Joshua turned his focus back to the ancient texts, his eyes scanning the faded ink and diagrams. The process of becoming an 'Earth Immortal' was complex and required an unwavering commitment to the cultivation of both body and soul.

  He understood that this was a pivotal moment in his journey, one that would determine his future in the Immortal World.

  "Nexus," he said with determination, "Prepare the array for my promotion to 'Earth Immortal'. I am ready to begin the process."

  [Understood, Sir. The array will be completed by the end of the day]

  It didn't take long for Nexus to construct the ancient array. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training ground, the last of the glowing runes was etched into the stone. The air grew heavy with anticipation as the array hummed to life, the very essence of the earth resonating with the power contained within.

  Joshua approached the center of the array, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. The surrounding knights had paused their training to observe the ritual, their eyes gleaming with admiration and a hint of envy.

  The array was a complex maze of interlocking circles and symbols, each one emitting a soft, pulsing light that seemed to resonate with the very fabric of the world beneath them.

  [Sir, the array has been completed]

  Taking a deep breath, Joshua stepped into the center of the array, his heart pounding in his chest.

  He knew that the path to 'Earth Immortal' was fraught with peril, but he had faith in the knowledge Nexus had provided and the strength of his own will.

  The moment his feet touched the first rune, the entire array sprang to life. The lights grew brighter, casting a kaleidoscope of colors upon him, and the ground beneath him trembled slightly.

  He felt a strange tug, as if the very essence of the world was reaching out to him, trying to form a bond.

  Joshua closed his eyes, focusing all his will on the task at hand. He had to connect with the energy of the earth, to become one with the very fabric of the world. The sensation grew stronger, and soon it felt as if invisible tendrils were coiling around his soul, seeking to merge with his being.

  Months had passed since Joshua had thrown himself into the rigorous training of the Immortal World.

  His days had become a blur of physical exertion and soulful contemplation as he sought to hone his abilities and uncover the secrets of the universe.

  His muscles, once soft and unyielding, had turned to steel, each movement precise and powerful. The once quiet whispers of his Qi had become a roaring symphony that resonated through his very essence.

  He had reached the peak of the foundation level, a milestone that most cultivators took years to achieve. Opening his eyes, he stood up, the weight of his newfound strength evident in the way he carried himself.

  Joshua emerged from the dimly lit training room, the scent of incense lingering in the air. His skin glistened with sweat, and his eyes shone with a newfound vitality.

  The concept of becoming an 'Earth Immortal' was something that had consumed his thoughts. It was the next step in his cultivation journey, a realm where his Qi would coalesce into a formidable force, allowing him to manipulate the very fabric of the earth.

  Joshua asked Nexus, who was quietly monitoring the activities of the base.

  "Nexus, what do I need to become an 'Earth Immortal'?"

  Nexus's holographic projection flickered to life, displaying a series of ancient texts and diagrams that floated in the air before Joshua. The AI processed the vast amount of information on the topic with astonishing speed.

  [To become an 'Earth Immortal', you must first achieve a deep understanding of the world, then by connecting to the world through an array you can have connections,] Nexus explained.

  [This involves rigorous training to refine your Qi to the point where it resonates with the very essence of the world. Only then can you manipulate the power of the world to your will]

  Intrigued by Nexus's revelation, Joshua pondered the intentions of the Immortal World's inhabitants.

  Why would they so readily share the secrets of such a power? It was a question that gnawed at the back of his mind as he continued his contemplation.

  Joshua knew that in the world of cultivation, knowledge was a double-edged sword. It could elevate one to unparalleled heights or be used as a weapon to cut down enemies. Yet, the experts of the Immortal World had shared their wisdom with the rest of the mere mortals.

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  He sighed, realizing that he could not guess the intricacies of their minds, their intentions lost to the sands of time and the whims of fate. All he could do was to be grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow.

  A sense of elation filled him as the connection grew stronger, but it was quickly overshadowed by an inexplicable dread.

  The feeling of enslavement was unmistakable; it was as if his soul was being drawn into a black hole from which there was no escape.

  He gritted his teeth, refusing to succumb, and pushed back with all his might.

  The array's lights flickered and dimmed momentarily, the runes pulsing with a sickly hue as if in protest. But Joshua's will was unyielding, fueled by his fear of his very existence.

  His soul reached out, seeking the source of this malevolent force, and found itself in a vast, alien space where a godly being feasted upon the essences of countless souls.

  His eyes widened in horror as he watched the creature, a monstrosity that defied description, devouring the very essence of life itself.

  The realization dawned on him that this was the fate that awaited all those who sought power through these ancient rituals. He was but a morsel in a cosmic banquet, a pawn in a game played by beings beyond his comprehension.

  Panic surged through him as he realized he had to break free. He couldn't let his soul be consumed by this entity.

  With a roar of defiance, he summoned every ounce of power he had gained during his training and yanked himself back, tearing his soul from the grasp of the cosmic predator.

  The array's light flickered erratically, and the knights outside could feel the disturbance in the energy. The once harmonious dance of Qi grew chaotic, the very air around them crackling with unbridled power.

  Joshua's body convulsed within the array, his eyes snapping open to reveal a swirling vortex of color and light, a bridge to a realm beyond his understanding.

  He reached out with his soul, tentatively feeling the alien energy that sought to meld with him.

  With a snarl of determination, he wrenched himself free from the array's influence, the power ripping through his body like wildfire. The pain was unbearable, as if his very essence was being shredded apart.

  His flesh tore open at every pore, blood spraying in a macabre display of his struggle. The array, no longer under his control, began to shudder and crack, the ancient stones crumbling under the strain.

  The knights outside watched in horror as the once-beautiful pattern of light grew twisted and distorted, the very fabric of reality seemingly at risk of tearing apart.

  They knew not what was occurring within the chamber, nor could they feel the malicious intent of the force that sought to claim their lord. But Joshua's will was unbreakable.

  He channeled the last of his energy into a final, desperate push, forcing the malevolent entity back into the depths from which it came. The array shuddered and collapsed in a deafening roar, the stones crumbling into dust.

  The knights outside the chamber rushed in, their expressions a mix of fear and relief as they found their master alive but gravely injured.

  "Nexus," Joshua gasped through clenched teeth, "Scan me."

  The AI's sensors swept over his broken body, the cold, blue light of the analysis piercing through the darkness. After a tense moment, Nexus's voice filled the air.

  [Sir, your body and soul are severely weakened. The array has damaged your essence significantly. It will take at least a month for you to fully recover in a safe environment, possibly longer]

  [Sir, what happened to your breakthrough?]

  Nexus was curious about how Joshua failed to make the breakthrough.

  "Take me to the [VOID]," Joshua said as he ignored the question, his voice laced with urgency.

  The 'Noble Knight' swiftly obeyed, carrying him through the corridors of the base, where whispers of the failed breakthrough had already begun to spread like wildfire among the knights.

  Joshua opened a [PORTAL], the once majestic gateway to the [VOID], now scarred and pulsating with a sickly energy. The surrounding air crackled with the residue of the array's power, a stark reminder of the perilous path he had chosen.

  "Take me there," he instructed the 'Noble Knight', his voice firm despite his weakened state.

  The knight, sensing the urgency, swiftly picked him up and carried him to the [PORTAL], the gateway to the [VOID].

  The scene was chaotic. The once pristine and orderly space was now a mess of scattered debris and flickering lights. The very fabric of the [VOID] itself seemed to be pulsing with an unhealthy, erratic energy. It was clear that the damage had taken its toll on the environment.

  Joshua, held firmly by the 'Noble Knight', surveyed the destruction with a mix of concern and determination.

  He had to get to the heart of the issue and understand what had transpired during his soul-wrenching battle with the malevolent force. The array was not just a tool for cultivation but a gateway to something far more sinister, a revelation that filled him with a sense of responsibility.

  "Nexus, scan the [VOID] for any anomalies," he ordered, his eyes never leaving the pulsating energy of the portal.

  The holographic screens around them flickered to life, displaying a torrent of data and images that only made the chaos more apparent. The once pristine and orderly space looked as though a tornado had ravaged through it. The very fabric of the [VOID] was torn in places, and a sickening aura of corrupted energy hung in the air.

  [Sir, the 'VOID' is attempting to repair itself] Nexus said, its voice filled with urgency.

  [The damage is severe, but the self-healing properties are active. If the damage was greater, the situation could have been irreversible]

  Nexus's voice was a steady stream of information, analyzing the situation with cold precision.

  Joshua nodded gravely, his eyes never leaving the pulsing, unstable space. He knew he had to tread carefully, lest he disrupt the delicate balance of the [VOID].

  He took a deep breath, his body still weak from the ordeal. "How long will it take for the [VOID] to fully recover?"

  [Estimated time for full recovery is unknown. The process is highly unpredictable and dependent on the extent of the damage] Nexus replied, its tone reflecting the gravity of the situation.

  Joshua's mind raced as he contemplated the ramifications of his actions. If any other cultivator had tried to force their way through the array, they likely would not have survived. The realization that he had cheated death by sheer will was both humbling and sobering.

  He silently said to Nexus, his gaze intense.

  "We need to create a new method of promotion, one that doesn't rely on these volatile and potentially dangerous arrays."

  He swore to create his own way and not rely entirely on others.

  Knowledge that you gain but have not learned is not yours.