The Heavenly Road: God Hunters

Chapter 028 Signs (revision)

Under the guidance of his Master, Asta's achievements continued to increase rapidly. Both in terms of basic control and understanding of cultivation. All the exercises Flares gave were intensive, but the results were very satisfying.

Utilizing the natural pressure in the Valley of Hell, Flares occasionally gave up her protection so that Asta could learn to survive without her help. However, not only that, the abundant stored resources in the Valley of Hell made it easier for Flares to concoct medicine. The combination of the Book of Fire Gods with the potions made by this teacher created a very significant acceleration of development.

In the next half a year, Asta finally managed to establish his spiritual foundation as an Expert cultivator. A fairly long process eventually led him to master the method of merging the two creations.

"Thank you, Teacher. All these achievements would not have been possible without your help" he said with a sincere smile.

"Good, you acknowledge this success thanks to my guidance. Now it's time to practice the techniques you've got" Flares said seriously.

Asta raised his eyebrows curiously, "What does Teacher mean?"

Flares unleashed a light blow towards Asta's head, "Take out the sword given by Ace. Time for you to start training the Undestroying Slash of the Universe he gave you."

Asta frowned confusedly, "But, Master, I have no intention of going down the path of the sword. I'd rather fight with my hands and feet."

Flares again struck Asta, "Are you trying to challenge your teacher?!" he said sharply.

Asta grimaced in pain and held his head, "Of course not, Master."

"Shut up! Take out the sword," Flares commanded decisively. Asta takes out the scroll and sword given by Ace.

"You may not have known about this Fate of Universe Destroyers. If you knew the history, maybe you'd be more interested in learning it," Flares said as he began his story.

Flares tells the story of a Celestial Emperor who managed to overcome the 12 powers of the Ancient Animal Race in the past by creating the 12 Great Destruction Seals of the Universe. Through this technique, the Heavenly Emperor managed to overcome the barrier created by the 12 Ancient Beasts and win the battle.

Asta was amazed by the courage of the Heavenly Emperor who dared to challenge nature at that time. For a moment he pondered, and finally he became interested in learning the technique.

Flares continued, "The heavenly law never restricts cultivators from exploring different paths of understanding. You can explore more than one path of understanding. Even if you don't want to, you still have to learn it. Especially if you want to fight with your hands and feet, this additional understanding can help you fight against swordsmen. You can combine your swordsmanship with your body movements, making your hands and feet as strong as a sword or as a strategy against a swordsman. Both can be very useful. There's no harm in learning something different."

Asta pondered in silence, pervading his teacher's words. In the end, he realized there was truth in Flares' words. Without a doubt, Asta unrolled and began his studies diligently. After a while, Asta managed to master the technique and wanted to give it a try.

His sword swerved with a swift swing, creating sword energy that shot forward. Traces in the ground proved his strength.

Asta was astonished to see the effect of this sword slash. He wanted to try again, but suddenly he had a brilliant idea on his mind. Calmly, Asta set his breath, flowing spirit essence into his sword.

"Spirit Technique, Firing Slash!" yells.

"Hey, don't just change..." Flares came to a halt when they saw the energy produced was much stronger than before.

If originally the Universe-Destroying Slash had a characteristic blue energy and the nature of a sharp wind slice, capable of cutting anything in its path, then the difference with what Asta had just done was striking.

What Asta had just done was to release a pitch-black sword energy slash, similar to his spirit essence. The technique had lost its characteristics, and became a kind of powerful destructive attack. The trees that were affected by the attack, immediately burned and charred into charcoal.

"For Heaven's sake, I've finally succeeded!" Shouted Asta proudly. He jumped up and down in excitement, simultaneously shouting "I made it!" time and time again.

Flares was speechless, observing seriously the black-colored sword energy that Asta had just released. The bushes and trees that were in his path of attack, were crushed to ashes.

Flares touched his chin in hesitation. His eyes continued to be glued to the place where the sword energy attack destroyed everything. Slowly, he felt confident that this was no longer the Undying Flesh he had taught. Although the movements were similar, but the essence of his strength was far different. Flares got up and picked up one of the charcoal pieces from the burning tree, trying to make sure.

Spirit Techniques are fighting arts that rely on the power of release or creation of spirits. This technique can only be understood by those who have the essence and spirit power that is commensurate or can be created alone.

"This is no longer the 12 Seal of the Universe. Although the movements are similar, the effect of the attack is much different. I'm sure it's a Spirit Technique, but it's hard to believe that this kid could produce something like this at his age and at his current cultivation level" Flares murmured with admiration.

Asta's closing in, approaching Flares. Although he knew that his Master must have realized this change.

"Teacher, what are you thinking? Do I need to look at it in detail?" Ask Asta.

Flares smiled faintly. "Son, you've been shocked and almost shocked your teacher to the point that his heart stopped. I'm really curious where did you get the inspiration to create something like this. I'm afraid you'll be too focused on creating such a technique and forget about other developments" Flares said, laying hands on Asta's shoulders.

Asta felt good to see the award given by his teacher.

"Teacher, I just follow what Master has taught me. To understand such a complex and profound heavenly art, as Master said, is like understanding a large piece of glass used to reflect our being."

Flares nodded in agreement. "But how could you possibly create a Spirit Technique just by following it?"

"In fact, I did make some changes. If that large piece was a representation of the path of comprehension, then what was reflected in it was a cultivator who was cultivating towards immortality. I do not see the path of understanding as a fixed benchmark, but as part of a greater understanding. As soon as the glass broke, once there was a conflict in understanding, it was the moment when cultivation occurred. It is no longer about being fixated on a path of understanding, but understanding the state of body and soul so that we can continue to develop, not being hindered by certain limits of understanding" Asta explained.

Flares nodded his head with understanding. If the glass broke, there was no chance for the cultivator to reflect and repair themselves. Maybe the fraction can be used, but the results will not be maximal.

"If according to Master, seeing ourselves in the soul, opening the heart, and flowing the heavenly essence, I modify it to open the soul, integrating feeling and control over the heavenly essence. In this way, we are not only fixated on one or more paths of understanding, but understanding the condition of the body and soul to go forward without being bound to the limits of the path of understanding" Asta added.

Flares opened his eyes wide, not believing what he had heard. He sat silent in astonishment. Asta's words echoed in his head, percolating in his mind.

"Streeting the Path of Heavenly Destiny." muttered Flares, unaware that her voice sounded.

"Boom!" The sound of a loud bang made Asta crash backwards. A wave of energy suddenly erupted from Flares. The pain hit Asta's body, and despite the pain, he rose to try to maintain his body's balance. He was worried because he did not know what was going on with his teacher.

However, pitch-black waves coming from the direction of the sky suddenly gathered above the Valley of Hell. A flash of lightning illuminated the sky, and the magical beasts around them hid in fear. This furor attracted the attention of the surrounding residents, even almost the entire Heavenly Continent.

Not long after, Flares clenched his hands, and in the sky appeared black clouds billowing violently. The lightning struck and emitted a terrifying light. All the living creatures in the Valley of Hell were scattering away, frightened by the terrifying power that was being unleashed.

The clamor of lightning bolts and thunderous sounds echoed, awakening the figure hidden within the Third Cave in the Valley of Hell. This figure smiled faintly, feeling the tremendous energy that Flares released.

Asta was shocked and amazed, not knowing what happened. He stared anxiously as Flares let out this devastating attack.

"Where did this energy come from?" asta whispered in his heart, but he felt there was something else behind all this.

The sky became increasingly dark by the black clouds that formed. Lightning struck ferociously, smashing into the Valley of Hell. All who were there, including Asta and Flares, felt this overwhelming power.

However, just before the lightning struck the ground, something was thrown from within the storage ring left behind by Asta's father. A small object hovered in the air, then turned into a huge protector that encompassed the entire Hell Valley, blocking the lightning strike.

A few moments later, the black clouds slowly disappeared, the sky brightened again like nothing had happened. Asta remained standing, observing the surrounding scenery with awe and gratitude. He felt that something much bigger than he had expected was happening, and this made him even more curious about the origin of his strength.

---

Deep in the True Fire Flame Sect, Arai Ken felt shocked as he felt the energy tremors from the marbles he had given Asta. A faint smile appeared on his face, as he realized that his son was now under the protection of someone who was not careless.

"Asta, my son, it seems that you have found someone worthy to look after and guide you" Arai Ken murmured inwardly.

---

Meanwhile, in the Valley of Hell, Asta was still looking at the sky that had regained its calm after the terrible phenomenon earlier. He felt that there was a power protecting him, an invisible yet powerful existence. However, Asta is not yet fully aware of what has happened and how all this relates to the marbles left behind by his father.

"Teacher...!!! Are you all right?! What's going on?!" asta shouted while running through the dust.

Although the lightning did not strike them, a powerful earthquake shake persisted, leaving the Valley of Hell a little messy.

From behind the dust, Flares coughed as he choked. He looked at the black clouds above the sky that were beginning to move back away. He smiled thinly. Apparently, his own student has solved the problems he faced. However, what was even more surprising was that Asta had something that could block the heavenly lightning, which was no simple matter.

Despite being given a great opportunity, Flares felt regret for her current state. The state as a spirit wisp made him unable to use his full strength.

"none. It was just an ordinary natural phenomenon," he replied with a smile.

Asta looked at him sharply. "There is no natural phenomenon so frightening,"

"It was just a natural phenomenon that occurred when one broke through to the Heavenly Emperor realm. However, during my lifetime, I was a Heavenly Emperor. So, the phenomenon earlier was the process of breaking through a realm above that of a Heavenly Emperor," Flares explained.

Asta unconsciously swallowed his own saliva. He did not believe that breaking through to a high realm could cause a very frightening natural phenomenon.

"Son, do you remember your promise?" ask Flares.

"of course. I won't forget it. I will fight hard to help the teacher regain a new body" Asta replied.

"Don't you want to know why I asked you to do this?"

"I trust you, Master. I'm sure it's for your own good and mine. I won't doubt you" Asta said.

Flares smiled proudly at that answer. "Well, it's time we visit a place no one has ever visited before."

Asta raised his eyebrows, curious about what place was meant.

"Aren't you talking about trusting teachers?" said Flares. "Do you want to retract your words?"

"Ehh..?!! I don't mean it, Master. I just want to know about that place. You said it was a place that had not been visited in a long time. Such a place must be dangerous" Asta replied.

"Exactly. This place is dangerous for others, but not for teachers. You'll see for yourself later. The place we're looking for is in the Valley of Hell, third cave."

Flares pulled his disciple's arm and entered the third cave. Asta was still confused and thought what he would find inside there. They walked down and down the stairs leading down.

Asta was surprised and amazed by the view he saw as he went down the stairs. Inside the cave, it does not feel dark because the walls are decorated with sparkling blue gems, providing natural lighting.

After walking for a while, Asta finally saw the end of the hallway. A terrifying pressure felt coming from there, stronger than he had ever felt while training in the Valley of Hell.

"Although you manage to master basic control well, don't be too proud. You know that it's only the first step in the cultivation journey," warned Flares.

"Yes, this disciple realized that there was still a long way to go to the peak of cultivation" Asta replied.

Asta feels indebted to Ace and Flares because without them, he would not be in this position. The presence of the two of them provided enlightenment and understanding that he had never encountered before.

"Good, as long as you understand. Don't get stuck in a realm just because you don't want to increase basic control further" Flares said.

Asta frowned in confusion. He did not fully understand the meaning of the teacher's words.

"The basic level of control has a higher stage than the high level, and do not underestimate the stalled in a realm. You're the one who once suggested not to focus too much on that understanding, right?" Flares explained.

"Ah, so understand," Asta said with a faint smile.

"The higher the cultivation realm, the higher the required requirements. While not a major requirement, it still has an impact. If it's not met, your strength will be different from others in the same realm" Flares explained.

"More to reach the Heavenly Emperor realm. Many were in the Sky Elder Realm, but only two people had managed to reach the Heavenly Emperor realm. It requires not only understanding, but also recognition of the Heavenly Law," Flares continued.

"This includes you too, Master," Asta said. Flares nodded his head and continued while they were still walking in the hallway, which was actually still very far from the end.

"But, Master, why would a powerful Heavenly Emperor be killed?" ask Asta.

"It's better not to know too much right now. Let's end this conversation. We've arrived" Flares said, pointing to the 50-meter-tall creature ahead.

"No way... How could there be such a creature in my training ground...?!" asta was surprised.

"Haha... Of course, there's someone keeping him here. You're so funny, my student," Flares laughed at Asta's reaction.

The creature was tied up with a large chain that encircled his body. His body seemed to be made of lava and stone, but the chains looked unaffected by the high temperature of his body.

"S....!!!!!!!"

Asta gasped as the creature suddenly intimidated. He had not expected to train near such a terrifying creature.

The creature stared at Asta sharply. Like it wouldn't let it go if the chains didn't tie it.

Asta felt a tremendous pressure and almost fainted from entering the room where the creature was. Luckily, Flares helped him stay sober.

"Teacher, what is this? Why did Master bring me here? Is this the place that Guru meant as a place that no one had visited in a long time?" ask Asta with fear.

"Yes, this is the place" Flares said with a laugh.

"Did Master plan to make me his food? I want to stay alive" Asta said, trembling and nervous.

"Haha.. Of course not. I brought you here to give you a gift" Flares said.

Asta was sitting on the ground, looking at the towering figure of 50 meters. He wondered what the prize was meant by Flares. Maybe the gift is himself to be made food by the creature.

"Gift? What gift..???!!! There are living beings who want to be rewarded with death. No, Guru. Refused it. I still want to live," Asta replied while trying to get up.

"Come," call Flares.

"No way, Master," he replied steadily.

"Come," call Flares again.

"No way, Master," he replied resolutely.

Without hesitation, Asta immediately turned around and ran away from his teacher. He was so frightened that he did not notice his footsteps, rushing away from the monstrous figure.

"Asta, you don't have to worry too much. It won't hurt you" Flares said in a soft tone.

Asta looked at Flares with a face full of disbelief. "But, Master, that looks really scary."

Flares laughs. "Yes, it does look scary, but it's just her outer appearance. Come, I'll help you to deal with him."

Asta was still hesitant, but eventually nodded resignedly. Flares guided Asta to approach the giant creature with careful steps. The creature nevertheless emitted a powerful and terrifying aura, but as it approached, Asta felt that the aura also had an unexpected presence, almost like?

The creature looked at Asta with its big eyes lit up, and Asta felt that there was intelligence behind that gaze. A moment later, Flares reached out her hand and touched the creature, while Asta held his breath.

"Don't worry, Asta. This is not a dangerous creature" Flares said in a soft voice.

The creature suddenly smiled disdainfully, making Asta's hair immediately goosebumps imagining himself being trapped by his teacher to be used as food for the creature.

"No, Teacher! I don't want to! I still want to live..!!!" Shouted Asta, then ran away.