Initial Completion: Unique Physique?!

The next day, King Ren and Queen Tyris both informed Astraea ahead of time that they would allow her to take Hokuto to one of the Leyline Geysers in the North Blossom Kingdom. They were resigned to the fact that it was better for Hokuto to learn about herself by a fortuitous encounter rather than to succumb to the Infernal Wyvern's bloodline through spite and resentment.

When the [Rose Sword Saint] brought this news over to Hokuto, the kid was ecstatic and was convinced that it was her tutor that allowed her parents to see the light. Well, in a way, she was right - Astraea did convince the king and queen that it was more beneficial to let Hokuto have her way than to let the negative emotions stew.

Hokuto immediately inquired about the best opportunity to visit one. Astraea was taking into account the climate and the time as well, and decided she would take Hokuto over to a Leyline Geyser outside the boundaries of the Sunset Hamlet later the next evening. Excited for this, Hokuto poured her excess energy out towards her training. It was only two days before achieving the initial completion of the <Primordial Orchid Body Art>.

The next evening, Astraea didn't go back on her words and quickly took Hokuto outside of the castle and then eventually left the Sunset Hamlet which surrounded the castle. This was the first time that Hokuto had ever left the city. It was a new experience for her and she found herself enjoying the lush greenery - in the distance were only hills and prairies, with the occasional road snaking through them.

Finally, Hokuto and Astraea arrived at a large clearing where there were cracks in the ground surrounding a large hole. The hole seemed to radiate some black lights, though it was very difficult to see as it was already night time. Investigation teams and some members from the Dark Moon Guild had already erected lanterns in order to provide visibility for those trying to understand the Leyline Geyser.

Hokuto stared intently at it and gulped in amazement.

"So this is a Leyline Geyser?"

"This particular one hasn't erupted since it first emerged a while back. Hence, it looks fairly underwhelming."

"I can feel the worldly energy pulsing out of the hole regardless." Hokuto wanted to walk closer.

"It's too dangerous for you to walk closer. You may get harmed by the excess energy. Your parents were very understanding towards my case, but still!"

Hokuto shook her head. "My body is heating up and I can feel an intense, relaxing warmth from the geyser. Do not deny me this much, teacher. It will surely help me!"

Astraea frowned. She knew that Hokuto had the blood of the Infernal Wyvern but the reaction to this black worldly energy seemed a bit too good and timely. Would Hokuto actually benefit? Would the bloodline awaken then? Astraea was anxious and she wasn't sure whether she should intervene. She was beginning to regret bringing Hokuto here.

Unfortunately, the [Rose Sword Saint] didn't know too much about leylines and was not familiar with worldly energy that was black in color. Hence, this was something she absolutely could not properly advise Hokuto on. Standing still with a blank look on her face, Astraea was rendered speechless for the first time in a long while.

Hokuto continued to approach the Leyline Geyser, feeling the black energy surrounding her. However, she still maintained a fair distance away from the hole as she saw people dressed in incredibly thick robes and hoods standing near to it - they must be the operatives from the Dark Moon Guild trying to investigate it. The clothes must be for protection.

The ten year old, inquisitive as it was, also felt a sense of danger from standing too close to the hole. However, she felt the black worldly energy seeping into her skin. It gave her a feeling of comfort, the same type of comfort she felt after every cycle of the exercises she did while practicing the <Primordial Orchid Body Art>.

Astraea went over to check on Hokuto but stopped moving as she saw the child suddenly throw her hands up in the air. The Dark Moon Guild operatives turned around and gasped as they recognized Hokuto absorbing the black worldly energy rapidly. However, Hokuto did not look the least bit pained. In fact, she was panting in exhilaration as she felt her blood boil. "This must be what it feels like to obtain power!" she belted out happily.

The grass around her feet began to sparkle as purple lilies and black lilies began to sprout around her. Eventually, the black worldly energy coming from the Leyline Geyser stopped rushing out of the hole and the area seemed to regain its calm. Hokuto turned around to face Astraea, ignoring the other gazes of surprise falling upon her.

"I told you," Hokuto said, her voice seeming rather childish and innocent as her eyes seemed to glow a faint pink that was extra visible in the dark. "It was beneficial to me after all! Thank you, teacher."

Astraea looked at Hokuto like she was a freak. This was actually something that the [Rose Sword Saint] recognized despite not knowing too much about it. On top of Hokuto possessing the bloodline of the Infernal Wyvern, it was able to remain mostly in check because Hokuto's veins were naturally able to suppress part of the effects of taking in worldly energy.

It was similar to the concept behind magic circuits, except the excess was being channeled to the earth after being converted to a type of nature force. That meant Hokuto was not only born with the blood of an Infernal Wyvern, but the Heavens seemed to smile on her and provide her with a Nature-attuned physique. Astraea did not know what this physique was but she had an idea that the reason why the flowers were black and purple was due to the worldly energy she had absorbed from the Leyline Geyser.

The impurities were converted to natural fertilizer, but the 'dark' nature of the energy still showed on the flowers, that wilted as soon as Hokuto walked away from them. The Dark Moon Guild operatives quietly talked among themselves as one of them dashed back to King Ren's castle. This movement didn't escape Astraea's notice though the teacher was too busy talking to Hokuto about her newfound strength.