piratefiction Chapter 56: Heart Demon
Chapter 56: Heart Demon
Chapter 56: Heart Demon
Within the cage of absolute darkness, Aiden sat in silence, waiting patiently for Auslen to finish their fathers letter.
So, allow me to get this straight, Auslen began as he folded up the letter, trying to comprehend what exactly was being asked of him. Youre unwell, but not in the physical sense?
Aiden nodded solemnly as he elaborated. Correct. In essence, its my soul that has met with an emotional blockage. There are other terms for this kind of mental barrier, such as heart demon. But essentially, its a Soul Force affliction that can originate from the very moment that the cultivator builds their Profound Foundation.
So it is an illness, Auslen thought as he closed his eyes languidly.
Lashes rising after a deep breath, he took a moment to scan Aidens figure, but failed to perceive any signs of lingering malaise. And what are the symptoms?
Its nothing seriousThe source of this content nov(el)bi((n))
Auslen promptly raised his hand to interrupt. This is not the time for you to sugarcoat or dance around the issue. If Father felt the need to write me a letter, then its certainly not a benign matter, nor is it something that you can palliate on your own. Explain to me the symptoms.
Aiden sighed while placing his circlet back on his head, attempting to center himself amidst his younger brothers severe-toned interrogation.
Truthfully, its nothing serious. At least, not for now! Aiden hurriedly added the last bit once he detected the anger sparking in Auslens eyes.
I've only experienced some slight soul aggravation occasionally. However, if I stall for too long and fail to treat the mental block at its source, my state could deteriorate somewhat. The most probable symptoms would be about as tame as emotional instability or a constant pain lingering in my Soul Force.
And what if the symptoms arent tame? Auslen asked insistently. With his experiences, he became the type of individual that was only comfortable once he had taken the worst of possibilities into account.
Then, this mental barrier would hinder my cultivation from advancing further. At worst, my Profound Qi could deviate at some point, causing my Profound Foundation to crumble. If I managed to survive, then this would lead to a regression in my realm, crippling my cultivation path permanently.
Seeing Aidens unfittingly calm appearance while describing the possibility of his untimely death, Auslen could only let out a long exhale with a bit of helplessness. He then caressed the brilliant Space Concealing Mystic Artifact as he ruminated to himself in disquieted silence.
This is much more serious than I expected.
Enlightened from Cedricks letter and Aidens explanation, Auslen had gathered that insecurities, stress, fear, or any build-up of negative emotion could generate a heart demon within a Foundation Establishment cultivator. But that knowledge alone didnt help to explain Auslens involvement in the creation of this mental affliction, nor why his participation was needed to cure it. However, at this moment, Auslen could only take it one step at a time.
Fathers words seemed to insinuate that Im the cause of this heart demon that youre experiencing. Is that true?
Silence fell between them then.
Auslen tapped on the Mystic Artifact for each awkward second he sat waiting for an answer, and yet, the only thing he received from Aiden was a frowned expression full of embarrassment.
Auslen rolled his eyes once he discerned the teenager's chagrinned unwillingness to answer the question, which only succeeded in making Aiden even more insecure.
However, Aiden knew that this was getting them nowhere.
Fists clenching subconsciously, Aiden finally entreated, Its not your fault, Auslen, but please, lets just leave it at that. Just know that youre the only person I can ask for help with this matter.
Hmm Although unconvinced, Auslen hesitated, unsure if he should really pressure the boy who was mentally unwell.
In the end, he only asked, Is this heart demon also related to whats influencing Mother?
Aiden shook his head. No. Only Foundation Establishment and True Core realm cultivators are susceptible to heart demons. Mothers Dao Soul injury didnt come from illness, but was self-inflicted.
Seeing that Auslen was getting ready to question him again, Aiden continued, The only thing I know is that it has something to do with her Dao Integration realm cultivation. That was the lone piece of information that I was able to glean from Master Gerard after years of trying.
Although thoughts flew rapidly within his golden irises, his concern for Aiden lessened considerably.
Thousands of sharp, threadlike stands of Profound Qi slowly rotate around her willowy figure. The strands began to rotate faster, as though orchestrated by an invisible force, dancing faster and faster in the air until all the threads broke away to frame her body like the wings of a butterfly, a moment later vanishing without a trace.
Walking to the door that was opening on its own, her body trembled and her robe fluttered, looking like a fairy as she subconsciously advanced to Late Foundation Establishment.
But at this moment, neither her rise in cultivation nor her growing hunger were able to pierce through the haze of her thoughts.
Rami, who had just arrived at their Masters palace to check up on Rosalind, witnessed this scene and was shocked into surprised speechlessness.
The sword-servants guiding him through the hallway were equally astonished, but they had no time to celebrate her awakening once they realized they needed to prepare nourishment for her unexpected advancement in cultivation.
Bowing to her, the group of sword-servants said, Congratulations on your advancement! before rushing off to the kitchens.
By now, Rosalind was fully conscious, but still found herself in a state of confusion, as though she couldnt remember something incredibly important.
Second Sister Rosalind Rami walked a bit closer to her, his expression awash with varying shades of happiness and sadness.
Her gaze finally fell on Ramis shorter frame.
Seventh Brother, where are the others? I seem to be forgetting something
Her gentle words trailed off as her vision was suddenly obscured by a transparent curtain. Every time she attempted to blink it away, it returned even stronger before eventually overflowing from her eyes.
Feeling cool rivulets flowing down her face, Rosalind reached for her cheeks with some uncertainty.
As soon as her slender finger touched the damp trails, it was like a dam bursting open. Fragmentary memories of blood and the death of her brothers and sisters assaulted her, and she was suddenly, even unwillingly, no longer confused.
Rami was crying then too.
Outer Sect.
The night sky of summer was beautiful.
Not a single cloud drifted through the sky, and the stars sparkled like multicolored jewels around tonights especially round and gleaming moons.
The moonlight shone splendidly over the Outer Sect mountain, falling down on the tall mountain woods like a layer of muslin.
Beside the iron fire pit Vincent had ignited once again, Auslen was lying on his wooden reclining chair, looking tiredly at Nathaniel, who was bouncing around his chair with excessive excitement.
Were going, were going Nathaniels unending cheerful chants were already giving cause for Auslen to reconsider his decision.
Stealing a glance at Auslens exasperated expression, Aiden chuckled softly as he sat on the arm chair Durk had prepared for him, enjoying finally seeing some discomposure in his younger brothers normally perfect guise.
It was then that the they heard Irenes admonishing voice coming from nearby.
Nathan, stop frolicking around Auslen and sit down. We have a lot to discuss.
Nathaniel, who was just reprimanded, was momentarily stunned before quickly sitting on the lower section of Auslens chair, smiling in the distance innocently.
Theyre finally here.
Auslen ignored how Nathaniel brazenly pushed his legs aside to sit on his chair and glanced at Irene, who was approaching their location at a leisurely pace. Behind her was a jade-colored flying boat, which Tarek and Mias heads were peeking out from.