The old man’s presence still lingered in Kalen’s mind, even after his death. Though Kalen had long since discovered the truth behind the old man’s motives and the secrets he harbored, the memory of his teachings haunted Kalen. But now, it was time to move forward. There were no more safety nets, no more guides—he and Sorin were truly on their own.

Sorin leaned against the rocky outcrop, gazing at the vast expanse of the higher realm’s skies. The realization that they were no longer under anyone’s protection weighed heavily on both of them. The old man had given them knowledge and techniques that allowed them to survive and thrive in the lower realms, but his death was a reminder that even immortals could be erased from existence.

"Kalen," Sorin’s voice broke the silence, "what’s next for us? The old man’s treasures, his techniques—they’re powerful, but they won’t be enough if we don’t push beyond."

Kalen stood up, his gaze distant, focused on the horizon. "We push forward. We’ve already surpassed the old man’s limits. Now, we need to carve out our own path, to make our own name in the higher realms."

Sorin’s smirk widened. "Good. I was getting tired of that ghost hanging over us anyway."

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---

#### **The Weight of Ascension**

Kalen and Sorin both understood the enormity of the task ahead. With the old man gone, there was no one to rely on but themselves. The **Frozen Flame Abyss** had carried Kalen to new heights, but to survive in the core of the higher realms, it would need to evolve even further. And that evolution was something only Kalen could create.

They sat in quiet meditation, preparing their minds and bodies for the next stage. In these realms, survival meant constant growth, and there was no room for complacency.

Kalen’s mind turned inward, the **Voidflame Abyss** technique swirling within his soul. He was nearing the pinnacle of what this technique could offer. But it was incomplete. He could feel it, the final piece of his cultivation method was still missing.

---

#### **The Path Ahead**

Sorin, too, had grown restless. His own cultivation was progressing, but the higher realms demanded more than just brute force. His new technique, **Heaven’s Devourer**, allowed him to absorb the energy of his defeated enemies, but it was a dangerous power. Without proper control, it could overwhelm him, turning him into nothing more than a puppet of the energy he consumed.

The two friends knew that their journey was far from over. The core of the higher realms loomed before them, a vast, dangerous world filled with immortals whose power far surpassed anything they had encountered. But it also held the key to their ultimate goal—true ascension.

Kalen rose from his meditation, his eyes filled with determination. "The old man is gone. It’s time for us to stop following his path and make our own."

Sorin nodded. "I’m ready. Let’s show them what we’re made of."

With that, they set their sights on the heart of the higher realms, where new challenges and greater enemies awaited.