Chapter 53: Mastering the Shadows

"No fucking way," Elan exclaimed, his eyes widening as he scanned through the information on the Lunar Elixir.

"It actually worked, and it turned out better than I expected. I thought the potency would be around 40–50 percent, but it's at 60 percent! Not bad, not bad at all," Elan remarked, clearly impressed with the results.

Arion chimed in with enthusiasm, 'You're right. With this, you'll be able to provide every clan member with the Lunar Elixir, and there will still be plenty left over.'

Elan nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Not just that, we'll also be able to discern who among our clansmen is truly talented. Those who can fully utilize even the 60% effect of the Lunar Elixir will be our most gifted members. This will be a great way to identify and nurture our clan's strongest talents."

The success of the experiment filled Elan with a sense of accomplishment and relief. The creation of the Lunar Elixir meant that he no longer had to worry about the potential dissatisfaction among the clansmen over the limited number of Moonshadow Plums. With the elixir, he could now provide every member of the clan with its benefits, ensuring that everyone had access to the spiritual resources they needed. This solution extended beyond the current clan members, promising support for future cultivators within the Starwind Clan as well.

Elan considered the possibilities if they were to find other spiritual fruits in the future. If the number of fruits found wasn't sufficient to provide for the entire clan and they couldn't be mixed with Spiritual Water, the situation would be different. In such cases, Elan believed the clansmen would likely understand and accept the need to allocate these resources to their most talented members. The clan's focus on nurturing potential would mean that those with the greatest aptitude would receive the fruits, ensuring the clan's strength and growth.

Elan also foresaw a time when the clan would grow larger and the number of talented members would increase. To manage the distribution of such valuable resources, he considered organizing competitions. These contests would determine the top talents within the clan, and those placed in the top ten would receive the benefits of the spiritual fruits. This approach would not only ensure that the resources were used effectively but also encourage a healthy spirit of competition and self-improvement among the clan members.

After envisioning the future possibilities, Elan quickly dashed back to their hut to retrieve a larger bucket, eager to begin preparing more of the Lunar Elixir. His sudden entrance startled Elara, Daren, and his two siblings, who exchanged startled glances as Elan hurriedly grabbed the bucket and rushed back out without a word of explanation.

Back at the Spiritual Pond, Elan sat down again and set to work. He carefully mixed the remaining Moonshadow Plums into the Spiritual Water, ensuring that each fruit was thoroughly dissolved to create the elixir. He made sure to reserve one Moonshadow Plum for himself, intending to fully harness its maximum effects for his own cultivation.

For the next hour, Elan worked diligently, carefully mixing the Moonshadow Plums with the Spiritual Water. As he blended the final ingredients, he gazed at the bucket, which was about half a meter in height and now brimming with the newly created Lunar Elixir. The elixir had taken on a shimmering, silver-blue hue, almost ethereal in its appearance. The volume of the elixir reached nearly three-quarters of the bucket's capacity. 

Elan sighed in satisfaction, a smile spreading across his face as he looked at the bucket of Lunar Elixir. The thought of unveiling this precious resource to his clansmen the following morning filled him with happiness.

-----

The next morning, all the clansmen gathered near the Serenity Blossom Trees, a favorite spot among the clansmen. The trees stood tall, their luminous teal blossoms swaying gently in the breeze. As they assembled, their eyes were drawn to Elan, who walked purposefully towards a fallen tree beneath the blossoms. The peaceful ambiance of the surroundings, coupled with the soothing wind caressing Elan, made him seem like a powerful sage preparing to impart wisdom to his followers.

As Elan stepped onto the fallen tree, Arion's voice suddenly broke the serene silence. 'Do you really have to act so mysterious?' he teased.

'Dude, don't ruin my style. I'm having my moment,' Elan replied, trying to maintain his composure.

'Alright, alright, do your thing.' Arion relented with a chuckle. 

Elan inhaled deeply and returned his attention to his fellow clansmen. The eagerness among his clansmen was evident as they gazed at him expectantly, waiting for what he had to say.

With a confident stride, Elan began to walk side by side along the length of the fallen tree, his voice ringing out with passion.

"Last night, I had an idea, an idea that could benefit our entire clan. You all know the power of the Moonshadow Plums and the Spiritual Water, but their limited quantity has been a challenge. I experimented with mixing them, hoping to create something that could be shared with everyone."

'You sound like Martin Luther King Jr.,' Arion suddenly interjected.

Upon hearing Arion's remark, Elan almost stumbled down from the fallen tree he stood on. Fortunately, the tree was quite large, and he managed to regain his balance easily, avoiding what could have been a very embarrassing fall.

Elan ignored Arion's comments and continued his speech.

The clansmen's eyes widened with curiosity and excitement as Elan continued to explain the process of creating the Lunar Elixir. He described the careful balance of Yin and Yang energies and the potential benefits this elixir could bring. The more he spoke, the more the anticipation grew among the listeners, their excitement building with each word.

Reaching a dramatic pause, Elan pulled the bucket with the Lunar Elixir from his storage ring and held it up for all to see. The shimmering, silver-blue liquid inside sparkled in the morning light, drawing gasps of awe from the crowd.

"This is the Lunar Elixir. There is plenty here for everyone. You only need to take a small amount, just a spoonful. But remember."

His tone turned serious. "After you take the Lunar Elixir, it will be up to your own capabilities to make the most of it. If you can't make use of the Lunar Elixir, even with the help of the Serenity Blossom Trees, you can only blame yourself for having poor comprehension."

The excitement among the clansmen dimmed slightly. They understood what Elan was implying, this was a way to see who among them was truly talented. Those still at the 1st stage of the Radiant Body Realm felt a pang of doubt, aware that their comprehension abilities were not as developed. Despite this, they appreciated that Elan had found a way to ensure everyone received some benefit, even those at the beginning stages.

While some felt disheartened, others clenched their fists and closed their eyes, envisioning themselves rising to the challenge and becoming among the best in the clan. The idea of using the Lunar Elixir to prove their worth and improve their abilities filled them with resolve.

The Elders, observing the reactions, felt a sense of validation in their decision to give Elan full authority over this matter. They realized that Elan's approach allowed everyone to benefit. If the Elders had been the ones to allocate the seventeen Moonshadow Plums, they would have undoubtedly given them to the most talented members, leaving the others to watch enviously as those individuals became more powerful. Elan's solution not only distributed the resources more fairly but also fostered a spirit of growth and personal responsibility within the clan.

Noticing the disheartened expressions among some of his clansmen, Elan stepped forward, his voice filled with encouragement.

"I can see that some of you are feeling discouraged, but let me remind you that even if you don't fully grasp the shadow element after drinking the Lunar Elixir, it doesn't diminish your importance to our clan. Each and every one of you is valuable and plays a crucial role in our community. The Lunar Elixir is just one of many opportunities we will encounter. Your worth isn't defined by this single moment, and there will be plenty of other chances for growth and advancement," Elan said, with a reassuring tone. 

He paused, looking each of them in the eyes to ensure they understood his sincerity, and smiled, gesturing to the surrounding Serenity Blossom Trees.

"And besides, you can still use the Serenity Blossom Trees all you want. Their energy will help you cultivate and improve your abilities. So, don't lose hope. Keep pushing forward, and together we will make our clan stronger and more prosperous."

The clansmen's eyes lit up with renewed hope, their spirits lifted by Elan's encouraging words. They felt fortunate to have Elan in their clan, a leader who always thought of the collective good and worked tirelessly for the benefit of everyone.

Elan noticed the growing enthusiasm among the group, and it seemed they were on the verge of chanting in gratitude. Quickly, he raised his hand to gesture for them to stop.

"Alright, alright, settle down," he said with a smile. He stepped down from the fallen tree, picked up the bucket containing the Lunar Elixir, and walked towards the center area of the Serenity Blossom Trees. The clansmen followed him closely.

Once they reached the center, Elan turned to face his fellow clansmen. "Now everyone, please fall in line," he instructed. As the clansmen lined up, Elan continued, "Come to me one by one to have a spoonful of the Lunar Elixir. But do not swallow the elixir until I say so."

All of them nodded in understanding. The first man stepped forward, approaching Elan to receive his portion of the Lunar Elixir.

Elan then told them to find a spot and be ready to cultivate after taking the elixir. He patiently distributed the elixir to each clansman, ensuring everyone received their portion. As he handed out the elixir, he watched his clansmen disperse and settle down in their chosen spots.

Once everyone was in place, Elan returned the bucket of Lunar Elixir to the storage ring and observed them, waiting for his signal. He then said, "Begin."

In unison, the clansmen swallowed the elixir and closed their eyes, focusing on feeling its effects. Elan sat cross-legged on the same spot he had when his clansmen previously broke through together, watching to see who would be the first to comprehend the shadow element.

Minutes passed, and nothing happened. An hour passed, and still nothing. Elan began to worry that no one in his clan would be able to comprehend the benefits of the Lunar Elixir.

'Arion, do you think no one will be able to comprehend the shadow element?' Elan asked, his concern evident.

'It's hard to say at this point. It's only been an hour. Let's wait a little longer; we might see some changes then,' Arion replied.

Elan nodded, resigned to waiting and hoping for the best.

After two hours, someone finally began to comprehend the shadow element. Rolan was enveloped by a shadowy mist circling around him. Elan laughed with relief and excitement. 'Finally! I thought no one would ever comprehend this ability, but I did not expect Rolan to be the first.'

'You should tell the Seven Elders to keep an eye on Rolan and help him as much as possible,' Arion suggested.

'I know,' Elan replied with a smile.

Just five minutes later, Elan's father also began to comprehend the shadow element. 'My dad has comprehended it as well. This is great!' Elan exclaimed.

More and more clansmen began to comprehend the shadow element, including Elan's three best friends, the first, second, fifth, and seventh Elders, Lyra, Gawin, four other hunters, and five other young women.

After several hours, the remaining clansmen opened their eyes and sighed in disappointment. Despite their frustration at not fully comprehending the shadow element, they felt a little joy knowing they were close to breaking through to the next stage, especially those still at the first stage.

Elan smiled widely. Although only twenty of his clansmen had fully comprehended the shadow element, all of them were now at the peak of their respective stages. He knew that within a week or two, most of them would break through to the next stage.

He watched as his other clansmen walked out of the Serenity Blossom Trees area, careful not to disturb the twenty, who were still deep in comprehension. They approached Elan, and he greeted them with a warm smile.

"Good job, everyone. You're all so close to breaking through to the next stage," he encouraged.

"Now, please watch over the others. I'm going to attempt to comprehend the Shadow Element myself."

The clansmen became excited. They had never seen Elan cultivate in the Serenity Blossom Trees before. However, they were puzzled when Elan walked to the very edge of the area instead of staying close.

"Maybe he doesn't want to disturb the others who are still comprehending," one of them suggested. The others nodded in agreement.

When Elan reached the edge of the area, he sat down cross-legged and took out the last Moonshadow Plum. He looked at it thoughtfully, wondering if he could comprehend the Shadow Element just like the others had. Then, with determination, he ate the entire Moonshadow Plum, closed his eyes, and began to cultivate using the Ethereal Synergy Technique. Almost immediately, he felt the spiritual energy being drawn towards him from all directions.

The other twenty clansmen, who were deep in comprehension and cultivation, suddenly felt the spiritual energy they were absorbing being pulled away.

"What's going on?" Jarek asked in confusion.

"I don't know," Aiden said.

They followed the flow of spiritual energy to discover the source of the disturbance.

Meanwhile, the rest of the clansmen also felt the shift in spiritual energy towards the edge of the area.

"Don't tell me this is happening because of Elan."

"Could be."

They watched as the twenty, who had stopped comprehending, walked towards the edge. 

"Let's follow them." Curious, they followed.

As the clansmen reached the edge, they realized the reason for the disruption. They saw Elan cultivating and absorbing spiritual energy at an incredible rate. Lian turned to Jarek and Aiden with a grin.

"Now, do you still plan to compete with Elan in cultivation?" he laughed.

Jarek's and Aiden's mouths twitched in response. They exchanged a glance, feeling slightly foolish for even considering competing with Elan. It was clear to them now that Elan's abilities were on an entirely different level.

Elan began to slowly comprehend the Shadow Element. The moment he consumed the Moonshadow Plum, a sudden influx of knowledge filled his mind, guiding him through the intricate process of understanding the Shadow Element. This immediate and overwhelming information rendered Arion's assistance unnecessary and potentially disruptive. Any external interference could have disturbed Elan's concentration and caused a backlash. Determined, Elan focused intensely on the task at hand.

As he meditated, Elan visualized the essence of shadows, understanding them not just as an absence of light but as a fundamental part of the natural balance. He imagined the way shadows moved, how they shifted and changed with the light, and how they could conceal and reveal. He felt the cool, soothing embrace of the darkness, realizing that shadows were not just voids but were filled with a subtle, potent energy of their own.

Elan allowed his mind to sink deeper into this understanding, feeling the shadows around him and how they danced and flickered in the breeze. He visualized the Shadow Element as a living entity, fluid and dynamic, capable of both subtlety and power. He began to harmonize his own energy with that of the shadows, syncing his breathing and spiritual flow with their natural rhythm.

As this connection grew stronger, Elan felt a dense, shadowy aura begin to form around him. The shadows seemed to respond to his presence, wrapping around him in a protective cocoon. This dark mist swirled and thickened, becoming almost tangible, as if the shadows themselves were acknowledging his newfound mastery. The air around Elan grew cooler, and the shadows became more defined and solid.

Rolan, witnessing the transformation, couldn't help but react with amazement. "How long has it been since he started?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder.

"It's only been minutes," Elara replied, her eyes wide with astonishment.

"That fast?" Rolan said, incredulous.

"Yeah," Elara confirmed, still processing the rapid progress.

In the midst of this, Arion sighed with relief. 'Thank goodness.' The process had been intense and risky, but seeing Elan successfully comprehend the Shadow Element without any complications was a huge relief. He had been prepared to intervene if necessary, but Elan's innate talent had carried him through effortlessly.

Elan's concentration remained unwavering as he continued to absorb and integrate the Shadow Element into his being. The shadows around him became denser, enveloping him completely in a swirling vortex of darkness. This dense shadow not only surrounded him but seemed to pulse with his energy, reacting to his every thought and movement. The transformation was profound and unmistakable.

Feeling the surge of newfound power from comprehending the Shadow Element, Elan knew it was time to break through to the 5th stage of the Radiant Body Realm. He focused inward, directing the spiritual energy he had gathered towards the barrier that separated him from the next stage. The process was intense, and the energy within him was building to a critical point. His muscles tightened, and his skin felt as if it were being reforged. A sharp, searing pain coursed through his body, a testament to the magnitude of the transformation he was undergoing.

As Elan pushed through the pain, a profound 'Boom' resonated within him, echoing through the clearing. The sound signaled his breakthrough to the 5th stage of the Radiant Body Realm, and it was loud enough to be heard by all his clansmen. The spiritual energy and shadow mist that had surrounded him exploded outward, creating a powerful wave that pushed the weaker clansmen back about two meters.

Elara, witnessing the impressive display, couldn't help but comment. "Elan's breakthrough is far more impressive than Daren," she said, a hint of pride in her voice.

Daren turned to his wife with a look of mild surprise. "What? I'm just saying the truth," Elara replied with a shrug, her eyes still fixed on their son.

Elan opened his eyes, and his smile spread widely. He had not only comprehended the Shadow Element but had also successfully broken through to the 5th stage. A sense of newfound power radiated from him, filling the air with unmistakable energy.