Departure

Ethan, Evelia, and Raelin sat around an improvised campfire in the middle of the abandoned mine, enjoying a hearty meal from the supplies Ethan had procured. The taste of the food was simple, but the company and the relief of finally being free made it a feast.

"It's still hard to believe that we actually escaped from that hell," Raelin said with a smile on her lips.

Evelia nodded in agreement. "Yes, Ethan, without you, we would have been lost. Thank you for saving us."

Ethan shook his head humbly. "You don't need to thank me. I'm just glad we're all together again."

They talked about their time in captivity, the hardships they endured, and the hope they held onto to reach this day. Evelia and Raelin were impressed by how much Ethan had learned about cultivation, and they were curious to learn more.

"Tell us more about this cultivation," Evelia requested.

"Yes, it sounds fascinating," added Raelin.

Ethan nodded and began explaining everything he had learned about Qi cultivation and soul cultivation. He told them about the three main stages of Qi cultivation and how he had made rapid progress, thanks to the artifact he had found.

"Soul cultivation is a forbidden form of cultivation among humans," Ethan explained. "It is said to be practiced by another race with different attributes. But I have no idea who they are."

Evelia and Raelin listened attentively, equally fascinated and concerned about the possibilities of soul cultivation.

"It sounds dangerous," Evelia remarked cautiously. "Are you sure you should do this?"

Ethan hesitated for a moment before resolutely nodding. "I believe it's an opportunity I can't miss. With the enhancement from the artifact and the techniques it has shown me, it could help us better protect ourselves and support us on our journey."

Raelin agreed, saying, "If you think it can help us, then we should try it."

So, they began learning the basics of soul cultivation together. Ethan used the artifact to help strengthen their mental abilities and gain control over their soul energy. It was more challenging than Qi cultivation, but with Ethan's guidance and the influence of the artifact, they made rapid progress.

While they immersed themselves in their cultivation, Ethan continued to search for the presence he had felt in the mine. He often meditated, deepening his mental connection with the artifact and hoping to learn more about this mysterious presence.

Then, one day, during an intense meditation session, Ethan felt a strange sense of connection with the artifact. It was as if it was communicating with him, and he felt a deep emotional bond with this object. It was more than just an artifact—it had consciousness!

Ethan was shocked and amazed at the same time. "So, you are a living entity?" he whispered to the artifact.

"I am not an artifact as you understand it," replied a ghostly voice in Ethan's mind. "I am an ancient soul trapped within this artifact. It is my duty to promote soul cultivation and assist those who wish to learn this forbidden art among humans."

Ethan felt a mixture of awe and fear. He couldn't believe that he held a living soul in his hands. "But why are you trapped here? And who brought you here?"

The voice sighed sadly. "Long ago, I was a teacher of soul cultivation in another world. However, I got into a conflict with powerful enemies who feared and hated this art. They banished me into this artifact to silence my voice."

Ethan felt compassion for this soul and promised to help if he could. "How can I help you?" he asked.

"I wish to be free," replied the voice. "If you can bring your powers to level 5, you might be able to help me escape from this artifact."

Ethan agreed to help the imprisoned being and continued his soul cultivation with renewed enthusiasm. With the guidance of the ancient soul and the power of the artifact, he quickly reached sublevel 8 of soul cultivation. His mind became sharper, and he mastered the techniques he was taught even better.

Time passed, and the three cultivators made great progress. Evelia and Raelin reached Qi-Consciousness level 6 and the 4th level of the soul awakening, while Ethan also achieved impressive advancements. However, the stronger he became, the more he felt the growing threat from the outside world.

After about two weeks, Ethan noticed a mob gathering, eager to enter the mines and drive away the alleged ghosts. It was obvious that it was time to leave.

"It looks like we'll have to leave the mine," Ethan said to Evelia and Raelin as they packed their belongings.

"Yes, I think that's a good idea," Evelia agreed. "Let's head to Rada."

Ethan nodded in agreement. "Rada is a larger city at the edge of the desert. We should be able to stay there for a while."

Their journey began, and they marched through the desert, their supplies gradually dwindling. Ethan led them through unfamiliar territories, using his intuition to find water and food when they ran low. Over the past few weeks, Ethan had developed into something like the leader of the three, taking on the role of the caring adult.

"That's why we should blend in with the street children," Ethan added, revealing his idea to them.

"But we are cultivators now, the elite of humanity. Why should we continue living in misery?" Evelia questioned.

"We are no longer in Ishla. Qi-Consciousness is nothing here; the majority is in the elemental flow, then the harmonic balance, and there are people in the cosmic synergy, with the city lord being in Qi fusion. In Ishla, street children were scarce, but here the conditions for survival are not as brutal, and there are many of us," Ethan explained.