A test fight was proposed. Suraj's Chaos Pearl flared instinctively, and he easily countered the attacks of multiple disciples. Respect, and fear, was earned.
That night, Suraj felt a sinister presence near the sect. Dark cultivators were probing the ruins, searching for power.
The Chaos Pearl throbbed violently. Suraj could feel danger in every cell. He tried communicating with Wang Lin, but the boy was asleep. Suraj had to act alone.
Using chaotic flames, he set traps, eliminating the threat silently. This was his first taste of solo survival, and he discovered the pearl's stealth abilities.
Training became more rigorous. Wang Lin pushed Suraj to his limits, testing combat reflexes.
During sparring, Suraj instinctively predicted movements, dodging and countering with uncanny speed. The Chaos Pearl seemed to read the flow of battle, giving him preternatural instincts.
Wang Lin nodded approvingly: "You are no longer just my brother… you are a warrior of fate."
A wandering disciple, Lin Feng, approached Suraj. Initially hostile, he challenged Suraj, seeking to claim the Chaos Pearl.
The battle was fierce. Suraj unleashed a fragment of the pearl's chaotic energy, shaking the valley. Lin Feng was stunned, realizing Suraj was not to be underestimated.
By the end, they forged an uneasy friendship—and a rivalry that would push Suraj to grow faster.
Late at night, Suraj meditated, connecting with the Chaos Pearl.
Visions of an ancient civilization flashed before his eyes, revealing cultivation techniques lost for centuries. The pearl whispered: "Master me, and you can surpass gods. Misuse me, and you will become chaos incarnate."
Suraj realized: the pearl was not just a tool—it was a path to ultimate power, but with tremendous risk.
The following morning, Suraj attempted his first real breakthrough. He channeled the Chaos Pearl's energy into his primordial core. Qi surged, bones cracked painfully, yet he stabilized, forming his chaos-enhanced cultivation foundation.
Wang Lin looked on, impressed: "You are ready for the world beyond this valley. But remember, danger awaits at every step."