yagami journey [part 3]

Chapter 31:

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After 102 years had passed, Yagami woke from his deep slumber. His once lustrous black hair had turned a stark white, drained of color by the collapse of chi within his body. His eyes, once filled with determination, now held a pale, distant gaze. At first glance, he appeared frail and weakened by the passage of time.

Slowly, Yagami rose to his feet, his movements tentative yet purposeful. Despite the frailty that had settled upon his frame, there was an undeniable strength in his demeanor—a resilience forged through centuries of introspection and solitude.

The Pokha Realm remained unchanged, a testament to the timeless nature of its cosmic essence. Its vibrant hues and surreal landscapes stood as they had millennia ago, untouched by the ravages of time that had marked Yagami's own journey.

As he gathered his thoughts, Yagami realized something profound. His Lumina, a state of being that only manifested upon reaching the third step of Shi Chi, was already prepared within him. This revelation hinted at a deeper connection to the energies that flowed through the universe, energies he had long studied and wielded.

Yet, another discovery shocked him deeply. His powers, which had once advanced to the second step of Shi Chi, had regressed to the first step. It was a disconcerting setback, a stark reminder of the toll taken by his long slumber and the collapse of chi within his body.

Determined to restore his powers to their former glory, Yagami focused his chi, attempting to realign himself with the energies that flowed through the universe. However, as he concentrated, a telepathic message resonated in his mind—an ancient voice warning him against meddling with forces beyond his current understanding.

"Don't," the message echoed insistently, its tone tinged with caution and wisdom. Remembering the trials and tribulations of his past, Yagami hesitated. He recalled the lessons learned through centuries of exploration and growth, knowing that some paths required patience and introspection before progress could be made.

With a sigh, Yagami decided to heed the telepathic warning and leave the restoration of his powers for another time. Instead, he resolved to embark on a journey of rediscovery—a quest to reforge the bonds between himself and the energies that had sustained him throughout his long and storied existence.

Lost in contemplation, Yagami suddenly detected an unpleasant smell emanating from his own body. Startled by this unexpected realization, he traced the source to himself—a consequence of his extended slumber and isolation in the timeless expanse of the Pokha Realm.

Realizing the necessity of cleansing himself, Yagami scanned the horizon and heard the distant sound of rushing water. Following the gentle roar, he navigated through the vast forest until he reached a secluded waterfall nestled within a serene clearing.

With determination, Yagami stripped off his clothes and plunged into the cool, crystalline pool beneath the waterfall. The cascading water washed away the accumulated grime and weariness, revitalizing his senses and renewing his spirit. The sensation of purification amidst nature's embrace was a rare and cherished moment for the sage.

Unbeknownst to Yagami, from a distance, a young woman had also been drawn to the tranquil waterfall. As she approached the clearing, she was taken aback to discover a man bathing beneath the falling water. Her surprise was palpable, and for a fleeting moment, their gazes met—a silent acknowledgment of mutual presence in this secluded haven.

To be continued...

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