The sea of fire vanished and the searing heat finally faded, It's then when Kai finally awoke, lying atop blackened stone—outside the gate.
His body trembled, his hair singed, his robes nearly ashes.But he was smiling. Because now… he had his own Martial Intent.
In the cultivation world, there were many paths. The Immortal Path was one of longevity, control, and refinement—rising by attuning oneself to natural laws, absorbing heavenly energy, mastering divine techniques, and eventually comprehending Dao in its pure, cosmic form.
Immortal cultivators built their strength on Essences—of fire, water, space, time, karma, or sword—abstract truths gathered through long enlightenment, often borrowed from the world around them. The more profound their comprehension, the more powerful their Essence became. But no matter how sublime, these were drawn from the world's will, not their own.
But the Martial Path was different.
It did not kneel before heaven. It did not ask for permission.
