Compassionate Image of the True Self

For a while after that.

At dawn each day, a loud, far-reaching chant drifted toward the Fire Temple from Listening Wind Cliff.

Not a day passed without it.

At first, the voice was merely powerful. Gradually, it took on a strange rhythm that echoed through the valley.

The monks in the temple found that listening to it calmed their minds.

Two months later, the chanting that had continued for sixty days finally fell silent.

Atop Listening Wind Cliff,

Guy finished the last line of scripture and slowly opened his eyes.

Two months of chanting and rigorous practice had brought his [Lion's Roar] proficiency to 999 points.

One more point, and he would break through the bottleneck and awaken a divine ability.

Guy felt that the final step would come naturally.

There was no need to rush.

Familiar footsteps sounded behind him.

Guy rose and greeted the newcomer with his palms pressed together.

"Senior Brother Chiriku."

"Junior Brother Fahai."

Chiriku returned the greeting with his palms together.

His gaze rested on Guy for a moment, and surprise flickered in his eyes.

Compared to when Guy had first entered the temple two months ago, something about him had subtly changed.

Much of the sharp, hostile edge honed on the battlefield had been washed away.

In its place was a quiet calm.

"You've been at the temple for two months, Junior Brother, chanting at Listening Wind Cliff every day. Most of the violence in your bearing has faded, and your mind has grown clearer."

"Today, I'll teach you Sage Clan Talent."

Guy's heart stirred, but his expression remained composed. He said calmly,

"Sorry for the trouble, Senior Brother."

In fact, Chiriku had wanted to teach him a month and a half earlier, after seeing how hard he practiced.

But an elderly monk at