《Dolos, god of honesty》 Lord of the mansion Authors note: Read to the end please. Ivy and ferns grew through the crevices of an old winding stone path, which led directly to a colossal structure - the mansion loomed proudly behind creaky iron gates, flanked by rows of skeletal trees crowned in crimson, swaying gently to the chilly autumn wind. At its threshold stood the delicate marble fountain, the soft gurgling of the clear water melodic as it resonated in the surrounding silence. In a wide yet detailed ballroom sat a throne, upon it a youth. The youth bore an arrogant yet intelligent appearance; his face was delicate like a flower yet fierce as a tiger. Sitting on the throne made him out to be a ruler, a majestic being overlooking the world from a much higher plane. Before him stood a humble subject and his entourage, the subject was a man that looked to be from noble origin but not arrogant in the slightest in front of the mighty youth. ¡°Lord Longmain, your mansion is as extravagant as described and your mere presence light¡¯s up the place¡± ¡°Enough with the formalities Vicount Mare Evergreen, are you interested in acquiring the property or not?¡± ¡°Lord Longmain, men who go straight for business, one can only admire¡± Mare Evergreen took a pause as his face turned into one of consideration. ¡°I am indeed interested in acquiring the property. But the price is a bit exaggerated. As you may know I have three mansions with equal esteem under my banner.¡± ¡°And the price for those estates was in comparison much cheaper.¡± The youth gave out a silent frown. ¡°Lord Evergreen, you must have heard of the legend of Corai?¡± A smile sparkled across the viscount¡¯s face as he spoke up in acknowledgement. ¡°Obviously, everyone with a higher education in arts and cuisine have heard of the legendary moonlight painter, Cosai¡± ¡°Legends state that he only drew during night to incorporate the essence of the moon in his paintings. Which he deemed to be the most beautiful being in existence¡± The youth smiled in response as he spoke up ¡°It seems a Viscounts education is sufficient enough to at least have knowledge of such a small matter.¡± The Viscount couldn¡¯t help but fret. The tone and manner Lord Longmain presented his arguments obviously made him out to be a much higher position, as he was looking at a commoner from high above. But the Viscount could not retaliate. Lord Longmain was in reality a man of very high status, and rumors had it that he even had ties as high as the royal court. Offending the man could mean everything from execution to lifting of regal titles. ¡°Viscount I ask you this. Didn¡¯t I state in my hand written letter, everything in this house including the entire interior would come with the estate? Did I not?¡± ¡°You did.¡± A coy smile started to appear on the youths face as he continued to overlook the excessive Viscount. As the viscount spotted the smile and even bigger one came to be upon his face. ¡°Are you saying?¡± The coy smile remained on the youths face. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it; to have acquired one of his legendary works. If it wouldn¡¯t be too much of a problem could I have a look?¡± The youth opened his mouth and let two words slide of his tongue ¡°Look around¡± The viscounts eyes were currently sparkling as he agitatedly started gazing on the paintings on the walls. Several thoughts ran across his mind as he laid his eyes on the detailed paintings. The hall currently had four of them - every one of them remarkable to say the least. The viscount could feel his heart rate beating; he knew that this would be a deal of a life time. The youth was actually a fool; Mare knew that the price for a Corai painting far exceeded the extra price added to the estate but obviously he wouldn¡¯t tell this ignorant youth such a key piece of information. The viscount smile had grown a large margin. Noticing this he gathered his energy to conceal it. ¡°So are you interested?¡± The youth said still holding onto that coy smile of his. ¡°I certainly am. But the price is still a bit high don¡¯t you think?¡± The Viscount calm appearance was still very much present. But on the inside he was beaming with happiness. The youth couldn¡¯t help but snort. As his coy smile turned more sour by the moment. As a man with keen eye sight the Viscount instantly recognized the change in mood and spoke up to recover the situation. ¡°But since Lord Longmain has been such a great host, obviously I will show courtesy and offer up the full price.¡± The smile once again returned across the youths face. ¡°No Viscount Mare, you¡¯re courtesy and noble spirit have made me witness you in a new light. How about fifty thousand gold coins instead?¡± The viscount could no longer contain his beaming smile as it blossomed on his rosy face. ¡°Thank you, Lord Longmain, and as a token of good faith if you ever need something do not hesitate to ask¡± The youth nodded smiling in response. ¡°This is a rather inconvenient request but could you pay the money upfront. I am currently stuck in a rather twisted financial situation. You can take your belongings and move in two nights from now as I get some personal belongings out of here.¡± The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The viscount appeared doubtful. Because this was not a conventional way to conduct business but his doubt quickly disappeared. He was talking to Lord Longmain a man rumors told was straight forward and honest, sometime almost to a fault. Lord Longmain was also a representative of the royal court and any foul play would amount to severe consequences. ¡°Yes, Lord Longmain that will not be a problem¡± ¡°Keith!¡± The Viscount yelled. Moments later a slave currently in Mare¡¯s entourage stepped forward. ¡°Yes, my lord¡± ¡°Give, Lord Longmain the amount agreed upon!¡± The fragile yet diligent slave Keith picked up a small pouch and ran over to the youth. This pouch was known as a special pouch and was a convenient way to store any number of items. Keith gave the bag over to Lord Longmain, he accepted it and placed it beside him without inspecting its content, a gesture of trust. ¡°You may take your leave. I will be gathering my belongings together, Viscount you are free to return in two days¡¯ time.¡± ¡°Thank you Lord Longmain, I will take my leave.¡± The viscount signaled his entourage as they left the estate in a quiet matter. ¡°Ahh, what a nice day¡± The youth said as he proceeded to his bedchamber. The evening was slowly approaching and the tiredness of an eventful day had crept up from the depths of the youth¡¯s body. The extravagant king size bed was luxury even for kings and the youth crept up between the bed sheets with a wide smile on his face. The next day the youth prepared breakfast from the remaining ingredients still left in the house as he sang a song in a peaceful manner. As he was done the front door of the estate flew up in a dominating swing as a number of soldiers proceeded to storm. By estimation there were over thirty of them. The youth was in no hurry as he continued to sew on the tasteful peach. As the guard came across the kitchen a soldier screamed in surprise ¡°There is someone here!¡± The long spear pointed against the youth¡¯s throat as he continued to bombard him with questions. ¡°Who are you?!¡± ¡°What are your doing in his lord¡¯s Mansion¡± ¡°Drop the fruit!!¡± The youth just casually responded with ¡°Get that spear out of my face¡± Heavy footstep could be heard as a middle aged man walked into the room. He put his hand in the air signaling the soldier to stand down. ¡°Young man, I am Lord Longmain ruler of the Saylin province. State your business here or get executed¡± The Lord was by no means calm but knew he had the situation completely in his palm The youth frowned disdainfully as he wiped of a crumb from his outfit. ¡°Longmain you better get your guard¡¯s under control or his majesty will not be pleased¡± The middle aged man that once appeared arrogant was beginning to grow ever more curious. ¡°Who are you?¡± The youth casually took a step forward before talking once again ¡°I am Lord Liren, Son of General Liren of the third army and an envoy of the royal court.¡± A terrified expression instantly caught on. The middle aged man was very revered on the conduct of Lord Liren¡¯s son. He was an arrogant youth that even provincial leaders had to be fearful of. Lord Liren his father had such power that even the king himself had to be varying in his very presence. ¡°My apologize Lord Liren, my men are still very untrained.¡± The middle aged man said as he diverted a death stare against the soldier that had pointed a spear against the young lord. ¡°If I could inquire, why are you in my house?¡± Anger started to appear on the youth¡¯s face as he answered in a haughty manner. ¡°Do you think that I should stay out in the cold?¡± The middle aged man was currently terrified as he answered quick and decisive ¡°Of course not my lord, stay as long as you want¡± ¡°I am actually taking my leave. I just came to inform you that the king had summoned you.¡± ¡°But your disgusting soldiers have ruined my mood.¡± ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll have my father burn down this house¡± The middle age man was beginning to sweat as he imagined the consequences of offending such a lofty young lord. ¡°No please my lord, if there is anything I can do to make up for my soldiers ignorance please let me know¡± ¡°Hmm, I am actually in need of a bit of money. Father has been rather tight regarding my economy lately. Why don¡¯t you give me twenty thousand gold and we call it even?¡± ¡°Yes, of course my lord¡± The middle aged man signaled a man. Which ran over and put the pouch in the young lords hand. ¡°Good¡± ¡°Then Longmain I will take my leave. Remember a summon must be answered before two days¡¯ time or his majesty might issue consequences.¡± ¡°Lord Liren, I will gather my entourage and leave tonight¡± ¡°Okay. Have a good day Lordmain and remember not to offend me again.¡± The youth said as he slowly left the mansion. Cultivation? A youth dressed in noble attire came out from one of the city¡¯s most dazzling estates. Rumor has that it belongs to the provincial king, Lord Longmain but since it was kept under tight security nobody knew for certain. The youth resonated an aura of ironhanded certainty together with a face more delicate then jade. Before him was the main avenue buzzing with life. The crowd had a life of its own, the vibrant clothes shone in the morning light and the people moved like enchanting shoals of fish. There were chatter between sellers and buyers, old friends catching up and new friends being made. People who caught a glance of the youth exciting the mansion couldn¡¯t help but catch their breath ¡°Who is that?¡± An experienced merchant said His friend just meters beside him answered rather casually ¡°Do not even think of trying to sell something that young lord. He probably gets more allowance then your entire yearly earnings¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± The experienced merchant couldn¡¯t help but frowning. His friend burst into laughter in response. ¡°So beautiful¡± Women of different ages were mesmerized. But the young man couldn¡¯t care less as he continued to traverse down the main avenue road. The town was a maze of narrow winding streets, as complex as the heart. The streets were the veins, paved with dark red stones, and the people were the blood. The sound of the smiths, beating swords and breastplates into shape, was the consistent and dull pounding that let you know the town was alive. This was Kirin the largest city in the Saylin province, and the sound and atmosphere definitely proved it. ¡°Making money is so easy. I could probably be blind and still be the richest man in the city.¡± The youth couldn¡¯t help frowning of the absurdity of human stupidity. ¡°I have made almost eight hundred thousand gold in a year¡± ¡°But there is just not much of trill in it anymore¡± As the words left him, the young man began to arrive on the outskirts of town, having walked for over an hour in a thoughtful daze. The Nimal river was in sight, a river so long that it actually went across provinces. Beside it were dozens of people gathered together in a group, and the ages varied from ten years old to those over twenty years of age. They faced the sunlight in an empty courtyard beside the mighty river, training their bodies with ¡°hmph¡± and ¡°ha¡± sounds. The young and tender little faces were all serious. The older citizens gave off a power like that of a tiger¡¯s, while the younger ones still practiced with good form and style. The tension bore down both fierce and heavy, the seriousness of the whole matter made even the young man frown in casual distain. A middle-aged man with a body as well-built as a tiger wore clothing made from the sturdiest of fibers. The color of his coat was like copper, and his black hair was spread over his shoulders. His bright and lively eyes scanned over every single being, and he sternly gave out instructions. ¡°Absorb the essence of the sun. Collect It in your stomach and release it energy, only when you can do this naturally will you have ascended to the mortal realm¡± The middle age man said with complete certainty. The young man continued to gaze of the stern youths as they continued to practice forms and stances. The scene reminded him of a military service training curriculum yet had children even smaller then him. ¡°hmph, cultivators. Human beings with the most narrow of minds.¡± ¡°A human being with the strength of a nation and a mind like a scholar. Now that¡¯s something rather fierce some.¡± The country known as Haiden was never known for their martial might. They instead prospered because of an abundance of resources and clever trading. Resources and trading had made the country exceedingly rich and had therefore had never been inclined to war. If any cross nations ever dared to invade Haiden, they could gather armies with overbearing might by utilizing their wealth. But the youth had heard stories of countries and empires in the center of the continent that had martial artist rivaling an entire country. There were even rumors of people soaring through the sky. ¡°Might as well try out cultivation. It might turn out to be fun.¡± The youth said casually as the whole affair was low beneath him. The youth took another good look at the middle aged man, remembering his appearance. He then turned around and then began traversing towards the city once again. ---------------------- The extravagant mansion, rumored to have Lord Longmain as its owner, suddenly forced open its gate. From it came horse ridden knights in the tens ridding out in a noble manner. They staked as a long line as they rode out onto the main avenue. In the middle of the long entourage was a cart, a cart so beautiful one might presume a princess was resting within. The whispers of people began and grew more numerous by the second as the large retinue continued to ride along the road. People were forced to move out of the way to not get trampled by the massive horses. ¡°Who is that?¡± ¡°Not so loud stupid! That is Lord Longmain and his knights¡± ¡°If you talk that loud again they might execute you¡± The knight¡¯s obviously heard the loud chatter as their arrogance grew by the moments. Someone of them even appeared so smug a certain young man was starting to frown. About fifty meters in front of the large entourage a young man suddenly stepped out into the middle of the road separating himself from the crowd currently hugging the streets sides. The young man bore an expression of absolute arrogance, the crowd couldn¡¯t help but grasp. Blocking the entourage of the provincial lord, to the common man meant absolute death. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. As the crowd was still caught up in a shocking haze an old kind appearing man spoke up ¡°Young man, move out of the way right this moment!!¡± The old man screamed But the young man didn¡¯t even twist as he frowned in response. The knight at the front of the line suddenly caught sight of the young man and signaled the men to stop. ¡°To stop the provincial lord in his tracks only means certain death!¡± The knight said as he stepped down from his horse. ¡°Again, are you out of your mind Lord Longmain!¡± The youth said in a loud tone. The knight was suddenly taken back by the statement. He was never there during the incident in the mansion but had without a doubt heard from his coworkers. The young man in front of him was the person in question, Lord Liren a lofty lord miles above his own in both status and privileges. The knight instantly caught on. The arrogant knight of before was known were to be seen as he fell down to his knees to knot tow the young lord for forgiveness. ¡°Please Lord Liren, forgive my imprudence!!¡± He screamed to show his sincerity. The audience was dumbstruck, who was this young Lord, that could make the men of the provincial leader go down on his knees and beg? ¡°Who is that?¡± ¡°What the??¡± ¡°Seriously¡± Responses of different kind came pouring out from the still in shock crowd. ¡°Are you going to continue hiding in that caravan Longmain?¡± A stern middle age man suddenly came rushing out of the closed caravan. Sweat and nausea was the impression he gave of as he ran over the young lord. ¡°That is the Lord?¡± People were rather flabberjasted by the appearance and demeanor by their all-powerful provincial leader. ¡°Please forgive my men, Lord Liren!!¡± Longmain knew that this was not an ideal situation. Lord Liren had explicitly said that if this happened again there would be consequences. The young man frowned and then spoke up in arrogant yet fierce manner ¡°You give me your sword¡± The young lord pointed to the other guard which was just to the right of the now knot towing knight. The man knew that this was not a situation for doubt, he quickly ran over and placed his sharp steel sword in the young man¡¯s hand. The young lord took a couple a steps forward and swung his sword down towards the knot towing knight. *Swossh* The knights head fell right of the man¡¯s neck in a decisive manner. ¡°I was going to say goodbye to your envoy and provide bit information but I am instead met by a treat of death!¡± ¡°Your imprudence is beyond this world, Lord Longmain!¡± ¡°Please forgive my imprudence, Lord Liren!¡± The middle aged man bowed. He knew that his faith rested in this young lord¡¯s hands, if he actually wanted he could plead his father to get Longmains entire family line eradicated. Longmain felt helpless as he waited for the young lord¡¯s judgment. ¡°I am certain you know who my father is and what he is capable of.¡± ¡°I am very much so my lord, I will during this journey properly punish these incompetent knights!¡± ¡°To satisfy you, I am willing to offer up anything in compensation for emotional suffering!¡± Lord Longmain saw an opportunity to smooth out the situation and did so without any second doubt. This turned out better than I thought.. The young man thought to himself as he continued to berate the poor man. ¡°Good, at least you can accept your mistake¡± ¡°But obviously this will cost you very dearly, my hand are tingling to just order my father to eradicate your entire family.¡± Longmain was experience both happiness and freight as the same time as those words left the young lords mouth. ¡°First I require the provincial seal.¡± ¡°But why when you have the royal sea..¡± Before Longmain could speak anymore the young lords expression turned into one of madness. ¡°Deliver the seal to the lord!!¡± Longmain screamed. A servant ran over and put the seal in the young lord¡¯s hand. ¡°Second I require the execution of another 3 knights to satisfy my blood thirst¡± Longmain was hesitant a second before he gave waved his hand to execute the order. Moment later the street was covered in red as the last head rolled. ¡°Third I require a compensation of fifty thousand gold¡± The young man said casually as his expression grew less savage by the moments. Moments later the young man had yet another pouch in his hand. Longmain was starting sweat more and more since the extravagance of the demands grew fiercer by the moments. But he could do nothing but nod his head as the demands flew out, resistance meant death for him and everyone he is remotely connect to. ¡°That is all.¡± ¡°You may proceed. But next time an unfortunate event like this happens, I will thoroughly, execute you and every one you know. Do you understand?!¡± Longmain couldn¡¯t help but gulp down air in response ¡°Yes, my Lord!¡± This young lord was just too arrogant. This young lord.. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Authors note: Poor Longmain... Some might not understand why he even did this, but there are some foreshadowing which will be revealed in the next chapter. A rugged old house ¡°Martial Housing¡± A sign said overlooking the main avenue. The building was wedged between two taller buildings. It looked squeezed, as if the neighbours were closing in. The sign was old, some letters had become illegible in the peeling paint. But the window was clean. The young lord pushed the door and a bell rang. It was far longer than it was wide, almost a corridor with shelving spanning both sides. It was pristine. Then with some kerfuffle an old gent emerged from a wooden door situated behind the counter. ¡°Welcome, how may I be of service?¡± The words left the old man¡¯s mouth naturally as it had been reversed thousands of times. ¡°Is this were Kirin houses martial teachers hired to provide training?¡± ¡°It is indeed¡± Before the man could finish his sentence the young man placed a seal straight on the counter. The seal was a meticulously crafted eagle of superior craftsmanship and material. The old man couldn¡¯t help grasping in response as he laid his eyes on the majestic seal. ¡°Is this what I think it is?¡± ¡°It is¡± The young man responded in a casual manner. ¡°Young lord, how can I be of service?¡± The old man¡¯s attitude took a direct turn for the better as he know understood the status of the person standing before him. The provincial seal represented someone that held absolute power of the province, privileges was limited to absolute respect but the respect meant that people who carried the seal often would get everything they wanted to acquire for free. Offending someone carrying the provincial seal was the same as offending the provincial leader himself. ¡°I am searching for a Martial Art¡¯s teacher, preferably someone proficient¡± ¡°Of course young lord, follow me¡± The old man dusted of his old shirt and proceeded towards the housing area of the rustic building the house proving that the province didn¡¯t put much worth on martial arts. Living quarters with such poor living standards required a man of absolute resolve or with thin wealth. Martial artist were in most cases people with great pride, therefore pinnacle teachers never stayed in these halls. Nevertheless they were free of charge, which intrigued some of the masters which had less. The old man stopped before a certain door. Giving it two hard knocks he called out his name. ¡°Master Maze! There is someone here to see you!¡± Heavy footstep could be heard, the door opened and behind it a stern old man stood straight. A body as well-built as a tiger wore clothing made from the sturdiest of fibers. The color of his coat was like copper, and his black hair was spread over his shoulders in a lose manner. He had bright and lively eyes. Yes, this was the same man that the young lord had seen the day before. Standing before a mass of people had he instructed both calm and direct. A small amount of admiration had actually grown inside the young lord; he could at least respect a man of a straightforward character. ¡°Master Maze, this is a young lord in the procession of a provincial seal!¡± Even if Maze was a calm man by nature he couldn¡¯t help but flinch, someone of such high esteem had come to personally meet him? An inch of doubt was growing inside his stomach. ¡°Maze salutes the young lord!¡± Maze said as he slightly tilted his head downwards in a respectable manner. ¡°No times for pleasantries¡± ¡°I came here to learn about martial arts, can you teach me?¡± Maze just nodded his head in response. ¡°Good.¡± ¡°Are you going to invite me in?¡± The stern Maze was suddenly taken back for a second. A lofty lord actually wanted to enter his dirty residence? ¡°Of course, come in!¡± As Maze stepped aside the young lord walked into the room. The young lord took a couple of looks around the resident before sitting himself flat down on the floor. Maze was dumbfounded for a second. The young lord actually sat himself down on this dirty floor? Wasn¡¯t young lords supposed to be arrogant and condescending? Were the thoughts that ran through his mind. There was actually only one stool in the room, which the young lord presumed to be Maze personal sitting spot. ¡°Young master please take the stool!¡± The young man just snorted in response. ¡°Nonsense that¡¯s obviously your position as the Master¡± As Maze was caught in a sudden daze the young master once again spoke up but this time harsh and direct ¡°Sit down!¡± Like and order Maze sat on the stool. ¡°Maze, you cannot treat me like a noble. Not once we go into a relationship of master and student, the would only hinder your ability to relay the essence of martial arts to me¡± ¡°I am a man of quite a bit of patience, but if I do not progress towards something at all times I quickly become infuriated.¡± The young lord said with a truthful heart. ¡°You are very insightful for your age!¡± Maze said with a straight face. A simple exchange had casualized the situation to such degree. Maze instantly knew that this young master was no ordinary man. ¡°The mantle of a noble can bear both positive and negative effects¡± The young lord said with a coy smile hanging on his lips. Maze rose up and walked over to one of his cabinets. He picked up the most expensive wine he had in possession ready to serve the young lord as they were about to conversed about the realm of martial arts. ¡°Do not bother. Alcohol makes my stomach hurt like hell¡± ¡°Can¡¯t stomach it¡± Maze looked over startled before placing the wine back in its cabinet and returning to his seat. ¡°May I inquire your name young lord?¡± ¡°I go by the name, Han¡± ¡°So Lord Han, what do you want to learn? The basic forms of cultivation in the foundation stage? Or maybe you just want to inquire about martial arts?¡± Maze was in nature a direct man and therefore went straight for the main purpose not bothering resolving to small talk. The young lord had made it clear that he wanted to learn. ¡°Both¡± Lord Han said as he stared straight into Maze eyes not even blinking. This guy has one intense stare, within them seem to be something hidden, a flame, undying. Maze couldn¡¯t help thinking to himself. As a cultivator of many years and a warrior of many battles he could grasp the truth of ones hearth with ease. Maze gripped his rough beard tightly before talking This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.¡°Cultivation is divided into five stages every subsistent harder to transverse. The first is the foundation, absorb the essence of the world and fill up your cup. Dust is the second; condense your essence into pillars of support. The third is earth, you become as one as you lay it flat. The fourth is the sky; this is you will truly soar. Last is heavenly realm or the soul realm, by separating your soul and body gain eternal life.¡± ¡°Or at least that is how the saying goes¡± Han couldn¡¯t help frowning to the bombardment of riddles sent his way. ¡°Are every martial artist secretly a scholar?¡± He couldn¡¯t help thinking back to all those narrow minded martial artist he had run into before. ¡°Haha¡± Maze laughed out loud. ¡°No we are stern, stubborn and mostly narrow minded.¡± ¡°Only in martial art can we appreciate beauty!¡± ¡°Makes sense¡± Han said as he continued to frown. Maze kept grazing his beard a moment before continuing on ¡°Let me be more direct. The foundation stage is your only concern!¡± ¡°Not even I master of the ninth level has reach the Dust stage. Sadly I lack a bit of talent, but step by step I will prevail through determination!¡± Han couldn¡¯t help smiling a bit. A man that never wavered, a man that would stand by his ideal, those men he could defiantly respect, even if they were stupidly narrowed minded. ¡°The foundation stage consists of ten stages of gathering world essence!¡± ¡°Only when your cup is full can you establish your intent¡± ¡°Intent?¡± Han¡¯s mind was currently peaked. The man continued to stroke his beard before continuing. ¡°The heavenly intent is your calling, your destiny. When ascending the intial foundation stage the heavens judge you, they take a peek inside your soul and once they locate your essence they incorporate you in its image¡± ¡°Intent is like a path, a path that heaven have laid down for you, you can obviously ignore the heavens and strive for enlightenment in other intents but your progress is always limited. To truly grasp an intent and to unlock its domain requires otherworldly insight. If for example you were to thread another path, that is comparable to learning to write even though you never knew of words. Not impossible but hard.¡± ¡°So it¡¯s like a powerful skill?¡± Han¡¯s mind was currently more than peaked. Exciting was beating through his body. None of that emotion could reach the surface though as he bore calmness as stale as a rock. ¡°In some cases, yes¡± ¡°As I said everyone is unique¡± Maze dusted of his clothes. Knowing that his appearance in this moment was not up to standard. The young lord before him wore expertly tailored clothing, his face held a beauty often seen in stunning women but a fierceness rarely seen in men. The combination emitted a noble aura of some sitting far above you overlooking your every move. Obviously he felt that looking refined in front of such a man was for the best. ¡°As a cultivator there is also the Dao¡± ¡°A dao has less power and potential then intent. Intent is a definition of character while a Dao is knowledge about a task. With greater power obviously come greater power, once its peak has been reached a domain will establish.¡± ¡°A Dao can be ranked in levels to some degree, some are considered first grade while other might not. But the power ultimately depends on its wielder.¡± ¡°Would you consider wielding a sword as a Dao?¡± Han was catching the yif of it but had to confirm his theory. A smile breamed across Maze face as the young lord spoke up. It must be known that most people would need that simplified before grasping its meaning. But obviously this was not the normal power hungry lower class child seeking to gain enlightenment in the way of martial arts. ¡°Indeed young lord Han!¡± ¡°The Sword dao is even considered a first rate Dao¡± ¡°Okay. Now teach me how to cultivate this world essence¡± Han said as he didn¡¯t feel like nibbling in the theoretical anymore. ¡°If you feel you have what you need. Then okay let¡¯s proceed.¡± ¡°This technique is known as the four meridian accumulation!¡± ¡°A technique widely known across the world, but even if it is considered common do not underestimate it. Over the years numerous Dust and above martial artists has been produced in its wake!¡± Maze sat down in a meditational position and started instructing the young lord on the procedures. The essence of the technique was actually very simple; by utilizing the major four meridian pores attract world essence into your body. Before anything could be done though the meridians pores would need to be opened, a task that took anywhere from a day to weeks depending on bodily control and talent. After instructing the moves to open the meridians Maze once again spoke up in a kind tone. He had grown to appreciate a student that could grasp the meaning of his lessons with such accuracy, something rarely seen. ¡°Do not feel discouraged if you cannot locate a single one of the pores. This process usually takes a week or more for any normal person!¡± Maze could see that his student was deep in a meditational state and decide to speak on his behalf ¡°Lord Han, you may stay here for five hours to meditate but then you have to leave. I need my sleep¡± Maze said. Thirty minutes passed in a flash. When suddenly the Lord Han¡¯s eyes flew open. ¡°Tired already?¡± Maze shook his head. If the student showed such little determination how could he expect to exceed? ¡°I opened the pores¡± Han said casually as he was straightening his attire. Maze just stared in a daze, dumbfounded. What did 30 minutes mean? Either this youth was an heavenly genius or he was kidding. Fearing the second Maze ran up to the youth grabbing his wrist, he forgot all about status in this hectic moment. There on the arm.. Was an opened meridian pore!! ¡°Maze, this method is way too slow. But my estimate it will take me at least three years to reach the dust stage.¡± ¡°Plus that meditation thing was so boring it was worse than torture¡± Maze could only continue to stare towards the youth slightly opening his mouth startled ¡°Well there are herbs¡­ ------------------------------ Authors note: Why cultivate when there are people to trick, resources to be taken? lol