The Battle Maiden Sect was peaceful in the morning. Dominique woke up to find herself in a familiar room, the scent of the aged wooden furniture and lingering fragrances of herbs creating a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Mira was sitting cross-legged on the floor, watching the sunrise, her crimson eyes reflecting the first light of the day. Hana was curled up in the corner of the bed, her soft snores providing a rhythm to the peaceful ambiance.
Dominique rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as Mira's voice echoed gently in the room, "Do you want to get stronger, Dominique?"
She wasn't expecting such a question right after waking up, but did she really need to think about the answer?
"Of course, Mother! That's been my goal from the very beginning!" Dominique replied without a moment's hesitation, her voice steady and resolute.
"What if it meant going through hell?"
"I'd expect nothing less, Mother! That's why I wanted you to teach me!" The certainty in her voice made Mira turn to look at her with a slight smile on her face.
"Then… Do you know what kind of person you want to be?" Mira asked a question that was a bit out of pocket compared to her usual self.
Dominique was taken aback for a moment, not knowing how to respond. "What kind of person do I want to be?" She asked to ensure her ears were working.
Mira nodded, confirming her thoughts.
"I want to be able to fight enemies with Mother!" Dominique's answer was instantaneous.
"Haaa… That's not what I meant, child." Mira sighed, "That'll come as a result of strength. What I want to know is what kind of cultivator you see yourself being in the future. What kind of values and characteristics do you align with? Your goals, innate tendencies, and outlook on life. All of these are very important and will shape what kind of person and, subsequently, cultivator you'll be."
"..." Dominique paused, becoming silent. She'd never thought about those things. All she knew was that she wanted to be strong so she could live without fear.
"I will do what I can to assist you, but ultimately, cultivation is about following your heart and sticking to a set of principles. There's no right or wrong answer." That was what Mira wholeheartedly believed.
While she wasn't nearly as experienced a cultivator as people like Aelina, she didn't need to be. She'd lived 10 other lives and came across an innumerable amount of people. Not to mention, she's experienced many other alternate lives.
If there was one thing they all had in common, it was that people were happier doing what they were innately inclined to do.
Someone who loves climbing mountains and experiencing all of nature's wonders would hate their life if they had to spend their days stuck in a cubicle. On the flip side, someone with an innate curiosity toward technology would live a more fulfilling life if they stuck to that than climbing mountains.
Those were very simple examples, and of course, there were outliers, but everyone has a predisposition that their minds and bodies lean toward.
However, unlike mortals, who will be fine and can still lead happy lives if they don't do what they subconsciously desire, cultivators are different. One's worldly outlook is directly related to how far they can progress.
Forcing yourself to be a certain way and do certain things aren't conducive to proper growth.
"...Follow my heart, huh?" Dominique fell into thought before nodding, her large eyes brightening, "I see. Thank you for your words, Mother. I'll think about what kind of person I want to be!"
However, Mira just waved her hand dismissively, "Don't think about it too much; let it come naturally. Just do what you feel is right for you."
"Yes, Mother!" Dominique exclaimed, making Mira sigh again, but she had already said everything she needed to.
'She'll learn with time,' Mira thought.
Dominique didn't waste any time putting Mira's words into action. She immediately left to begin meditating on them. It was rare for Mira to say… anything, much less such profound words. She'd be a bad daughter if she didn't take Mira's words to heart!
Meanwhile, Mira began the journey deeper into the Abyssal Torment Steps. Since she decided to grant Dominique access to the Firmament, she might as well start now.
The sheer force of the trials and the toll they took on her body were colossal, but she remained undeterred. After finishing for the day, she also went ahead and caught up in the Abyssal Battle Ladder.
Several days passed, with Dominique engrossed in her thoughts and Mira completing more stages in the Abyssal Battle Ladder. Despite the torment, Mira had finally reached a level where she could share the Firmament of Limitless Death and Infinite Life with Dominique.
Secluded within a private room, Mira and Dominique sat across from each other on a plush red carpet, the glowing candlelight flickering off their focused faces.
This wasn't an ordinary room; it was saturated with complex and powerful formations. Every inch was laden with intricate symbols designed to block off any outside interference.
Sounds were muted, prying Qi repelled, and even the sharpest Soul Sense would be stonewalled, ensuring that the following event remained a secret.
With how rich she was, and now that her fame had risen, Mira went ahead and purchased a few from other Battle Maiden Sect disciples over the last few days.
Mira broke the silence, her voice soft yet firm, "Do you remember what we discussed? About getting stronger?"
Dominique nodded, her hazel eyes glimmering with resolve, "Yes, Mother."
"I have an opportunity for you," Mira said, causing Dominique's eyes to widen in excitement. "It won't just allow you to get stronger, but completely transform you. However, keep in mind that this is just an opportunity. How much you can make out of it is up to you."
"I'll do it!" Dominique jumped up and exclaimed.
Mira already expected that answer, so she continued, "All you need to do is form a pact with me. This isn't necessarily because I don't trust you, but this place must be kept an absolute secret," Mira proposed, a solemnity pervading her voice.
"Don't worry, Mother! Do what you need to do! I trust you!"
Mira looked at her young disciple, Dominique's excited gaze meeting hers. She chuckled, "Good. Let's get started then."
With a wave of her hand and the Guardian's help, Mira brought forth a spiritual imprint of a dragon, its scales shining with a mesmerizing radiance. This was a manifestation of her spiritual essence, the symbol of the pact that they were about to form.
"The pact we are forming is called the Aegis Bond," Mira explained, her eyes fixed on the dragon. "It is a bond that connects our spirits and souls. Through this, you'll gain access to the Firmament, to the knowledge and power that lies therein. But in turn, it will ensure the secrecy and protection of the Firmament."
Dominique listened attentively, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of nervous excitement. She could feel the heavy implications of what she was about to do, but she was ready.
Without a hint of hesitation, Dominique extended her hand, her palm facing the dragon imprint. "I understand, Mother. I am ready to form the Aegis Bond."
A hint of pride shone in Mira's eyes. With a nod, Mira began to chant an ancient incantation, her voice resonating with an eerie, mystical echo.
The dragon imprint flared brightly, its scales shimmering with a divine aura. It swirled around Dominique, inspecting her like a majestic guardian assessing its ward. As the incantation reached its crescendo, the dragon imprint dissolved into a thousand particles of light, diving into Dominique's extended palm.
A gasp escaped her lips, the sudden influx of energy making her feel an incredible rush. It was like she was connected to something much larger, much more significant like she was one with an ancient cosmic entity.
"It's finished," Mira stated. "Would you like to begin your first trial?"
Despite being slightly overwhelmed by what had just happened, Dominique didn't hesitate to nod her head.
Now connected, Mira guided Dominique into the depths of her Soul Sea, where the Firmament resided. It was a sight that took Dominique's breath away. She was faced with an extensive list of choices: Physiques, bloodlines, meridians, techniques, and more.
'Pick whichever ones you feel suit you the best. And try not to die.' Mira's voice entered her mind, and she could only nod her head.
Her gaze flitted over the countless choices until it settled on a particular bloodline. A knowing smile tugged at her lips.
"I'll choose this one," she said and disappeared, leaving Mira alone with the sinking feeling of an added burden in her mind.
The weight was tremendous, almost threatening to crush her. But Mira held on, gritting her teeth against the mental onslaught. She had expected this. She knew what she was getting into when she agreed to shoulder the mental burden of the trials.
Returning to the waking world, Mira spent some time with Hana and Rhydian, their light-hearted banter providing a temporary reprieve from the grinding pressure in her mind.
Then, steeling herself, she began her Inner Body Cultivation, or Body Refinement.
Sending her consciousness inside the "Gates of Purgatory" and standing before a bright orange door, she readied her mind and slowly pushed open the fourth Hell.
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