In the golden rays of the sun, on the raw path of the forest, Snehwal and Lily were walking together.
In Snehwal's mind, countless questions were rising, but understanding Lily's behavior and her broken heart, he did not think it right to ask anything.
Yet, deep inside he knew that something was there… some great secret, which Lily did not want to reveal.
After some time, both reached in front of an ancient cave.
The mouth of the cave was completely closed, and countless mantras were inscribed upon it.
From outside, the cave looked dilapidated and abandoned.
Without saying anything, Lily raised her hand.
Her energy flowed into the mantras written on the stone of the cave.
In an instant, the mantras lit up with brilliance, and the heavy door groaned and slowly began to open.
From inside the cave, a strange radiance spread—
as if countless gems were scattered within,
or as if some supernatural power had awakened from its slumber there.
Seeing the brilliance, Snehwal covered his eyes.
It was not easy for him to bear that dazzling light.
But on Lily's face there was a glimpse of joy.
Her eyes sparkled for a moment—
as if she was seeking her strength within that very radiance.
She immediately caught Snehwal's hand and led him inside.
Inside the cave, countless shining stones were scattered.
Among them were some faint green stones,
which could prove to be the most beneficial for Snehwal.
Lily said,
"Sit here.
There are countless stones, each filled with energy.
Whichever one feels right to you, that is yours.
After all, all this is ours—the treasure of our clan."
Yet uneasiness was clearly visible on her face.
As if some deep thought troubled her,
and the very act of thinking about it brought fear.
Snehwal looked at her carefully and understood in his heart—
"There is indeed something wrong.
From now on I must keep an eye on her.
Since morning she has been up unusually early,
her face restless…
and near the lake, I noticed the footprints of someone else.
Surely, someone had been here."
Snehwal, without saying anything, picked up a few light green stones and sat down right there, drawing their energy into his body.
Lily went further inside the cave.
Inside, there were some human skeletons lying on the ground.
Undoubtedly, these were the very first Madna Yakshinis,
who were now regarded as ancestors.
Seeing them, Lily bowed her head and murmured with reverence,
"I will always remain grateful for giving me this legacy of the Madna Yakshini…
But will I be able to live up to it as you did?
Will I be able to fulfill the promise I have made or not…
If I fail, then I will myself come to you."
Saying this, she returned to Snehwal.
Meanwhile, Snehwal had already used many energy-stones.
Suddenly, there was a loud explosion—
and his first stage broke through into the second stage.
Seeing this, joy spread across Snehwal's face.
But at that very moment, Lily's face flared up with anger.
She stepped forward and slapped him hard.
"Fool!
What have you done?
Now you won't be able to break through further.
You have taken cultivation as a joke!
Even with costly resources, we struggle for six months
just to break one level…
And you shattered an entire stage in just two days!"
Hearing Lily's scolding, Snehwal was terrified.
He muttered to himself,
"My body feels fine…
Then why is she beating me up?"
Lili turned her back and sat down on the ground.
Snehwal, out of fear, did not say anything.
He just kept staring at the palms of his hands and his fingers.
Suddenly, he heard a faint sobbing sound.
He panicked and rushed in front of Lily.
But there were no tears in Lily's eyes.
In her eyes, it seemed as if flames of rage were blazing,
as though blood itself had risen in them.
Snehwal slowly stepped forward and sat down beside her.
Then he wrapped Lily in his arms.
Lily seemed like a lifeless statue.
Snehwal said in a soft voice,
"Whatever it is, tell me.
Share your pain with me.
Now we are travelers on the same path…
If we journey together, time itself will slip by unnoticed.
What do you say?"
Lily gave no reply.
Then Snehwal gently pushed her a little away,
just enough for her to feel the warmth of his breath.
Then, making a small guess, he said,
"What is it… what did he say this morning?"
Hearing this, Lily was startled,
as if Snehwal had overheard everything from the morning.