Aiden Knight's POV
I stare at the four gleaming pills resting in the ancient bronze cauldron. Two of them pulse with spiritual energy so pure it makes my previous creations look like children's toys.
"Clara, I need you to step back."
She doesn't argue. The intensity in my voice tells her exactly how serious this moment is. I pick up one of the enhanced pills, feeling its concentrated power humming against my palm.
Without hesitation, I swallow it.
The effect is immediate and overwhelming. Spiritual energy floods through my meridians like liquid fire. My cultivation base, already at the fifth level of the Soul Opening Realm, begins to tremble and expand.
Pain shoots through my body as my spiritual channels widen to accommodate the massive influx of power. I drop to one knee, gritting my teeth as the pill's energy tears through every fiber of my being.
"Aiden!" Clara starts toward me, but I hold up a hand to stop her.
