Chapter 2: First Trial of Survival
Suraj followed Wang Lin through the valley. The corpses of fallen cultivators reminded him that this world was merciless.
"If you want to survive, you must learn fast," Wang Lin said, eyes sharp.
Suraj's Chaos Pearl pulsed violently. He realized that it reacted to danger.
Their first challenge was a wild Bloodfang Beast. Suraj instinctively drew the pearl's energy. Flames of chaotic essence erupted from his chest, scorching the beast. Wang Lin's eyes widened—he had never seen such power in a novice.
By the end of the battle, Suraj had learned: his Chaos Pearl could amplify his strength, but overuse risked his life.
Wang Lin and Suraj camped under the ruins of an ancient shrine.
"We are brothers now. I will train you," Wang Lin said.
Suraj nodded. This bond wasn't just emotional—it was a lifeline in a world where betrayal lurked in every shadow.
That night, under the starry sky, the Chaos Pearl whispered secrets of cultivation techniques unknown to the living world. Suraj felt a surge of potential.
The next day, Wang Lin guided Suraj to a hidden spring.
"Focus your qi, feel the energy of the world," Wang Lin instructed.
The Chaos Pearl resonated with Suraj's first cultivation attempt. His qi flowed unevenly, but the pearl stabilized it, allowing him to form a primordial energy core. Wang Lin smiled. Suraj had a rare talent—the pearl made him a prodigy.
As Suraj trained, Wang Lin introduced him to his fellow sect disciples.
"He's my sworn brother," Wang Lin declared. Some disciples sneered, some curious. Suraj's aura radiated danger, and whispers began: "That boy… the Chaos Pearl… he is not ordinary."