The sound of an old wooden chair scraping against the stone floor echoed through the family's meeting room. The dim glow of spiritual lamps illuminated the room, casting shadows of the elders dancing on the walls adorned with ancestral paintings.
"DEVIL!!!"
A voice shattered the silence. It was deep, filled with fury, echoing from the far end of the long table.
"Who dares… who dares betray our family and sell the map to our ancestral land?! Has the blood we've nurtured for so long dried up to the point where it no longer recognizes honor?!"
The elders present lowered their heads. Some exchanged glances, while others gritted their teeth in silent rage. A tense aura enveloped the room.
Sitting calmly on the right side, eyes sharp and unwavering, Eyang Pradipa spoke up.
"Calm down... We must not lose control. If we spread this news immediately, suspicion will spread faster than light, and the family will fracture before any outside enemies can even make a move."
He stood slowly, his voice firm yet composed.
"We investigate quietly first. If the map has indeed fallen into the hands of outsiders, then we will consider our next steps. Do we enter the ancestral land without guidance... or do we delay once again?"
A brief silence followed. Then, one of the elders nodded gently.
"Your suggestion is reasonable, Pradipa. It's better to keep this wound hidden for now, so it does not become poison that kills from within."
Several other elders nodded in agreement. To the east of the forest, which was under the control of the Baskara family, lay the sacred ancestral land, revered through generations. It was where the family's ancestors were buried, their bodies returning to the earth, their spirits guarding the Baskara bloodline.
But the land was not empty. Among the ancient graves stood magnificent temples, some consumed by moss and time. The architecture was filled with ancient carvings that held secrets and teachings from the ancestors. The spiritual aura was so dense that the air seemed to whisper.
This land was also home to spiritual beings of the Resi Loka class — entities that held high positions in the hierarchy of the spiritual realm. They were not malevolent, but they guarded the place from intruders unworthy of stepping foot. Every few seasons, these beings would enter a long hibernation phase, a sacred slumber that temporarily left the land unguarded.
According to information from family infiltrators and intelligence, the hibernation period was approaching in a few days. This was the golden opportunity they had been waiting for — the moment when they could sneak in and claim the legendary treasure hidden within the oldest temple's courtyard. This treasure had been marked on an ancient map passed down through generations.
But a great problem had arisen: the map was missing.
No one knew who had last held it. The suspicion pointed toward an inside betrayal.
Inside the family meeting room, the elders sat in a circle around Eyang Pradipa, the head of the family. With spiritual power that had reached the Resi Loka final stage, Eyang Pradipa had been elevated as the highest leader of the family. However, the other seven elders were no mere individuals — they were powerful figures chosen directly by the ancestors based on wisdom and leadership skills, not just strength.
Sepuh Wira Dharma, known for his wisdom and calm demeanor, was at the middle stage of Soul Perfection.
Sepuh Aswina, an expert in spiritual healing, had reached the early stage of Soul Perfection.
Sepuh Cakra Dara and Sepuh Phasta, the twin martial artists, were both at the early stage of Resi Loka, as was Sepuh Subhaga, an expert in the family's defensive arts.
Meanwhile, Sepuh Kirandi, the tactical observer, had reached the middle stage of Resi Loka.
The deliberation was tense but orderly. After much debate over the missing map to the ancestral land, Eyang Pradipa calmed everyone and proposed that the investigation be carried out secretly, so as not to raise suspicions within the family.
When the meeting ended, Eyang Pradipa remained standing in his place. He closed his eyes, activating his telepathy.
"Roni, investigate this. Check all CCTV footage from the last two weeks," he silently ordered.
"Understood, Eyang," came Roni's voice from afar, signaling the message had been received.
Afterward, Eyang Pradipa was ready to leave and invite his grandson for dinner.
In the main house's living room, Eyang Pradipa and Baskara sat together, enjoying their meal. Afterward, Eyang Pradipa placed several martial arts scrolls in front of his grandson.
"This is the Tapak Geni scroll," Eyang Pradipa said, placing it on the table. "One of the most powerful and dangerous techniques. If you master it, you'll wield immense strength."
Baskara picked up the scroll, his eyes gleaming with interest.
"Tapak Geni has five layers," the grandfather continued. "The first layer lets you heat your palm. If you strike your opponent, it will leave a painful burn. The opponent will need a spiritual remedy with a cooling property to relieve the burning sensation."
"The second layer allows your palm to ignite fire. Your touch will feel like a blazing fire against the opponent's skin."
"The third layer is even more powerful," Eyang Pradipa smiled slightly. "You'll be able to create a virtual hand from your spiritual energy. And from this layer onward, the size and strength of the virtual hand will grow."
"At the fifth layer, your virtual hand will be engulfed in fire and explode on contact with the target, the impact devastating the surrounding area within a radius of several dozen meters."
Baskara swallowed, both awed and intrigued.
"Can I start learning it tonight, Grandfather?" he asked eagerly.
Eyang Pradipa nodded. "Of course. But remember, master it with a calm mind. Passion alone is not enough. Control your anger and desires in every layer."
"Understood, Grandfather," Baskara replied, gripping the scroll tightly, ready to begin a new chapter in his training.
The next day, after reviewing all the CCTV footage from the past two weeks, Roni finally found something suspicious. In the footage, someone was seen leaving the room where the ancestral map was kept, and it was clear that the person was carrying the rolled-up map that had since gone missing.
Without wasting any time, Roni immediately contacted Eyang Pradipa.
Ring... "Yes, Roni? Any news?" Eyang Pradipa's voice came through firmly on the other end. "Yes, Eyang. I've found out who took the map... and it turns out that person is still part of our family." "Oh? How bold of him... What's his name?" "Karno, Eyang." "Alright. Call him here. But remember, don't let him get suspicious." "Understood, Eyang," Roni responded seriously.
A little while later, Roni called Karno. "Hello, Karno. Where are you?" "Oh, I'm at home." "Come here, we need to discuss the expedition to the ancestral land. I'll call the others later," Roni said calmly, holding back a smile. "Alright," Karno replied without suspicion.
After hanging up the phone, Roni smirked slightly. He whispered to himself, "Gotcha..."
Soon after, Karno arrived at the family hall. However, the atmosphere was not as he had imagined. The hall was empty, with no one in sight—except for Eyang Pradipa, who sat alone on the family throne, staring directly at him.