Chapter 184: Spiritual Lessons (II)

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In groups of 4, the students continued to roll around on the floor in anguish. After Saphhyr conjured numerous dark orbs that emitted a terrible sound, the students were debilitated. Much less sense the orb, they couldn't even focus to overcome the noise.

Furthermore, as time went by, the ringing seemed to grow more unbearable. While watching this, Glaive was taken aback, "Miss Sapphyr isn't this slightly extreme? Since their hearing is the only active sense, it is being overloaded by your actions. Wouldn't there be a chance of damaging them?"

"No," Saphhyr responded while examining everyone. Although they were feeling pain, there was nothing threatening about her technique. At best, it was an annoyance, "This is what they need. The more they desire for something to happen, the higher the chances of it taking place."

"Ah, I see," Glaive nodded in understanding. Now that he recalled, the Soul Conscience indeed awakened better when the cultivator strongly desired to solve something. In this case, it would be to stop the god awful ringing entering their ears.

Meanwhile, Apollo clutched his head in a world of darkness. In his eyes, this was far more annoying than trying to finish the engraving process. However, this also reminded him of the training Azridan put him through. Unlike others, he had experience traversing through the darkness.

The only problem was he couldn't focus with the overwhelming noise bouncing around his mind. Every time he tried to use his Soul Conscience, it was like his mind was experiencing static interruption. It was similar to the static experienced on old satellite television when the signal went bad.

Silently, both Sapphyr and Glaive watched the youths. After a certain duration elapsed, Saphhyr changed her hand movements. In accordance, 3 out 4 in every group who didn't possess an awakened Soul Conscience regained their sense.

On the other hand, the ones still subject to the sounds felt it worse. The waves from the orb condensed on that sole person. However, before doing so, there was an instant wherein it was nullified. Although some people didn't pick up on it, those with stronger minds noticed it.

'I felt that! It was only for an instant but my mind was sound. I'm guessing Sapphyr did something. The question remains, how can we manipulate this to our advantage?' Apollo thought.

Since no one was able to complete the task after 15 continuous minutes, Sapphyr gave them a break. While doing so, she also went on to explain the task they needed to complete, "I know I catapulted you all into this exercise without explaining what you needed to do, there was a reason behind this. I wanted to test your reasons.

"But, it seems I was asking for a tad too much. So, let me tell you how you need to proceed forward. Your aim is to crush the source of the sound. During your next attempt, I will take it a step further and isolate the groups. When that happens, the sound will reverberate. In other words, it will become many times worst," Sapphyr warned.

"Instructor Sapphyr, why are you so harsh?!" Typhir bawled. Even though the sound was gone, he still clutched his head. He swore he could still hear the residue of the orb ringing in his mind. The oaf was momentarily scared.

"Harsh? If you believe I am harsh, I warn you to never step within the Institute of Vermillion Flames," Sapphyr chuckled, finding Typhir's behavior to be amusing.

Meanwhile, this quip gained many people's attention. Simultaneously, numerous people asked the same question "Why?" It was a known fact, the Fire Affinity was a largely universal affinity. It was found in nearly 1 in 4 people. Thus, it was deemed to be one of the fundamental affinities.

Hence, the capacity of the Institute of Vermillion Flames eclipsed the Umbra Night Institute. As a result, the training methods inside were more tyrannical to weed out those who were insufficient to remain there. Of course, on rare occasions, one who lacked talent but persevered would appearance, keeping hold of their seat.

"Well, to put it lightly, you'll be cooked alive. I hope your Fire Affinity is at least a Level5 if you wish you step foot in there," Sapphyr shrugged as if this meant nothing to her; which it didn't. She was a pure darkness cultivator with no other affinities.

"Heh, then I have nothing to worry about. I already have a Level 8 Affinity," Typhir boasted while sticking out his chest. However, his pride was soon attacked when others showcased the same affinity level. Right then and there, he wanted to challenge them to battle.

Unfortunately, Sapphyr's stern look doused his desire. Unlike the other Glories, although he was unruly, he showed respect.

Nevertheless, their break was over. Sapphyr drew a shadow symbol on her hand and snapped summoning dark yet translucent orbs around everyone. Afterward, repeated the hand signs. The ringing once again bombarded everything.

This time, however, the orb didn't stay stationary. It revolved around everyone in the group of 4 and followed a constantly changing course. That way, should someone try to memorize the path the orb took, it was futile.

Even those who could utilize their Soul Conscience to a rudimentary extent didn't fare well. However, after assessing the situation and calming down, one by one, they noticed the situation wasn't as bad as it seemed. In fact, every pulse within the ring triggered a minute reaction from their Soul Temple.

One thing they overlooked was the Dark Element possessed the strongest ability when it came to any mental aspects. Upon taking a step back, they focused on the part of their Soul Temple stimulated by Sapphyr's technique.

This was even more true for Apollo. His Temple was of the Dark Element. More importantly, it was in an obscure state due to the partial engraving. With each pulse, his temple released a pulse as well.

'I need to grasp this feeling. Don't let it go,' Apollo inwardly thought. Moments later, his breathing still and even his hearing ceased. In exchange, there was a fleeting wave undulating towards him. 

However, when he reached forward to grasp it. It didn't feel like energy at all. What he grabbed was the head of someone in his group! Naturally, he released their head. Concurrently, he also lost grasp of the sensation.

Once again, a break came. For some reason, this time around everyone felt exhausted. Unlike before, the reverberations intensified and made it hard to pinpoint the source. Be that as it may, Sapphyr had a smile on her face.

"You're all grasping this quickly. Although you made mistakes, it is clear you're sensing the pulse from your Soul Conscience. The issue now is you need to distinguish the difference between the two simultaneous waves."

In light of this, Glaive took a step forth and discussed with Sapphyr, "May I offer them a hint that may shine a light on the way out?"

"You may. Just don't spoon-feed them. They still need to understand the feeling for themself," Sapphyr answered.

"Well, that is to be understood. If we didn't speak in a cryptic way, how could we be called Instructors?" Glaive retorted with a chuckle. First, he gathered their attention, and then he offered some advice.

"You must remember the reason we cultivate and what we cultivate when it comes to the Spiritual Way. Furthermore, not just for this exercise in particular, in general, you must first understand yourself before attempting to understand others."

Even though he said he was providing a hint, nearly everyone was dumbfounded by the end of his words. In actuality, although his words were spot on, the choice of words left everyone at an impasse. It would take some deliberating to digest the meaning.

"Haah?! What does that mean? What is with your old people and your funny way with words," Typhir grumbled.

"Yeah, I agree with him on this one," Nadida commented. Like Typhir, she was one who liked when people were more direct.

Though she didn't say anything, at the mention of "old" Sapphyr's eyebrow trembled. In truth, she wasn't that old. She had yet to reach her 30s as she was part of the last generation. Yet, a girl no older than 18 was calling her old.

On the other hand, Apollo continued to silently comprehend. He connected what Glaive said to Saehtyn's advice. It was similar in nature, the start with himself as the origin, it was akin to looking at the bigger picture.

Alas, he was hit with inspiration. He waited patiently for the next batch of practice while reclaiming that feeling from earlier.