Ascendance of the Heavens Devouring Physique

As Kael entered the grand hall of the Ardent Estate, the opulence of the room contrasted sharply with the dark thoughts that had been consuming him. The dimly lit chamber, adorned with intricate tapestries and polished marble, held an air of solemnity and authority. The Ardent family's Elder Council, led by his father Adam Ardent, awaited him.

Adam sat at the head of the long table. His presence commanded respect, his sharp eyes and stern expression revealing little of his true thoughts. Flanking him were the other council members—elders who had served the Ardent family with unwavering loyalty for decades. Each wore the traditional robes of their rank, their faces a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

Kael approached the table, his black cloak trailing behind him, and bowed respectfully. "Elders, Father," he greeted, his voice smooth and measured.

"Kael," Adam responded, nodding in acknowledgment. "We appreciate you making time to meet with us after the banquet. Your presence there has been a source of pride for the Ardent family."

"Thank you, Father," Kael said, taking his place at the table. "It was a necessary formality to maintain our alliances. However, I am here for a more pressing matter."

Adam's gaze sharpened. "Speak then, Kael. What is it you wish to discuss?"

Kael took a deep breath, his mind already formulating the precise words needed to convey his request. "I have a matter of great importance regarding the Heavens Devouring Physique and its potential," he began. "As you are aware, my physique allows me to absorb the essence of laws from those with special physiques."

A murmur of intrigue swept through the room. The concept of absorbing essence from such powerful individuals was not widely known, and Kael's claim was met with a mix of skepticism and curiosity.

"Explain further," Adam urged, his tone commanding.

Kael leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "The Heavens Devouring Physique is a unique attribute that enables me to consume and integrate the essence of other physiques. By obtaining the bodies of those with special or divine physiques, I can harness their innate laws and abilities. This process would significantly accelerate my growth and potentially allow me to breakthrough from the Soul Transformation Realm to the Mahayana Realm."

The council members exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from skepticism to astonishment. The mention of the Mahayana Realm was particularly shocking. While the outer hall elders of the Ardent Estate were at the peak of the Mahayana Realm, the inner elders who reached the Saint Realm were considered near-legendary in their prowess.

Elder Johnson, a seasoned warrior with a reputation for his unyielding discipline, spoke up. "Are you saying that such a breakthrough is possible? We are all aware of the difficulty of advancing to the Mahayana Realm."

Kael met his gaze steadily. "Yes, it is possible. With the right resources and the special physiques of powerful individuals, my advancement could not only be feasible but potentially expedited. The Heavens Devouring Physique is not merely a strength; it is an unparalleled tool for transcending normal cultivation limits."

Adam Ardent's eyes narrowed as he considered Kael's words. "And you believe that acquiring these bodies is the key to this advancement?"

Kael nodded. "Indeed. The essence contained within these bodies is not only potent but also vital to achieving the next level of cultivation. By absorbing it, I would gain insights and power that are otherwise unattainable."

The room was filled with murmurs of surprise and contemplation. The council members, though well-versed in the intricacies of cultivation, were unfamiliar with the full extent of Kael's physique's capabilities. The idea of a breakthrough to the Mahayana Realm, particularly given the current strength of the elders, was both intriguing and daunting.

Adam Ardent broke the silence. "Your proposal is ambitious, Kael. Such a move would indeed be unprecedented. However, we must consider the implications. The bodies of those blessed with divine physiques are rare and not easily acquired."

Kael's expression remained impassive. "I understand the rarity of such bodies. That is why I am requesting them now. With the opportunity to advance so significantly, the Ardent family's influence and power would be unparalleled. We could solidify our position not just within the empire but across the entire realm."

Adam's gaze softened slightly, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Very well, Kael. If what you say is true, and if you can achieve this breakthrough, it would indeed be a monumental gain for our family. We shall make arrangements to procure the bodies you require. However, understand that this is not a light request. The outer hall elders, while not as powerful as the inner elders, are still formidable and their resources are significant."

"I appreciate your consideration, Father," Kael said, a trace of satisfaction in his voice. "I assure you that I will not disappoint. The success of this endeavor will reflect positively on the Ardent family and further our goals."

The council members nodded, their expressions shifting to a mixture of apprehension and hope. The potential for such a breakthrough was both exciting and intimidating. Kael had presented a convincing argument, and while the request was bold, it was not beyond the realm of possibility given his unique physique.

Adam Ardent stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Kael, you have made your case well. We will do what is necessary to assist you in this endeavor. The Ardent family's reputation and future are intertwined with your success."

Kael rose, bowing once more. "Thank you, Father. I will ensure that our efforts are rewarded."

As he left the council hall, Kael's mind was already racing with the possibilities that lay ahead. The path to the Mahayana Realm was within his grasp, and the world would soon witness the extent of his ambitions. The Heavens Devouring Physique would reshape his destiny, and with the support of the Ardent family, Kael was poised to seize his rightful place at the pinnacle of power.

The night was still, but Kael's resolve was unshakable. He would not be content with mere survival or following the expected path. He would transcend it all, rewriting the story to fit his vision of dominance and control. The coming days would be pivotal, and Kael Ardent was ready to make his mark on the world.