Chapter 13: The True Effects of the Primordial Body Technique – All for One
Shen Yuan took his first steps into the pitch-black cave, the air growing hotter with each step he took. The darkness wrapped around the tunnel like a passage leading deep into the earth. Yet to his surprise, he realized he could still see—the outlines and shapes were clear to his eyes. That had never been possible before. The wolf essence had changed something in his senses.
Every breath he drew was filled with chaotic energy that pressed on his chest like a wall of raw power. He knew its source—the spiritual herb the elder had once told him about. With every step forward, that aura grew heavier and denser, as though it were testing his resolve.
After a long trek that seemed endless—five hundred meters, maybe more—the tunnel suddenly widened into a vast stone hall. Shen Yuan stopped, eyes widening in awe.
In its center lay a deep pool, its surface boiling like a demonic cauldron. Crimson steam rose in scorching waves that could melt steel, and from its heart bloomed a radiant lotus. Each petal glowed like living embers, its infernal aura shaking the entire cavern with fiery presence.
Shen Yuan's heartbeat quickened. His gaze locked onto the flower.
He whispered in astonishment, "So... this is the treasure."
But before he could take a step closer, a calm voice echoed in his mind—so familiar it sent chills down his spine:
"That… is the Infernal Flame Lotus."
His body stiffened. He almost leapt to his feet, gripping his sword with trembling muscles.
"Who's there?!" he shouted, fear filling his voice.
The reply came with calm weight:
"Be still. I am… the one you call Elder. I see what you see, hear what you hear, and now speak directly to your mind."
Shen Yuan gasped sharply, his heart still racing from shock.
"Elder?! Then… you can hear me too?"
A faint chuckle resonated in his consciousness, as if the elder had expected his reaction.
"Of course. Focus your thoughts, and I will hear your words."
Shen Yuan closed his eyes briefly, then thought carefully: Can you hear me now?
"Perfectly." The answer came instantly, followed by the elder's steady tone:
"Now… set aside your surprise. Tell me, do you understand the value of this lotus?"
Shen Yuan shook his head, swallowing nervously.
"No… I don't."
The elder sighed softly.
"The Infernal Flame Lotus is a treasure born of pure yin-yang fire essence, though it leans toward the flame. It can forge pills granting great fire resistance—or weapons infused with elemental might. But that is not what matters to you. What matters is that it will solidify the foundation of your Primordial Body Technique and serve as the key to awakening your fire element."
Shen Yuan inhaled sharply, eyes widening.
"Awaken… the fire element? You mean… I'll be able to control fire?"
A light chuckle echoed in his mind.
"In time, you'll understand. For now, know this: not all worlds are like yours. Some thrive on spiritual energy, as you know. Others revolve around mana, raw vitality, or higher laws entirely. Magic is one of these paths—vast and diverse—elemental, enhancement, summoning, curses… endless. This Infernal Lotus will open that door, letting you take your first step into that realm."
Shen Yuan's thoughts swirled.
"Magic…" he murmured, struggling to grasp the unbelievable.
"If that's true… then the power before me is greater than I ever imagined."
The elder's tone sharpened, carrying firm authority:
"But do not be reckless. The lotus is not to be consumed now. Possess it, guard it until you reach the peak of the Spiritual Foundation Realm. Only then will your body be ready."
Shen Yuan bowed his head, the elder's authority calming him. He wasn't foolish enough to ignore such guidance.
He approached the pool; the heat lashed at his skin like invisible tongues of flame. Swallowing hard, he removed his upper garments, sweat streaming down his body before he entered.
"This is the trial of your Primordial Body," the elder whispered. "If you cannot withstand this heat… you do not deserve the path."
Shen Yuan clenched his fists and leapt into the boiling pool.
SSSSHHHH!
Steam exploded violently around him, yet he did not scream. He gritted his teeth and endured the burning pain that engulfed his flesh. It was as though a thousand fiery needles pierced every pore, threatening to melt him alive. Still, his body held firm—drawing strength from devouring the very essence that sought to destroy him.
He pushed forward, swimming toward the center. Every stroke felt like chains of molten iron dragging him down. He roared in silence, eyes locked on the glowing lotus at the heart of the inferno.
Each meter was a victory of willpower. The searing heat grew unbearable, but then he realized something incredible—the Primordial Body Technique had activated instinctively, circulating energy through his meridians and shielding his organs from collapse.
At last, he reached the lotus. Its petals opened slowly, breathing rhythmically, pulsing with crimson flame. He reached out, then froze. How do I pluck it without destroying it?
The elder's voice reassured him:
"Take the small seed drifting beside it. Let the lotus remain here. That is the wiser choice."
Looking closer, Shen Yuan spotted a small bud floating near the stem, glowing faintly red. He gently took it and stored it in his spatial ring. When the elder didn't rebuke him, relief washed over him.
"Excellent," the elder praised. "You have passed the first trial of the Primordial Body. Remember, the road ahead is long… but you have taken one more step toward what you are destined to become."
Despite the heat scorching his skin, Shen Yuan smiled faintly. He swam back slowly, every cell in his body screaming, yet deep inside he felt a power that would not fade—as if the flames had marked him rather than consumed him.
He crawled out of the pool, steam rising from his charred skin, and collapsed on the stone floor, laughing weakly as he stared at his trembling hand.
He whispered, "I… did it."
And in his mind, the elder's calm, confident voice echoed:
"This is only the beginning. Remember well—'All for One, the Primordial Body' is no ordinary path. You are laying the foundation for a power that will one day transcend worlds."
Shen Yuan lifted his head, eyes blazing with determination. Deep inside, he knew this moment would
never be forgotten.
It was the moment his body—and his fate—truly began to change.