kuldar's very core. The very same energy he had painstakingly acclimated to over the past months. Its colors danced and shifted, as if conveying a hidden language, a secret connection between past and present.
Every delicate line etched into the statue seemed to hold a story, a connection to his ancestral lineage, as well as a personal reminder of the wisdom and guidance that his grandfather had imparted upon him throughout their time together. It seemed to be attempting to transmit the joy their shared experiences and conversations had instilled within the old man. Its surface held the echoes of countless hours Erasmus spent in deep contemplation of this day coming to fruition.
Tears fell from Kuldar's eyes like rain, his blurred gaze drawn to the serene expression captured within the stone's intricate carvings. It mirrored the calm strength and unwavering dedication that his grandfather had embodied throughout his lifetime.
Kuldar gasped, a hand suddenly appearing on his shoulder. With a heavy heart, he turned to meet the sad smile of his beloved grandfather. He seemed oddly tired, his legs shaking as if remaining upright was nearly more than he could manage. When his eyes, heavy with emotion, met those of Erasmus Lotus, the painful truths hidden within could no longer be denied.
There was a quiet understanding that passed between them, unspoken but deeply felt. It was as if the silence held the weight of countless conversations, the heartfelt connections that bound them both together. The silence between them only made the bond stronger.
Kuldar's hand trembled as it reached out, hesitating momentarily before finally making contact with the surface of what he now understood to be the ancestors Celestial Essence. In that instant, a connection coursed through his veins, an energy that touched the the center of his being.
As his hand made contact with the essence, a flicker passed through his grandfather's form, momentarily revealing the painful truth of his existence. It was in that crushing moment that Kuldar's outlook suffered a violent blow as he came to understand the profound truth looming before him. His grandfather and the essence were not separate entities but intricately intertwined, existing as two parts of the same cosmic whole.
It was a rough pill to swallow. After all of his efforts, the only way to achieve his goals would be to cultivate the remnant life force of his grandfather. The truth was like a knife to the heart. Kuldar stifled a sob.
The man who raised him and Haidar from the time of their parents demise had been a mere wisp of the ancestors consciousness.