Xiwen and his brothers, hearts heavy with the weight of Master Tianangang's impending departure, finally noticed the colossal presence curled in the shadowed corner of the Skyrend Sanctuary. Normally, their honed perception would have detected Holy Evil instantly, but grief had clouded their focus. "Master," Xiwen choked out, voice thick with sorrow, "what… what is that?"
Master Tianangang offered a gentle, weary smile. "Young one's appearance startled even me. Perhaps he is the last of his kind left on this continent. He is Duncei's companion… and a friend to the Skyrend Sect." A *dragon*? The word carried the weight of ancient myth, creatures relegated to crumbling history archives. Yet, Xiwen and the others had no space in their grieving hearts for marvels. Their focus remained solely on the man who had shaped their lives.
"His name is Holy Evil," Master Tianangang continued, his voice gaining a note of command. "Guard this knowledge closely among the Sect. Once matured, he will be a powerful asset to Duncei. Now, go." For the first time, the seven senior Disciples disobeyed their Master. They knelt, silent but for the tears streaking weathered faces, a wordless testament to their profound love and dependence. Master Tianangang felt their anguish resonate deeply within his core.
With a gesture, the heavy Skyrend Blade once wielded by Owen floated into his grasp. "Life Rockforce and death, parting and reunion," he murmured, a serene calm settling over his features. "Owen, your master comes to join you." He clasped his hands, then swept them outward. Pure energy shimmered around Xiwen and the others, lifting them gently but irresistibly and carrying them out through the Sanctuary's massive stone entrance. A final pulse of potent life-energy sealed the entrance shut, preventing their return.
Outside, under the stern peaks of Skyrend Mountain, Zhou broke first, his anguished sobs echoing those of a lost child. The others remained kneeling, heads bowed, silent tears carving tracks through the mountain dust, the air thick with shared, profound grief. Hours crawled by, marked only by ragged breaths and stifled cries. Eventually, Xiwen drew himself up, his knuckles white as he pressed his forehead against the cold stone floor nine times in solemn tribute. Rising, he inhaled deeply, the thin, sharp air grounding him. "Brothers," he declared, his voice rough but resolute. "We return. Master Tianangang's command stands." Slowly, one by one, the Disciples performed their ninefold homage before rising, a somber procession descending the mountain path they had climbed with calm minds hours before. Now, sorrow was their burden.
Back within the Skyrend Academy's advanced forge, Duncei slumped in near exhaustion. He'd meticulously sheared the valuable, ultra-tough membranes of the Great Ravager – the colossal serpent whose defeat had yielded this bounty – using his formidable Construct Manifestation ability. But channelling such potent energy through specialized cellular weaving had drained him to the point where the silvery core of power within his dantian chamber flickered weakly. Beside him, Luping channeled stabilizing energy into his system, helping him replenish.
Yuanping wasn't idle. Using advanced micro-weaving techniques, she'd completed sleek body armor for Girlnshi, Girlnli, and Luyiyi. The latter clutched hers shyly, unable to don it publicly. The brothers, however, moved their shoulders, feeling the lightweight material flex. It felt like tough, supple polymer, surprisingly comfortable and conforming perfectly. All marveled at Duncei's earlier feat; without his specialized Construct Manifestation (Phase Eight Source Flow was exceptional!), preparing the incredibly resilient membranes would have been impossible.
The door hissed open. Xiwen entered, his expression a mask, eyes betraying redness. He spoke directly to Duncei, his tone flat. "Return to the Sanctuary. Master Tianangang summons you."
Duncei, already feeling Luping's energy aiding his recovery, scrambled to his feet. "Yes, Xiwenwen." He hurried out.
Yuanping, always observant, sensed Xiwen's state. "Elder Leaf Xiwen?" she inquired cautiously. "Is Master Tianangang...?"
Xiwen's composure briefly faltered. He remembered Master Tianangang's final instruction: *Protect the hope.* He schooled his features quickly. "He is well. Attend to your tasks." He turned sharply and departed, leaving a ripple of unease.
***
Duncei reached the sanctuary, scaling the rocky path with weary limbs. Inside, Master Tianangang sat in meditative poise, eyes closed. "Grandmaster, I return," Duncei announced, bowing low.
Master Tianangang didn't open his eyes. "You pushed yourself to the brink at the Academy. Reckless with your reserves." A pause. "Sit. Recover. Twenty-seven Source Cycles should suffice. When restored, we speak."
Duncei obeyed, settling onto the central stone platform. He focused inward, drawing upon the faint embers of his power. The silvery core in his lower energy center began to emit a thin thread of vital energy, cycling through established pathways. With each cycle, the core brightened minutely. Within the vast, silent space, broken only by Holy Evil's deep, resonant snores and the faint humming of geothermal energy crystals embedded in the walls, Duncei's strength slowly returned. Time lost meaning.
***
**(Narrative Shift - Celial Spire)**
Six months had bled into the calendar within the Celial Spire's central Sanctum. Pope Mystic stood amidst blinding sacred light radiating from the six-winged angelic projection overhead. Below, suspended within the radiant matrix, was Xianyue. Six months! The Sacred Baptism surpassed even his own legendary three-month ritual centuries ago. Xianyue seemed ethereal, skin translucent, framed by shimmering golden hair. A serene, untouchable aura surrounded her, anointed by destiny. Her chestpiece, the 'Phoenix's Heart', emitted a subtle crimson resonance, subtly absorbing the ambient divine power.
*A prodigy beyond measure,* Pope Mystic thought, awe mixing with strategic glee. *Once the Baptism concludes… what heights will you reach, Xianyue? Perhaps the most formidable Ascendant the Spire has ever known.*
***
Duncei's eyes snapped open. Energy hummed within him, the dantian core restored to its radiant state. "Grandmaster," he announced respectfully, "I am restored."
Master Tianangang studied him, an artist admiring a masterpiece nearing completion. A complex emotion – pride, anticipation, sorrow – flickered in his aged eyes. "Child," he began, the word weighted with finality. "Your time here ends. Heed my final guidance, for your path ahead is critical." Duncei felt a pang of unexpected sorrow. Though he knew his time was limited – the Queen of the Elven Sanctuary awaited – the thought of leaving the man who had transformed him felt like severing an anchor. He nodded, resolve firming within him. "Grandmaster, I am yours to command."
Master Tianangang smiled faintly. "First, tell me, child. What do you perceive of the scope of my power?"
Duncei blinked, caught off guard. "Grandmaster," he stammered, "you are… beyond measure. The most powerful being I know. It seems… impossible anyone could surpass you."
Master Tianangang shook his head slowly. "The world is vast, Duncei. Who knows what ancient powers lie dormant, what beings have transcended elsewhere? But… my power has reached its mortal limits. No further ascension awaits me… here." His gaze became distant. "I journey now to the next state of being. Perhaps there, I may glimpse realms beyond this construct." He sighed. "And you, child… you carry immense potential. Achieving Ninth Stage Source Flow so young… you are hope incarnate."
Duncei frowned, confused. "The next state? Grandmaster, what is it? Can you return? Will I see you again?" A seed of panic took root.
Master Tianangang met his gaze, a profound tenderness softening the wisdom in his eyes. "That state is… unknown. None who ascend ever return or describe it. It is a singularity." He paused, seeing the boy's stricken face. "But listen well, Duncei. If you cultivate your Gift, push beyond the limits we perceive, you *will* reach that state someday. We *will* meet again." His hand rested gently on Duncei's shoulder. "Promise me you will strive. Your promise is my final comfort."
The weight of the vow settled deep in Duncei's soul. "I promise, Grandmaster. I *will* reach your level. I *will* ascend. And I *will* find you again." His gaze held unwavering certainty.
Master Tianangang's smile deepened, the years seeming to lift momentarily. "I know you will." An inner peace seemed to settle upon him. From within his robe, he produced the distinctive holster containing the *Grim Reaper's Fang* – the cursed relic blade Duncei bore. "Few tasks remain. Three burdens I place upon your shoulders." The Master's voice turned grave.
1. **Safeguard the Skyrend Legacy:** "Should adversity threaten our Academy – our sanctuary – stand with them. Fight for their survival." "Of course!" Duncei affirmed instantly.
2. **The Ordeal Against Mystic Mystic Night:** "In five years' time, you *will* face Mystic Mystic Night. You *must* prevail. Do not underestimate yourself, Duncei. Your Manifestation ability – the power to forge constructs of pure vital force – transcends most conventional energies." A fierce light entered the Grandmaster's eyes. "Absorb even a fraction of what I must leave you… perhaps thirty to forty percent… and Mystic Mystic Night *cannot* withstand you. This victory is paramount! It holds the honor of Skyrend… and…" he hesitated, "*your own future happiness.* Protect that key, Duncei. Guard it as your very spirit-core."
Duncei's brow furrowed. "My… happiness? How?" Master Tianangang's cryptic words eluded his understanding. Master Tianangang only smiled enigmatically. "Time reveals all meanings."
3. **The Gathering at the Peak:** "The most critical test comes first. Five winters hence, in the ninth month of the year 999 – before Mystic Mystic Night – you must journey *here*, to Skyrend's summit. Three ancients will arrive. Masters of their paths, old comrades… rivals. Face them. Demonstrate the potency of your Manifestation. Zhuy is less critical here than *proof*. Prove the strength of Skyrend's Path." His gaze pierced Duncei. "Succeed in this, and Mystic Mystic Night fades to insignificance."
"Are they… strong, Grandmaster?" Duncei asked, apprehension stirring. Master Tianangang nodded solemnly. "They are among the few who stand where I once stood. Masters indeed. Strong? Yes." He didn't elaborate that these were the legendary Four Pope Mystics, whose century-spanning rivalry was a pillar of hidden history. The truth would be crushing pressure the boy didn't need. "I will not fail you, Grandmaster," Duncei vowed, sensing the immense gravity of this final task.
Master Tianangang accepted the oath. He drew out the *Reaper's Fang* holster. "I studied this accursed relic closely. Its resonance… its corruption… it feels fundamentally *alien*, a malevolence leaking in from… elsewhere. The sheer negative potential terrifies even me." His expression was grim. "You carry a terrible burden with this. Yet… I cannot deny its power serves when facing true darkness. Against the Shadow Killer Ninja who killed Owen… against forces steeped in darkness… use it. But beware!" His voice hardened. "Never channel beyond the Fourth Execution Sequence without first absorbing *at least* forty percent of my legacy and attaining Ninth Stage Source Flow! The toll, the sheer *alien malevolence* it will unleash… you risk losing yourself entirely. Understand?" Duncei nodded soberly. His recent triumphs using Source Constructs and the powerful Mag-Tech Recurve bow had bolstered his confidence, making reliance on the cursed blade seem less essential.
"Manifestation must remain your core! Master it!" Master Tianangang emphasized. He then produced two large, luminous green crystalline objects. "Eyes of the Great Ravager. Refined bio-crystals of immense life-force potential. Consume one now, before we begin the transfer. The other…" he placed it gently into Duncei's hand, "is for Xianyue. A token." Next came tightly coiled strands of near-invisible silvery bio-cord. "Nervesynapse of the Ravager. Lighter than carbon nanotube, stronger than steel. Keep it. Technology… fate… will reveal its purpose." He retrieved two sets of deep blue, seamlessly articulated body armor. "For you and Xianyue. Made from the Ravager's dermal layers. Self-adjusting nanofibers woven with nervesynapse connectors. Will shield you against all but the most overwhelming kinetic or directed energy impacts." He gestured towards Owen's Skyrend Blade resting against the far wall. "Leave it here, Duncei. Manifestation supersedes it now. Let it guard this place… and watch over me, alongside Owen's memory." A profound finality settled in his eyes. "Now… it is time."
Duncei's anxiety surged. "Grandmaster… transferring your entire essence… are you certain it won't… harm your ascension?" The doubt wouldn't leave him. Master Tianangang met his gaze, calm and absolute. "My essence belongs *here*, Duncei. In the next state, it… dissipates. Better to entrust it to the living conduit of Skyrend's future. Trust me. Focus now! This process is perilous beyond your comprehension." He pressed one of the luminous green crystals into Duncei's palm. "Consume it. Now."
Duncei swallowed the potent bio-crystal. Immediately, a surge of vital energy warmed his core. Master Tianangang's presence became overwhelming. Power, ancient and immeasurable, clamped down, locking Duncei in place. "Empty your mind! Fixate solely on the Source Core within your dantian! Any stray thought risks terminal cascade failure!" Master Tianangang commanded, his voice resonating with the mountain itself. His palm descended upon Duncei's head.
**TORMENT.**
White-hot plasma, thick and suffocating, flooded Duncei's neural pathways, his arterial network. His cells shrieked. It wasn't pain; it was *obliteration*. The silvery core in his dantian core chamber writhed and buckled under the cosmic pressure. His skin erupted, crystalline crimson droplets bursting from every pore, encasing him in a carapace of his own vital fluids in seconds. Every nerve screamed pure agony.
Master Tianangang saw the physical overload, the imminent cellular rupture. The boy couldn't hold it! He slammed internal regulators, forcing the tidal wave of his own decades-honed energy to divert, to coalesce into a searing white star forming in Duncei's chest cavity. Not the dantian, but a secondary core. The pressure eased only fractionally. Duncei's body convulsed like a puppet in a magnetic storm. Then the shimmering ring on Duncei's left hand – the Guardian's Band – pulsed softly. A stabilizing resonance emanated, shielding Duncei's fragile systems, reinforcing cellular walls against the astronomical input. Relief washed over Master Tianangang. *Yes! Anchor the vessel!* Now unleashed, he poured the entirety of his remaining life force – the blazing sun forged over a century – into the boy. The air crackled, ionized. The rock beneath them glowed faintly.
***
**One Week Later**
At dawn, Xiwen and his brothers stood vigil outside the Sanctuary entrance. The resonant energy leaking through the ancient stone had shifted, become unstable. Abruptly, a blinding white beam, sharp as a laser, lanced skyward from the Sanctuary peak, punching a momentary hole in the low clouds. As quickly as it appeared, it vanished. The overwhelming sense of power dissipated like mist. Silence. Absolute.
Fear, cold and sharp, stabbed through Xiwen. "Inside! NOW!" He phased through the entrance seal, his brothers close behind.
The scene within froze their blood. Duncei sat in meditation atop the central stone platform, radiating a subdued white aura like cool fusion. His clothing was blackened, stiff with dried bio-fluid residue. A sharp, metallic scent hung thick. Before him lay two sets of deep blue armor – sleek, seamless, unmistakably crafted from hyper-advanced materials. Resting atop them was a radiant green bio-crystal, pulsing softly. Beside the armor lay a dense coil of silvery micro-cable.
A little further away lay the unmistakable, faintly sinister holster of the *Reaper's Fang*, the obsidian gem on its pommel catching the internal lights and reflecting them with an unsettling chill. Holy Evil dozed peacefully in his alcove. But Master Tianangang…
**Master Tianangang was gone.**
Zhou, driven by panic and grief, lunged towards the meditating Duncei. "Duncei! WAKE UP! Where is he?!" Xiwen's reaction was lightning-fast. He intercepted Zhou, a stasis field momentarily immobilizing him. "You fool!" Xiwen hissed, eyes wild with shared grief but overriding discipline. "He's channeling stabilized *Master Tianangang's Essence*! Disrupt the harmonics, and we risk losing both him AND the Legacy! Master Tianangang's sacrifice… would be for nothing! *WE WAIT!*" Zhou slumped in Xiwen's grip, anguish twisting his face. They turned as one to stare at Duncei, bathed in borrowed light, the silent question screaming in the chamber's newly found emptiness: *Where is the Grandmaster? What price did he pay?*