Ascension of the immortal Asura

A piece of Jade, one high in quality and aura, appeared in the Prime Shadow's hands. John eyed the piece curiously, eyes drawn by its wondrous aura. It was the highest quality piece of Jade he had ever seen, one that would not only last for millions of years, but remain completely intact that entire time.

"That looks important," John said.

"That's because it is," the Prime Shadow nodded, then handed the piece to John. John took it and sent his divine sense into it, surprise appearing on his face a moment later.

"This is…"

"That is the true Shadow of Death: Form Two assassination art," the Prime Shadow said. "The original source, created by my master himself. What I showed you earlier was just the basics. This jade piece contains the true art in all its power and beauty. This has been in my possession since my master's death, and now it shall be in yours."

Information flooded into his mind as his divine sense scanned the information contained within. His surprise grew as he continued to read, making him realize he had severely underestimated this assassination art. While it was already incredibly profound and lethal, what he had learned was just the tip of the iceberg.

'I had assumed the art would just level with my cultivation by using the more powerful Qi each higher realm provides, but that's not true at all.'

"There are four stages to the Shadow of Death: Form Two assassination art," the Prime Shadow said. "What you have learned is the first stage, the stage meant for a Dao Transformation cultivator. Each stage requires a certain level of body constitution, meridian toughness and Qi output, and soul power for fine Qi control, so when you advance your cultivation, you become capable of unleashing the next stage. You're a little different though, so perhaps you can successfully reach the second stage, the World Expansion stage, already."

John remained silent, studying the Jade piece in his hand.

'Stage Two: World Expansion - …'

The information within contained the next advancement in the art, including an even more complicated meridian pathway configuration. Just reading the art made John's mind swirl, as not only were hundreds of new meridian loops added, but the timing of each loop became more complex. There were also insights into the Dao of Nothingness, thoughts and notes from the Prime Shadow's master himself, although those insights were too complicated for John to immediately understand.

'The nature of the art remains the same, but each new stage is much more profound, allowing this art to remain incredibly lethal though multiple cultivation realms. How amazing.'

Most battle arts fell off after a few major realms, requiring one to learn a higher-level art to replace it. The Prime Shadow's master clearly intended for this art to be used for a long time, as indicated by the number of stages, which John read, although other than the initial titles, he didn't understand anything. The forms were too complex, the meridian pathways too advanced, the comprehensions too abstract.

He ignored the profundity of it all, and focused on the stage titles instead.

Shadow of Death: Form Two

Stage One: Dao Transformation

Stage Two: World Expansion

Stage Three: Holy Manifestation

Stage Four: Astral King

His eyes remained glued to that title, mouth sounding out the cultivation realm he had seen for the first time. The Astral King realm. The name of it sounded grandiose beyond compare, making him not only year to learn more about it, but reach it as quickly as possible.

He remained silent for a long time, eyes glued to that name. Eventually he peeled his attention away from it, and stored the Jade piece away.

"Astral King! Have you ever met an Astral King?" John couldn't help but ask.

"Only one," the Prime Shadow said, a reminiscent look on his face.

"Your master?" John asked.

"My master," the Prime Shadow nodded, "although by the time I met him, his cultivation was crippled from his battle with that Asura. His strength was no longer at the Astral King realm, but his bearing and natural aura was. When looking at him, it felt as though you were looking at an entire world, one beyond your comprehension."

John felt wondrous awe upon hearing this. His thirst for strength was ever growing with each new bit of information he learned about the world of cultivation. After daydreaming for a short moment, he collected himself.

"Thank you," John thanked the Prime Shadow, understanding the gravity of receiving this treasure. This was the true form of his master's assassination art, which he was now entrusting John with to carry on his legacy.

"As long as you manage to reach the fourth stage eventually, I will be the one in your debt," the Prime Shadow said, smiling with deep emotion. John nodded his head and took a deep breath, calming himself.

"Now then, onto the next matter at hand," the Prime Shadow said, instantly getting John's full focus. There was always one thing they discussed after each successful training completion; information regarding Lilian.

"Have you found out more regarding my companion?" John asked eagerly.

"I have," the Prime Shadow said, an amused smile appearing on his face. "This companion of yours, Lilian, is quite an interesting person."

'I've never told them Lilian's name, so there's no doubt he's found the right person,' John thought, his hope growing.

"Interesting, how?" John asked curiously. Based on the Prime Shadow's amused smile, he guessed the situation Lilian was in was not a dangerous one. Otherwise, the Prime Shadow would most likely have a more serious expression on his face when discussing her whereabouts.

"Your friend, Lilian, was purchased by the Sword-Saint for a very specific reason," the Prime Shadow said, pausing for a moment as if wanting to be more dramatic.

John sighed but remained silent, allowing the Prime Shadow to have his fun.

"Marriage!" the Prime Shadow said with grandiose emphasis, as if he were the one proclaiming the marriage himself.

"Marriage?" John exclaimed with slight anger. "The Sword-Saint wants to force Lilian into marriage with him? How the hell is that an amusing situation?"

"Now, now, now, let me finish," the Prime Shadow said, smiling. "By the time I'm done explaining everything you need to know, you'll find your friend's situation as amusing as I do."