Chapter 33: "The Breath of the Ocean"
That night, as the moon hung over the silvery waters of Corathal, Qingsai knelt at the Shrine of Naira, goddess of oceanic truth and guardian of tidebonded spirits.
He offered the waters a single droplet of his blood—symbolizing the binding of his spirit to the Ocean Path.
The shrine whispered.
He felt the ocean speak—not in words, but in rhythm. It pulsed in his chest.
Then he heard a voice, soft and ancient.
> "Soulkindled… you now carry not just the tide, but its truth. Do not forget… the water never lies."
His reflection shimmered—and for a moment, he saw a vision of Yulanis, the spirit goddess sealed within him. Her eyes were gentle, her lips curved in a soft smile.
> "You are beginning to understand," she said. "But this is only the second step."
Qingsai breathed deep. "I'm ready for what's next."