Chapter 59: Rasoul's Punishment (2)
[Host! You are fucked]
'Where is Lara?' Rasoul inquired urgently about Lara's whereabouts. He has already sensed trouble from the changes in his body without even needing the system to confirm it.
[Why not focus on yourself first? She's not dead; she's still alive. So, prioritize yourself for now.]
The system was aware that Rasoul had gone berserk in the last trial due to a sudden beast attack, leaving Lara in a precarious state.
"Oh, thank God," Rasoul breathed a sigh of relief internally, finally able to calm down. "So, how bad is it, system?" Rasoul inquired about the extent of his injuries, recognizing uncomfortable changes in his body.
[You have eyes; read the messages yourself.] The reply clearly conveyed the system's dissatisfaction with how Rasoul handled the last trial. If he had calmed down and thoroughly analyzed the situation, he might have made a different choice, avoiding this predicament.
With no other option, Rasoul opened the messages, immediately beginning to read them.
Ding...
[WARNING: The host is absorbing an excessive amount of energy, surpassing the body's capacity. Continued absorption may lead to severe damage to the host's meridians.]
[The host is strongly advised to cease any further energy absorption.]
'Well, I guess being in an unstable state does have its perks. It would have been great if I could use it while sane without facing any backlash...
[Unknown Bloodline detected]
[High amount of Chaos energy detected in the bloodline. The host is advised to not absorb it, or else the host's meridians will be destroyed completely and crippled his cultivation forever]
[Host is advised to stop channeling any more energies.]
'Unknown bloodline, system, care to explain where that one came from?' Rasoul asked the system.
The unidentified bloodline he utilized in his fight was incredibly potent, yet the system couldn't identify it. He experienced a surge of even more formidable power when he activated the God of War Rage, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was. The only certainty was that this force bore no ill intentions toward him. It only activated temporarily to help him during his time of need.
[It's an unknown bloodline. I can't identify it due to the strong restriction blocking me. I believe it will unlock once your body is ready to absorb it..]
'That's strange; you usually know everything. How is this different?'
[In case you forget, host, I only reside in your soul, but I don't have access to manipulate your soul. The restriction on the bloodline is linked to your soul, so attempting to manipulate it might endanger your soul and result in your demise.]
[Or do you want me to give it a try.]
'Nope, I'll wait until the restriction breaks on its own. No need to take the risk,' Rasoul promptly dismissed the system's proposal.
[That's what I thought. Anyway, the good news is that to access that bloodline, you have to first become a Sage.]
'Isn't that convenient? It's practically challenging to advance in Rank now due to that incredibly difficult-to-cultivate physique I awakened.'
"[You have the audacity to complain. Your situation is far worse than you realize. Why don't I break it down for you so you understand your predicament better?]"
[First: You've overloaded your brain, allowing excessive mana energy to pass through your delicate body, damaging almost all internal organs.]
[Second: Thanks to this unknown bloodline, you managed to channel the most powerful energy known to the entire universe in large quantities, damaging 80% of your meridians.]
[Thirdly: You wielded the most potent fire out there for over an hour, while your mastery of the fire element hasn't even reached Peak Master yet.]
[Do you comprehend the kind of trouble you're in?]
The system simplified all that had occurred for Rasoul to grasp the gravity of the situation he had plunged himself into. He had gone too far, and now he was poised to face the ultimate consequences. He had to learn that 'With Great Power, there must also be a great consequence.'
'So I'm screwed, is that right?' Rasoul asked.
[Why don't you read it yourself.]
Rasoul didn't reply to the system as he immediately returned to the messages. He knew he had to face the music one way or another.
Ding...
[Due to the damages the host has suffered in his body and meridians, the host's cultivation has regressed from 5th Rank to 1st Rank Grandmaster.]
Ding...
[Due to the extensive damage to the host's meridians, the host's cultivation has been locked at the 1st Rank Grandmaster stage.]
[All active abilities have been locked until the host's meridians are cured.]
[The host cannot increase his mastery of any skill, technique, or element.]
[The host cannot increase his soul and mental strength until the host's body is healed.]
"This is just fantastic. I'm practically a dummy now. Some trial you've created, Deity," Rasoul commented in a broken tone. No cultivator would take this news with a smiling face.
"Please tell me you have a cure," Rasoul asked the System.
[There is good news and a piece of bad news. The bad news is, I do have a cure, but you can't afford it, so forget about it for now. The good news is there is a way to secure a cure without paying me a dime.]
'Why the suspense, just say it already...'
[Inside your RingWorld, there is a waterfall 30 km west of the spirit fruit garden. Deep under the waterfall, there is a flower called Ice Luminara Bloom. It can cure and rebuild meridians. Should you manage to retrieve it, then you will have the chance to cultivate again; else, you'll have to pay me 900,000,000,000 Fire points to get one.]
'Cool, I just have to take a dip in a river for the cure,' Rasoul thought happily inwardly.
[Not so fast. With your fragile body, you would be frozen before you get to the flower.]
'What do you mean?' Rasoul asked the system.
[The water gets colder and colder as one descends. To get to the flower, you'll have to withstand the freezing temperature of the water. You have to have Grandmaster mastery over your ice element. And you, my friend, haven't entered the Grandmaster stage yet]
'So either way I am screwed, is that not it,' Rasoul said with a defeated tone
[The 4th Wall: You don't have to tell me.]
[Of course, if you have a Saint-level Alchemist and the right ingredients, they can concoct an Emberforge Restoration Elixir for you.]
[Don't ask; you won't get the ingredient here in the human empire, and you can't afford it either from me.]
[You are screwed, Host. Maybe next time think before you act.]
Hahaha, very amusing,' Rasoul retorted to the system with a hint of sarcasm, but there wasn't a trace of a smile on his face.
'Just curious, what's on the shopping list for the Emberforge Restoration Elixir?' Rasoul asked. He was eager to know, and if luck's on his side, he might stumble upon them in his RingWorld."
[Suit yourself.]
[Mystic Flameblossom Essence: A rare flower that blooms in the heart of the Emberforge Mountains, bathed in the eternal flames of the region. Its essence is said to embody the purest form of restorative fire.]
[Molten Emberstone Dust: Extracted from the core of the Emberforge Mountains, this enchanted dust carries the essence of the living fire that courses through the heart of the earth.]
[Phoenix Ember Ash: Collected from the sacred nesting grounds of the mythical Phoenix, these ashes are believed to contain the regenerative properties of the legendary creature's eternal rebirth.]
[Dragon's Tear Crystals: Prized gemstones formed from the crystallized tears shed by ancient dragons. These tears are said to hold potent energies that aid in healing and rejuvenation.]
[Glowroot Extract: Harvested from the subterranean caverns beneath the Emberforge Mountains, Glowroot is a bioluminescent fungus that imparts a soft radiance to the elixir.]
[Starforged Silver: Mined from a meteorite that fell from the night sky, this silver is believed to be infused with celestial energies, acting as a conductor for the transformative properties of the elixir.]
[Ignisroot Herb: A rare herb that thrives in the presence of intense heat, Ignisroot is said to amplify the fiery essence of the elixir, ensuring controlled and targeted healing.]
[Moonfire Bloom Nectar: Collected from the petals of the Moonfire Bloom, a flower that only blossoms under the light of a full moon, this nectar adds a balancing lunar element to the elixir.]
[As I mentioned, obtaining these ingredients is impossible.]"
"Wait, Celestial energy. System, can a celestial being heal my meridians?" Intrigued by the presence of Celestial energy, Rasoul's curiosity surged. If the system validated his suspicions, he wouldn't need to take a perilous dive or search for Phoenix ash to find a cure.
Right on cue, the system responded, [Yes, a celestial being can use their celestial energy to heal you, but don't dwell on it. There are no celestial beings in this world.]
[Unless, perhaps, you have a Fairy God Celestial.]
Seizing the opportunity, the system didn't miss a chance to rub salt in Rasoul's wound. However, this time, Rasoul's expression brightened.
'Fairy God Celestial, you say... how convenient. Thanks for confirming, system. But your amusement ends here. Turns out, I have a highly powerful and bored Celestial Fairy Godfather who owes me two favors. I guess it's time to make my second wish...'
[Whatever. When you're finished fantasizing, let me know if I should grant you a loan or not.]
Rasoul didn't bother responding; instead, he assumed a lotus position and declared, "For my second wish: I desire the reconstruction of my meridians."
Instantly, celestial energy surrounded him, channeling a potent surge into his body.
"AAAAARRRRRGGGGH..." Rasoul released a pained scream filled with agony.
The system chimed, bombarding Rasoul with numerous messages.
Filled with fear, Lara hurried inside, discovering Rasoul seated in a lotus posture, clenching his teeth while radiant energy pulsated within and around him. She wasn't far from the room where Rasoul slept, so upon hearing the scream, she rushed in. Attempting to approach him, she was halted by the system's telepathic warning.
[Don't approach; the energy could be lethal.]
*****
In a remote cabin that Rasoul had visited before, an old man smiled and remarked, "Take that, you punk."It appears He wasn't pleased with Rasoul calling him bored.
"See you soon punk. I will be sure to teach you a lesson or two when you come here again.
******
Rasoul maintained his posture for 12 hours until he suddenly opened his eyes. The first thing he did was check the messages, but what he saw left him astonished.
[Congratulations to the Host for rebuilding your meridians.]
[Congratulations to the Host for acquiring a Nine Array Celestial Meridian.]
[Congratulations to the Host for advancing to the 5th Rank of Grandmaster Realm.]
[Congratulations to the Host for unlocking a new ability.]
[Congratulations Host, all locks have been lifted.]
"Booyah, that's what I'm talking about!"
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone