[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-journey-to-become-the-zenith":3,"chapter-journey-to-become-the-zenith-journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-223":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Journey to Become the Zenith",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1828660,2432,"Chapter 223: The Shape of the Soul","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-223",223,"\u003Cp>The Shape of the Soul\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing what the other two said made Anos sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’So that’s how most of my incarnations acted... confidence bordering on arrogance.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought drifted quietly through his mind as he looked between Azriel and Budha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, he could understand it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strength naturally bred pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A being who stood at the peak of countless worlds would never easily lower their head. Especially incarnations like Azriel, whose very existence radiated overwhelming confidence and battle mania.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos rubbed his temple lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Overreacting this much over a bow and one \"please\" is ridiculous.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The white world around them remained endless and silent, like a realm detached from reality itself. No wind. No sound. Just an infinite pale horizon stretching forever beneath their feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azriel finally stopped laughing after a while, though the amused grin still remained on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really are strange,\" the vampire emperor muttered while shaking his head. \"Every incarnation has their own personality, but this is still abnormal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha calmly nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is more restraint within you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s because unlike you lunatics, I can actually hold a conversation without trying to start a war every five seconds,\" Anos replied dryly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azriel looked offended immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s slander.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You literally attacked me within minutes of meeting me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was a greeting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos stared at him silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha sighed softly while closing his eyes for a brief moment, clearly already used to Azriel’s nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine,\" Anos finally said while waving his hand dismissively. \"Let’s stop talking about that already and just teach me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he spoke in a rougher tone again, both Azriel and Budha visibly relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There it is,\" Azriel said with satisfaction. \"Now that sounds like someone sharing our soul.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. That feels more natural.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vein almost bulged on Anos’ forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talking to these people honestly felt like arguing with reflections of himself that somehow developed separate personalities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Annoying reflections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azriel crossed his arms while grinning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For a second there, I thought you were becoming too mature.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I regret asking politely already,\" Anos muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha actually chuckled softly at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monk then stepped forward calmly, the loose sleeves of his gray robes swaying lightly despite the still air. His expression slowly turned serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well,\" Budha said. \"Then let us begin properly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Azriel stopped joking afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos straightened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time since entering this strange realm within his soul, genuine anticipation rose inside him—not for battle this time, but knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Real knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kind that could change the foundation of his strength itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha raised one hand slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First,\" he began calmly, \"you must understand what Zenith Aura truly is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere subtly shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Azriel’s expression became more focused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos narrowed his golden eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zenith Aura is not mana.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is not magic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is not elemental energy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monk’s voice remained gentle, yet every word carried unusual weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zenith Aura is the manifestation of one’s existence itself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos’ brows furrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Existence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha seemed to notice his confusion immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In simple terms,\" he explained, \"Zenith Aura is born when the body, mind, will, instincts, emotions, and soul begin moving as one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Budha slowly clenched his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint invisible pressure spread outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos instantly felt it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No mana fluctuation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No elemental force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet somehow... the space around Budha felt heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As martial artists continue pursuing perfection,\" Budha continued, \"they sharpen not only their body, but their very being. Every battle, every hardship, every near-death experience tempers the soul itself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azriel smirked slightly from the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In short,\" he added lazily, \"people who survive enough insanity eventually awaken it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha ignored him completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When someone reaches a certain threshold,\" the monk continued calmly, \"their spirit begins influencing reality directly. That influence is what we call Zenith Aura.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos listened carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike mana, which gathered external energy and shaped it through spells or control...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sounded far more personal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More primal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha continued speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mana comes from the world around you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zenith Aura comes from you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sentence alone made Anos’ eyes sharpen slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha slowly raised two fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some cultivate the body first until their soul follows.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Others cultivate the soul until the body adapts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And some train both simultaneously.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter the method... they all eventually reach the same destination.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Budha lightly tapped his own chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The awakening of Zenith Aura.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos remained thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, many things began connecting together in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azriel’s overwhelming presence during battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strange pressure surrounding his attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The feeling that his swordsmanship itself carried unnatural weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of it...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was related to this power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, something bothered him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos frowned slightly before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m confused.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If what you’re saying is true,\" Anos continued slowly, \"then why haven’t I been able to use Zenith Aura?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His golden eyes narrowed thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I reached the peak of martial combat long ago. My swordsmanship, instincts, body control, combat awareness... none of them should be lacking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly speaking, Demon Lord Anos had surpassed ordinary martial standards ages ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha answered calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The reason you cannot naturally awaken Zenith Aura... is because you understand mana too deeply.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos blinked once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azriel smirked immediately like he had been waiting for this reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha calmly continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since birth, your perception has been influenced by mana. Your senses adapted to it. Your instincts adapted to it. Your understanding of power itself became centered around mana.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That still doesn’t explain anything,\" Anos replied immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha nodded patiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mana and Zenith Aura feel similar at the beginning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That sentence instantly caught Anos’ attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mana flows through the world,\" Budha explained. \"Zenith Aura flows from existence itself. To inexperienced perception, the difference between them is extremely subtle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monk slowly walked forward while speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A child born in a world filled with mana naturally learns to perceive mana first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Over time, the body begins treating mana as the answer to power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eventually... the person unconsciously ignores everything else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos slowly understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So because I already understood mana,\" he muttered, \"I failed to notice Zenith Aura.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct,\" Budha answered calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos frowned deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then why can Azriel use both?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azriel grinned proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because I’m talented.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The real reason,\" he corrected calmly, \"is because Azriel awakened Zenith Aura before understanding mana.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vampire emperor pointed proudly at himself anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still talented.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha ignored him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When someone awakens Zenith Aura first,\" the monk explained, \"their existence already recognizes the distinction between internal and external power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But for those raised with mana first...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze landed on Anos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They must learn to separate the two manually.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The white world became silent afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos slowly processed everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana had been part of his existence for so long that distinguishing it from something similar sounded nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if someone asked him to separate instinct from breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha suddenly smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos looked up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You possess extraordinary perception.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azriel nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ridiculously monstrous perception.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha folded his hands behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So while this task would take others decades... you will likely grasp it quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least that was reassuring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he noticed something strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Budha’s expression had subtly changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The calm saint-like smile from earlier slowly disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp grin appeared on the monk’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not gentle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not peaceful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not holy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the exact same dangerous smile every incarnation seemed to show whenever battle or growth excited them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even his eyes changed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azriel immediately burst into laughter beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There it is!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vampire emperor pointed at Budha excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was waiting for the monk’s real face to appear!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anos stared at Budha silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he sighed internally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’So even this guy is battle-crazy underneath.’\u003C\u002Fp>",1319,"2026-06-09T06:06:36.928Z",1,"novelbin.me","9b5eeaad817464bd4113909a961cde6412d1dbfa4afd5f7f307be3a702b4c51b","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-224","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-222",253,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fjourney-to-become-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]