The days that followed felt like a blur to Hope. His training continued, relentless and exacting, as he honed his body and mind in the Body Transformation Realm. But the ancient technique, The Path of Eternal Flesh, lingered in the corners of his thoughts like an insistent whisper.

Each time he closed his eyes, he could see the strange characters of the scroll glowing faintly, calling to him, urging him to take the next step.

Hope had always prided himself on his discipline. He had spent countless hours in his practice grounds, perfecting his control over his Qi and strengthening his body. Yet now, there was a part of him that felt... incomplete.

His body was strong, yes, but it felt fragile in the face of the power promised by the technique.

The morning air was sharp as Hope stepped into the training yard once more, his breath misting in the cool breeze. The familiar rhythm of his training soothed him, and for a time, he was able to push the thoughts of the technique aside. But the moment his hand lifted to strike a boulder, the memory of the technique’s promise surged back, filling him with a strange urgency.

He hesitated mid-swing, his hand suspended in the air. The boulder before him seemed to mock him, a mere obstacle to overcome with his growing strength. But what if the Path of Eternal Flesh could make him more than just strong?

What if it could make him invincible?

Hope’s eyes hardened as he forced the thought aside. The technique was dangerous—he knew that there was no free lunch in the world, the technique was so strong that the price to pay had be high.

The risks outweighed the potential benefits.

But the temptation to seek out that power, to transcend the limits of mortal flesh, was overwhelming.

As Hope completed his training for the day, he found himself walking to his father’s study once more.

His steps were heavy, each one a silent battle against the pull of the ancient technique. It was like an invisible force that guided his feet, pulling him towards the study, towards the box, towards the scroll that beckoned him.

The study was dim, the only light coming from the flickering candles on the desk.

Hope’s fingers hovered over the box as he paused in the doorway. This time, there was no hesitation.

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No more inner debate.

He reached for the box, his hand trembling slightly as he felt the familiar weight of it. It was almost as if the box was alive, responding to his touch.

He sat down at the desk, unwrapping the scroll with a sense of reverence. The ancient characters seemed to glow faintly in the candlelight, as though they were greeting him.

His heart raced as he unfurled the parchment and began to read, his eyes tracing the words with a growing sense of purpose.

The Path of Eternal Flesh was unlike anything he had ever encountered. It wasn’t just about physical power—it was about transforming the very essence of his being.

The technique spoke of unlocking the hidden potential of the body, of transcending mortal limits and becoming something more. A being of flesh and bone, yes, but one that could endure anything, withstand any force, and grow stronger with every challenge.

Hope could feel the power emanating from the scroll, coursing through his veins like fire. It was as if the technique was calling to him, coaxing him to embrace it, to let go of his fears and doubts and step into a new realm of power.

His fingers clenched around the scroll as his breath quickened.

‘What would it feel like to be invincible?’ he thought.

To stand above all others, to never fear death or defeat? The path was clear but was he ready to pay the price?

The room seemed to close in around him as the power of the technique began to fill his senses. Hope closed his eyes, allowing the sensation to wash over him.

His body felt like it was on the edge of something immense, as though a great transformation was about to take place.

But just as quickly as the surge of power had come, it receded, leaving Hope breathless and uncertain. His mind clouded with doubt.

He had always been taught that cultivation was about balance, about refining the body and spirit together.

What if this path was a lie, a false promise?

What if, by following it, he would lose himself, his very humanity?

Hope stood up abruptly, pushing the scroll away from him. The temptation had been overwhelming, but now, in the light of reason, he could see the dangers clearly.

He had been warned—this path was not meant for someone like him. It was an ancient technique, one used in an era long past when body cultivation was the only path to power.

He closed his eyes, steadying his breath, and forced himself to calm his racing thoughts.

As Hope left the study, his father’s voice echoed in his mind. "Focus on your true potential. Never lose sight of what you truly desire." Castian’s words were a constant reminder of the weight Hope carried—the future of the Fallen family rested on his shoulders.

Hope stepped outside into the cool night air, gazing up at the stars. For a brief moment, the weight of the world seemed to vanish. He was alone with his thoughts, and in that solitude, he realized something important.

He had to make his choice. The Path of Eternal Flesh could give him the strength to stand above all others, but it could also consume him. If he followed it, he might never be the same again.

The road ahead was unclear, but Hope knew one thing for certain: the journey to true power was never simple. It was filled with temptation, sacrifice, and, ultimately, the choice of what kind of person one would become.

With that thought, Hope turned back to the estate, the ancient technique still burning in his mind.

He would not forget it. And when the time came, he would choose his path.