Dawn... Far from Kankal City, inside a stone cave hidden deep within a dense forest, Snehwal slowly opened his eyes.
A green radiance emerged within them. For a few moments, that glow shimmered in his eyes. At the same time, the color of the sky began to change. Dark clouds slowly gathered, as if nature itself had become a witness to his transformation. Yet this time, there was neither thunder nor lightning.
Snehwal slowly shifted his gaze.
His second body was still seated in a peaceful posture, completely immersed in cultivation. Looking at it, Snehwal felt the same familiar sensation, as though the two bodies were simply two limbs of the same person.
He slowly stood up and stretched his body.
The very next moment, his body became light and rose into the air. It was a clear sign that Snehwal had now become a Fifth Stage cultivator.
From above, he looked down at the stone cave below. At that moment, a faint sense of fear arose within him.
His second body was still there, and he could still feel his connection to it, just as one feels connected to another form of their own soul.
Then suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind.
"Where did the Senior Squirrel go?"
For a few moments, he remained silent. Then he murmured softly, "Has she... already left? Then again, she did not have much time left. Her death was near."
He lowered his head with a trace of regret. Then, with a simple gesture of his hand, In an instant, an invisible barrier appeared around the cave, enveloping the entire place in its protection.
Snehwal looked once more at his second body and said quietly, "Now... this body of mine will remain safe."
Snehwal slowly flew through the sky toward Kankal City. Just then, a familiar aura appeared in the distance, flying toward him. It was Liora. Within a few moments, the two met high in the sky.
Before Snehwal could say anything, Liora smiled and said, "Fifth Stage, Low Level... I expected you to reach the Fifth Stage very soon."
Snehwal smiled faintly and replied, "I've been fortunate to have protectors like you... and especially you."
Hearing this, Liora's cheeks turned slightly red. Trying to hide her shyness, she quickly said, "Alright... alright."
Snehwal asked politely, "Were you heading somewhere?"
In truth, Liora had been worried about him because he had been away for such a long time. However, hiding her true feelings, she answered casually,
"Yes... I'm just in a bit of a hurry. Preparations for a war are underway."
"A war?"
Snehwal asked in surprise, as though he knew nothing about it, even though he was well aware that King Omas was a great challenge.
"Yes." Liora nodded.
Then, in a calm voice, she said, "Now, all that's left is to overthrow King Omas from his throne."
After a short flight, Liora and Snehwal both entered Kankal City.
The moment Snehwal's gaze fell upon the land below, he froze for an instant at the sight before him.
Rows upon rows of soldiers stretched into the distance. Thousands of them were engaged in training. Their movements were so vast that it seemed as though the entire city would tremble from their activity.
Snehwal said in astonishment, "Such a massive army... you've gathered an enormous force."
Liora replied calmly, "Perhaps... we'll need even more than this."
Snehwal looked at her and asked, "Why?"
In a serious tone, Liora answered, "King Omas and Humbha already possess a massive army. They have immense wealth, years of established dominance... and above all, a terrifying reputation that has forced countless people to remain under their rule. I'm certain they've prepared an army far larger than ours."
Snehwal slowly nodded. He now fully understood the gravity of the situation.
Both of them landed on the ground, and Snehwal immediately ran toward Lily.
He looked around before opening the door to his room. In the middle of the room stood a table, and nearby, Luna was seated on a chair.
The moment she saw Snehwal, Luna stood up at once.
Deep inside, she was happy to see him, but she suppressed her emotions, pretending as though his return had made no difference to her.
Without wasting a single moment, Snehwal asked only one question, "Where is Lily?"
Maintaining her composure, Luna replied, "Lily... Lily hasn't been here since morning. She must be occupied with something. After all, we're building a massive army now, one that will include cultivators, beast cultivators, and ordinary humans. And we have only one goal... to bring down the Chintamani Empire."
Snehwal understood immediately that Lily had most likely gone to seek help from someone... or perhaps to defeat someone and persuade them to fight alongside them.
He stood there quietly, disappointment filling his heart as these thoughts crossed his mind.
Just then, Liora walked up behind him, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, and said, "You should rest first. Everyone will return by evening."