52 The Three Methods
Currently, all three of them have successfully cultivated to the 23rd Apex Point in the Natal Realm. Just one barrier remains between the current and the next realm, the 24th Apex Point.
The 24th Apex Point is a mysterious one, located at the centre of a person's forehead. Why is it mysterious? Because it deals with an aspect of the Elemental Laws.
The Elemental Laws are the fundamental principles that govern the behaviour, manipulation, and the interaction of the elemental energies. However, as one delves deeper, they will realize the intricacies and depth of understanding to truly master these laws. Something that seemed simple was not always simple.
The understanding and mastery of each Elemental Law were unique and deeply personal to the cultivator. No two individuals could perceive, interpret, or harness the elemental forces in precisely the same way.
While knowledge of these laws could be passed down, true mastery and advancement required unwavering commitment to one's own internal journey, unaffected by external influences.
The cultivation of an Elemental Law was an intimate dance between the cultivator's consciousness and the essence of the element itself. It was a pursuit that demanded introspection, self-discovery, and the unwavering resolve to forge an authentic connection with the elemental energies.
The ideas, concepts, and interpretations of the cultivators would naturally diverge, shaped by their unique experiences, perspectives, and innate qualities.
While guidance and teachings from masters and predecessors were invaluable, they could only serve as signposts on the path.
The true breakthroughs and revelations came from within, through a deep exploration of one's own understanding and personal relationship with the elemental forces.
Of course, it was still too early in the trio's cultivation journey to even contemplate reaching the pinnacle of understanding and harnessing these profound forces. They'd have to wait until they successfully reached the Elemental Fusion Realm.
-In Ray's cultivation room-
Ray was primed and ready to unlock the 24th Apex Point. He took the only Elite-Grade Spiritual Beryl and consumed it to fill the deficiency in Energy Points.
As the energy coursed through his veins, Ray could feel a surge of vitality and strength filling every fibre of his being. He could sense the deficiency in his Energy Points being replenished.
"System?" Ray didn't need to voice his request explicitly, for the system understood his intentions implicitly.
[Ding]
[Energy Points: 3884/2600]
"Alright!" Ray cracked his fingers in preparation, "Let's do it, system."
[Negative!]
To his surprise, the system denied his request.
[Unlocking the 24th Apex Point is currently impossible.]
Ray was slightly shocked and asked the system, "Wait, why is it impossible?"
[Since you haven't awakened your element(s) yet, it is currently impossible for you to unlock the 24th Apex Point without the presence of Elemental Energies and Elemental Laws.]
The system provided a concise explanation, revealing the crucial missing piece of the puzzle.
"…"
"The fuck?!" Ray exclaimed, his voice echoing with a blend of disappointment, and a touch of humour.
"Hmm…"
Ray asked the system, "Since it's impossible for me to awaken my element or elements right now, what do you think I should do?"
[As per the world's domain level, there are three methods in which you can successfully unlock the 24th Apex Point.]
[The first method, there exists an incredibly rare elemental fruit infused with the potent Elemental Energies and Elemental Laws. If you happen to be in the vicinity of one, the system will duly notify you of its existence.]
[The second method requires you to find certain special areas within the world where an abundance of Elemental Energy and Elemental Laws have transformed the area into a suitable environment for you to unlock the 24th Apex Point. Seek out these areas to increase your chances of success.]
[The third and last method, and also the hardest of the three, is for you to chance upon an encounter with an Elemental Spirit. An Elemental Spirit is a spiritual entity that embodies the essence of a specific element, drawing upon the flow of the Elemental Energy and birthed from the very fabric of Elemental Laws. Forming a connection with an Elemental Spirit can unlock the 24th Apex Point, though such encounters are rare and require perseverance.]
*Sigh*
"Of course, it wouldn't be easy!" Ray sighed, the weight of the unexpected challenge sinking in.
'The system mentioned the third method would be the hardest, so I'll put that in the back of my mind. The second method could be plausible, I just have to gather information and seek out clues from the people. The first method again relies on luck but so far, lady luck seems to be favouring us. Hmm…' Ray mulled over the possibilities, trying to weigh the pros and cons. He was analysing the potential risks and difficulty of each method.
*Knock Knock*
The sudden sound of knocking on Ray's door jolted him out of his contemplation, eliciting a click of annoyance from his tongue. He made his way over to the door and swung it open, only to be greeted by the sight of both Ash and Bryan standing there, with an annoyed and grumpy look on their faces.
Ray raised his eyebrow and amusingly said, "Judging by your expressions, I assume you both have managed to unlocked the 23rd Apex Point but the final one proved to be an absolute pain in the ass."
"Ugh!" Ash let out a dramatic groan, his frustration evident on his face.
Bryan slightly nodded in confirmation, "You got that right."
Ray leaned against the doorway, a wry smile forming on his face. He looked back at the cultivation room and remarked, "Anyways, we were running out of time in the cultivation room. Let's go out and discuss our next course of action."
Both of them nodded and the three made their way out of the Tower of Seclusion. They found a decent spot to sit and discuss what method they were going to go ahead with.
"So, what do you think, Ray?" Ash leaned back, resting his hand on his cheek as he pondered on the options.
Ray was silent for a second before he voiced his perspective on the matter, "I believe the third method would be simply a waste of time if we were to pursue it."
"Yeah, fuck that. I'm not about to spend an eternity trying to find a rare Elemental Spirit." Ash nodded, complete throwing the third method off the hooks.
Bryan dryly agreed, "I agree with him."
Ray anticipated their reactions and continued, offering a potential solution, "For now, I think the first and the second method seems more plausible for us."
"Although they seem plausible, where do we even begin?" Ash asked with a clueless and curious tone.
"I've thought about it." Ray's smile widened as he unveiled his plan, "Remember the other two Forbidden Lands we were planning to visit?"
Bryan's eyes suddenly sparkled with a twinkle as he understood where Ray was going with it. Both he and Ash nodded in unison.
"Yeah, the Illusory Snow Region and the Gods' Rui-" Ash's voice trailed off as his face dawned with realization, "Oh…"
Ray interjected, his smile growing even wider "Yup! The Gods' Ruin, or as some refer to it, the Treasure Trove of Verna."
The trio exchanged glances, their excitement slowly building as they now had a suitable plan to finally unlock the 24th and last Apex Point.
"This better be worth it!" Ray muttered under his breath.
The Gods' Ruin, or the Treasure Trove of Verna, contrary to what people say, is not in this world. Instead, it exists in a pocket of space, hidden away from the public eyes of the world.
The only way to enter the pocket of space is to open the dimensional gate between Planet Verna and the Gods' Ruin. But it is not easily done, as it requires a substantial consumption of resources to unlock the dimensional gate.
Also, only cultivators below the Nucleus Realm can access the Forbidden Land lest they affect the delicate balance that holds the pocket of space together.
As a result, only the prestigious sects and powerful factions possesses the means and influence to allocate slots and determine specific opening times for the entrance to the Gods' Ruin.
The legends whisper of ancient relics, priceless gems, and sacred artifacts imbued with untold power, hidden and scattered away in the Gods' Ruin. The allure of such treasures is in the top priority list amongst the powerful sects and other major factions.
However, with the promise of treasure came the imminent dangers that guarded it jealously. The Gods' Ruin exuded an aura of mystery and peril, shrouded in an enigmatic ambiance that made even the bravest of souls tread cautiously.
Even cultivators in the Prime Obelisk Realm can easily lose their lives, much less the three still at the Natal Realm.
The trio, decided that they had to go back to the Celestial Nirvana Sect and seek an audience with the Ancient Elder. They knew that the Ancient Elder would be their best bet in gaining the permission and slots to enter the Gods' Ruin.
And it also helps to the fact that they are Prime Disciples of the sect.
"Alright, let's leave!"
"Time waits for no man."
"Nor a woman…hehe"
"…"
-In a dimly lit cave somewhere in the midst of a forest-
Bathed in an otherworldly glow, a woman sat in a state of serene meditation. A soft luminescence radiated from her, casting a gentle, ethereal light that illuminated the cave with a mystical aura.
The walls were rugged and uneven, their rough surfaces adorned with aged moss and ancient runes that were recently carved.
Surrounding the floating woman, the ground was strewn with the remains of what appeared to be dried husks. What was creepy was that these husks, were remnants of once-living beings which were scattered haphazardly, their bodies desiccated and lifeless.
Their presence added an eerie and macabre atmosphere to the already mystical scene, a reminder of what the woman had done.
*Exhale*
With a gentle exhale, she parted her lips, revealing a serene expression that played upon her face. As her emerald eyes fluttered open, a peculiar darkness seemed to flicker within their depths.
She spoke with a gentle but melodic voice, "I can feel them…"
The Ethereal Fairy smiled in anticipation, as she felt the sweet satisfaction of knowing that her patience had paid off. Her body shuddered with extreme satisfaction and pleasure knowing their fates.
"It's their time to nourish me."
