17. Zenith Ascension

That day Zilong was been taken care of by Loaria and had rested well, the house was a two bedroom house.. literally having only two bedroom, the kitchen, bathroom..and the toilet were elsewhere.

Well night fell on the beautiful...not so beautiful village, the millons of shining crystals were gone, replaced by a single golden star, Zilong looked through the window in deep thought, "life crystals..", that was the thing hanging in the skys, those days were the sun had not existed, life crstals illuminated the world saving it from the ever present darkness, and it was forbidden to remove even one from its place.

And then the last door closed, everywhere was silent almost like a sound proof room if not for the distant roars of monsters from time to time.

Zilong the sat in a lotus position on the floor, 'I had no time to do this but now..', he concentrated.., there are 10 ranks of Zenith Ascension..

1. Mortal

2. Earth

3. Sage

4. Sky

5. Saint

6. Ancient

7. Imperial

8. Celestial

9. Divine

10. Immortal...

And in between all those rank, we have 5 stages..

The foundation stage,

The early stage,

The mid stage,

The late stage,

Peek stage.

This is the path of zenith Ascension, Zilong had learnt it from both the deities, and the executioner, the path to becoming as powerful as the deity, and as skillful as the executioner.. well their names are viicgotsa and ganicak but Zilong couldn't pronounce it..'so we're sticking to deity and executioner..'.

As Zilong settled into a comfortable position on the simple bed, he closed his eyes and began to meditate, focusing on his breathing and the rhythm of his heartbeat. He sought to connect with the energy that permeated this strange world—the Elysium essence, a powerful and mysterious force that permeated the universe.

As he concentrated, he felt the Elysium essence begin to flow through his body, filling him with a profound sense of strength and vitality. The energy coursed through him, touching every part of his being, and he visualized it as a radiant, purple light. This light traveled along specific pathways, known as the nine points of essence flow.

He felt the essence first at his head, a warm, invigorating sensation that cleared his mind and heightened his senses. It then moved to his chest, where it filled his heart with a powerful, rhythmic energy that seemed to synchronize with the beating of the universe itself. From his chest, the essence flowed to the joints of his body—shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles—each point becoming a conduit for the life-giving energy.

In his mind's eye, Zilong envisioned his body as a complex weave, a tapestry of interconnected threads. The Elysium essence flowed through this weave like a river of purple light, strengthening the threads and making them thicker and more resilient. The energy fortified his muscles, bones, and sinews, enhancing his physical strength and endurance. It also sharpened his mind, heightening his awareness and mental acuity.

As he meditated, the air around Zilong began to shimmer with a soft, ethereal light. A small universe unfolded around him, enveloping him in a cocoon of cosmic energy. This universe was a vast expanse of star-filled skies and swirling nebulae, each celestial body glowing with an inner light. Stars of various colors—blue, red, white, and yellow—dotted the firmament, twinkling like precious gems in the infinite darkness.

Nebulae of swirling gases and dust formed intricate patterns, their hues blending and shifting in a mesmerizing dance. Some were fiery and intense, while others were cool and serene, each one a testament to the boundless creativity of the cosmos. Comets streaked across the sky, leaving trails of sparkling light in their wake, and distant planets orbited their stars in graceful arcs.

Within this small universe, Zilong felt a profound sense of connection to the greater whole. He was not just an individual but a part of a grand, cosmic tapestry. The Elysium essence flowed through him and the universe around him, creating a harmonious balance that resonated with the very fabric of existence.

As he continued to meditate, the purple energy within him grew stronger, its glow intensifying. The threads of his body's weave became even more robust, infused with the power of the Elysium essence. His physical and mental fortitude reached new heights, and he felt a deep, inner peace that transcended all earthly concerns.

Zilong opened his eyes, feeling revitalized and empowered. The small universe around him slowly faded, leaving him with a lingering sense of awe and wonder. He knew that the Elysium essence had granted him a glimpse into the true nature of the cosmos, and he was determined to harness this power to uncover the mysteries of his new existence and the path that lay ahead.

"Wow, I never new how satisfying it was..", Zilong had ascended to the early stages of the mortal realm, and started his journey on the path to immortality.

His spirit grew brighter and his soul sparked with ethereal power, a testament to the ancient and sacred act of Zenith Ascension.

He waved his hands and examined it, the universe colour that enveloped him was still there, beneath his skin and slowly faded away.

He decided to practice Zenith Ascension till the morning.

....

People were going about their own business, the usual chatter from time to time, the laughs and the happy atmosphere of the village and the small and distant roars of monsters.

Liora was going about her usual chores when she saw, Zilong stepping out of the hut.

His aura seemed to have changed, After his cultivation, Zilong emerged transformed, his appearance reflecting the profound changes within him. His hair, once dark and unremarkable, had turned a striking shade of light blue, like the clear sky just before dawn. It cascaded down his back in soft waves, adding an ethereal quality to his presence.

His eyes, now a deep, dark blue, held a newfound intensity. They were like the depths of the ocean, filled with mystery and wisdom. When he looked at something, it was as if he could see beyond the surface, perceiving the hidden truths and subtle energies that lay beneath.

Zilong's physical form had also undergone a significant transformation. His body, once marked by the roughness of a warrior's life, had become more refined and elegant. His muscles were well-defined but not overly bulky, giving him a look of balanced strength and grace. Each movement he made was fluid and precise, a testament to the harmony he had achieved with the Elysium essence.

His refined figure exuded an air of sophistication and poise. He stood tall and confident, his posture impeccable, radiating a quiet power that drew the eye. There was a serene grace in the way he moved, as if he was always in tune with the subtle rhythms of the world around him.

The light blue of his hair and the dark blue of his eyes created a striking contrast, further enhancing his otherworldly appearance. He seemed to glow with an inner light, the residual effects of the Elysium essence cultivation making him appear almost luminous.

Overall, Zilong's transformation had not only made him physically stronger but also imbued him with a sense of elegance and grace that set him apart. He was no longer just a warrior; he had become a being of profound beauty and power, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with the wisdom and strength he had gained.

"Wow you look different!", Loaria said with a slightly flustered expression.