B1C32: Crystal Ball Upgrade

Inside the Crystal Ball space, Caleb's ethereal body materialized in the vast expanse of the void. The sheer magnitude of the space filled him with awe as if he stood at the precipice of an infinite abyss. The soft glow of the surroundings created an otherworldly atmosphere, casting ethereal shadows that danced with otherworldly grace. He could almost feel the gentle caress of the ambient energy against his skin, tingling with a subtle warmth that permeated the air.

Caleb's gaze swept across the space, his eyes alight with memories of countless hours spent honing his skills within these sacred confines. It was here that he had embarked on his journey, pushing the boundaries of his abilities and striving for greater heights. Now, on the precipice of a new phase in his cultivation, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.

Suddenly, as if summoned by his very thoughts, the figures of Spearmaster, Faithmaster, Bodymaster, and Heartmaster materialized in their usual positions. Each figure exuded an aura of wisdom and mastery. The training area materialized alongside them, a space that had witnessed countless battles and breakthroughs.

But there was something different this time. Caleb's eyes widened as he noticed additional clones materializing one by one. Each clone represented a skill he had recently acquired. The Crystal Ball space itself seemed to respond to this influx of clones. It underwent a subtle transformation, creating distinct zones where each clone could reside and train. The atmosphere shifted, charged with electric energy that crackled in the air. Caleb couldn't help but marvel at the intricate design of the space, a harmonious blend of ethereal beauty and practical functionality.

As Caleb took in the scene before him, his mind was suddenly flooded with a surge of enlightenment. It was as if someone had forcefully injected information directly into his consciousness. He furrowed his brow, searching for the source of this newfound knowledge, but the space remained still and silent. The realization struck him, the Crystal Ball itself must be the conduit through which this information flowed. It was a reminder of the mystique and power held within its crystalline depths.

With a sense of purpose, Caleb turned his attention to the clones, each engaged in their respective training. The clone practising the Lightning Dash Skill moved with incredible speed and precision, honing the basic-level skill to a level far surpassing what was written in the skill book. Caleb could hear the faint rush of wind as the clone dashed from one end of the training area to the other, leaving an afterimage in its wake.

In the Lightning Cage and Lightning Prison zones, other clones displayed their skills, seamlessly weaving between offence and defence, their movements fluid and calculated. The sound of their strikes echoed through the space, a symphony of martial prowess that resonated with Caleb's soul. The rhythmic thuds and the crackling energy filled his ears, a testament to their mastery of combat techniques.

The Bodymaster continued his relentless pursuit of physical perfection, using blessing skills to refine his body and stretching poses to enhance flexibility. A surge of electricity coursed through Bodymasters form, illuminating the space with a mesmerizing glow. The crackling of lightning filled the air, accompanied by the faint hum of energy flowing through the clone's body. Caleb watched with keen interest as the new clone harnessed the knowledge from the Acts scripture, tapping into the very essence of world energy to fortify his flesh.

Meanwhile, the Faithmaster delved deep into the Revelation scripture, his focus unwavering as he pushed towards unlocking the last three meridians. Caleb admired the Faithmaster's unwavering determination, knowing that this milestone would bring him closer to the peak of this world. With each mantra recited Caleb could almost feel the resonance of Faith Energy vibrating in the air, creating a sense of harmony and tranquillity.

The Heartmaster, on the other hand, seemed locked in a cycle of repetition. He recited verses from the Songs of Solomon with unwavering devotion, his voice carrying a mix of melancholy and determination. Caleb understood the complexity of deciphering the lost third verse, realizing that it would require time and patience to unravel its secrets. For now, he made a mental note to revisit this clone's training at a later stage. The melody of the verses lingered in the air, a haunting yet enchanting tune that stirred Caleb's emotions.

Amidst the flurry of activity, one clone stood motionless in the centre of the space, eyes closed as if in deep meditation. Its presence seemed enigmatic, shrouded in mystery and purpose yet to be unveiled. A gentle breeze swept through the space, causing the clone's robes to flutter softly, creating an ethereal ambience.

The once-quiet space had transformed into a hive of activity, brimming with energy and determination. Caleb observed his clones with a mix of pride and anticipation, knowing that the fruits of their labour would contribute to his growth. Time was a precious commodity within the Crystal Ball space, and he intended to utilize every moment to its fullest.

Moving toward the glass platform, an exquisite replica of the one he had encountered in the imperial pools, Caleb settled into a cross-legged position. The cool surface beneath him radiated soothing energy, a testament to the upgrade the Crystal Ball had received for absorbing vast amounts of Faith Energy in the imperial pools, the glass-like structure was a manifestation of Caleb's heart cultivation level, Heart like Glass. It was a physical reminder of his progress, a tangible representation of his ascendance.

Caleb sat on the platform and entered a surreal state of mind where he could learn multiple skills at once. He felt a surge of anticipation as he discovered a fascinating ability - to summon smaller versions of himself from within his own body. Excited to explore this newfound power, he summoned a few mini Calebs to stand by his side.

Caleb took a deep breath and felt a strong connection forming between his consciousness and his mini-versions. These mini Calebs were extensions of himself whose purpose was to gather knowledge and experiences and transfer them seamlessly back to his mind. This was an invaluable gift that helped accelerate his growth.

A surge of excitement coursed through Caleb's veins as he contemplated the significance of this newfound ability. Was it mere coincidence that he had received such a gift at this crucial juncture when his attention was needed in multiple directions? Or was it a testament to the Crystal Ball's watchful eye, its guidance extending beyond the confines of the physical world? Countless questions swirled in his mind, the answers elusive for now. But Caleb knew he couldn't afford to dwell on them any longer, it was time to focus on the task at hand.

Sending forth his smaller versions to learn from the clones, Caleb closed his eyes, allowing his body and mind to find solace in the embrace of rest. Hours passed as he sought rejuvenation, his mental strength gradually replenishing as world energy circulated his ethereal body, mending the puncture wound inflicted during his arduous training.

When Caleb finally felt ready to resume his cultivation, he opened his eyes with renewed determination. He began by reviewing the process employed by the Bodymaster in refining the physical form. The blessing skills, fueled by Faith Energy, worked from within, enhancing the body's strength through a delicate balance of destruction and creation. The stretching poses ensured flexibility, a vital component of well-rounded cultivation.

On the other hand, the new clone's utilization of world energy offered an outward-to-inward enhancement, fortifying the body's external layers and imbuing them with enhanced resilience. It was a testament to the intricate relationship between the cultivator and the world around them.

An idea took root in Caleb's mind: a merging of these two methods into a unified cultivation technique. The book emphasized the use of world energy to refine the body after subjecting it to stress, similar to his experiences in the imperial pool where faith energy had catalyzed body refinement. The destructive aspect of the blessing skills resonated with his practice of the Acts Scripture, creating a potential synergy that ignited his imagination.

Eager to put his theory into practice, Caleb activated the Lightning Body within his ethereal body. A surge of electric energy coursed through him, crackling with raw power. Unlike the usual Thunderbolts or strikes, this new skill required constant channelling, making the Lightning Body skill a more suitable foundation. The impact of the skill caused a significant amount of stress on his ethereal form, but he pushed through, his determination unwavering.

Within his body, a web of lightning spread, enveloping every corner with its electrifying energy. Bones, muscles, flesh, and blood all responded to the electric current, undergoing a transformative process. The crackling of electricity filled the air, accompanied by the faint scent of ozone.

Simultaneously, Caleb delved into the depths of his mind, drawing upon the Acts Scripture to harness and refine the world's energy. The Scripture's teachings flooded his consciousness, intertwining with the lightning coursing through his body. It was as if his very being became a conduit, channelling the essence of the world and merging it with the destructive power of the lightning.

The path was not without its hurdles. Failure greeted Caleb with each attempt, but he knew that each misstep brought him closer to success. Hours turned into a blur as he tirelessly experimented, gradually developing the new skill. Although mastery still eluded him, he could now channel lightning within his body while harnessing the world's energy to heal any injuries incurred in the process. It opened a new wave of foundation refining, further solidifying his status as a Heaven Ranked Body cultivator.

Aware that maintaining the skill required constant activation, Caleb resolved to devote himself entirely to its refinement. He sought to reach a level where the skill could remain perpetually active, activated with a single thought. The process demanded unwavering focus, but Caleb's determination burned brightly, fueled by the prospect of survival in the face of Reya's impending onslaught.

With each usage, Caleb's proficiency grew, the skill becoming an inseparable part of him. He marvelled at its perfection, realizing that his ample reserves of faith energy, coupled with the Revelation Scripture, ensured he would never run dry. He christened this new skill the Lightning Body Enhancement Skill, a testament to its electrifying nature.

In addition to the physical transformation, Caleb discovered another remarkable aspect of the skill; the ability to attach his awareness to the chain lightning. By doing so, he expanded his perception, creating a domain of influence that extended roughly five meters around his body. The crackling static energy in the air heightened his senses, allowing him to sense threats beyond his physical form. The faint buzzing of electricity served as a constant reminder of the Lightning Domain's presence.

Collecting his thoughts, Caleb activated both the Lightning Domain and the Lightning Body Enhancement Skill. A cascade of miniature lightning snakes danced their way across his body, imbuing him with an aura of raw power and electrical energy. The crackling of electricity intensified, creating a symphony of pops and sizzles that reverberated throughout the space.