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Sanctuary Of Siama
The light of dawn broke, carrying a newfound promise for the Siama Alliance. Fulfilling his word to Chief Darma, today Ken prepared to relocate the thousands of souls seeking sanctuary into a sanctuary dimension—a realm vastly more expansive, fertile, and completely untouched by the cruelty of the outside world.
Chief Darma had mobilized all commanders to organize the endless columns of refugees. “My Lord, the entire populace has gathered and the vanguard is in formation,” Chief Darma reported, bowing with profound reverence as Ken strode out from the main hall’s grand pillars.
Ken nodded slightly. He raised his right hand, and a statically swirling vortex of golden energy—a colossal dimensional gateway—tore wide open, splitting the village courtyard.
”Very well…” Ken’s gaze swept over the sea of humanity before him. “The portal vortex yonder is the gateway to our new domain. Step inside without a shred of hesitation,” Ken proclaimed, his voice tranquil yet resonating to the furthest corners of the settlement.
He shifted his piercing gaze toward the elders. “However, engrave this into your minds: the moment you cross into that dimension, not a single soul may leave without absolute permission and access seals from the sentries. Uncle Darma, orchestrate their resettlement according to the blueprints I provided last night.”
”As you command, My Lord,” Chief Darma replied, cupping his fists before his chest.
Right before the swirling vortex swallowed the first column of people, Ken turned and locked eyes with his two disciples standing a short distance away. “Asikin, once your daily duties of tending to the villagers are concluded, meet me at the secret cavern. Bring Fubao along with you,” Ken decreed.
”Understood, Master,” Asikin and Fubao answered in perfect unison, bowing respectfully in absolute obedience to their Supreme Leader.
The dimensional portal Ken had forged was no mere gate of exile; it was a bridging corridor leading to a hidden paradise. Moving forward, this original settlement would be converted into a frontline military fortress—the central headquarters of the Siama Alliance, garrisoned solely by core martial artists. Meanwhile, the new dimension behind the portal would serve purely as a civilian utopia—a haven where ordinary mortals could breathe, cultivate the earth, and raise their children without the suffocating shadow of war.
Chief Darma, Chief Batara, and Chief Tu worked shoulder-to-shoulder, guiding the thousands of villagers across the portal’s threshold. The moment the columns of commoners pierced through the curtain of light, their breath was unanimously snatched away.
They were spellbound by a breathtaking landscape of unimaginably lush valleys. The air within the realm was saturated with pure, untainted spiritual essence. The melodious chirping of heavenly birds, towering ancient canopies, and rivers as clear as pristine crystal welcomed their arrival, completing a natural perfection that had never been tainted by destruction. Rows of sturdy wooden abodes already stood meticulously arranged, waiting to be inhabited.
I never fathomed that in a world so ruthless, a paradise this tranquil still existed… Fubao mused inwardly, his eyes sparkling as he surveyed his surroundings. With these impenetrable walls of sanctuary, I no longer need to live in paralyzing terror over the lives of my mother and sister. Now, I can concentrate the entirety of my life force into cultivating and forging myself into a blade for Master. Fubao clenched his fists, cementing the absolute resolve at the bottom of his heart.
This dimensional village adhered to a singular, absolute law: only those branded with the Siama Alliance Seal possessed the authority to traverse the gateway. To ensure this edict was flawlessly executed, Ken appointed Chief Darma, Chief Batara, and Chief Tu as the primary pillars responsible for administrating the welfare of the new domain.
The sun had begun its ascent toward its zenith by the time Asikin finished examining his final patient.
Very well, my duties at the clinic are concluded. It is time to answer Master’s summons, Asikin thought. He tidied his wooden desk and prepared to head toward the waterfall cavern.
However, as he strolled past the rows of newly erected houses, his eyes caught the silhouette of Fubao. Hah, I assumed that stiff kid had already gone ahead to meet Master. Well then, I’ll just invite him to go together, Asikin decided, altering his trajectory.
Upon drawing closer, Asikin noticed a faint crimson seal glowing upon the back of Fubao’s right hand—a formation seal identical to his own. It was absolute proof that Fubao had officially earned the title of his martial junior brother.
”Hey, friend! Are you busy?” Asikin greeted cheerfully, lightly patting Fubao’s shoulder.
”O-oh… You finally passed by. I am not busy, I was merely arranging some of this furniture while waiting for you,” Fubao replied, placing a wooden chair upon the porch of his new home.
”W-waiting for me?” Asikin blinked in confusion.
”Yes, naturally… Did Master not decree that we seek an audience with him simultaneously? I have absolutely no idea where this cavern Master spoke of is located, so I deliberately prepared myself out here to intercept you,” he explained with a remarkably innocent visage.
”Heavens, you’re right! Hehehe, forgive me, I forgot you didn’t know the secret path,” Asikin chuckled, scratching his head. “Very well then, let us depart immediately. Master detests being made to wait.”
”Yes, let’s go,” Fubao nodded. The two youths immediately bolted, tearing through the dense canopy of the forest.
Throughout their journey slicing through the thick foliage, Asikin naturally assumed the role of a benevolent senior brother. He explained the geographical coordinates of the waterfall cavern and instructed Fubao on how to manipulate the energy within his seal to bypass the defensive arrays.
”Oh, heavens… I nearly forgot the most crucial part,” Asikin suddenly exclaimed, smacking his own forehead. He turned toward Fubao with a broad, genuine smile. “Congratulations on passing the trial and officially becoming Master Ken’s disciple! I am incredibly proud of you. From this moment forth, I hope we can guard each other’s backs as true martial brothers. Hehehe.”
Fubao flinched slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected warmth. “A-ah… Thank you immensely. Truthfully, without the intelligence you provided yesterday, I likely would never have attained this golden opportunity. I owe you a debt of gratitude,” Fubao responded, returning the smile rather awkwardly.
The deafening roar of cascading water soon filled their ears. “Here we are. This is the waterfall cavern. Channel your seal and let us enter,” Asikin instructed once they arrived before the colossal curtain of water.
Mirroring Asikin’s reaction on his first day, Fubao instantaneously froze in sheer awe. His eyes widened, marveling at the runic stone pillars and the remnants of an ancient civilization decorating the cavern’s interior. While traversing the corridor toward the main chamber, Asikin recounted his harrowing experience when Ken forged the Ogomesh Seal within the crystal pod formation.
Shortly after, a spatial ripple vibrated in the center of the chamber. Ken’s silhouette stepped out from the absolute void.
”Asikin, Fubao,” Ken greeted, shattering the cavern’s silence.
”We offer our respects, Master!” the two disciples echoed in perfect unison, dropping to one knee to welcome the arrival of their sovereign.
”Rise,” Ken commanded with a flat, absolute tone. “Starting today, I designate this ancient cavern as your crucible. It is here your bones shall be forged and your mortal limits shattered.”
”As you command, Master!” Asikin and Fubao replied without a sliver of hesitation.
Ken shifted his gaze to his first disciple. “Asikin, you shall remain here in the main chamber. Organize and arrange the alchemy room and that ancient library according to your cultivation needs. I will return to you later.”
”Understood, leave this chamber to me, Master,” Asikin replied promptly.
Ken then turned to his second disciple. “Fubao, follow me into the isolation chamber. The time has come to plant your initial foundation. I will fill the void of your Star Seal with the soul of a Star Monster today.”
Hah! Finally… the exact moment I have been waiting for has arrived. Starting today, I shall step into the realm of cultivators and wield true combat power, Fubao thought. His heart hammered wildly against his ribs, a suffocating concoction of euphoria and sheer tension.
Ken walked ahead, leading Fubao down a pitch-black corridor until they arrived at a subterranean chamber saturated with a magmatic aura. The moment the heavy stone doors parted, an extreme wave of heat instantly scorched their skin.
Fubao’s eyes widened, radiating absolute terror. His legs instantaneously went numb. “Th-this… Heavens, what kind of infernal monster is this, Master?!” Fubao shrieked hysterically. His survival instincts entirely hijacked his reasoning; he scrambled backward and hid behind Ken’s broad back, his entire mortal shell trembling violently.
In the epicenter of that magma chamber, shackled by colossal chains radiating a silver luminescence, lay a four-winged dragon. Its scales were as black as charcoal, pulsating with scorching embers. Sensing the presence of intruders, the Star Monster snapped open its blazing crimson eyes and thrashed, a deafening roar tearing through the silence. The cavern quaked violently under the beast’s wrath, yet its movements remained absolutely locked down by Ken’s suppressive seals.
”Calm yourself. The creature before you is a Fire Dragon, a sovereign of the skies whose age has touched four hundred thousand years,” Ken explained casually, as if he were merely introducing a stray kitten.
”F-four hundred thousand years?! Hah! Th-this is utter lunacy and far too lethal, Master!” Fubao whimpered. His visage was as pale as a sheet, his feet retreating even further to seek the safety of the shadows.
”Fubao…” Ken called out. His voice was not loud, yet its razor-sharp edge flawlessly severed his disciple’s panic. “Did you not look me in the eye and swear you wished to become unfathomably strong to avenge your family’s suffering? Come here. Step forward. I am certain you can subjugate this cheap fear.”
”B-but, Master!… That creature could reduce me to ash with a mere exhale! This is truly terrifying,” Fubao stammered, his teeth chattering uncontrollably.
”Step forward,” Ken commanded without an ounce of compromise. “The soul of this Fire Dragon shall become the resident of your first Star Seal. Therefore, the absolute prerequisite is: you must subjugate it yourself.”
Hah?! Has Master completely lost his mind?! How could I, who possesses zero inner qi, be ordered to butcher a legendary monster?! Fubao’s soul screamed in despair. He swallowed hard, his saliva feeling like dry sand. “Master… According to magical literature, doesn’t a Star Monster whose age surpasses hundreds of thousands of years yield a Blood-Red Star Seal?” he asked, his voice choked.
”Naturally,” Ken answered casually. He then stepped to the side, exposing Fubao’s small frame entirely, leaving him without a protective shield, staring directly into a pair of draconic eyes radiating pure killing intent.
”And… is it not true that if a cultivator with a frail physique fails to absorb a Red Star Seal, their body will detonate from within, reduced to a shower of minced meat?” Fubao continued, reciting the horrific facts he had gleaned from legendary tales.
”Precisely. Your comprehension is excellent,” Ken replied, not making the slightest effort to soothe his disciple’s terror.
”I will never be able to withstand it! Did… did Master bring me here simply to execute me slowly?!” Fubao screamed in dread, his knees nearly giving out under the crushing pressure of the dragon’s aura.
Ken’s gaze sharpened, piercing straight into the absolute depths of Fubao’s soul. “Weaklings with fragile minds who cannot endure its pressure indeed deserve to die and shatter. However… if you successfully absorb this crimson energy as your first foundation, your mortal shell will undergo a heaven-defying evolution. Moving forward, it will be phenomenally easy for you to continuously absorb Red Star Seals until you reach the absolute zenith of the tenth Star Seal,” Ken explained, unearthing the profound secret behind his ruthless training methods.
”Tell me, Fubao… do you not wish to stand at the apex of the realm wielding such absolute power?” Ken challenged, his tone both intimidating and deliberately igniting the flames of greed inherent in every true martial artist. “As your master, I have wracked my brain to forge the most flawless cultivation path for you. The rest is up to you… if your courage is truly that pathetic and you lack faith in your destiny, I shall not force you. Feel free to turn around and walk out of this cavern right this second.”
Fubao froze rigidly. His mind spun wildly amidst a tempest of absolute despair. I-I… I looked him in the eye and swore a blood oath to do whatever it takes to obtain power! If I flee from this chamber, I have no right to ever look upon the faces of my mother and sister again! Master saved my family’s lives; I cannot disappoint him by acting like a coward! Fubao clenched his jaw so tightly it produced a sickening crack. He forced his knees to stand tall, violently suppressing the primordial instinct screaming at him to flee. “Then… what lethal step must I take now, Master?” Fubao asked, casting his fear into the abyss.
”Assault that behemoth with every ounce of strength you possess,” Ken instructed without hesitation. “And the moment its spirit wavers… channel your essence into the Artifact Ring bound to your blood. Ignite its blade, then pierce its heart. Once its mortal shell collapses and its Star Core is revealed, absorb its soul into your body.”
”As you command, Master!” Fubao replied with a blazing roar of absolute resolve.
Devoid of weapons, devoid of spiritual energy, Fubao lunged forward with reckless abandon. He focused his remaining strength, punching and kicking dragon scales that were as impenetrable as cosmic steel. However, those mortal physical strikes were nothing more than mosquito bites to the ancient dragon. The beast merely let out a rough snort, and the blast of searing air from its nostrils was enough to launch Fubao’s small body through the air, slamming him violently against the cavern wall.
BAM!
Fubao coughed up a mouthful of fresh crimson blood, yet his eyes continued to burn with feral intensity. He staggered back to his feet and charged the dragon once more. Time and time again, he attempted to detonate energy into his artifact ring to summon its blade of light, but a mere flick of the dragon’s tail swept his body away, cracking his ribs with a sickening crunch.
The clash—which was more accurately described as a one-sided massacre—dragged on for an agonizing duration. Fubao’s garments were shredded to ribbons, drenched in his own blood. His breaths were ragged and shallow. After being pulverized and rising dozens of times, his mortal shell finally reached its absolute limit. The muscles in his legs desperately refused the commands of his brain.
Is this the agony one must endure on the path to absolute power? I… am truly less than nothing before the cultivation realm… Fubao lamented inwardly. His vision began to blur, darkening at the edges. His small frame swayed forward, collapsing entirely devoid of energy.
However, a heartbeat before his body could crash against the unforgiving stone floor, a warm, sturdy hand caught his back.
”Enough. Rest now…” Ken’s voice whispered, supporting the broken body of his disciple.
”M-Master… forgive this utterly useless disciple. I… failed to kill it,” Fubao murmured weakly, forcing the words through his split lips. His consciousness was hanging by a mere thread.
Ken looked down, staring at his disciple’s visage with a faint smile brimming with profound pride. “Fear is merely an illusory wall hindering a mortal from ascending to godhood. And today, you have proven that your courage is capable of pulverizing that wall of fear,” Ken explained as he gently laid Fubao’s body onto the ground. “As a reward for your unadulterated valor today… I shall personally execute this monster for you, and you need only prepare yourself to absorb its absolute essence.”
T-truly?! Thank you… Master. Fubao’s soul screamed, overflowing with boundless gratitude. His lips could no longer form a single syllable. Only a warm tear of absolute pride trickled from the corner of his eye, right before a pitch-black darkness enveloped him and claimed his consciousness.