As the Deadfire Lion let out a low, rumbling growl and turned back toward its cave, Uttar remained hidden, his breath steady and controlled. Even as the towering beast's massive form disappeared into the darkness of its lair, he didn't move immediately. His body stayed perfectly still, every muscle tense, his mind racing as he analyzed the situation.
The entire forest had fallen into an eerie silence, as if nature itself feared the lion's presence. No magical creatures dared to wander near the cave. Even those that had been lurking in the shadows had already fled. The overwhelming dominance of a Chakra 7 predator was unquestionable—it was the undisputed ruler of this land.
Uttar slowly exhaled, his sharp gaze fixed on the cave entrance. The beast had retreated, but the lingering pressure in the air reminded him of the danger that still lurked within. There was no doubt in his mind—this creature wasn't simply living in that cave out of habit.
"That creature… it's not just residing there. It's protecting something," Uttar murmured under his breath, his eyes narrowing.
The way the lion reacted, the way it roared with such aggression, and the way it scared off every other beast in the forest—it was clear. This was more than just its den. It was a guarded territory.
"A treasure?" Uttar thought. The possibility made his heartbeat quicken.
Beasts of such high rank rarely acted this way unless they had something worth protecting. It could be a rare artifact, an ancient cultivation scroll, or even a powerful medicinal herb—something so valuable that even the Deadfire Lion, a creature of supreme strength, considered it worthy of its protection.
His curiosity burned. What could be hidden in that cave?
But then, a cold realization struck him.
"Even if it's a treasure… right now, I'm no match for that lion. Even if I use my strongest techniques, I wouldn't last a second against a 7th Chakra beast."
His fists clenched at the thought. The gap in power was too vast. The Deadfire Lion wasn't just a magical creature; it was a supreme predator, one whose raw strength could crush him in an instant. No amount of clever footwork or precise strikes would matter if his body couldn't endure even a single attack.
Still, the fire in his heart refused to fade. He had come too far to turn back now.
"If I want to stand even the slightest chance of surviving an encounter with that beast… I need to reach the 5th Chakra—Vishuddha Chakra."
It was a critical threshold. Every Chakra stage was a monumental leap in power. While reaching the 5th Chakra wouldn't make him strong enough to defeat the lion, it would at least give him the ability to endure—to escape if needed.
He wasn't reckless enough to think he could win. Not yet.
But survival… that was possible.
And right now, that was all he needed.
"I've already hunted countless magical creatures, and my chakra has reached its peak at the 4th stage. I just need one last push… one final step to break through!"
His mind was set. His body was ready.
But there was one problem—breaking through required absolute focus.
Unlike simple training or battle, advancing to the next chakra stage meant channeling and refining an immense surge of energy within his body. It was a delicate process. If anything disturbed him during this crucial moment, the backlash could be severe—his energy could spiral out of control, leading to internal injuries, chakra instability, or, in the worst-case scenario, a complete failure to advance.
If that happened, he would be stuck at the peak of the 4th Chakra indefinitely.
His brows furrowed. He needed to find a safe spot.
A place where he wouldn't be disturbed.
A place where he could sit in peace, refine his chakra, and push himself past his current limits.
The deeper parts of the forest were too unpredictable—too many creatures, too many threats lurking in the shadows. He needed somewhere isolated yet secure, a hidden location where no magical beasts would randomly appear.
Uttar moved swiftly through the dense forest, his senses heightened as he searched for the perfect place to undergo his breakthrough. He needed solitude, a place untouched by magical creatures, where he could focus entirely on refining his chakra without external disturbances.
After some time, he found a small hidden valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and dense foliage. A gentle stream flowed nearby, its rhythmic murmurs creating a serene atmosphere. The natural energy in this place was pure and undisturbed, making it ideal for his training.
"This is it," Uttar thought as he stepped into the valley. He carefully surveyed his surroundings, ensuring no creatures lurked nearby. Once he confirmed it was safe, he sat cross-legged on the cool grass, closed his eyes, and began his meditation.
The Path to Vishuddha Chakra
Vishuddha Chakra—the 5th chakra, the symbol of space.
Unlike the previous chakras, which dealt with physical and elemental mastery, Vishuddha was different. It transcended the boundaries of the body, allowing cultivators to connect with the vastness of existence itself.
Uttar took a deep breath, his mind diving deep into his own being.
He could feel the flow of energy coursing through him, pulsating like an endless river. His consciousness expanded, reaching into every corner of his existence—his organs, his blood, his cells, his energy flow, and even the elemental essence within him.
He focused on each part, understanding them, refining them.
His breath became slow and steady.
His heartbeat synchronized with the natural rhythm of the world.
Time lost meaning.
The days and nights blurred together as Uttar remained in his unchanging meditative posture, his will unwavering.
The Moment of Breakthrough
Two days passed.
Uttar remained still. He hadn't moved an inch, yet his entire being was transforming.
Suddenly—
BOOOOM!
An explosive force burst from his body, sending shockwaves through the valley. The very air trembled as a wave of energy surged outward, causing the nearby trees to sway violently.
A brilliant blue light surrounded him, radiating like a miniature sun. His body felt lighter, stronger, more refined. The limits that once bound him had shattered.
He had ascended to the 5th Chakra.
His eyes snapped open, glowing with newfound power.
Uttar rose to his feet, his body feeling rejuvenated, his senses sharper than ever.
A confident smirk appeared on his lips.
"Now… it's time to face the lion."