Chapter 868: Breakthrough

Benjamin released his thoughts, letting go of all his inner energy. Gradually, the pain in his body faded away.

Somnia began to infuse her own energy into Benjamin's limbs and body, her golden energy merging with the silver energy within him, blending together seamlessly.

Benjamin started to feel at ease, the stifling pain dissipating throughout his body.

As the energy flowed back to its source and the disrupted meridians cleared, Benjamin couldn't help but wonder why the Dual Harmony Codex didn't mention the challenges that come with advancing from the Terrestrial Realm to the Celestial Realm. It seemed like the founder of the Codex either hadn't reached the Celestial Realm or that these challenges didn't exist in ancient times when Natural Energy was abundant. This knowledge was held by the sages of ancient times.

Two thousand years ago, Stormaria saw the emergence of almost all its sages. Different schools of thought clashed, each showcasing its unique strengths. However, after that era, Stormaria's intellectual progress declined significantly. There must have been numerous unexplained events during that time that led to such a decline.

Feeling the energy flowing freely, Benjamin nodded at Somnia and said, "Somnia, you don't have to keep using your energy to help me. I'm good now."

"No," Somnia replied. "The relief you're feeling is temporary. Soon, you'll experience internal burning, maybe even feeling like you're on fire. Don't fight the energy; resisting it could cause an energy outburst."

Surprised, Benjamin asked, "It's not over yet?"

"Yes, master. This is the Trial of Fire," Somnia explained. "Once you get through this trial, it'll be done. But when you reach the First-stage Divine Realm, you'll face the Trial of Wind. And beyond the Divine Realm, you'll encounter the Trial of Thunder."

"Okay, what do I need to do?" Benjamin inquired.

"Just sit tight and let me help you," Somnia instructed.

"Alright," Benjamin agreed, letting go of any resistance. Suddenly, a scorching energy ignited from the core of his Inner Energy, bursting through his meridians like a wildfire. After circulating nine times, it spread throughout his entire body. Benjamin felt like he was inside a furnace, unbearable agony consuming him.

If it weren't for Somnia's guidance, Benjamin might have believed he was truly engulfed in flames. Knowing it was an illusion, he stayed composed despite the intense heat. After enduring and adapting, the searing sensation gradually became more tolerable. Benjamin refrained from resisting, realizing that fighting the heat could harm his meridians.

It was unclear who had imposed so many restrictions on human bodies, hindering a straightforward journey to the Celestial Realm.

With his face flushed and veins bulging, Benjamin endured the intense heat until it slowly faded. Somnia's energy circulated gently within Benjamin, stabilizing his mental state without clearing any meridians.

After some time, the sweat on Benjamin's forehead dried up completely, and the redness in his face diminished.

Finally, taking a deep breath, Benjamin felt the energy flowing faster and stronger, spiraling out of control. His energy surged uncontrollably, reaching its peak on the optimal energy path.

After a while, Benjamin stood up from the ground, feeling an unprecedented comfort throughout his body, as if an infinite power filled him, an indescribable sensation.

Somnia, sweating profusely, gave a faint smile to Benjamin, saying, "Master, congratulations on breaking through to the First-Stage Celestial Realm."

Benjamin nodded and thanked Somnia.

At that moment, Somnia's complexion noticeably worsened, showing signs of exhaustion. Her once vibrant Inner Energy also began to fade. With a sway, she collapsed into Benjamin's arms.

"Somnia!" Benjamin held her gently, asking, "Why didn't you stop earlier?"

Shaking her head, Somnia replied, "If I had stopped, master, your life would have been in danger."

"I'm okay," Benjamin assured her.

"It's good that you're okay," Somnia whispered. "It's good that you're okay, master, as long as you're okay." She suddenly fainted in Benjamin's arms.

After observing her for a while, Benjamin, using his medical skills, attempted to help her but found no abnormalities, except for excessive energy depletion.

Unable to provide immediate assistance, Benjamin carried her out and brought her back to her room.

With this level of exhaustion, she should recover in about a dozen days. Benjamin wasn't concerned. Placing Somnia by the bedside, he allowed her to rest peacefully before leaving the room.

Upon stepping out, he noticed Ava standing at the door.

Ava scowled at Benjamin, pulling him back into the room, and asked, "Hey, spill it. Who exactly is Somnia?"

"She? She's someone I rescued in Celestoria," Benjamin replied.

"Rescued? How did you manage that?" Ava inquired.

"It's confidential, not something I can disclose yet," Benjamin explained.

"I have a feeling she's not from around here," Ava said seriously.

Nodding, Benjamin agreed, "You're onto something. I sense the same."

Pausing, Ava said, "Aren't you worried?"

"What's there to worry about?" Benjamin responded. "I saved her and brought her back. I'm responsible for her."

"I don't get your logic," Ava remarked. "She seems fixated on you, always calling you master. Who follows someone around all day calling them master?"

Benjamin understood Ava's curiosity about Somnia's origins, but even he was uncertain. He couldn't fabricate stories to deceive Ava. So he said, "Ava, trust me. If she intended harm, I'd be long gone. I stake my life on the fact that she won't pose a threat to our family."

"Fine, if you say so," Ava said, still looking concerned.

"Alright," Benjamin said. "I might need to be away for a few days again, this time for official business."

"Okay, it's all business. I wonder when we'll have some time to ourselves," Ava's tone hinted at some frustration.

Benjamin quickly reassured her, "These matters are crucial and can't be postponed."

"Okay," Ava said. "Just remember to check in with me daily, and if you need to vanish suddenly, give me a heads-up."

"Got it," Benjamin said, walking out of the house, getting into his car, and driving straight to the Dragon Corps headquarters.

While driving, Benjamin dialed Aurora's number.

Aurora: "Hey, why are you calling me again?"

Benjamin: "I told you I missed you, do you believe me?"

"Of course, I do. How could I not?" Aurora replied. "So, what's the scoop this time?"

"You're sharp! You got it," Benjamin said. "You know me so well, my right-hand woman!"

"Yeah, your assistant and partner in crime," Benjamin teased.

"Whatever you say," Aurora responded. "Spill it, who's on the radar this time?"

"I'll fill you in once I reach Dragon Corps!" Benjamin said.

"Got it!"

After ending the call, Benjamin reached the Dragon Corps headquarters promptly.

Aurora had already figured out that Benjamin's target was top-secret. The headquarters blocked all signals, allowing Benjamin to disclose the target's name, Hudson, directly to Aurora.

Aurora nodded and declared, "Time to nab him."

"Find out Hudson's whereabouts pronto. I won't rest until he's brought to justice," Benjamin urged.

"Okay, give me a sec," Aurora said, leading Benjamin to the technical department to seek the chief technician's help in tracking down Hudson.

After a thorough search, the technician suddenly exclaimed, "I've got him, he's in Willowbrook!"

"What? Willowbrook?" Benjamin nearly leaped. "How is that possible? I already kicked Hudson out of Stormaria before!"

"The intel indicates he sneaked back into Stormaria recently using an alias and is currently hiding in an underground warehouse on the outskirts of Willowbrook," the technician clarified.

"Hudson's got nerve," Benjamin muttered, rubbing his hands together. "Hudson, if you don't choose the path to heaven, I'll ensure you find your way to hell. If I let you slip out of Willowbrook this time, I'll be the laughingstock!"

Aurora chuckled, "Captain, what would your name be backward?"

Scratching his head, Benjamin didn't quite catch her drift but tried saying his name backward and found it surprisingly catchy.